Brennan’s

Brennan's is a New Orleans dining tradition that celebrates its 80th year in 2026. It was founded in July 1946 by Owen Brennan as Owen Brennan's French and Creole Restaurant, originally on Bourbon Street, and it is there that the dessert bananas Foster was created. The restaurant moved to its current home at 417 Royal Street in the 1950s, shortly after Owen's death.

The building has its own long history. The two-storey mansion was built in 1795 for Don José Faurie, later housed the Banque de la Louisiane and was the home of the chess champion Paul Morphy until his death in 1884. After decades in the original Brennan family, the restaurant closed in 2013. It was bought by Ralph Brennan, a cousin of the former owners, and his partner Terry White, and after a renovation lasting more than a year it reopened in the autumn of 2014.

Today the menu is Creole, with French and Spanish influences and modern touches, and it changes with the seasons. Bananas Foster remains the dessert to order, and a leisurely meal here is part of the appeal. The wine list is well regarded, and the restaurant has appeared on Wine Enthusiast's list of the 100 Best Wine Restaurants in America. The Roost Bar and Bubbles at Brennan's give you somewhere for a drink before or after a meal.

Check hours of operation on the official website, as service times vary across breakfast, lunch and dinner. Reservations can be made online or by calling 504-525-9711, and they are wise at weekends and on holidays. The restaurant has a dress code; it is listed in the website's FAQs, so check before you go and dress smartly rather than in beachwear.

Breakfast and brunch are the meals most closely tied to the restaurant's name, and the house cookbook is even titled Breakfast at Brennan's. If you prefer a quieter visit, book a weekday table rather than a weekend one. The head chef listed for the restaurant is Kris Padalino, and the menus on the website show which dishes are served at each sitting.

Brennan's suits couples, celebrations and anyone who wants a long Creole meal in a historic setting. It is on Royal Street in the French Quarter, within walking distance of most hotels in the Quarter and near Canal Street. Afterwards you can walk down Royal Street to The Historic New Orleans Collection and on to Jackson Square.