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BABs, New Orleans, LA

BABs

4.7
4.7
794 Reviews
$30 and under
Bistro

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 13 times today
  • Great for creative cocktails
  • Neighborhood gem
  • Charming
To us, BABs is a place for friends, or those who will soon be. BABs is a casual energetic place with yummy food, authentic hospitality, great libations and friendly faces.

We cook ingredient driven food where inspiration comes from our personal experiences or one of the many cultures represented in our area, past and present. Our cooking is inspired by small local farms, using ingredients that are seasonal and raised or caught with care.

New Orleans is our home. It’s a place with an amazing sense of community where we’ve created meaningful relationships, and met extraordinary people along the way. We’re excited to continue feeding visitors and the people like us, who call it home.

-Nina Compton, Larry Miller, and the BABs Team

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Bistro, Caribbean, Creole / Cajun / Southern
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Wed–Sun 5:30 pm–9:30 pm
  • Phone number
    (504) 605-3827
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Nina Compton
  • Neighborhood
    Bywater
  • Cross street
    Chartres St and Montegut St
  • Parking details
    Biggest restaurant parking lot in town
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Non-Smoking, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 794 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.9Service
  • 4.8Ambience
  • 4.5Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • New Orleans

    Best Service

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
BABs offers a delightful dining experience with "decadent luxurious pastas" and "perfectly and thoughtfully prepared seafood." Guests praise the "friendly service" and expertly curated wine and cocktail program. The atmosphere is inviting, and chef Nina Compton's imaginative cuisine consistently impresses. While some find it pricey, BABs remains a "must-visit" New Orleans gem.

794 Reviews
  1. Stephen

    Columbus

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined today

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    First time visiting New Orleans with my partner. Lovely restaurant. Our server, Michael, was knowledgeable of the details, handy with recommendations, and an all around solid professional. Kitchen team seemed really locked in, space was clean, the menu is tight, food is focused, presentation is elegant without being overambitious or pretentious. We had: Hungarian white wine (outstanding) A sample of a lightly effervescent basque white (great btg) Some clever fat washed Amaro, solid espresso, and a good espresso martini (my partner's preferred after dinner indulgence) Arancini (caviar is such a good addition, though they stand on their own) Meatballs (well made, clean flavor, succulent) Oysters (fantastic deal, great sourcing) Octopus (bold flavors, super tender) Hazelnut cheese tart (you're missing out if you don't do it) Shrimp cavatelli (easily one of the most dynamic sauces, really intriguing name, great job from Michael being on point with elaboration) Lasagna (solid construction while still feeling light, well presented, delightful smell, big and bold) Olive oil cake (love the salt, the cake is so light and easy, arguably my favorite kind of cake, kudos) I never review anyone, but I felt compelled. Weve been dining around the US for about three and a half years together now, here to relax and have a good time and celebrate our new (yesterday) engagement. This is the kind of place I love going, would love to work at or would seek to emulate in a number of ways if I ever get around to opening anything. Only regret is I forgot to ask for a dinner and dessert menu, we collect and will frame or scrapbook the best ones. Good food is an impermanent memory, its a nice way of appreciating where we've been, celebrating love, life and being happy. You guys are awesome, this place is a delight. Can't thank you enough! Heading to your sister restaurant tomorrow morning, incidentally. We pick well! Full tonight, off to bed happy. Cheers

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  2. Gabriel

    Austin

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Intimate, delicious, romantic dinner with my husband on New Years, enjoyed the entire experience!

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  3. Kevin

    VIP

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Food was excellent. Kitchen was back up a bit so there were a few service glitches --- an appetizer was missing from the initial order and wait between appetizers and dinners was too long --- but the staff was great about it and it made only a minor dent in our experience.

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  4. Kristen

    VIP

    Columbus

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This was by far the best meal we had during our trip to New Orleans. The atmosphere, service and food were all amazing. We were greeted by the kindest person when we first arrived and from there the server was precious along with everyone else who touched our table. Both entrees were delicious and the apple cake was phenomenal. We can’t wait to come back next year, thank you for making our anniversary so special!

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  5. David

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Delicious and innovative food served well in a convivial setting. Off the beaten path.

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  6. Cameron

    VIP

    Corpus Christi

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on December 28, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Another great evening and meal at BABs!! This is a regular stop when we’re in town and it was excellent again. Brought our older kids this time and they thoroughly enjoyed everything. Wonderful service and delicious meals. Haven’t had better octopus anywhere else!! We’ll be back!!

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  7. Jim

    Pittsburgh

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on December 28, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    So good that we canceled our reservations the next night at an upscale NOLA restaurant and came back to BAB's to enjoy the rest of the menu.

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  8. Alicia

    VIP

    New York City

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on December 23, 2024

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    The spaghetti, lasagna, and pasta special with mushrooms were absolutely delicious! Fresh, homemade taste.

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  9. Joby

    VIP

    New Orleans

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on December 21, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    As usual, absolutely amazing. From the time of walking in to leaving. A definite must.

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  10. Steve

    New York City

    16 reviews

    4.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on December 20, 2024

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Beautiful space, interesting menu, friendly service. Dishes were over sauced and too salty, although they meant well.

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FAQs

BABs offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (504) 605-3827.

BABs is rated 4.7 stars by 794 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 13 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for BABs

2900 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70117

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Chartres St and Montegut St
  • Neighborhood
    Bywater
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Wed–Sun 5:30 pm–9:30 pm
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Bistro, Caribbean, Creole / Cajun / Southern
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Biggest restaurant parking lot in town
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Nina Compton
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Non-Smoking, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine
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