"Donald Link's Gulf Coast steakhouse over the Mississippi — book Chemin a la Mer for dry-aged steaks, a raw bar and the best river view in New Orleans."
About Chemin à la Mer
Chemin a la Mer — French for path to the sea — opened in 2021 atop the Four Seasons New Orleans, the latest from James Beard Award-winning chef Donald Link, the Louisiana cook behind Herbsaint, Cochon and Peche. It marries the classic American steakhouse with French technique and vintage Creole flavour, set against floor-to-ceiling views of the Mississippi bending past the city.
It stands among the city's grand tables. Compare the institution Commander's Palace, the Link Group's own August and the Caribbean-leaning Compere Lapin, or browse the wider seafood picks.
The Kitchen
The kitchen runs on steak and Gulf seafood. A raw bar lays out oysters, steamed Louisiana shrimp, West Indies crab salad and snapper ceviche; bistro starters bring pate grand-mere, foie gras and beef tartare; and the mains pair in-house dry-aged tomahawks and A5 Japanese wagyu with Donald's seafood gumbo and Ora King salmon. French technique and Louisiana flavour run through all of it.
Pricing is upper-tier: steaks and large-format cuts run roughly $45 to 120 with the raw bar and sides on top. You are paying for the cooking, the cellar and one of the best dining-room views in the city.
The Room
The setting is the headline — a top-floor dining room above the Four Seasons with floor-to-ceiling windows over the Mississippi and the riverfront, glowing at sunset. Service is polished and unhurried, geared to a long dinner or a confident business meal. The mood is grand and modern, a destination room rather than a French Quarter classic.
Not for
Not for diners after a budget bite or a casual po-boy — this is an upper-tier steak-and-seafood room atop a luxury hotel, best given a long dinner or a business occasion.
Frequently Asked
What is Chemin a la Mer known for?
It is James Beard Award-winning chef Donald Link's steak-and-seafood room atop the Four Seasons New Orleans, marrying the American steakhouse with French technique and Creole flavour, with floor-to-ceiling Mississippi River views.
What should I order at Chemin a la Mer?
Start at the raw bar with oysters and West Indies crab salad, then choose between Donald's seafood gumbo and a dry-aged tomahawk or A5 wagyu steak.
How much does Chemin a la Mer cost?
It is upper-tier: steaks and large-format cuts run roughly $45 to 120, with the raw bar and sides on top, so a full dinner is a high-end spend.
Who is the chef at Chemin a la Mer?
James Beard Award-winning chef Donald Link, the Louisiana cook behind Herbsaint, Cochon and Peche, who opened Chemin a la Mer with the Four Seasons in 2021.
Where is Chemin a la Mer?
Atop the Four Seasons New Orleans at 2 Canal Street, overlooking the Mississippi riverfront at the foot of Canal Street.
Reserve a Table
Reserve at Chemin à la Mer
Book via the Chemin a la Mer website or OpenTable; request a river-facing table and arrive for sunset.
Affiliate disclosure: Restaurants for Kings may earn a commission when you book through our reservation links, at no cost to you. Our scores are editorial and never paid for.
Practical Information
AddressFour Seasons New Orleans, 2 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70130
NeighbourhoodAtop the Four Seasons by the Mississippi riverfront
CuisineSteak & Seafood
PriceA la carte; steaks and large-format cuts $45–120, most diners spend an upper-tier amount a head
Dress CodeSmart; smart casual to smart
SeatingTop-floor riverfront dining room and raw bar; booking advised
ReservationBooking advised, especially for a window table at sunset
