2018 New Orleans Restaurant of the Year: Commander's Palace

NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune names its 2018 pick for Restaurant of the Year. Because Commander’s Palace is the single institution most responsible for turning New Orleans into a globally recognized hothouse of culinary excellence. Because in the year 2018 the family-run restaurant lost its matriarch, Ella Brennan. Because Miss Ella made creating and maintaining aforementioned reputation her business for over 60 years. Because just think what New Orleans would be like if it didn’t have its restaurants to be proud of. Because in the year 2018 Commander’s also celebrated its 125th anniversary. Because Commander’s chefs haven’t stopped trying to impress diners since Miss Ella and her late brother Dick installed Paul Prudhomme as the restaurant’s chef in 1975. Because if you mark a special occasion at Commander’s, you get balloons. Because the famous chefs who’ve run Commander’s kitchen (Prudhomme, Emeril Lagasse, Jamie Shannon, Tory McPhail) all ultimately reported to women. Because Miss Brennan encouraged all of those chefs to read. Because McPhail and current owners Ti Martin and Lally Brennan made the year 2018 a very good year to eat at Commander’s. Because in this three century old city, the long game is the game that matters.
1403 Washington Ave., New Orleans, 504.899.8221
Open: Dinner nightly, lunch M-F, brunch Sa-Su. Parking: Valet, street.
Dinner entrée prices: $34-$43. Reservations: Yes.
Standout dishes: Turtle soup, shrimp and tasso Henican, pecan crusted Gulf fish, boudin-stuffed quail, pork belly and oyster carbonara and bread pudding soufflé
www.nola.com

[@uncjim]

Had brunch at Commander’s in 1988. It was unforgettable. It’s time for a return visit from Connecticut.

[@annbush1826]

Commanders was my dad’s favorite. He was Navy, so the pianist played “Anchors Away” when we walked in. The fine food in all four of the restaurants New Orleanians knew- Tujaque’s, Galatoire’s, and Bon Ton! Shrimp remoulade, bisque, jambalaya, etouffe, crawfish dishes, rice and red beans, and bread pudding!

[@babsgrigg3552]

My favorite restaurant, celebrated my 70 th BD, my son’s graduation from LSU and many other times. My favorite table is in patio room next to window, love walking through the kitchen to get there.

[@celinavincent7645]

Le plus populaire avec une belle carte des vins, Cabernet et autres rouges venant de France!
Revivre la gastronomie louisianaise

[@cherylmcdavis-harrison4820]

I remember working here and all these lovely people...continue the great work...but the balloons 🎈 were no joke blowing up for brunch!! I am saddened for their loss

[@jakeakawayne6437]

Wow cograts! Now please share the recipe for Island Barbequed Chicken!

[@amagambrah4248]

Did he say Rudy Huxitable and not Keisha Knight Pulliam

[@fishfry2574]

It is a dream to visit this restaurant.

[@markwoldin162]

Who can spot me to a trip from northern Spain to eat five straight nights at Commander's? When all this covid19 is over.
I'm good for it

[@TR-ne7tt]

Excuse me, but Emeril was the boss in the 70’s and early 80’s - not this guy!

[@amagambrah4248]

Would you rather dine here or Antonio's?