Emeril’s Brasserie marks a significant addition to the newly renovated Caesars New Orleans Casino, seamlessly blending celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse’s vision of a French brasserie with a unique New Orleans flair. Part of the property’s multimillion-dollar rebranding transformation from Harrah’s New Orleans to Caesars New Orleans, the 8,000-square-foot restaurant includes a kitchen, coffee bar, and outdoor patio. The restaurant offers full-service breakfast, lunch, and dinner dining options, as well as a fast-casual coffee shop and bakery called the Petite Brasserie. The project reached completion in November 2023.
Emeril’s Brasserie is Chef Emeril’s first restaurant in partnership with Caesars Entertainment, solidifying both the chef’s and Caesars’ commitment to revitalizing and reinvesting in The Big Easy. Replacing former fast-casual eateries like Fuddruckers and Starbucks at the casino's Canal Street end, its strategic location and direct entrance make it the first eatery accessible to customers under 21 at the casino—enhancing its appeal and accessibility.
The design intent was to create an immersive dining experience reflective of the vibrant culture of New Orleans and the refined aesthetics of a French brasserie. The space offers a luxurious dining room and an inviting outdoor patio, with an adjacent coffee shop and bakery, Petite Brasserie, providing quick-service options accessible from the casino floor. The restaurant’s design is characterized by a sophisticated palette of gold, camel, and beige tones, and rich emerald green accents. With a total cover of 250, the space accommodates 170 guests, with two private dining rooms for 25 guests each, and features a glowing scalloped and emerald-toned bar that seats 30. Key design features include branded wine window arches offering views into the kitchen, chandeliers in the main dining room mimicking the flicker of light in the sky, and custom elements such as oval booths, rattan-backed dining chairs, and a sculptural scallop soffit element framing the double-sided bar.
Guests are welcomed into the restaurant through a grand entry rotunda, greeted by a host at a brass-lined stand beneath an illuminated niche featuring Emeril's signed chef coat. The main dining area is subtly divided by a French-inspired arched shelving display, with a three-arched window wine display offering glimpses into the kitchen. A chef’s counter provides a unique dining experience with a direct view into the kitchen. The restaurant features two private dining rooms: one offering privacy with barn doors and drapery, and another facing Canal Street, providing views of the trolleys and the hustle and bustle coming from the famed French Quarter. The double-sided bar connects the restaurant to the gaming floor—bringing the energy of the casino floor in, much like sitting at an outdoor café while the busy Parisian streets pass on by.
Chef Emeril wanted this space to be a reflection of his culinary journey coupled with his French training and a celebration of his deep-rooted connection to New Orleans. The gallery wall in the main dining area captures Chef Emeril’s illustrious career and pays homage to key figures throughout his life, including his mother and Julia Child. It features a photo of him taking over the Commander’s Palace kitchen at 23 years old. Julia Child is with him in one photo, and his son E.J. appears in another. Personal and curated art pieces adorn the walls of both private dining rooms and the front entrance, showcasing his signature chef’s coat and even a handwritten recipe card for one of the chef’s featured items on the restaurant’s menu. A meaningful request from Chef Emeril was that the gallery wall be designed to evoke the emotional and fulfilling journey he experienced.
A major challenge was ensuring the restaurant’s accessibility to all ages, necessitating careful planning of the main entry location before the casino’s security kiosk. This strategic placement not only addressed the security concern but also provided an iconic entry point, enhancing the guest experience from the moment they arrive.
Emeril’s Brasserie at Caesars New Orleans is a testament to thoughtful design and meticulous craftsmanship, blending sophisticated French brasserie elements with the vibrant culture of New Orleans. Through collaborative efforts and a clear vision, the project has successfully created a unique dining destination that honors Chef Emeril’s legacy and enhances the guest experience at Caesars New Orleans.
