In the Beginning:

In 1961, the doors swung open to what has become one of the most beloved and revered restaurants in New Orleans. As stated in French Quarter Royalty by John DeMers, “The Rib Room concept would provoke the loudest discussions in design by the owners, and in the end, secure the hotel’s reputation for culinary excellence. Over 10 years in the planning and countless hours in executing meticulous details, the end results have been beyond their dreams.” Inside the luxury hotel that is the Omni Royal Orleans today, the Rib Room has delighted locals and visitors alike for 50 remarkable years including: Luciano Pavarotti, Muhamad Ali, The Rolling Stones, Jane Fonda, Robert Redford, Charlton Heston, Louis Armstrong, Richard Nixon, Paul Newman and Harry Connick, Jr. The idea for the Superdome and the Louisiana Jazz Festival were developed in one of the restaurants’ private dining areas. DeMers also noted in his book, “In a city with so many first class Creole landmark restaurants celebrating the rich New Orleans heritage only steps away, the Rib Room was bold in featuring prime beef as its mainstay. The rotisserie would become a focal point for preparation and in securing the room’s reputation for the next 50 years.” To this we say, Touché!

Today:

Exceptionally talented chefs have called the Rib Room home over the past 50 years, each imparting his or her distinctive imprint. Today the restaurant is led by Master Chef Rene Bajeux, a native of Alsace-Lorraine, France, who has garnered numerous accolades throughout his 30 plus-year at the helm of fine dining restaurants worldwide. Chef Rene and his team have created a menu that is current yet continues to honor its rich history. Our mission is to maintain the Rib Room’s spirit of excellence while ensuring that the restaurant is relevant. Chef Rene’s culinary approach is simple, yet refined. His “back to basics” vision artfully melds fresh, locally sourced ingredients with his characteristic French-Dutch flair. The Rib Room’s benchmark rotisserie remains a focal point with contemporary selections that go well beyond the classics.