Antoine’s New Orleans: The Oldest Family-Run Restaurant in the U.S.

NEW ORLEANS, LA – October 7, 2023 – Antoine’s New Orleans, the oldest family-run restaurant in the United States, celebrates 183 years of service to the city of New Orleans. Founded by Antoine Alciatore in 1840 and now operated by his fifth-generation descendants, Antoine’s is a living museum of French-Creole cuisine and culture.


Antoine’s New Orleans
Antoine’s New Orleans

Oldest Family-Run Restaurant in the United States


The restaurant is known for its iconic dishes, such as Rockefeller Oysters (invented by Jules Alciatore), Pompano en Papillote, Eggs Sardu, and Pommes de Terre Soufflés. It has also hosted many notable guests over the years, have included Franklin D. Roosevelt and Pope John Paul II.

Today, Antoine’s serves as a standard for authentic New Orleans cuisine. Its 15 dining rooms feature historic Mardi Gras krewes memorabilia and an “1840 Room” honoring its founding year. The menu also features show-stopping desserts like Louisiana Strawberry Cheesecake and Baked Alaska, plus a brunch with live jazz on Sundays.

Chef Rich Lee took over the kitchen in 2019 to continue the legacy of classic Creole fare, making Antoine’s a staple of New Orleans for nearly two centuries. As Rick Blount, Roy Alciatore's grandson and current owner of Antoine’s, said: “At Antoine's, what you eat is as much of a history lesson as what you see, but it's all equally as good for your soul."