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Desire Oyster Bar, New Orleans, LA

Desire Oyster Bar

4.0
4
247 Reviews
$30 and under
Oyster Bar
Decorative iron grillwork paired with oversized windows and an antique mirror reveal the fully stocked bar and serve as the backdrop for the Desire bar. Signature features like the tin ceiling and black and white checkered floors give depth to a brand new contemporary bar, highboy tables, and state of the art chargrill station. The color palette and design elements have been carefully curated to complement the existing materials while creating a fresh look for the restaurant.
Desire Oyster Bar is the perfect setting to enjoy a great meal in the center of all the action of the French Quarter.
Once we shuck 'em, we don't just chuck 'em! Desire Oyster Bar is honored to donate all used oyster shells to the Coalition To Restore Coastal Louisiana’s Oyster Shell Recycling Program. These recycled oyster shells are used to restore oyster reefs and shoreline habitat across Coastal Louisiana.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 12 times today

Additional information

  • Neighborhood

    French Quarter

  • Cross street

    Located at the corner of Bourbon and Bienville Streets

  • Parking details

    Valet Parking is available at the main entrance at 777 Bienville Street.

  • Public transit

    Canal at Bourbon Street-BusRampart-Conti Streets-Streetcar

  • Additional

    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

What 247 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.0
4 based on recent ratings
  • 3.9Food
  • 4Service
  • 3.7Ambience
  • 3.8Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • New Orleans / Louisiana

    Kid-friendly

  • New Orleans

    Kid-friendly

Sort by

Filters

  1. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 21, 2023

    overall2food1service3ambience2
    We don’t come to New Orleans much anymore, so I was really disappointed to come and get awful food. The gumbo was so salty and had no flavor otherwise, the jambalaya was dry and mushy, and the cocktails were not good. I was very sad about our dining experience.
  2. MichaelC

    Philadelphia

    22 reviews

    5.0

    22 reviews

    Dined on March 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a great breakfast! Our service was sweet and very attentive! The food was just great!!
  3. TreciaM

    Atlanta Metro

    32 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    32 reviews

    Dined on March 19, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Went on o this restaurant for my birthday. It he waiter was wonderful. We shared some barbecue oysters. Very good! Th sandwich came and again the food was very good and tasty. Our waiter was quick and kept checking with us. Surprised us with some bread pudding. I liked it. I would go back to this place again.
  4. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 16, 2023

    overall2food2service2ambience2
    Tourist trap. Food was meh, service was slow. Don’t bother.
  5. JayMack

    Vancouver

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on March 15, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience5
    Reservations (almost) necessary from what we saw over a few days and the day of our reso. Overall very good, the charbroiled oysters weren’t overcooked, and the raw oysters were very fresh - no mignonette, and seemed to be prepared horseradish so not very strong, but those are personal preference things.
  6. Grandee

    Chicago

    74 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    74 reviews

    Dined on March 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had just arrived to New Orleans the day we went to Desire. We had set up a reservation for dinner for just the 2 of us. When we arrived there was a wait, so like many restaurants on Bourbon St., there is often a wait here. The wait wasn't bad and we got the table we really wanted. Food was great, service was great....loved my shrimp & grits. Good welcome to NoLa
  7. TedR

    New Orleans

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 14, 2023

    overall5food4service4ambience4
    Wonderful food and great oysters! Always a great experience
  8. Jenb

    New York Area

    10 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on March 13, 2023

    overall2food2service4ambience3
    Oysters rockefeller and chicken wings were overcooked. Oysters raw were sitting open for a long time as they were served without any juice left in them. Was disappointed as this was supposed to be highly rated.
  9. OpenTable Diner

    Dallas

    4 reviews

    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on March 12, 2023

    overall3food3service2ambience2
    Charged 14 since someone in party didn’t eat but they didn’t tell us that otherwise would have gotten something. Had a margarita it was awful.
  10. Michele

    Memphis/West TN

    26 reviews

    4.0

    26 reviews

    Dined on March 12, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Food was above average. Service was excellent. Atmosphere was great. Shrimp and grits dish was average. Jambalaya was good. Chicken and waffles were good. Shrimp pasta Alfredo was average. Deserts were excellent!
  11. mammodoc

    Phoenix

    26 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    26 reviews

    Dined on March 6, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    We really enjoyed our meal, crayfish etouffe, topped off with a huge piece of yummy bread pudding! Lots of people watching available!!
  12. PaigeH

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 5, 2023

    overall2food1service1ambience3
    Service was not good and food was nasty. Probably won’t be back :(
  13. SylvainL

    Ottawa

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 4, 2023

    overall1food1service4ambience1
    Really! This place sucks! Overcooked shrimps, awful looking/tasting grilled oysters.. even the glass of water tasted bad.. Typical Bourbon street tourist trap.. stay away!
  14. Jimbok64

