NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune names its 2018 pick for Restaurant of the Year. Because Commander’s Palace is the single institution most responsible for turning New Orleans into a globally recognized hothouse of culinary excellence. Because in the year 2018 the family-run restaurant lost its matriarch, Ella Brennan. Because Miss Ella made creating and maintaining aforementioned reputation her business for over 60 years. Because just think what New Orleans would be like if it didn’t have its restaurants to be proud of. Because in the year 2018 Commander’s also celebrated its 125th anniversary. Because Commander’s chefs haven’t stopped trying to impress diners since Miss Ella and her late brother Dick installed Paul Prudhomme as the restaurant’s chef in 1975. Because if you mark a special occasion at Commander’s, you get balloons. Because the famous chefs who’ve run Commander’s kitchen (Prudhomme, Emeril Lagasse, Jamie Shannon, Tory McPhail) all ultimately reported to women. Because Miss Brennan encouraged all of those chefs to read. Because McPhail and current owners Ti Martin and Lally Brennan made the year 2018 a very good year to eat at Commander’s. Because in this three century old city, the long game is the game that matters.

1403 Washington Ave., New Orleans, 504.899.8221
Open: Dinner nightly, lunch M-F, brunch Sa-Su. Parking: Valet, street.
Dinner entrée prices: $34-$43. Reservations: Yes.
Standout dishes: Turtle soup, shrimp and tasso Henican, pecan crusted Gulf fish, boudin-stuffed quail, pork belly and oyster carbonara and bread pudding soufflé

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