New Orleans' Antoine's Restaurant Celebrates 185 Years of Iconic Creole Cuisine

Louisiana's oldest restaurant and the birthplace of Oysters Rockefeller continues its family legacy.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 4:35pm

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen-style illustration featuring a single Oysters Rockefeller dish repeated in a tight grid pattern, using flat, unnatural neon colors and heavy black outlines to transform this classic New Orleans cuisine into modern pop art.A vibrant pop art celebration of the iconic Oysters Rockefeller, the signature dish that has made Antoine's Restaurant a New Orleans culinary landmark for over 180 years.New Orleans Today

Antoine's Restaurant in New Orleans' French Quarter has been serving up traditional French and Creole cuisine since 1840, making it the oldest restaurant in Louisiana and the oldest family-run restaurant in the United States. Founded by 18-year-old Antoine Alciatore, the restaurant has remained in the Alciatore family for over 185 years, with each generation putting their own stamp on the establishment's iconic dishes like the legendary Oysters Rockefeller.

Why it matters

As one of the last remaining pillars of New Orleans' rich culinary heritage, Antoine's Restaurant stands as a testament to the city's blended cultural influences and the enduring power of family-owned businesses. The restaurant's longevity and continued popularity among locals and tourists alike highlight the timeless appeal of authentic Creole cuisine and the importance of preserving historic dining institutions.

The details

Antoine's Restaurant first opened its doors in 1840 as a combination boarding house and café. Over the years, it has expanded and evolved, moving to its current location on St. Louis Street in 1868. The restaurant's most famous dish, Oysters Rockefeller, was created by Jules Alciatore in 1874 and remains a closely guarded secret. The Alciatore family has overseen the restaurant's operations through numerous historical eras, with each generation putting their own spin on the traditional French and Creole recipes.

  • Antoine's Restaurant was founded in 1840 by 18-year-old Antoine Alciatore.
  • In 1868, the restaurant moved to its current location on St. Louis Street in the French Quarter.
  • In 1874, Jules Alciatore created the restaurant's signature dish, Oysters Rockefeller.
  • The Alciatore family has owned and operated Antoine's Restaurant for over 185 years.

The players

Antoine Alciatore

The founder of Antoine's Restaurant, who opened the establishment in 1840 at the age of 18.

Jules Alciatore

The son of Antoine Alciatore, who took over the restaurant in 1877 and created the iconic Oysters Rockefeller dish.

Roy Alciatore

The son of Jules Alciatore, who continued the family's legacy by overseeing the restaurant's operations.

Antoine's Restaurant

The oldest restaurant in Louisiana and the oldest family-run restaurant in the United States, known for its traditional French and Creole cuisine.

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What they’re saying

“Antoine's Restaurant is a true New Orleans institution, a place where the city's rich culinary heritage comes alive in every bite.”

— Presley Bo Tyler, Reporter, Louisiana Deep South Connect Team

What’s next

As Antoine's Restaurant continues to celebrate its 185-year legacy, the Alciatore family plans to host a series of special events and menu offerings throughout 2025 to commemorate the milestone.

The takeaway

Antoine's Restaurant stands as a shining example of how family-owned businesses can thrive and adapt over generations, preserving the unique flavors and traditions that make a city's culinary landscape so vibrant and distinctive. The restaurant's enduring popularity and status as a New Orleans icon underscores the enduring appeal of authentic, locally-sourced cuisine and the importance of preserving historic dining institutions.