Our Take: There’s a reason why Brigtsen’s has been rated one of the top restaurants in the city for decades – and that’s because they do everything right. From impeccable food, to cozy dining rooms, to attentive and personal attention, Brigtsen’s doesn’t miss a trick. The hostess greets guest as if they’re long last family and double checks after seating that all is as it should be. The wait staff radiates a love of their work and know the menu beyond memorization. And then there’s the cuisine. Frank Brigtsen has been honing his skills for over 30 years in this Mid-City cottage, and his attention to detail and authenticity shows. A shrimp and butternut squash bisque has been on the menu for years and it should stay for many more as it marries Louisiana seafood with French refinement. Gumbos are also featured and change with the seasons. Chef Brigtsen summarized his attitude on his cuisine in a late 2023 article in Nola.com where he said, “It’s important to me that each plate, especially the real New Orleans plates – the remoulade, the meuniere, the gumbo – convey the rich history of my culture and what New Orleans means.” Brigtsen’s is often cited as a place to go for special occasions. That’s a shame because life is too short to postpone visits to this gem.