    Las Vegas

    74 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    74 reviews

    Dined on February 26, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience3
    Kiki at the bar took care of me and did a wonderful job. My meal was served quick and hot. I'll definitely return in the future.
  15. Jerseyjimmy90

    Jersey

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 24, 2023

    overall2food2service2ambience4
    Start came after the main. Grits tasted like mush. Nothing special
  16. DaryllA

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 22, 2023

    overall3food4service1ambience2
    Employees do not seem very enthusiastic about their jobs and sadly is forwarded onto the customers. Not even good service, ok service might even be pushing it. Definitely ruins the expectations of the experience.
  17. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 19, 2023

    overall4food3service4ambience3
    I understand the chaos that Mardi Gras brings but food was served Luke warm at best.
  18. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I’ve had chargrilled oysters all over town and Desire makes theirs very unique and it was awesomely delicious! I recommend coming here after trying other places so you can appreciate how they make theirs!
  19. OpenTable Diner

    Austin

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 14, 2023

    overall4food3service5ambience3
    This place is chill and set up like a diner, so there is no need to dress up. I got the gumbo. It wasn't the best I've ever had, but it wasn't terrible. For a rare chilly night, it hit the spot and was filling. Pictures I had seen online showed toasted bread cut on the bias, but I did not receive any with mine. My spouse got the boiled peel & eat shrimp and said they were "nothing special" and "weren't worth the effort". He also got the char grilled oysters and loved them. He said they were the best he could remember having in a long while, if ever. He mentioned them several times during our stay and wished he'd had a moment and appetite to go get more, but he never had the opportunity. I also ordered the Tito's Strawberry Lemonade. Unlike the other locations we'd been to in the FQ, this place gave a skinny little glass with mostly ice when other locations gave an adequate amount of spirits for the price. This is coming from a person who isn't a big drinker. I maybe had 1.5 drinks per night while in town, so that should tell you how underwhelming it was for me to bother mentioning it. We finished off by sharing the pecan pie and bread pudding. Both were just OK. Let me preface by saying we really set up high standards when it comes to these two deserts because they are some of our favorites. We didn't like the bread pudding at GW Fins either. If we went back, it would strictly be for my husband so he could get the oysters.
  20. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 14, 2023

    overall2food3service2ambience3
    This was a special occasion, Valentine’s Day! My fiancé and I go to New Orleans every year as a Vday tradition. Desire Oyster bar has been our go-to spot. We usually sit at the oyster bar and enjoy talking with the chef behind the bar cooking the oysters. This time that was not possible. We sat at a table near the door and had a server who did not wash his hands. We ordered alligator nuggets and a dozen charbroiled oysters. The food was not bad, but our service and overall experience soiled the visit.
  21. Fran

    New Orleans

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    All the food was great from oysters to burgers literally everything great
  22. JeffersHill

    Baltimore

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on February 4, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience3
    Food tasted good but I expected a more upscale experience since it’s in the Royal Sonesta. It was fine but not amazing. Server was good but I felt rushed, like she’d rather turn the table over. Chef was nice and chatty. The condiment holder on the table needed a thorough cleaning
  23. katyholdener

    Dallas

    17 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on February 3, 2023

    overall2food3service2ambience4
    The char rockin oysters were delish, but everything else about our meal was pretty sub-par. The loaded French fries looked like they came from a frozen Costco bag and were reheated, and our raw oysters came room-temp without any ice. Service was all over the place. They were very sweet ladies that just seemed a little confused on who did what. It’s convenient to start your night here and end on bourbon, though! Just didn’t knock my socks off like I was hoping!
  24. OpenTable Diner

    Dallas

    7 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on January 13, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Alway’s good… one of my favorite’s in NO. Great service!
  25. OpenTable Diner

    Houston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Charbroiled oysters were amazing. Kiki the bartender was very friendly.
  26. Richard

    New York Area

    13 reviews

    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on January 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Good simple New Orleans food.
  27. Mish

