Union Oyster House, Boston, oldest operating restaurant in U.S.
The Union Oyster House in Boston, the oldest continuously operating restaurant in the United States, turns 200 years old this year.
Louisiana’s history is as rich as its food, and traditional Louisiana cuisine is a big part of the state’s rich history.
The food found in Louisiana is a blend of the cultures that the state was founded upon, with culinary influences from Creoles, Cajuns and the French.
The oldest restaurant in Louisiana also happens to be renowned for it’s traditional French and Creole cuisine.
What is the oldest restaurant in Louisiana?
Antoine’s Restaurant in New Orleans, located in the French Quarter at 713 St. Louis St., is the oldest restaurant in Louisiana and the oldest family-run restaurant in the U.S.
Antoine’s, founded by Antoine Alciatore when he was just 18 years old, first opened its doors in 1840 as a pension, which was a combination of a boarding house and cafè.
What is Antoine’s restaurant in New Orleans?
Antoine’s quickly gained popularity among New Orleans residents, and the original space soon became too small. In 1868, Antione’s moved locations to the spot on St. Louis Street where it still stands today.
Later on, in 1874, Antione’s returned to his birth-place in France and died, leaving the restaurant to his son Jules. After receiving extensive culinary training, Jules took over the New Orleans restaurant in 1877.
Where was Oysters Rockefeller created?
During Jules’ time running the establishment, he created the restaurant’s most-famous dish of Oysters Rockefeller. This dish remains an esteemed culinary creation, with the recipe being a closely-kept secret of the restaurant.
After Jules, his son Roy took over, with Roy’s son and nephews taking over after him. The Alciatore lineage has overseen the restaurant’s prosperity through numerous historical eras, the restaurant standing as a pillar of New Orleans’ food culture.
Over its long history, Antoine’s Restaurant has since gained the title of New Orleans’ ‘grand dame’ of Creole and French cuisine.
Presley Bo Tyler is a reporter for the Louisiana Deep South Connect Team for USA Today. Find her on X @PresleyTyler02 and email at PTyler@Gannett.com
Dining and Cooking