Compère Lapin (kom-pare la-pan) is French for "brother rabbit", a mischievous rabbit character from traditional Caribbean and Creole folk tales that Chef Nina Compton grew up reading in St. Lucia. The name fits. This restaurant plays with flavors you think you know and transforms them into something you have never experienced quite like this before.
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Compère Lapin
Compère Lapin, located inside of the Old 77 Hotel, is the perfect mix of Caribbean spice with local Gulf Coast delicacies.
Chef Nina Compton has created a space that you want to spend time in. The restaurant is a well-oiled machine with a staff that works in tandem with the kitchen to create a dining experience you won't forget.
From the moment you talk with the hostess to the time your meal is done, every minute of your food journey is mapped out for you to enjoy a delightful meal with unbelievable flavor and nuance.
The Compère Lapin menu is not extensive, but every dish has been created with attention to detail and flavor. I highly suggest starting with the buttermilk biscuits to get a taste of how your evening will progress.
When we ordered the buttermilk biscuits, we figured they would be a basic biscuit with some honey butter and bacon butter that would keep us entertained until our first course arrived.
After we took a bite of the biscuits for the 1st time my husband and I looked at each other and smiled knowing we were in for a dinner that would be a flavor experience.
When a chef can make a basic buttermilk biscuit, a moment you want to close your eyes and savor, you know that the meal is going to be delicious.
Every course continued to bring flavor that had us savoring each bite. The tomato and peach salad with coconut dressing and crispy shallots is the perfect light salad with an abundance of flavor.
The jerk pork belly was cooked to perfection. It was easily cut through with a fork.
When we checked in at the hostess desk, the manager told us about the Ital Stew and how it was a vegan stew you wouldn't believe is vegan.
The Ital Stew has a deep, brothy flavor that makes you feel warm from the inside out. It would be perfect for a chilly evening when you want to warm up and savor delicious flavors. The chive roti is the perfect accompaniment to the stew.
My husband had the curried goat with sweet potato gnocchi after Ryan, our server, told him it was unbelievable. John had never tried goat before and was a bit nervous, but up for trying something new.
After the first few bites, John thanked Ryan for sharing his passion for the goat stew and said that it was amazing.
For dessert, we both chose the Mango Creme Brule with coconut and berries. I would drive back to New Orleans for this crème brûlée. It was the perfect blend of mango creaminess with the bite of the berries.
Indoor Seating
The dining room at Compère Lapin reflects the building's history as a coffee warehouse, warm, rustic, and comfortable. Exposed brick walls, mosaic tile floors, and dim lighting create a setting that works equally well for a date night, a celebration, or a solo dinner at the bar. Tables are spread well enough to feel private.
Indoor Bar
The bar at Compère Lapin is a destination on its own. Full dinner service is available at the bar, and the cocktail program is as thoughtful as the food menu. Caribbean spirits, local beers, and a well-chosen wine list make this a place worth spending time at.
Compère Lapin Menu
The menu at Compère Lapin is intentionally concise. Every item is there for a reason. The menu changes regularly but always carries the same focus on Caribbean flavors and Gulf specialties.
Dinner Menu
Small Bites
- Buttermilk Biscuits / Honey Butter / Bacon Butter (2 per order) - SO GOOD!
