"New Orleans' grand Creole institution - Brennan's on Royal Street, birthplace of Bananas Foster, restored and serving since 1946."
Brennan's has been a New Orleans tradition since 1946, settling into its restored pink landmark at 417 Royal Street - a building dating to 1795 - in 1956. It sits at the heart of the New Orleans French Quarter, one of the most polished rooms in the city.
Owned by acclaimed restaurateur Ralph Brennan, the kitchen is now led by executive chef Kris Padalino, who joined the restaurant for its 80th year. It anchors part of our fine-dining coverage of the city's classic Creole tables.
The kitchen is grand Creole, rooted in the dishes Brennan's made famous. Bananas Foster - bananas flamed tableside in butter, brown sugar, cinnamon and rum over ice cream - was invented here in 1951 and is still finished at the table. Beyond it come eggs Hussarde, turtle soup and Gulf seafood, with chef Kris Padalino bringing a pastry-trained eye for sweet-and-savoury balance.
This is rich, celebratory cooking backed by a Wine Spectator Grand Award list and James Beard recognition - precise rather than nostalgic, even with the showmanship.
The setting is the draw: a restored 1795 building, once the Louisiana State Bank, with a lush central courtyard and a series of elegant dining rooms in soft pinks and golds. It is romantic, grown-up and unmistakably old New Orleans.
Breakfast and brunch are the signature experiences, long and leisurely; dinner is more formal. Book ahead, particularly for weekend brunch.
Brennan's suits a milestone anniversary, a romantic first date brunch, or a room to impress clients. For other New Orleans classics, compare Commander's Palace, Arnaud's or Antoine's.
Not for a quick or budget meal - it is a grand, dressed-up Creole institution with special-occasion prices and a long, leisurely brunch.
Grand Creole cooking and, above all, Bananas Foster - the dessert invented here in 1951 and still flamed tableside. Expect eggs Hussarde, turtle soup and Gulf seafood in a restored 1795 Royal Street landmark, a New Orleans tradition since 1946.
The kitchen is led by executive chef Kris Padalino, a pastry-trained chef who took the role for the restaurant's 80th year. Brennan's is owned by restaurateur Ralph Brennan.
It sits in the $$$ band, with dinner mains running roughly $38-58. The breakfast and brunch are the most affordable way to experience the room.
At 417 Royal Street in the French Quarter, in a restored pink building dating to 1795 that once housed the Louisiana State Bank.
Reservations are recommended, particularly for weekend brunch, which is the restaurant's signature long, leisurely experience.
Reservations are recommended, especially for weekend brunch. Phone +1 504 525 9711. Find it at 417 Royal Street in the French Quarter.
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Brennan's anchors part of our New Orleans guide - the Royal Street institution and birthplace of Bananas Foster, serving since 1946.
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