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Hours
Sun
10:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Fri
5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Sat
5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Reserve a table
Ratings and reviews
4.5
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Food and ambience
Local cuisine, American, Cajun & Creole, Seafood, Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options
Special occasions, Romantic, Large groups, Bar scene, Business meetings
Is this a seafood restaurant?
Details
About
Café Sbisa, established in 1899 and the third oldest fine-dining establishment in the French Quarter, is proud to re-open under the direction of a new team to once again offer the highest quality French-Creole cuisine in a welcoming, historical setting that both locals and tourists will appreciate. Spearheading the new Café Sbisa are Mr. Craig Napoli, who successfully ran the notable restaurant from 1992 - 2005 when Hurricane Katrina devastated the city, and Chef Alfred Singleton, who met Craig when he started working for him at the former Café Sbisa as a prep cook. Now, the unique venue will once again open its doors to serve classic local fare like Turtle Soup, Louisiana Blue Crab Cakes and BBQ Shrimp using the freshest, locally-sourced seafood and produce. While many restaurants tout “fresh and local”, Sbisa means it, as the Napoli family owns their own seafood dock and distribution business in Hopedale, Louisiana. The Sbisa team has been diligently working to renovate the notorious building directly across the street from the French Market while ensuring its old-world charm is maintained, including a hand-carved mahogany bar dating back to 1903. Patrons will still be able to view famous artist and one-time Sbisa regular George Dureau’s painting above the bar; the mural of French Quarterites including Sbisa employees, regulars and Dureau himself has shined for decades and will continue to be an artistic centerpiece. We look forward to meeting you during dinner or weekend brunch and are confident you'll walk away feeling pleasantly satisfied, having just had one of your most memorable dining experiences inside our four walls.
PRICE RANGE
$31.00 – $50.00
CUISINES
American, Cajun & Creole, Seafood
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Drinks
FEATURES
Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Table Service, Live Music, Jazz Bar
Contribute
4.5
278 reviews
Excellent
199
Very good
45
Average
18
Poor
3
Terrible
13
casey960
Meadville49 contributions
Dec 2019 • none
Went here for dinner during my last adventure in New Orleans-in fact I went twice, once for brunch and once for dinner. It never disappoints! There were bottomless mimosas at the brunch and we never had to ask for a refill. The service here for both meals was just incredible! I will definitely return on my next trip to the Big Easy! A great place to dine!
Written January 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
wilkworks
Sandy Hook45 contributions
Dec 2019 • none
Wow, what a place! Not sure why this place doesn't come up on all of the "best restaurants in New Orleans" searches. From the moment we walked in, we knew this was going to be a special meal.
Our server, Thomas, took our coats and placed our napkins on our laps and we were treated to a most amazing meal. We decided to share appetizers, to save ourselves for the main meal. Turtle soup for us, fried oysters for our friends. My plan was to just have a few bites of soup. But when the soup came, I found I had my own bowl placed in front of me. The kitchen had split the apps for us. The 2 apps were delivered by FOUR servers! The 4 servers surrounded our table and the apps were placed on the table at the same time. The dinners came out the same way. All servers in sync. Placed on the table in unison. Very impressive. So not what we are used to.
The food was fantastic as well. Blackened redfish, bbq shrimp, courtbouillon, duck a l'orange, veal and crab. Add in superb cocktails and a very talented live band who serenaded us throughout the meal and this was, hands down, the best meal we had in NOLA.
Delicious food, fabulous service, great music and a warm & welcoming atmosphere make Cafe Sbisa a must-do.
Written January 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jasen J
Smyrna67 contributions
Aug 2021 • couples
I chaperoned a newly engaged couple around the city for a few days. Hitting all the usual grande dame resteraunts. I booked Cafe Sbisa after having been a few times in past but most recently 3 years ago. The experience was spectacular from start to end. Our server Thomas was friendly, outgoing and took good care of us. He was the star of the show. The second star was the food. The shrimp and grits where the best ever and I've had allot of them. Pastalya, filet mignon special, wedge salads and crab cakes a flat 10 of 10. This chef and his team can flat out cook and deliver!
Written August 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lynn Ro
15 contributions
Oct 2021 • friends
Friends and I grabbed dinner reservations here. While not terrible, probably not a place we would go back to if we visited New Orleans again. Friend and I ordered Hurricanes and they tasted like they were made with a very cheap rum and not shaken well enough. We also got the Pasta Jambalaya and thought the taste was lacking. I'm usually a big fan of spicy food, but this just didn't taste good. We also felt the balcony was not as scenic as it appeared on the restaurant's website.