- Jalapeño and Scallion Hushpuppies / Cilantro Crema
- Blackened Pig Ears / Smoked Aioli
First Course
- Tuna Crudo / Coconut / Peanuts
- Roasted Gulf Shrimp / Calabrian Chili Butter
- Local Greens Salad / Crispy Yams / Soft Herbs (gf, v*)
- Jerk Pork Belly / Plantain Crema / Tamarind Jus
- Smoked Fish Dip / Tostones / Pickles
- Snapper Collar / Fish Caramel / Jerk Peanuts (contains nuts)
Second Course
- Snapper / Jamaican Pepperpot / Local Vegetables (gf)
- Curried Goat / Sweet Potato Gnocchi / Cashews (contains nuts)
- Fried Chicken / Jerk Honey Butter / Coconut Grits / Peanuts (contains nuts, soy)
- Ital Stew / Cauliflower / Chive Roti (vegan upon request)
- Semolina Dumplings / Gulf Shrimp / Run Down Sauce / Soft Herbs
Brunch Menu (Sunday 10:30 AM to 2:00 PM)
First Course
- Buttermilk Biscuits / Whipped Ricotta / Blueberry Jam
- Tater Tots / Crème Fraiche / Paddlefish Roe
- Housemade Granola / Yogurt / Berries (gf)
- Smoked Fish Dip / Tostones / Pickled Jalapeños
- Tuna Bagel / Calabrian Cream Cheese / Avocado
Brunch Entrees
- Semolina Dumplings / Goat Bolognese / Whipped Ricotta
- Hot Fire Chicken / Biscuits / Pickles
- Banana and Chocolate French Toast / Rum Caramel (contains nuts)
- Gulf Shrimp and Coconut Grits / Sauce Creole (gf)
- Roasted Pork Belly Hash / Sunny Side Up Egg
Dessert
- Mango Crème Brûlée / Coconut / Berries
- Banana Bread Pudding / Rum Caramel / Apple Curd
- Daily Selection of Ice Cream and Sorbet
Coffee and Tea
Espresso, Americano, Macchiato, Cortado, Cappuccino, Latte, Cold Brew, Café au Lait, Chai Latte, Tea Latte, Hot Tea, Coffee.
Gluten-Free - gluten-free options may include the Local Greens Salad, Snapper with Jamaican Pepperpot, Housemade Granola with Yogurt and Berries, Gulf Shrimp and Coconut Grits. Confirm with your server for the most current options
Vegan and Vegetarian - The Ital Stew with cauliflower and chive roti is vegan upon request and is one of the standout dishes on the menu - a deep, brothy stew that does not taste like it is missing anything. The Local Greens Salad is also vegan upon request. A coconut sorbet is available from the daily ice cream and sorbet selection. Confirm current vegan and vegetarian options with your server.
Why you will love Compère Lapin
- James Beard Award-winning Chef Nina Compton helming the kitchen
- One of the most decorated restaurants in New Orleans
- Caribbean and Creole flavors grounded in classical French and Italian technique
- Michelin Guide recognized
- Named one of OpenTable's Top 100 Hotel Restaurants in America for 2025
- Buttermilk biscuits that will set the tone for an excellent meal
- Ital Stew that converts everyone who tries it
- Curried Goat with sweet potato gnocchi - order it
- Mango Crème Brûlée worth the trip back to New Orleans on its own
- Strong spirit-free cocktail menu
- Chef Nina Compton's cookbook Kwéyòl / Creole available for purchase at the restaurant
Things to know when planning a visit to Compère Lapin
Address 535 Tchoupitoulas Street, New Orleans, Louisiana 70130 (located inside the Old No. 77 Hotel and Chandlery)
Phone - (504) 599-2119
Hours
- Brunch - Sunday 10:30 AM to 2:00 PM
- Dinner - Sunday through Thursday 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM
- Dinner - Friday and Saturday 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM
Please confirm with the restaurant to ensure that the hours have not changed.
Reservations - Highly recommended. Book online through the Compère Lapin website or call (504) 599-2119.
Accessibility - The restaurant is located on the main floor of the Old No. 77 Hotel with easy access through the lobby. There is space to move around within the restaurant.
Plus Size Seating - The chairs do not have arms and were comfortable.
Dress Code/Suggestions - Upscale casual to dressy. The restaurant has a relaxed but elevated atmosphere. This is not a t-shirt and flip flops situation, but it is also not white tablecloths. Think a nice dinner out.
Pets - Check with the restaurant for current pet policy.
Parking - Paid parking is available across the street from the Old No. 77 Hotel. Street parking is also available in the surrounding Warehouse Arts District. Rideshare recommended, especially on weekends.
New Orleans Restaurants and Attractions
Old No. 77 Hotel and Chandlery - Compère Lapin is located inside this boutique hotel in the Warehouse Arts District. A great place to stay if you plan to dine here.
Cafe Du Monde New Orleans - Beignets and chicory coffee in the French Quarter. A New Orleans non-negotiable.
