Emeril Lagasse’s restaurant group has a new addition: Meril’s. It joins Emeril’s Delmonico, NOLA, and Emeril’s flagship restaurant but Meril’s may be my favorite of them all. The menu consists of many small tapas that are great for sharing so bring friends!
Front: LA Cajun Caviar. Market Potato Salad. Crème Fraiche. Parsley. Oil
Boudin Tamale. Roasted Tomatillo. Red Chile Sauce. Roasted Louisiana Oysters. Marrow. Hogs Head. Salsa Verde.
Steamed Mussels. Coconut Milk. Lime. Cilantro.
Point Judith Calamari. White Bean Purée. Lemon. Cerignola Olive.
Yellowfin Tuna Wraps. Jalapeño. Crunchy Noodles. Citrus.
Candied Pork Ribs. Five Spice.
Upside-Down Cornbread. Pineapple. House Bacon Marmalade.
Although we set a reservation, there was a bit of a wait. Meril’s is HOT and NEW so that was to be expected. Once you’re seated, you’re good to go! Noise level is a bit high and echo-ey so if you’re looking for a quiet romantic dinner, this may not be the restaurant for you. As for the menu, every bite leaves you wanting more (in a good way!). I’m not going to lie, there were a few dishes I really wish I had all to myself.
My friends and I really enjoyed the Steamed Mussels, Caviar, Tuna wraps, and the Spiced Short Ribs. Of all the dishes we ordered these were the table favorites! When there’s that many favorites among so many people, you know it’s good! Sharing the dishes with a table of 7 was such a tease…
What to LOVE: Small plates! My personal fave was the Caviar, but the other dishes were almost just as good. Amazing job in the Meril’s kitchen!
What NOT to love: We had to wait 20-30 minutes even though we set a reservation. Noise level. It’s not rowdy but it was pretty difficult to hold steady conversations without hearing “Excuse me? What did you say?!”.
Overall Rating: 4.5/5 spoons
Food: 5/5 spoons
Service: 4/5