Restaurant Patois

I used to LOVE this place. went last night for my birthday and was SO disappointed. service and atmosphere has changed drastically, and quality of food had even gone down a bit. When your server doesn’t do the basics of introducing themselves, offering wine or cocktail lists, or refilling your wine when you purchase a bottle, you just find yourself being less impressed with the overall experience. The menu offerings were also a little underwhelming compared to previous visits. Sad to say this place used to be my favorite but I won’t be returning.

Charming and delicious. We went for Sunday brunch. Had a reservation in anticipation of a large crowd given their high ratings on Unilocal,but it wasn’t too crowded.
Started off with the crawfish gnocchi for an appetizer. Small portion, but oh yes. So good.
We both got the Fried Mississippi Rabbit. JFC. Damn. Good.

We are visiting from Chicago and found this as a recommendation in the Lonely Planet guide. The service was awesome even though we arrived near kitchen close (woops) we were never rushed. We ordered the charcuterie plate and the lamb ribs topped with green tomatoes to start which were both incredible. We then had the fried oyster salad with charred romain and caesar dressing which was unreal and very unique. We also tried the seasonal gumbo with polenta which was pretty good, but the oyster salad was definitely the favorite.

This is one of the best restaurants I have ever been to period. Patois exhibits incredible flavors, unique dishes and the portions are large. Among the dishes I had, the crawfish gnocchi was soft, tender and incredibly flavorful while managing to not be too rich. The octopus had the perfect texture and the warm orange flavored sauce it was presented in went perfectly with it. I’m not sure I’ve had octopus that perfectly cooked before. I also really enjoyed the fried oyster caesar salad with grilled romaine. The crunchy, slight bitterness of the romaine went perfectly with the fresh oyster taste and the caesar dressing.
For my main dish I had the gulf fish almondine which came with a nice hunk of flounder. The fish was cooked impeccably with almonds on top and crispy roasted potatoes underneath. My taste buds were in shock at this perfect collection of flavors.
Despite being completely and utterly stuffed, I let the gluttony continue and I ordered the blueberry cheesecake crumble with lemon ice cream and an almond crunch underneath it for dessert. I managed to finish every bite of it.
My only quibble was the waitress kind of rushed our order. She brought our drinks then immediately asked if we were ready order (I feel like at nice restaurants you should let guests sip the drinks a little bit before ordering). She also didn’t ask if we wanted wine or offer to help us pick one.
Unlike other restaurants where there are hits and misses, Patois delivered hit after hit after hit and each dish was interesting and unique too. This isn’t your standard $ 30 entrée, overpriced, overhyped American Nouveau salt factory, nor is it the standard overly rich but still somehow bland Creole fare.

The first thing that comes to mind is that it’s got an energetic atmosphere. That means though that it will be hard to converse with your dining companions.
It was a busy Sunday brunch service. In fact, it took the waitress 15 minutes to notice our small coffee cups were empty and to ask if we wanted more, then another 5 before it came. Rookie! Also, 20 minutes after our plates were cleared, the dessert menus were brought over. There’s really no reason for such delayed service, given the rather small dining room.
I ordered the Belgian waffle with mascarpone cream and strawberries, which is momentous because usually savory wins over sweet with me when it comes to brunch time. Flavorful, bright components led to my annihilation of the antioxidant-​packed meal.

Exceptional restaurant. Triple tail was the special that was beyond delicious. Great service and wine list. Will return.

Damn, the food here is delicious. It’s not cheap, but it sure is good!
I’ve been twice now and haven’t had anything that wasn’t excellent. On my most recent visit, I started with the seafood gumbo. The roux was dark and rich and the small cup was loaded up with oysters, shrimp, and crawfish.
For my entrée, I had the wild boar. Pretty sure this was the first time I ever ate wild board (WILD BOAR!). It rocked. And it came with the best piece of cornbread that I’ve ever had in my life. So moist, so fluffy.
We shared a few desserts, including the «Snickers,» which was peanut-​y, chocolate-​y, and rich. The lemon tart was also damn good.
Be prepared to drop some coin, but it’s worth it.

Very solid good food! Lots of neighborhood color and fun cocktails. Food was good, the place is just a little crowded, tight seating and a small bar so don’t get there too early.

Amazing from beginning to end.
Excellent turkey/​greens gumbo. incredible fried oyster salad. And the flounder was awesome. The snicker dessert was also perfection:) Love!

I came here last week and was very satisfied with the food and service alike. I came for dinner at 7:30 during the weekend of Tulane’s homecoming, so the place was swamped with families visiting from out of town, but the service was still very prompt. Our waitress was knowledgable and friendly, but didn’t hover or overdo it.
We had the ribs and mussels for appetizers and both were great. I’m a huge fan of mussels with frites and a tasty sauce — Patois does this dish especially well.
For my entrée, I had the almond crusted drum. The fish was perfectly cooked and the toasted almonds on top were a welcomed crunchy element. Everything in the entrée tasted great and the dish itself looked beautiful!
We got the homemade «snickers» for dessert, which was truly incredible in taste as well as texture. I would recommend saving a little room for this dish!
Overall, Patois is up there in the price category, but a really solid little restaurant. Great place for a family visit splurge dinner!