The Sazerac House - Free attraction on Canal Street covering the history of the Sazerac cocktail.
Ruby Slipper New Orleans - Brunch born in New Orleans with six locations across the city. House-made buttermilk biscuit Benedicts, an award-winning Bloody Mary
Steamboat Natchez - A classic New Orleans experience on the Mississippi River.
The Carousel Bar at Hotel Monteleone - The famous rotating bar in the French Quarter.
Sucré New Orleans - Patisserie and sweets worth building a dessert stop around.
Gambino's Bakery - Home of the King of King Cakes.
Jean Lafitte Swamp Tour - Get out into the Louisiana bayou and see alligators and wildlife up close.
Best New Orleans Souvenirs - Everything worth bringing home from the Big Easy.
New Orleans Tours and Attractions
Mardi Gras World - Take a self-guided tour of this world-famous NOLA Attrraction. Buy Tickets HERE
Steamboat Natchez - Check out what it is like to cruise on the Mighty Mississippi River. Boat tour photos and info. Book tickets HERE
New Orleans Hop On Hop Off Bus - A great way to explore the city and see a ton of sites. Book tickets HERE
Ghost and Cemetery Tours - Join a spine-tingling adventure into the haunted streets of New Orleans. Check out tours HERE
Airbot Tours - This is one of our favorite activities in NOLA. Get out in the Bayou and see alligators and the swamp. Check out tours HERE
Click HERE to see all of the top rated tours and activities in New Orleans
New Orleans Lodging and Hotels
We have stayed at each of these New Orleans hotels and can personally recommend all of them. Here are our top picks for every type of trip:
🏨 Sheraton New Orleans - Located right on Canal Street, the Sheraton New Orleans puts you steps from the French Quarter, the streetcar, and everything the city has to offer. We have stayed here multiple times and love how easy it is to walk to everything. Don't miss the Blue Dog art collection by George Rodrigue throughout the hotel - it's one of our favorite surprises. Check Rates and Availability | Read Our Full Review
🏨 Hotel Monteleone - One of the most iconic hotels in New Orleans, sitting right in the heart of the French Quarter on Royal Street. The famous Carousel Bar rotates slowly while you sip your cocktail, and the history of the building is woven into every corner. A bucket list New Orleans stay. Check Rates and Availability | Read Our Full Review
🏨 The Ritz-Carlton New Orleans - Located on Canal Street at the edge of the French Quarter inside the historic 1908 Maison Blanche building. A full-service spa, the Davenport Lounge with live music, and one of the most elegant lobbies in the city. The splurge-worthy pick for a special occasion. Check Rates and Availability
🏨 The Saint Hotel New Orleans - One of our favorite hotels in the city for atmosphere and personality. The Saint has a rooftop pool, a great bar, and a style that feels very New Orleans without being a museum piece. A great pick for a girls trip, a birthday, or anyone who wants a hotel with some character. Check Rates and Availability | Read Our Full Review
🏨 Old No. 77 Hotel and Chandlery - A boutique hotel in the Warehouse Arts District inside a former coffee warehouse. This is where you stay if you want something that feels less like a chain and more like New Orleans itself. It is also home to Compère Lapin, Chef Nina Compton's James Beard Award-winning restaurant. Dinner is already handled. Check Rates and Availability | Read Our Full Review
🏨 Sheraton Metairie New Orleans - Our top pick if you are flying in and out of Louis Armstrong Airport or want to keep your nightly rate lower while still having easy access to downtown. About 8 miles from the French Quarter with a rooftop pool, renovated rooms, and Cajun-American dining on site. Check Rates and Availability | Read Our Full Review
🏨 Holiday Inn Express New Orleans Airport - The ideal pick if you need a convenient stay close to Louis Armstrong Airport without sacrificing comfort. A solid option for early flights, late arrivals, or keeping costs down on a longer trip. Check Rates and Availability | Read Our Full Review
The map below shows the current hotels and vacation rentals available in the area. You can select the dates you are visiting to see current availability.
The map below shows the current hotels and vacation rentals available in the area. You can select the dates you are visiting to see current availability.
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