    Orange County

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 28, 2022

    overall4food3service5ambience5
    Desire is right on Bourbon Street, so it's easy to find and before/after dinner there is lots of see. The staff was all so nice; we just wish that some of the food was a little tastier - I would say that this is really a 3.5 star rating. We had an 8:30 PM reservation on a Tuesday evening, but got there at 8 PM. They were quite busy and asked us to return at our scheduled time (which was totally okay with us!) but ended up being able to seat us about 5 minutes later. The host and our servers were all really nice. We ordered: Char Grilled Oysters The favor was good - they came out piping hot. However, 5 out of the 6 oysters that we got were sandy/contained shell. (This seemed to be the norm at most places, but not at the one "fancier" restaurant we went to.) Bummer. The Compromise (1/2 shrimp & 1/2 oyster po'boy) There was a TON of shrimp and oysters! I would say that the shrimp portion, especially, was pretty dry and lacked flavor. I'm not sure that the breading on the shrimps were flavored with any spices. I did end up adding hot sauce, but what it really needed was mayonnaise/sauce. The oyster portion was really tasty - the oysters were all plump and juicy, but again mayonnaise/sauce would have made it even better. The Creole Trio (red beans & rice, jambalaya, and gumbo) All of the items were GOOD. Like, solidly good. This gumbo was the kind with okra, which is fine. The rice and jambalaya had lots of meat in them - like lots! Overall, I'd say that the food was a solid 3 stars. The location and the people were great. Side note: They have a full bar and I wanted a drink, but I didn't want something super syrupy. I approached the not-busy bartender with, "Hi! I was wondering if you have anything a little bit sweet but not syrupy sweet." Her response was, "You should probably get a drink somewhere else." :-/ I assumed that meant, "You're annoying - please go away." But she could have just made me literally ANYTHING and put less juice in it. Oh well.
  28. BrookeM

    Las Vegas

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on December 28, 2022

    overall5food5service3ambience4
    Desire is excellent food, but if you don’t get a reservation you’re not gonna eat for hours. Get a reservation or don’t bother.
  29. yurifiaschi

    New York Area

    21 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on December 27, 2022

    overall5food3service3ambience3
    They were super disorganized but the staff was super nice and kind. Food is just ok…nothing special neither super tasteful
  30. Greatfoodandservice

    New Orleans

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on December 18, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Made last minute reservations at 9:45 because we were famished after the theater show. Food and service were excellent! Raw oysters were nice and salty. Scraped and ate every bit out of the charbroiled oyster shells. A little loud for a quiet date night (it is on Bourbon) if that is what you are wanting but just what we wanted for a wonderful meal and great service.
  31. OpenTable Diner

    Miami

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on December 18, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Gretchen our server was amazing! Johnathan the host was super friendly and nice! The chargrilled oysters were the best!
  32. PriscillaM

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    1.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on December 12, 2022

    overall1food2service1ambience2
    Terrible service, sent one thing back and one of the mains never showed up.
  33. KeisukeK

    New England

    3 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on December 11, 2022

    overall4food4service3ambience3
    It was busy and there were some miscommunication between us and their staff. But overall it was a good deal.
  34. DublinKH

    Columbus

    39 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    39 reviews

    Dined on December 6, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our waiter recommended to order one dozen each and we are glad we did!
  35. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 4, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We sat at the bar to watch the Big 10 Championship game (Go Blue 💙) our second year in a row and our bartender Kiki was the best! She took such great care of us and was great. She is like an old friend, fun and lively and made sure everything was perfect. The food and drinks were great.
  36. DougR

    San Francisco

    36 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    36 reviews

    Dined on November 24, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Food is always fabulous. The grilled oysters are the best in New Orleans. Gretchen our server was perfect. And the grill cooks were entertaining. A must-visit in NOLA.
  37. LakiaB

    Milwaukee

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 10, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My husband was in love with the oysters!
  38. OpenTable Diner

    Orlando

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 7, 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience5
    Got the order wrong twice.
  39. OpenTable Diner

    Alabama

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 6, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Robert was a fabulous waiter!! Food delish!
  40. LindaC

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 3, 2022

    overall3food3service5ambience5
    Service was great! No waiting to get a table at lunch. Ordered fried oysters which were a big disappointment- small and seemed dried out. My companion had fried shrimp which were also a disappointment - small and dried out. They allowed us to substitute a vegetable for the fries on the platter and the vegetables were good

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Sealed or wrapped utensils used
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
  • Physical distancing

    • Limited number of seated diners
    • Distancing maintained in common areas
    • Extra space between tables
  • Protective equipment

    • Waitstaff wear masks
    • Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
    • Proof of vaccination required to dine indoors

FAQs

Desire Oyster Bar offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (504) 553-2281.

Desire Oyster Bar is rated 4 stars by 247 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 12 times today
Google Map for Desire Oyster Bar

300 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70130

Additional information

  • Cross street

    Located at the corner of Bourbon and Bienville Streets

  • Neighborhood

    French Quarter

  • Hours of operation

    Breakfast Daily 7:00 am–11:00 am Lunch Daily 11:00 am–4:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm

  • Cuisines

    Oyster Bar, Seafood, Creole

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Dress code

    Casual Dress

  • Parking details

    Valet Parking is available at the main entrance at 777 Bienville Street.

  • Public transit

    Canal at Bourbon Street-BusRampart-Conti Streets-Streetcar

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Additional

    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

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