Lilette: A Charming French Bistro Serving Authentic Culinary Delights in New Orleans

We sat at the bar and enjoyed an awesome dinner and martinis - to die for. Bleu cheese olives - on point. We are moving to Nola soon and actually liked this place so much, that I have been using it as a place of reference in our search for a home, since we plan to be regulars Cannot recommend enough.

Lilette felt effortlessly elegant from the moment I walked in. The space was intimate and softly lit, creating a warm, romantic atmosphere without feeling pretentious. The menu leans French-inspired, and the dish I ordered was beautifully balanced — refined but still comforting. Every component on the plate felt intentional, from the delicate seasoning to the presentation. Even dessert carried that same thoughtful touch. Overall, Lilette offers a polished yet relaxed dining experience — sophisticated, flavorful, and perfect for a special night out in New Orleans.

We all know by now that Taylor Swift dined here, which probably explains why it’s so hard to get a reservation these days! The restaurant has a cozy, charming atmosphere and the service was excellent, which made for a lovely evening. The food was good, though it didn’t quite live up to all the hype. We also tried their shrimp and green salad. Fries and the shrimp were my favorite parts of the meal. Still, it’s a nice spot to try at least once.

This was our second visit to New Orleans — and our second visit to Lilette, which has truly become a must-stop for us. Our server, David, was energetic, attentive, and incredibly knowledgeable about the menu. The food was fresh and beautifully presented, and the atmosphere struck the perfect balance between classy and fun. We started with the oysters and, of course, the white truffle Parmesan toast with wild mushrooms — an absolute must-have. The glaze was so flavorful I could practically drink it! For our entrées, we ordered the Halibut, Snapper, and Lamb Shoulder with Gnocchi. Each dish was delicious, but the lamb stood out — cooked to perfection, so tender it practically melted in your mouth. Dessert was just as impressive: the Chocolate Pistachio Tart with pistachio ice cream and the Coconut Cake with salted caramel drizzle. The tart is rich and decadent — a dream for chocolate lovers — while the coconut cake was so stunning and delicious I had to stop and take a picture before finishing it. To top off the night, Chef John, the owner, personally came by our table. He was gracious and humble — and knowing he’s the talent behind these incredible dishes made the experience even more special. Lilette is a New Orleans gem, and we absolutely can’t wait to return!

We tried sooooo many dishes, and literally everything was delicious. The stars were the roasted beets with goat cheese, the cod croquettes, the truffle parmesan toast, the snapper with barley, and the special dessert of carrot cake with ginger ice cream. We sat outside in the courtyard, surrounded by honeysuckle flowers. The service was outstanding, and the manager, David was very helpful. Will definitely return next time we visit New Orleans.

From start to finish, Lilette delivered an unforgettable night of great food and outstanding service. The appetizers were a knockout—grilled beets with goat cheese and walnuts offered a perfect balance of earthy and creamy, and the crab claws were a fresh, flavorful delight. For the main course, both the lamb and the steak were cooked to perfection—tender, juicy, and full of rich flavor. The Sourgal Moscato was the perfect pairing—light, crisp, and refreshing with a touch of sweetness that complemented the meal beautifully. Major shoutout to Kevi and Jennifer—their attentive, friendly service made the evening even more special. If you’re in New Orleans and craving upscale cuisine in a classy, relaxed setting, Lilette is an absolute must. Can’t wait to return!

I had a chicken breast with mushrooms, some greens and a sauce. Simple, but well seasoned. They let me know it would take about 22 minutes to prepare, which I appreciated. The restaurant itself was very warm. Probably fine for most people, but I found it a bit too hot for comfort. That said, the noise level was great. There was some background music, but nothing intrusive. Service was excellent. Really attentive without being overbearing. I didn’t have a big meal since I wasn’t all that hungry. I just needed a bit of protein, and what I had was exactly right. They also seem to have a good wine list and a nice selection of drinks. I’d definitely go back when I’m in the mood for a full meal.

This place has a lovely atmosphere with red walls, dim lighting, and gorgeous gold decor. Our waitress described the dishes to us in such rich detail that I felt like I was tasting them by just listening to her. She was so kind, attentive, and friendly that I would love to come back and order from her again. Our food came out quickly which was great because we were so hungry. The food was so exquisite that I wanted to hug the chef. Everyone in my party enjoyed their meal throughly and I could not recommend it here enough. What a treat!