We went around 1 on a Friday afternoon, so the lunch crowd had already disbursed. Service was quick and courteous. Atmosphere was quiet, but the decor was festive. Restaurant was quite clean and comfortable. We came based on the great reviews and the close proximity to our hotel. The location was unassuming (don’t miss it!) what we found was a gem that definitely should not be overlooked. All the reviews were not fake. We spent $100 which included 1 appetizer (ceviche negro our least favorite because one of us does not do spicy) and 3 tapas (we had one plate we took to go), 1 beer, 1 wine, and 20% tip. The best was the crawfish queso, which we put on our pork arripas. It was the perfect blend of creamy and savory (I was tempted to lick the bowl!) the empanadas we took to go. We will definitely return and highly recommend!
Overview
If you’re ever in New Orleans and craving a meal that’s both vibrant and comforting, Bésame on 110 S Rampart St, New Orleans, LA 70112, is the spot you need to check out. A favorite among locals and tourists alike, this trendy diner blends delicious food with a welcoming atmosphere that’s hard to beat. Whether you're a regular or a first-time visitor, you’ll quickly understand why it’s become such a beloved gem in the city.
Upon entering Bésame, you’re immediately greeted by an eclectic mix of modern charm and Southern flair. The ambiance, casual yet stylish, invites you to unwind and savor every moment of your meal. The friendly staff adds a warm touch, making sure that your dining experience is memorable from start to finish. The focus at Bésame is not only on offering great food but also on creating an environment where you can enjoy your meal in comfort and style.
The menu at Bésame reflects the rich culinary heritage of New Orleans while adding modern twists to classic dishes. You’ll find a variety of options ranging from hearty breakfast items to flavorful lunch and dinner choices. One standout dish that you shouldn’t miss is their signature shrimp and grits. It’s a perfect combination of plump shrimp, creamy grits, and just the right balance of spices that will make you want to come back for more. Each dish is thoughtfully prepared, showcasing the creativity of the chefs without compromising on flavor or quality.
In addition to their well-curated menu, Bésame offers a fantastic selection of drinks. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic cocktail or a refreshing non-alcoholic beverage, there’s something for everyone. Try their signature cocktail, a twist on the traditional Hurricane, if you're looking to sample something special that captures the essence of New Orleans in a glass.
Bésame’s location on Rampart Street makes it a great choice for anyone exploring the historic neighborhoods of New Orleans. After enjoying a great meal, you can take a leisurely stroll around the area, soaking in the local culture. The restaurant is conveniently situated near some of the city’s key landmarks, so it’s the perfect pit stop for both tourists and locals.
While the food and drink are top-notch, what really sets Bésame apart is the sense of community. The restaurant doesn’t just serve great food-it creates a space where people gather to enjoy not only a meal but also the unique New Orleans atmosphere. It's a place where you can spend hours chatting with friends over good food or celebrating a special occasion.
The reviews speak for themselves. Regular patrons rave about the consistency of the food and the friendliness of the staff. Whether you're there for a quick bite or a leisurely evening, Bésame doesn’t disappoint. If you’re looking for a place where you can relax and enjoy an authentic New Orleans experience, look no further than this charming diner.
In terms of the overall dining experience, Bésame manages to hit all the right notes. From its inviting ambiance and attentive service to its delicious menu offerings, it’s easy to see why this restaurant has earned a loyal following. With each visit, you’ll find yourself coming back for the food, the atmosphere, and the sense of community that makes Bésame feel like a home away from home.
For those who are particularly passionate about food and love to explore new dining spots, Bésame is a must-try. It’s the kind of place that offers more than just a meal; it provides an experience that is sure to stay with you long after you’ve left. So, next time you're in New Orleans, make sure to stop by Bésame on Rampart Street.
Good to know
From the business
✓ Identifies as Latino-ownedService options
✓ Kerbside pickup ✓ Delivery ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-inHighlights
✓ Fast service ✓ Great cocktails ✓ Great wine listPopular for
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ Beer ✓ Cocktails ✓ Coffee ✓ Comfort food ✓ Happy-hour drinks ✓ Healthy options ✓ Small plates ✓ Spirits ✓ WineDining options
✓ Breakfast ✓ Brunch ✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Dessert ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ Bar on site ✓ Gender-neutral toilets ✓ ToiletAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ Cosy ✓ TrendyCrowd
✓ Groups ✓ TouristsPlanning
✓ Reservations required ✓ Dinner reservations recommended ✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsParking
✓ Paid parking lot ✓ Paid street parking ✓ ParkingPhotos
Location
Reviews
This restaurant is a must. We came here as it was only a 8 minute walk from our hotel. Ambiance is super cute and cozy. Service was great. Our waitress was attentive and the drinks and food came out quickly. So to the yummy stuff. All that we preferred we loved. Churrasco with batata bravas Mofongo with steak The steak was so moist and tender For dessert because we came for my mom’s birthday was the Coconut flan which was light and delicious. Highly recommend this spot.
We came to this place last night and it was really good but we were kind of in a hurry. Had the crayfish queso which was delicious and one of the ceviches which was good. I only felt the shrimp was too big in the ceviche. Oh and the flan was amazing! Anyway there were other things on the menu I wanted to try so we came back. O.M.G. the arepas. Soooooo good. Crunchy perfect little slices of Mesa and juicy greasy delicious pork with crunchy cabbage and red onions. My husband had the paella and said it was amazing too but I didn't have room to really try it. Don't forget to get the homemade hot sauce! We are gonna come back a 3rd time before we leave NOLA.
Love the atmosphere of the restaurant. We went on a Sunday afternoon after a show at the Saenger - it was steady but not packed. We made reservations but would probably not have been needed at this time of day. Service was friendly and efficient. Ordered Tuna ceviche as an appetizer and also got pork arepas, and shrimp mofongo. All were delicious. Cocktails also very good.
This is probably the best meal we had in New Orleans. The place is rather unassuming but we really like the vibe and the decoration. It's a wonderful fusion of Latin and Creole dishes in perfect harmony. We ordered the Peruvian ceviche and followed with the Churasco and the Crispy cauliflower. Everything is on point in taste and well balanced. Highly recommended.
This food at this place was phenomenal! We ate here before a show at the Saenger Theater. We got an assortment of tapas and cocktails, and they made vegetarian arepas off the menu for us. The service was top notch as well. I would eat here again in a heartbeat. My only complaint is that the chairs are very uncomfortable- the metal bars dug into the sides of my hips. (I am 5’5” and 160 lbs.) I had to borrow an extra seat cushion to put behind me which helped, but I still had mild bruises the next day. Keep that in mind if you have wide hips like me.
The Paella here is the closest you can get without going to Spain! Empanadas were equally amazing. Brilliant staff and cozy interiors
Honestly one of the best meals I’ve ever had. Everything we ate here was balanced and perfectly prepared. All of our dishes were excellent, not a singular miss. For starters we ordered the chips and guac and pork arepas (two come in an order). The guacamole was everything I want in guac, minimal ingredients and fresh. Even the tortilla chips were about the best I’ve eaten. The pork arepas were great. For our main dishes we got the fish and grits and the shrimp mofongo. The shrimp mofongo was fantastic with Mexican spiced shrimp on a plantain mash that was delicious, not a Puerto Rican style mofongo but still delicious. However the fish and grits was an absolute highlight. A Mexican creole fusion with smoky notes from the Chili’s and a creamy grits that almost felt like a guacamole. For drinks I recommend the Aztec old fashioned, if you want a little twist on a classic. Highly recommended.