The things that were good: we had reservations and the staff was ready for us. The staff was really accommodating, answered all of our questions, and gave attentive service.
Written October 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stevan D
Provo277 contributions
Apr 2022 • none
Jazz Festival. Huge Crowds. A delicious, elegant, and peaceful reprieve from the chaos. We loved it!
True, we arrived around 5:00 PM, a little early for dinner in the French Quarter, which helped us get a nice table away from the busy streets. We were seated immediately and greeted promptly by our pleasant server. She offered helpful suggestions to her weary visitors, who had been walking the French Quarter streets for hours enjoying the atmosphere and music of the Festival.
My wife had a delicious Salmon Filet, adorned with Shrimp, corn, and rice. I choose a Decatur Burger, which just may be the best restaurant burger I've ever enjoyed.
The entire experience was relaxing, delicious, pleasantly unrushed, and memorable. Next time you're in NOLA, you must give Cafe Sbisa a try.
Written June 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nomad0921
Wellfleet624 contributions
Jan 2020 • couples
After having visited Cafe sbisa in the 1980s, it made such an impression on me that I felt the need to come back and try it again. I was thrilled to see that not only as the restaurant survived but seems to be thriving! We went for Sunday brunch that had a wonderful meal with live jazz music!. I had the crawfish etouffee omelette which was out of this world! The entertainment was relaxing and so enjoyable with a jazz band entertaining us the entire meal. We will come back to Cafe Sbisa for sure!
Written January 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nomad0921
Wellfleet624 contributions
Dec 2022 • couples
My third visit to NOLA and each one I've made a point to eat at Cafe Sbisa. This is a favorite for both my wife and I, and once again it did not disappoint. We went to the Sunday brunch with live music - we shared a Maison salad, Louisiana crab cakes and Bananas Foster - what a feast! What made this meal a 5 star experience was the service provided by Our server Kevin assisted by Quon. Our super fresh salad and crab cakes were served first, Kevin separated the salad for sharing AND gave all of the goat cheese to my wife which we requested, and the champagne vinaigrette was superb. The Louisiana crab cakes were equally great, moist and flavorful. The icing on the cake was the Bananas Foster a huge portion which we took away to finish later. Kevin gave us excellent advice on portion size and presented our food in an easily consumable fashion, we thoroughly enjoyed this meal and will come back!
Written December 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Irene B
Vancouver18 contributions
Nov 2023 • family
Arrived at restaurant on Nov 18 for dinner. A lovely lady offered two options for seating one of which was the outdoor balcony. It was great to be above the action in the French Quarter! Ordered my meal and chose the Cesar salad and then the veal with Blue crab. Waiter was slow so we assumed kitchen was busy. He brought my salad and most of it had brown edges. I pointed it out and asked for a new one. I rec’d no apology. A second was brought out and waiter insisted they went thru so much salad it was fresh….it was very obvious that this one was brown as well. At this point I sent it back and said no thanks to another. Our mains were brought by a server and they were good. At this point our waiter didn’t return at all. My daughter didn’t get water. Finally we had a visit from our waiter and I asked for the bill and the manager and then explained to him that I was not satisfied with brown salad, no water and a waiter who didn’t even admit that this was not their standard. I also pointed out the bill included a mandatory gratuity of 20%! Plus at the bottom of the receipt it asked for another suggested amount of 18, 20 or 25% gratuity! I explained that with the poor service and attitude of our waiter I’m not impressed. He took our bill and shortly the waiter came back, threw the bill on the table and said the 20% gratuity was removed but in a snarky tone said he didn’t understand what he did wrong. This was in a loud voice that all tables heard! I loudly said that if he didn’t know he should think about the service he provided. Up until this point I figured if we received an apology, asked about ordering dessert, coffee or almost anything I’d leave at least 15% as brown salad wasn’t his fault. He left and the couple at the table next to us now heard it all and said they were being ignored and decided to get up and they left. Another couple did same! I’ve been to a number of lovely restaurants in the city this last week as I’m here for a convention but this was not one of them. Very disappointing when a waiter makes all these comments and doesn’t do his job! At this point I was very angry at the remarks made and zeroed out the tip completely. A horrible evening caused by a terrible waiter. Avoid this restaurant as there are so many that are better! If I could rate it less than 1 star I would.
