We had the best meal of the entire New Orleans weekend at Cafe Amelie. K&K walked around earlier in the day collecting ideas for dinner and came back with photos of menus on their phones from three places. From the menu and description we chose Cafe Amelie, knowing that if it didn’t work out the others weren’t far away. It was a Friday night and the restaurant said they couldn’t accept any more reservations, but we should come by and try to get in. When we arrived they were just turning away a party of six, so it didn’t look good. To our delight they said they could do four and put us on the list.

We grabbed a drink from the bar, their famous ‘Amelie’ cocktail (like a mojito, but without the fizz), and Sat on the benches in the courtyard. It was every bit of the 40 minute wait the host predicted, and to say it was worth it would be an understatement. The courtyard dining area was perfect - small, quiet, romantically lit. We had a long, leisurely meal with drinks, entree and dessert. No wonder the wait was so long, people stayed for hours!

If you know anyone going to New Orleans anytime soon, this is a must-recommend.

Cafe Amelie from Yahoo Local:

Located in the heart of the French Quarter inside the Princess of Monaco Carriage House & Courtyard, Cafe Amelie offers a welcome refuge from the busy streets. As the former home of Alice Heine, the first American Princess of Monaco, the courtyard and carriage house provide an exquisite, romantic dining atmosphere. The kitchen uses only fresh, local ingredients for its small, but mighty menu which captures the flavor of the city with its southern Creole and Cajun cuisine. Try the New Orleans Pan Fried Crab Cakes with citrus drizzle or the Creole Lamb Chops. Dinner can get pricey, but you get what you pay for in service and ambiance. Patrons can also enjoy live music on Friday and Saturday evenings.