Marti’s, the restaurant that was once called the Sardi’s of New Orleans, has returned with great flair to its original spot on Rampart Street.
Re-opened by Patrick Singley of Gautreau’s, this re-imaging of a New Orleans favorite hotspot from the seventies is a wonderful culinary experience.
The elegant décor and atmosphere feels like you stepped back into time. When you enter the spacious bar from the Dumaine Street entrance, the massive and intricately detailed City Park mural presides over the entire room. We entered the beautifully appointed dining room adorned with heavy curtains and lush fabrics in gold and cream colors. The banquet seating that is slightly raised offers diners a better view of the entire restaurant. The night I went to dinner with friends, there were many older New Orleanians there who looked like they were guests in the restaurant’s heyday.
The food is outstanding and the service is excellent. This place is perfect for smaller plates or large meals. For the crab lover, under small plates, I highly recommend the deviled eggs with blue crab, blue crab fritters and the sautéed blue crab claws. The Spanish Style Pork Meatballs was also delightful.
Their French classics include “Poutine” which was absolutely heavenly served over pomme frites with short rib gravy. For your entre, the Pan Fried Fish is light and flavorful whereas under the meats, the Osso Buco just melts in your mouth. The Grilled Creekstone Hanger Steak is served with a béarnaise sauce that is divine. They also offer an array of sides such as baked cauliflower (my favorite) and wild sautéed mushrooms.
I foresee that this new re-imaging of Marti’s will soon rise to the top once again making it a true New Orleans legend. Marti’s is located at 1041 Dumaine Street and is open seven days a week from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. For reservations or more information, go to www.martisnola.com.