Written November 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Heather M
Charlotte224 contributions
May 2022 • none
Food and service were great here this past Sunday for brunch! And the jazz band was a nice added feature.
Kevin was our server and he and his team took great care of us. Would definitely go here again! Highly recommend making a reservations as the restaurant did fill to capacity pretty quick after we arrived for our 11:15 AM reservation.
Written June 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robert W
San Diego146 contributions
Jun 2022 • none
We booked our dinner reservations a few weeks ahead of trip to NOLA & decided to eat here on a Thursday night before heading over to Rock n' Bowl for Zydeco Night. We were able to easily book through Open Table.
I had the oysters Sbisa as an appetizer - oh man, those were great - I could probably eat about six or seven of those. My wife had the Citrus and Herb Roasted Chicken - it was last month and she is still talking about it! (We live in San Diego, so we likely won't be back there anytime soon, but I would love to get my hands on their recipe!). I had the Trout Eugene and I can't believe how good it was.
The service was wonderful, the ambience quiet and romantic, a great spot for couples. Quite the change from the chaos on Bourbon Street.
Whenever we get back to NOLA, this will be the first place we go. Highly recommended.
Written July 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
T-Bone33418
West Palm Beach46 contributions
Apr 2023 • couples
The food is very good but our waiter had an attitude and when we were finishing we asked them to call a cab. 10 minutes later, this young woman came up and asked if we were paying cash or credit. I told them it didn’t matter, we just wanted to get back as soon as possible. 20 minutes later, still nothing so I went up and ask a question of how long of a time. She comes back with an attitude and told me I was lucky that she was bothering to call a cab to begin with. She told me I was lucky for the privilege and it became clear. She had not even bothered to call a cab yet. Just don’t ever eat it because the service, and the woman at the front will ruin everything.
Written April 28, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marty
17 contributions
Jun 2023 • family
We were very disappointed in Sbisa. Although our waiter was nice, the service was bad with long waits, no water refills after we asked (we finally flagged someone down), lack of utensils and multiple other service issues. The food was mediocre but prices were high. I recommend against ordering meat dishes with sauces—both of our dishes were fatty and it’s hard to see and cut away the fat when it’s covered with sauce. The automatic service charge was a bit of an insult.
Written June 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TabbyMcG
Locks Heath70 contributions
Jun 2022 • couples
We booked in advance as it was rated a romantic restaurant. Really nice inside and a good wine menu but the food wasn’t of the same high quality. The burger was really dry and the veal coating was greasy. I would maybe recommend having a drink there for the atmosphere but not for food
Written June 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Beth T
6 contributions
Jan 2020 • couples
My husband and i had a date night last night at Cafe Sbisa! Absolutely gorgeous dining room and bar. The service, led by Thomas, was warm, professional and attentive. Our meal was the type you read about in books. The presentation of our grouper and courtbouillon was beautiful and matched only by the flavors of each. Cannot recommend highly enough!
Written January 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Judith W
Orleans138 contributions
Nov 2022 • none
This was my husband's and my first time at this restaurant and we were very pleased. We both had the pasta jambalaya and really enjoyed it. The portions were huge so we didn't have an appetizer or dessert. Kevin was our server and he was fantastic. He was friendly and attentive without being obtrusive. There were two tables with 8 or more people at each and we never felt we were being ignored. We sat upstairs and I would recommend this on the nights they have entertainment. The restaurant isn't large and the music can be loud. Sitting upstairs allows you to hear the music and still have a table conversation. We will definitely return to Cafe Sbisa on our next trip to NOLA.
Written November 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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French Quarter
A small and teeming network of laissez-faire living lounged out on the balmy banks of the Mighty Mississippi, the French Quarter has long been a port of call for folks in search of a good time and a great story. Perpetually inebriated Bourbon Street runs across its midriff like a strand of cheap ribbon tied around an otherwise rather pretty and impressively well-kept vintage dress. Throughout the rest of the Quarter, brightly colored Victorian homes and businesses, famously done up with wrought-iron features, provide a distinct and immediately recognizable backdrop for all varieties of fun. At any given moment in this historic riverside setting, some of America’s finest meals are being cooked, most potent cocktails are being mixed, and most engaging music is being performed.
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