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Irene's Cuisine Restaurant Review

539 St. Philip St. (Chartres St.) Send to Phone
New OrleansLA 70116
504-529-8811
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It may resemble a warehouse from the outside, but inside Irene’s is strictly French Quarter Italian at its best. Irene's Cuisine Restaurant is one of our 2012 Hot 10 New Orleans Restaurants|

Cuisine

Open

Dinner Mon.-Sat.

Features

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Recalling a classic New York bistro---think Elaine’s if you’re a New Yorker---Irene’s relies for atmosphere at least partly on old and new photos of regular customers and famous diners lining the walls. The dining rooms are intimate (even a bit snug) and the waiters are old favorites in the French Quarter. A décor enriched with garlic braids, crockery and gewgaws proclaims Sicilian influences just as loudly as the menu does, although a Creole accent also comes through to ground many of the dishes in their New Orleans roots. This cooking relies on the southern Italian sauces, rather than the truffles-and-cream cuisine of northern Italy. For instance, a marinara has a toss of garlic and oil that's glorious in its simplicity. In a more complex vein are a stuffed veal chop and grilled red snapper with shrimp and peppers. If you are a rosemary chicken aficionado, you’ll find one of the best preparations here. An Italian-style baked Alaska aflame with grappa is the perfect conclusion. The small wine list features Italian selections that pair well with this lusty food. Service is efficient, considering the wacky space configuration and the constant bustle. Limited reservations can mean long waits for tables.

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