The Story of
Commander Palace

Since the Brennan family took the reins in 1974, we’ve been on a mission to revolutionize hospitality and create lasting dining memories. Ti Adelaide Martin and Lally Brennan, our dynamic duo of co-proprietors, have carried on the spirit of warm hospitality and excellent service Commander’s has come to be known for. We believe that every guest who walks through our doors should feel like family.

The Story of Commander Palace

Our pursuit to push the envelope of cuisine through our innovative and award-winning New Haute Creole cuisine is a heartfelt tribute to our trailblazing matriarch, Ella Brennan. Ella's legacy lives on through our unwavering dedication to culinary excellence and our mission to celebrate all of life’s moments.

With an all-star lineup of culinary superstars like Jamie Shannon, Tory McPhail, Emeril Lagasse, and now Executive Chef Meg Bickford, Commander's Palace is committed to producing excellent talent, exceptional cuisine, and warm hospitality. All of which has earned us an impressive seven James Beard Foundation Awards, solidifying our place in New Orleans culinary history. Whether dining at the Chef’s Table (one of the country’s first!) or stopping by Le Petit Bleu for a crêpe and a cookbook, Commander’s Palace strives to transport you to an oasis in a crazy world.

Ella Brennan, Grand Dame Restaurateur of New Orleans

Ella Brennan, “Miss Ella,” changed the way America eats. At age 18 she went to work at her brother’s bar on Bourbon street. The New Orleans dining scene had no idea what was about to hit it. Turns out one of America’s greatest business coaches is a woman. And her field is a restaurant. But it could have been anywhere.

Ella was beloved to us all and will continue to inspire us daily to challenge the status quo and be the best that we can be. Immerse yourself in her story: the feature-length documentary and book about Ella Brennan.

World Class New Haute Creole Cuisine

Modern New Orleans cooking meets our Haute Creole in Chef Meg Bickford’s kitchen. Her fascination with Creole and Louisiana cuisine inspires her menus. Respectful of the past – but never reined in by it. The rich palette of farm-raised products and bayou gifts Louisiana has to offer fill the menu. Our “dirt to plate within 100 miles” policy means that we strive for 90% of our ingredients to come from within 100 miles of our back door. Our cooking has the flavor of distinctive Louisiana terroir. Meg and the Commander’s Kitchen team know its history but live by the credo that … “all of our best meals are still ahead of us.”

Diners celebrating and wearing Commander's chef hats, surrounded by balloons.
Exterior view of Commander's Palace featuring the signature striped awnings.
Commander's turtle soup being served table side.
The Commander's Palace courtyard, filled with tropical greenery.
A table setting featuring wine and a seasonal dish.
The Commander's Palace courtyard, and exterior view of the garden room.
Commander's Palace exterior featuring the sign and signature striped awnings at sunset.
Sparkling wine being poured table side.
An empty table prepped for service with silverware and napkins.
Wine being poured on a table with white tablecloths and napkins.
Diners celebrating and wearing Commander's chef hats, surrounded by balloons.Exterior view of Commander's Palace featuring the signature striped awnings. Commander's turtle soup being served table side.The Commander's Palace courtyard, filled with tropical greenery.A table setting featuring wine and a seasonal dish.The Commander's Palace courtyard, filled with greenery.Diners enjoying lunch at Commander's Palace.Wine being poured on a table with white tablecloths and napkins.Commander's Palace exterior featuring the sign and signature striped awnings at sunset.A seasonal dish at Commander's PalaceSparkling wine being poured table side.An empty table prepped for service with silverware and napkins.
A seasonal dish at Commander's Palace
A seasonal dish by Commander's Palace
Wine being poured on a table with white tablecloths and napkins.
people sitting and eating at a restaurant having casual conversation. Everyone is  dressed up0.
A seasonal dish at Commander's Palace
A seasonal dish by Commander's Palace
Wine being poured on a table with white tablecloths and napkins.
people sitting and eating at a restaurant having casual conversation. Everyone is  dressed up0.
A seasonal dish at Commander's Palace
A seasonal dish by Commander's Palace
Wine being poured on a table with white tablecloths and napkins.
people sitting and eating at a restaurant having casual conversation. Everyone is  dressed up0.

Restaurant Hours

Lunch

Thursday & Friday
Serving begins at 11:30 am


Thursday – Sunday
Serving begins at 6:00 pm

DINNER

Monday – Wednesday
Serving begins at 5:30 PM


Thursday – Sunday
Serving begins at 6:00 PM

JAZZ BRUNCH

Saturday
11:00AM – 2:30 PM


Sunday
10:00AM – 2:30 PM

CLOSED

Christmas Day

Mardi Gras Day
Last seating varies by season. Please call the restaurant for specific times.

Dress Code

  • Business Attire
  • Jackets are preferred for gentlemen
  • Collared shirts and closed-toed shoes required for gentlemen
  • No shorts, flip-flops, t-shirts, sweat shirts or sweat pants
  • Jeans are discouraged

Valet

We are pleased to offer complimentary valet services to our guests. Please pull your vehicle in front of the restaurant on Washington Avenue and our valets will be happy to welcome you and park your car.
Commander's Palace Logo

1403 Washington Avenue

New Orleans,  Louisiana 70130

At the corner of Coliseum Street in the Garden District.

+1 (504) 899–8221

Le Petit Bleu logo

Our sister cafe & shop located next door
to the restaurant.

1427 Washington Avenue

New Orleans, Louisiana 70130

+1 (504) 207–1343

Team

Lally Brennan
co-PROPRIETOR
Ti Adelaide Martin
co-PROPRIETOR
Meg Bickford
Executive Chef
Dan Davis
Wine Guy

Eatin' drinkin' and  carrying on.