I don't understand the mediocre reviews that I have read on this site regarding this great restaurant. We were just there the evening before the 4th of July. It was busy, yet I wouldn't say it was so noisy we couldn't hear ourselves talk, that's just an exagerration. The service was impeccable, the waiters asked if we had any food allergies or sensitivities. We did have some, he explained the menu thoroughly and offered suggestions to us. We ordered the ribeye, which was the biggest most tender steak my husband has ever tasted. I had the redfish with potatoes, the fish was very tasty and flaky. My son had the duck which he said was wonderful. His girlfriend had one of the signature dishes, the shrimp and grits. I tasted hers and it was simply divine. Sure it's a bit pricey, but this is one of Emeril's finest restaurants and I feel it was very worth it. I wish we had enough room for dessert. We will definitely go back on our next trip to New Orleans.

Emeril's food at more affordable prices than at his signature restaurant. Shrimp and grits dish is ridiculous.

A great upscale dining experience for families with children. Very lively atmosphere. Children won't be noticed if loud because lots of talking and the noise level is above average. This didn't bother me at all. We had reservations and waited less than 15 minutes for 5 adults to be seated. Service was great. Food was as good if not better than most of the comparable restaurant's in the FQ. Give it a try. You won't be disappointed.

My husband, daughter and I went to NOLA for desert and coffee (we asked if we could come in for just desert so as not to take up a dinner space from a waiter) because I had read the average reviews and didn't want to spend the money for dinner. We had a fun time, enjoying the atmosphere and perpetual attention of the waiters. My husband saw the dinner menu and really wanted to come back for dinner the next night so we did.

Our meal was good, but not a lot better than what you would get in a chain steak house for about half the price. But, we thoroughly enjoyed the experience of dining with a wait staff that isn't a bunch of inattentive college students like we would have at said steak house. We even had 2 of the waiters from our desert night come by and say hello.

All in all an enjoyable and memorable dinner experience. I would recommend going late and having desert and coffee, cheaper and delicious.