Julie Yancich-Beggs
Mother of Pearl is an absolute hidden gem in New Orleans—one of those rare finds that makes you feel like you’ve stumbled upon something truly special. From the moment we stepped inside, we were welcomed like friends, and that warmth carried through until we left, hearts full and spirits lifted after a meal prepared with love, soul, and creativity.
The service was nothing short of exceptional—attentive, detail-oriented, and seamlessly coordinated by a team that clearly works together like family. Our server, Jeff—a native New Orleanian and Katrina survivor, was an unforgettable part of the evening. He’s the kind of salt-of-the-earth person whose genuine energy and kindness radiate with every interaction.
Every dish felt like a work of art. Fresh ingredients, thoughtful curation, and flavor combinations that were completely on point. Highlights included the warm, delicious bread, a decadent mushroom appetizer, and the pepper jelly eggplant—a perfect balance of sweet heat and savory depth. We loved the playful nods to traditional Southern favorites mixed with inventive new delights.
The space itself is warm, inviting, and completely without pretension—a true reflection of NOLA’s spirit. The chefs’ infectious personalities and smiles effortlessly spilled over into the plates they crafted, creating a flawless culinary evening overflowing with food, love, and laughter.
I couldn’t recommend Mother of Pearl enough to anyone who wants to experience New Orleans at its finest. This place isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a celebration of everything that makes NOLA magical.
… moreMax Wyeth
A dear friend and I had a one of the best dinners of our lives here. Every dish was better than the next and each one was filled with so much flavor! Jeff and Walker were excellent servers and Shanon behind the bar made fantastic drinks. Can not wait to return!
SIX MONTHS LATER….
Made my return visit and the food and service (again Jeff was FANTASTIC) truly was even better the second time around. Can’t wait to to return a third time!
… moreDrew Crouse
Best porkchop thst I have ever had. The sesame bok chop was good. The burger and the fries were excellent. The duck gnocchi was excellent as well. The servers were great. Love this quaint little place.
… moreLance Nail
My wife, son and I were in from out of town and looking for a great place to have a nice dinner. Thanks to a Google search and 5 star reviews we found Mother of Pearl. The atmosphere is very comfortable, our waiter was exceptional, and the chef is superb. We had duck, quail, and a brisket burger, of which none disappointed. A must to try is the unique and delicious PB+Shrimp Toast appetizer. If and when we return to New Orleans we will eat here again. Thanks for making our evening special!
… moreCtgb2
Mother of Pearl felt like a hidden little gem in New Orleans. The atmosphere was stylish but relaxed, with a cozy, coastal vibe that made it easy to settle in and stay awhile.
The seafood tasted fresh and thoughtfully prepared, with bright flavors that didn’t overpower the ingredients. I especially appreciated the balance — nothing felt too heavy, which can be rare in this city. The cocktails were also well-crafted and complemented the food nicely.
Overall, it’s a charming spot that feels both modern and welcoming — a great place for a laid-back dinner with a touch of elegance.
… moreLouis and Elaine
Mother of Pearl is a really special restaurant. We went here with a large group, for a friend’s birthday. We had a great time at the bar before being seated. We ordered appetizers which were fabulous and unfortunately the power went out. The staff could not have handled it better. They brought desserts and wine and we had a fun and happy meal. Just great !! Will come again.
… moreMiller D
Checked out this hidden gem for coolinary month! 3 courses for $36 was a fantastic deal! Cocktails and food were delicious. My favorite items were the dill cracklins, shrimp gnocchi, and chocolate torte. I hope they open on Saturdays soon. Will be back!
… moreAmanda
The food was incredible!!! The portions were really generous for how delicious the food was, and the chefs & staff were so friendly! Will definitely come back again!
… moreChris Jones
The hidden gem of the Black Pearl! The hardest thing is narrowing down what to get. Make sure to go with a group (or just go several times). The menu changes seasonally, but some highlights we’ve had are: the PB&J Shrimp Toast, Truffle Mushroom Tartine, Porkchop Milanese. Oh, and the Burger and Rösti Fries are awesome! Never knew fries like that existed, and now they enter my dreams. Everything is at such an approachable price point as well. If I lived closer I’d be there every week.
… moreJennifer Ward
Husband and I loved dining here. Wonderful, personal service and absolutely delicious food. Good amount of food for the price. Amazing flavors, and you want to drink the sauces with a straw! Only suggestion would be making bread available to soak up all the leftover sauce!
… more