Cafe Pontalba

Restaurant Overview

Designed by the Baroness Pontalba in the 1800s, the Pontalba Buildings are known as the oldest apartment buildings in the United States. Cafe Pontalba pays homage to both the history of the buildings and New Orleans’ famous Creole cuisine, serving Creole specialties in its airy, glassed-in Jackson Square corner location.

Take a seat and people-watch through the windows, or order an Abita and turn your attention to the Saints or Pelicans game playing throughout the restaurant. Though it specializes in Creole dishes like Shrimp Creole, crawfish etouffee, and Creole Red Beans and Rice, Cafe Pontalba also makes a few Cajun selections. Fried seafood, po-boys, pasta, salads, and fresh Gulf fish provide a satisfying lunch option for everyone in your group, starting at 11 AM daily.

A fantastic location on historic Jackson Square houses Cafe Pontalba, offering big windows to watch all of the square’s activity while you eat Creole specialties and classic New Orleans dishes (think jambalaya, red beans and rice, gumbo, and blackened alligator).

Constructed by the Baroness Micaela Almonester Pontalba, the Pontalba Apartments were originally row houses, later turned into luxury apartments overlooking the St. Louis Cathedral, Cabildo, and Jackson Square.