Napoleon House
New Orleans
Experience the warming of the muffuletta for a deeper flavor profile—something distinct to Napoleon House.
Napoleon House, located at 500 Chartres Street in the French Quarter of New Orleans, presents a setting steeped in history and charisma. It is known for its old-world ambiance, which invokes an era long past, complemented by classical music such as Beethoven's compositions that form a serene backdrop to any visit. This historic venue is a hallmark of the city, celebrated for its distinct offerings and classical southern hospitality.
A visit to Napoleon House is marked by their signature muffuletta, a robust sandwich renowned for its interplay of savory cured meats, tangy olive salad dressing, and perfectly heated to release its full aromatic potential. Additionally, the Pimm's Cup, a refreshing cocktail introduced to the United States by this very establishment, is a must-try for those seeking a lighter, summery drink experience.
The venue’s interiors echo a bygone elegance, combining the rustic charm of a cozy cottage with the rich cultural tapestry of New Orleans. The ambiance makes it a popular choice for both casual dining and special events, where guests can bask in the atmosphere that is uniquely New Orleans. This historic landmark is noted for accommodating various group sizes with its private party rooms that retain the venue's timeless charm.
Napoleon House is a walk-in venue, allowing diners to experience its offerings at their leisure without the need for reservations. Open seven days a week, it caters to a diverse clientele encompassing local residents and visitors alike, looking to savor a slice of New Orleans' rich culinary tradition in a setting that feels personal and cherished.
Reviews
Great spot. Food was delicious and good portions. The spinach artichoke dip is a MUST HAVE! Best bread bowl you might ever have. We didn't leave a single crumb on the plate. Muffuletta was also fantastic.
I visited New Orleans with a family member and Napoleon House was highly recommended during a food tour we had taken the day before by the guide Raffle. So we set out back to the French Quarters the next day to dine. It was an easy Uber drop off and pick up from its location which is not far from the Steamboat Natchez dock where we had returned from another tour. We walked to the restaurant and Ubered back to our hotel. Matter of fact we walked past it on the opposite side of the street and was redirected to look across the street from a sweet hostess of another restaurant that was near. Our guide talked about the awesome Muffalettas and po- boys , along with other cuisines we would find , so we decided to try the Italian Muffaletta, the Alligator Sausage Po-bo, and red beans and rice since it was Monday. Needless to say Napoleon lived up to what we heard. The Muffaletta was huge and the bun was toasted, yet very soft, my family member and I shared one and also shared the po-bo which was equally delicious. We received more than enough food for the cost. The red beans and rice were seasoned well and also delicious. We received more than enough food for the cost. We were more than satisfied with our selections. I can declare that this restaurant would be a staple for any future visits to New Orleans!
What an amazing place, high on my list to return to. Charming historic building with a ton of history and some amazing food inside. Service was great, got seating and food really quickly. I got the jambalaya and it was flavorful and so perfectly done. Even the red beans and rice and fresh bread were delicious!!! Highly recommend stopping by for lunch or dinner
Excellent place with a different menu compared to other restaurants in NOLA, but still with local options. We had the spinach and artichoke dip, the muffaletta (the vinaigrette was a little bit spicy) and strawberry salads and the hot beef gravy poboy. All of them were delicious. The creme brule we had for dessert had a salty aftertaste that made it quite distinct, and the texture was amazing. The atmosphere of the place couldn't be better. We are definitely coming back!
Finally made it into Napoleon House after trying a couple of times and finding it packed—timing it just before lunch did the trick, and I was able to grab a table in the courtyard. The atmosphere here is something special. With a light breeze and the charm of the courtyard, it felt relaxed, historic, and very “New Orleans.” One of those places you don’t want to rush through. Service was smooth—Kevin took great care of me and everything came out quickly without feeling rushed. I ordered a mix of local favorites: the boudin sausage plate, a quarter muffuletta, and a small jambalaya. The boudin was a highlight—served with bread and a light salad, and the sausage itself had a great texture with the rice and meat blend. Spreading it on the bread with the sweet mustard was simple but really satisfying. The muffuletta was warm and nicely balanced. The meats and olive tapenade didn’t overpower each other, which I appreciated—it was flavorful without being too heavy. The jambalaya was decent, though milder than I expected. I was hoping for a bit more spice, but it still complemented the meal well. Overall, a great experience. Between the food, service, and that classic courtyard setting, it’s definitely a spot I’d return to on my next visit.