Lunch on Fridays, brunch on Sundays and dinner Wednesday to Saturday — oh my!!!
This tiny star nestled in an uptown neighborhood is simply divine. I don’t know where to begin…
Ok — let’s start with Friday lunch — love it. The Patois burger — cooked to perfection and fabulous French fries… Ok– burger not your thing or too basic — Croque Madame — old school, tender sandwich bursting with flavor and not a shabby portion. Want something a little «lighter»? Almond crusted fish or a beautiful salad with a lovely soup?
The brunch — ah — I fell in love with Patois a few years ago when we asked to have a party of 18 (with a week’s notice) when one of the legendary restaurants wouldn’t serve us without constraining our menu options… We were wowed… The team at patois sat us in the dining room behind the bar and arranged the tables so we could all sit together. Everyone could order off the regular menu– Eggs, breads, veal pastrami sandwich, seafood and the hash… Oh… we ate and drank and laughed and had fun because the food was divine, the staff was spot on and friendly and the brunch cocktails were even better.
Dinner is a special thing at Patois. Always intimate and an unhurried presentation that features local ingredients. It can be crowded and sometimes boisterous — but it because everyone loves it here and it isn’t a cookie cutter trying to out do itself. They do everything well– and who can argue with that?
Make a reservation — you won’t be disappointed

Really really really wanted to like this place. Been wanting to go for a while and finally got a reason to do so. But I don’t know what other reviews are talking about. Maybe it was freaky-​Friday or something, but our experience was not a good one. Maybe its more of a brunch place? We went for dinner.
To start with, it is a beautiful restaurant, tucked into a nice part of uptown. The inside is simple and elegant, with soft lighting setting a relaxing mood. The menu was simple but sufficient. Nothing too mind blowing but still decent. It’s definitely expensive. We got the gnocchi and gumbo to start and both were execellent.
Ordered our main dishes and had a brief chat with the server about how we like out steak medium, even though everyone says it’s supposed to be medium rare or rare. We made a joke of it, and all agreed one should get steak the way they like it. Steak comes, and its rare. Still no worries.
We wait for our server… and wait. I can see her in the back cleaning glasses. No other servers around. I also can’t eat my dinner as we wait since that would be rude. Ten minites later, a server emerges, and right before she goes to her table I quickly ask her if she could get our server. She puts her had up and says, «in a minute» and proceeds to deal with her table. A few minutes later our server shows up, takes the steak back, and returns with it later. My meal is cold and the steak isn’t seasoned. We get the check and I notice that the final bill is $ 50 less and I think to myself, cool, they knew they messed up and they comped that portion of the meal. Maybe I will return after all even though the wait and rude server had me believing this was my first and last meal here.
Didn’t bother with the dessert menu. I was pissed before the bill got partially comped since I thought I was going to have to pay a premium for bad service in a town like ours, and for overpriced food to boot. So we decided to head out to get dessert at Sucre and after dessert I notice I have some vms from an unknown number (phone was on silent). First vm from patois and I think «wow…they are calling to appologize… that is really stand up.» Nope.
They called to tell me they got the bill wrong and please call them back. Second vm was the same. Third vm was that they were going to charge my card the total amount (did I authorize that?). It’s apparently the three stooges over there. Everyone is allowed to have a bad night but… damn!
Its a nice neighborhood restaurant, but there are about 15 others uptown. I“ll be going to those. I“ll pay premium but the menu and service has got to be there. Menu was basic and service was awful. Carrollton Market and Brigtsens are closer to me anyways.

We came by for a Sunday brunch and had a wonderful meal with friends. Interior is bright though intimate. Service was very good and the food did not disappoint. Would recommend for a tucked away neighborhood date night or just a good meal with friends.

Great neighborhood spot with very good food. I will continue to frequent Patois whenever I get a chance. The omelets, burger, lamb dishes and boudin stuffed chicken are all exceptional. The specials are also worth a try.

I was expecting really good food here looking at all the reviews. Unfortunately I was pretty disappointed. The best thing here was the great service we got. And BFF’s Amaretto Sour was made to please! Would come back here only for drinks.
We ordered the Chicken Fried Sweet Breads appetizer and for it being $ 16 was so not worth it. Dislike!
I ordered the Boudin Stuffed chicken and it was good but not something I would want to order again.
BFF ordered the Gulf Fish Almondine and it was good.
Let’s just say, for this place being really expensive, it’s definitely not worth coming to unless you have lots of money to blow. I always say it’s worth trying at least once so that you’ll know. But the service was great!

