Antoine’s Restaurant: A French Quarter Legend on Parade

160+ years of flavor, tradition, and New Orleans charm.

When you think of French Quarter dining institutions, one name rises above the rest—

Antoine’s Restaurant. Established in 1840 by Antoine Alciatore, this culinary landmark holds the title of the oldest family-run restaurant in America, still owned and operated by his descendants. For more than 180 years, Antoine’s has served as the gold standard of Creole fine dining, welcoming presidents, celebrities, royalty, and generations of locals who return time and again for its timeless flavors and unmatched atmosphere.

A Menu of Culinary Firsts

Antoine’s isn’t just a restaurant—it’s the birthplace of some of the most iconic dishes in American cuisine. Oysters Rockefeller, created in 1899 by Antoine’s son Jules Alciatore, was named for the wealthiest man in America at the time, John D. Rockefeller, because of its “rich” sauce of herbs, butter, and breadcrumbs. To this day, the exact recipe remains a closely guarded family secret.

Another showstopper, Baked Alaska, became a house specialty—a dramatic dessert of sponge cake, ice cream, and meringue, served flambéed for a touch of tableside theater. These signature dishes, along with an extensive menu of classic Creole fare, have helped cement Antoine’s as a culinary cornerstone of New Orleans.

Fourteen Rooms, Countless Stories

Step inside Antoine’s and you’re stepping into history. The restaurant spans fourteen themed dining rooms, each steeped in tradition. The Rex Room is dedicated to the Krewe of Rex, king of Mardi Gras. The Proteus Room honors another storied Carnival krewe. There’s the Mystery Room, once a Prohibition-era speakeasy, and the Tabasco Room, which celebrates Louisiana’s most famous hot sauce. Every room is a blend of antique furnishings, historic photographs, and the kind of stories that could fill volumes.

Antoine’s in Hollywood

The restaurant’s allure extends far beyond New Orleans, making its way onto the silver screen. Most notably, Antoine’s was featured in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, where its opulent dining rooms provided the perfect backdrop for the film’s richly detailed period scenes. Its cinematic charm, combined with its historic ambiance, has made it a must-visit for filmmakers and food lovers alike.

Rolling Into the Parade

For the 2026 Krewe of Les Bon Temps Rouler parade, Antoine’s will take its place among the city’s icons as a proud float sponsor. Expect a float as grand as the restaurant itself—perhaps adorned with oversized oysters, flaming Baked Alaska, and the gilded elegance of a French Quarter dining room on wheels. Just as Antoine’s has been a cornerstone of New Orleans dining for nearly two centuries, it will now be part of a new tradition that rolls through the heart of the city each spring.

A Legacy That Keeps Serving

Antoine’s is more than a meal—it’s a time capsule of New Orleans history. From its family legacy to its legendary recipes, from Mardi Gras royalty to Hollywood magic, it continues to embody the flavor, hospitality, and joie de vivre that make the Crescent City unlike anywhere else. And now, that same spirit will roll alongside Krewe of Les Bon Temps Rouler, reminding paradegoers that in New Orleans, every celebration deserves a seat at the table.