Commander's Palace is a fine-dining restaurant in New Orleans' Garden District that has operated since 1893

Commander's Palace sits at 1403 Washington Avenue in the Garden District, a residential neighborhood about two miles from the French Quarter. The restaurant occupies a Victorian mansion painted in its signature turquoise and white, making it visible from the street. It is open for lunch and dinner most days, though hours vary by season and day of the week — the website or a phone call to (504) 899-8221 will confirm current times.

The restaurant is known for Creole cuisine prepared in the classical New Orleans style. Dishes include turtle soup, crab cakes, and seafood preparations that change with the season and market availability. The wine list focuses on French and American selections. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for dinner and weekend service.

Key Takeaways

  • Commander's Palace has operated continuously since 1893 and is owned by the Brennan family, one of the most prominent restaurant families in New Orleans.
  • The restaurant is located in a Victorian mansion in the Garden District neighborhood, not in the French Quarter or downtown.
  • Dining is formal — jackets are required for men at dinner, and the atmosphere is upscale throughout both lunch and dinner service.
  • The menu centers on Creole cuisine with seasonal seafood, and the restaurant maintains an extensive wine program with sommelier service.

The Brennan Family and the Restaurant's History

Commander's Palace was founded in 1893 by Emile Commander, a French Creole businessman. The Brennan family purchased the restaurant in 1974 and has operated it since. The Brennans also own other well-known New Orleans restaurants including Brennan's (in the French Quarter) and Bananas Foster was created at Brennan's in 1951, though Commander's Palace has its own signature dishes developed over decades.

The restaurant survived the 2005 flooding from Hurricane Katrina and reopened in 2006. The building itself dates to the 1890s and retains period architectural details including high ceilings, chandeliers, and formal dining rooms on multiple levels. The turquoise exterior was painted in the 1970s and has become the restaurant's visual trademark.

Dress Code and Dining Atmosphere

Commander's Palace enforces a formal dress code. Men must wear a jacket at dinner; business casual is acceptable at lunch. Women should dress in comparable formality — dresses, dress pants with blouses, or skirts are standard. The dining rooms are decorated formally with white tablecloths, cloth napkins, and place settings that change between courses.

Service is paced and attentive. Servers explain dishes and wine pairings, and the restaurant offers a sommelier for wine consultation. Meals typically last two to three hours. The atmosphere is quiet enough for conversation but lively with the presence of other diners and service staff moving through the rooms.

Menu and Cuisine Style

Commander's Palace serves Creole cuisine, which in New Orleans means dishes built on French technique with local ingredients and African and Spanish influences. The menu changes seasonally and sometimes daily based on ingredient availability. Turtle soup, crab cakes, and Gulf seafood preparations appear regularly. Entrées might include redfish, pompano, lamb, or beef, often prepared with cream sauces, reductions, or classical French preparations.

The restaurant does not publish a full menu online; diners see the menu upon arrival or can call ahead to ask about current offerings. Prix fixe menus (set price for multiple courses) are available at both lunch and dinner, which simplifies ordering and pricing. À la carte ordering is also possible. Desserts are made in-house and change seasonally.

Wine Program and Beverage Options

The wine list contains approximately 1,000 selections, with emphasis on French Bordeaux and Burgundy alongside American wines. A sommelier is on staff during service hours and can recommend pairings for your meal or help you select from the list. Wine by the glass is available, as are cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages.

The restaurant also offers wine pairing menus, where the sommelier selects wines to accompany each course of a prix fixe meal. This option is priced separately from the food and allows you to experience multiple wines across the meal without committing to full bottles.

Pricing and Reservation Information

Commander's Palace is a high-end restaurant, and prices reflect that. Lunch prix fixe menus typically range from moderate to expensive depending on the number of courses and selections. Dinner prix fixe menus are more expensive. À la carte entrées are priced individually, and wine selections vary widely. The restaurant does not publish prices online, so calling ahead or checking the website will give you the most current information.

Reservations are made through the restaurant's website or by phone at (504) 899-8221. The restaurant accepts reservations for most service times, though walk-ins are sometimes accommodated during slower periods. Cancellations should be made at least 24 hours in advance. Private dining rooms are available for groups and special events.

Location and Getting There

Commander's Palace is located at 1403 Washington Avenue in the Garden District, a neighborhood known for large Victorian and Greek Revival homes. The address is about 2 miles from the French Quarter and the Mississippi River. Street parking is available on Washington Avenue and nearby residential streets, though spaces can be limited during peak dining hours. Paid parking lots are within a few blocks.

The restaurant is accessible by car or taxi. Public transportation (the St. Charles streetcar line) runs nearby but requires a short walk. Ride-sharing services operate in New Orleans and can drop you at the restaurant entrance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation to dine at Commander's Palace?

Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for dinner and weekends. Walk-ins may be seated during slower periods, but you risk a wait or being turned away during busy service. Call (504) 899-8221 or use the website to reserve a table.

What is the dress code for lunch versus dinner?

At lunch, business casual is acceptable — dress pants or skirts with a blouse or button-down shirt. At dinner, men must wear a jacket, and women should dress in comparable formality. Jeans, t-shirts, and athletic wear are not appropriate at either service.

Can I see the menu before I go?

The full menu is not published online because it changes seasonally and sometimes daily. You can call the restaurant to ask about current dishes, or you will see the menu when you arrive. Prix fixe options simplify ordering if you prefer not to choose à la carte.

Is there parking at the restaurant?

Street parking is available on Washington Avenue and nearby streets, though availability varies by time of day. Paid parking lots are within a few blocks of the entrance. Valet parking is not offered, but ride-sharing and taxi services can drop you at the door.

How long does a meal typically take?

Plan for two to three hours for a full dining experience. Service is paced, with time between courses for conversation. If you are on a tight schedule, mention it when you arrive and the staff will do their best to accommodate, though they will not rush the meal.