Great atmosphere as always on this tucked away little gem. The fireplace in the intimate upstairs dining room is a nice touch. I really enjoy the fact that despite it’s small size the restaraunt is very quiet. I began with the lamb ribs and with tomato relish, truth be told once i caught a whiff of the smoker outside my mind was made up before I saw the menu. I had an heirloom tomato salad in between my app and entrée. The salad was crisp and light with three different tomatos. i finished up with the sea scallops mostly because I wanted something light after the lamb ribs. Both my date and I were shocked at the size of the apps almost entrée size. I finished the night with a lovely pound cake with blue berry compote.
I have a place in my heart for patois this is where I go when I need to have a romantic date. Fits the bill perfectly.

We had; Gnocci, Charcuterie, lamb ribs, frog legs and chanterelle pasta.
Dessert was lemon curd and pound cake with berries.
Gnocci were soft and light, in a delicious mushroom and short rib sauce.
Charcuterie plate was spot on, head cheese, rillette and boudin. Served with house made pickles.
Lamb ribs could be better. I believe they just rub them and bake them. They had good bark, but the meat had gotten quite dry and stringy. I recommend steaming the ribs the day ahead, chilling, rubbing, then cooking off the bark to order.
Frog legs were in a delicious Vietnamese broth. I don’t know what the flavors were, but it was delicious.
Chanterlle pasta was a hit as well. Hand made pasta and mushroom crème sauce, how can you go wrong.
Lemon curd tart was great, nice tart filling.
Pound cake with berries and ice cream is an easy win.
Waitress was good. Water glass did run empty a few times though.
I’ll be back

So, originally, we had dinner reservations for five for Dec 27^th, but a) something else came up for that night, and b) our girls went off with our friend’s boys to the Spurs v. Pelicans NBA game which let us parental-​types enjoy a dinner «sans les enfants» — and thus, a quick call to Patois, and we were able to shift our meal to this evening at 9:00. Good omen, number one.
Good omen, number two: I didn’t have to tell the cabbie how to get there! (Seriously, I have had to do this on several previous occasions.)
Good omen, number three: Chef Aaron Burgau came walking to of the kitchen while we were at the bar (the cab driver was faster than I had anticipated), and said, «What are you guys doing here?» Hugs and holiday wishes all around, while we caught up on the goings-​on of families, business, and Life. Then Leon Touzet appeared from the back, and more greetings all ’round. Dinner was superb! It always feels like family here, and not just because Lynn and I have come to know Aaron (and Leon) a bit over the years. Everyone on the staff is always warm, welcoming and accommodating — and the food is as delicious as always!
The Mississippi Rabbit stuffed with boudin is always amazing. The short ribs were «killer,» and the NY Strip was perfectly delicious. .. and the Sandhi 2012 Pinot Noir from the Santa Rita Hills of California was a perfect compliment to all three entrées.
As annual visitors from California, we are faced with a «difficult» dilemma when it comes to dining choices. We love trying new places, but we also love our «favorites.» That oddly makes our meal options more complicated than were we first-​time visitors or residents of our favorite city to visit. But one place we never miss is Patois. ..

Came here with a friend visiting and Patois did not disappoint. We did wait about 15 – 20 minutes to be seated for our 8:00 reservation, but when there is a bar, there’s not much to complain about.
It a quaint restaurant in a neighborhood with tall French doors and a weathered coppertop bar, small tables throughout. It’s a bit crowded but has tons of character. The waitstaff was knowledgeable, every suggestion she made was spot on.
We started with the potato gnocchi with lump crab meat and the bayou frog legs. My friend was a bit hesitant about the frog legs, but they were delicious, and she was happy there was a third leg to share! The gnocchi was cooked perfectly, though could have had more flavor, but still very good.
I had the Mississippi rabbit bc the server said it was her favorite dish and it was delicious! My friend tried her bite of my dish first and looked over at me with wide eyes and nodded with a smile, indicating her deal of approval! She had the Gulf Fish which was flounder that night– also cooked to perfection!
Our dessert was a bit disappointing. We had the bourbon old fashioned apple hand pies, which were flavorless and flour-​y. No evidence of the temptation of bourbon that enticed us to order it.
However, I will absolutely be back because we had such a lovely experience here!

This place is outstanding! From the bread bowl to the well crafted cocktails. My friends and I came here for a nice Sunday brunch. I started with the Black & Ginger cocktail which is cathead vodka perfectly muddled and blended with ginger beer and blueberries. It was excellent. My sister had the Vieux Carre, which was a little strong for my liking, but still good.
The banana nut bread could have been a little more flavorful but it is served with an excellent fruit topping.
I had the classic breakfast with over easy eggs, bacon, grits, and wheat toast. It was great, the bacon was the perfect crisp. The eggs where a little greasy, however.
A friend had the Chicken Mole, although small, tasted great. My sister had the Shrimp Salad, which was also small but looked yummy. She ordered the Bacon Grased Greens as a side, they were excellent.
The service is great here. There are numerous people taking care of all tables at once. It’s quick and efficient. Your water is always full.
I used to live in Nola and had never tried this place before (why?!). I would highly recommend Patois for anyone looking for a very pleasant brunch spot! It’s quaint and clean and the food and service are unloveable.