Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Shreveport's Premier Fine Dining Experience Since 1964
Ernest's Orleans Restaurant & Cocktail Lounge has been a cornerstone of Shreveport's culinary scene for over 60 years, established in 1964. Our legacy of excellence is rooted in Chef Ernest's Sicilian-American heritage, drawing from generations of culinary expertise honed in New Orleans' iconic restaurants. We specialize in US Prime Steaks, fresh seafood, and Sicilian-Italian cuisine, featuring signature dishes like our world-famous marinated crab claws and tableside desserts. Our three distinct dining rooms - the elegant main dining room, scenic captain's room, and vibrant club room - accommodate diverse occasions from intimate dinners to grand celebrations. With a dedicated event planner and in-house florist, we offer comprehensive catering services for weddings, corporate events, and private functions.Our commitment to exceptional service is demonstrated through our formally trained wait staff, who expertly pair dishes with curated wines and beverages. The restaurant's historic significance is reflected in its collection of accolades and celebrity visits, while our 50s-style cocktail lounge provides nightly entertainment and signature cocktails. We maintain rigorous standards through consistent quality control of ingredients and preparation methods, ensuring every guest experiences 'The Finest' in both cuisine and hospitality. Our dress code and operating hours reflect our dedication to maintaining a sophisticated dining environment. This combination of tradition, expertise, and innovation has earned us recognition as Shreveport's premier fine dining destination.
Services
Prime Steaks
Seafood Entrees
Italian Cuisine
Private Catering
Cocktail Lounge
Event Planning
Tableside Desserts
Wine Pairing
Special Occasion Dining
Live Entertainment
Details
- Year established: 1964
Highlights and features
- We offer over 60 years of culinary excellence in Shreveport
- Our menu features USDA Prime Beef and fresh seafood daily
- Three distinct dining spaces accommodate any occasion
- Dedicated event planner and in-house florist available
- Formally trained staff provides exceptional tableside service
What people say
World famous crab claws
Attentive and friendly service
Complimentary anniversary cake
Outstanding food quality
Memorable dining experience
Services
Prime Steaks
Our USDA Prime Beef selection features hand-cut steaks grilled to perfection, including signature options like our 'Joe' sauce-marinated cuts. Each entree includes spiced peach and potato of the day, with wine pairing recommendations from our knowledgeable staff. This premium offering reflects our commitment to serving only the finest cuts since 1964.
Seafood Entrees
Fresh seafood selections change daily based on availability, featuring local specialties like red snapper and shrimp remoulade. Our marinated crab claws have achieved regional fame, while our extensive menu offers both classic preparations and innovative chef features that highlight seasonal ingredients and traditional Sicilian-Italian techniques.
Italian Cuisine
Authentic Sicilian-Italian dishes include tender Veal Marsala and house-made meatballs with spaghetti. The menu balances traditional recipes with modern interpretations, featuring both time-honored favorites and daily chef specials that showcase regional ingredients and culinary innovation in a fine dining setting.
Private Catering
Full-service catering for weddings, corporate events, and private functions includes customizable menus and on-site coordination. Our dedicated event planner works with clients to create memorable experiences, while our in-house florist provides floral arrangements from intimate to elaborate designs for occasions of any size.
Cocktail Lounge
The 50s-style lounge offers nightly live entertainment and signature cocktails crafted by expert mixologists. Guests can enjoy the same exceptional menu in a relaxed atmosphere, with specialty drinks and tableside service available until 10:30 PM Tuesday through Saturday in our sophisticated yet welcoming lounge environment.
People
Chef Ernest
Executive Chef
Third-generation chef with over 40 years of experience, Chef Ernest brings Sicilian-American culinary traditions to life. He personally oversees menu creation, ingredient selection, and staff training, ensuring every dish maintains the restaurant's legacy of excellence established in 1964.
Tina
Co-Owner
With decades of hospitality experience, Tina manages daily operations and special events coordination. She works closely with clients to ensure their events meet the restaurant's high standards, drawing on her extensive knowledge of the fine dining industry and local market needs.
Questions
What makes Ernest's Orleans Restaurant unique?
Our combination of Sicilian-Italian heritage, USDA Prime Beef, fresh seafood, and 60+ years of culinary tradition creates a distinctive fine dining experience unmatched in Shreveport.
What are your signature dishes?
Our marinated crab claws, USDA Prime steaks, and house-made Italian specialties like veal marsala have become iconic menu items that guests return for year after year.
Do you offer catering services?
Yes, we provide full-service catering with customizable menus and on-site coordination for weddings, corporate events, and private functions in Shreveport and Bossier City.
What are your dress code requirements?
We maintain a sophisticated environment with a dress code requiring sleeved shirts for men and no athletic shorts or revealing attire in dining areas.
Are reservations required?
Reservations are recommended but not required. You can make reservations by phone or through OpenTable for our Tuesday-Saturday dinner service.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept major credit cards and cash payments. Payment options are available at both our dining and lounge areas during regular business hours.