We were in the mood for a good dinner during our business trip in New Orleans. Briquette seemed as though it would fit the bill that evening. It was within walking distance of the Hilton New Orleans Riverside hotel property, which was an added bonus. Briquette features a contemporary yet casual restaurant interior marked by its signature open kitchen.
Briquette in New Orleans. Restaurant Review.
The style and architecture of the building in which Briquette is located is typical New Orleans — complete with the wraparound balconies and metal railings. Briquette is housed in the former Rodd Brothers Molasses Refinery, which dates from the 1800s and is located in the Warehouse District of the city.
At the time we were seated at a table, the restaurant was practically empty.
We started off with the Lump Crab Bisque with Louisiana Mirliton, Sherry Finish, and Roe Garni. I am not much of a bisque eater; so I tried a spoonful, which was good. The rest of this bowl was polished off. $15.00.
Next came the Creole Gumbo, which had seafood in a richly flavored roux — but thankfully no sausage. $12.00.
The Blackened Redfish Grilled Gulf shrimp came with fried green tomatoes, fresh arugula, and Chardonnay butter sauce. The entire dish was delicious. $36.00.
We shared the Louisiana Redfish On The Half Shell, which included charred lemon butter, Belle River crawfish relish, and heirloom potatoes. The flavors were fresh and outstanding; and nothing was left over. Some of the potatoes were sweet potatoes, which I did not eat. This dish costs $50.00; but shrimp was added for an extra $15.00; crab meat was added for an extra $15.00; and scallop was added for an extra $5.00 for a total of $85.00.
Other customers started to come in to dine. Large windows allow diners to view what is going on in the kitchen. Fresh fish is prepared over red-hot briquettes bestrewed in the finest flavored oil.
As we were finishing our meals, large parties were seated in different areas of the restaurant. The vibe of the restaurant gradually changed; but that was fine. The place transformed from nice and quiet to lively, which was just fine with me.
A full-sized bar area and a large selection of bottles of wine are available to patrons of the restaurant. An extensive wine list and beautifully crafted cocktails are offered. We did not order any alcoholic beverages, as none of us were interested in them.
Final Boarding Call
We were too full to partake in dessert.
I enjoyed my experience at Briquette and highly recommend dining at this restaurant, as the food was excellent but somewhat pricey.
Although we simply walked in and were immediately seated, reservations are recommended when dining at Briquette — especially on weekends or when a large convention is in town.
Briquette
701 South Peters Street
New Orleans, Louisiana 70130
United States of America
1-504-302-7496
Operating Hours
5:00 in the afternoon through 10:00 in the evening daily.
Happy hour is between 5:00 in the afternoon through 6:00 in the evening daily.
Parking on the street is available.
All photographs ©2023 by Brian Cohen.
