Miss River Restaurant

Miss River, located on the first floor of the Four Seasons Hotel in downtown New Orleans, offers a remarkable blend of casual elegance and Southern charm. The hotel is also home to the Chandelier Bar on the same floor and another restaurant, Chemin à la Mer, located on the 5th floor. Having previously visited both Chemin à la Mer and the Chandelier Bar, this was my first time experiencing Miss River restaurant New Orleans, and it did not disappoint.

Miss River Sunday Brunch

Miss River exudes a refined yet relaxed vibe, perfect for a leisurely Sunday brunch. The interior felt elegant but casual, with no strict dress code in place, at least not for the Sunday brunch we attended. We arrived dressed casually and had no issues being seated promptly. Despite the Saints game happening nearby in downtown New Orleans, the restaurant was steady but not overcrowded. We were seated quickly, which made for a smooth start to our meal.

Our server, Michael, deserves a special mention. I typically don’t go out of my way to praise servers unless the service is exceptional, but Michael went above and beyond. He made sure we had everything we needed and created a genuinely great experience for us.

The Jazz Brunch

We chose to attend what might be considered the best Sunday jazz brunch New Orleans has to offer, and it certainly lived up to expectations. Miss River’s signature jazz brunch features live jazz music every Saturday and Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and during our visit, the musicians delivered a fantastic performance. Although the band was small, with just two talented guitarists, the music they produced was impressive and captivating. Each strum of the guitar strings brought a soothing yet lively vibe to the room, creating an atmosphere that felt intimate and distinctly New Orleans.

The duo effortlessly filled the space with smooth, melodic riffs, blending upbeat rhythms with a laid-back charm. The simplicity of the two guitars worked perfectly in the setting, offering a more personal and relaxed musical experience that complemented the elegance of the brunch. The music was never overpowering, but it enriched the entire dining experience, making it feel special and unique. Whether you’re a jazz enthusiast or just someone who enjoys live music, this is a treat you won’t want to miss. Miss River’s jazz brunch truly embraces the heart and soul of New Orleans, making it an unforgettable addition to your meal.

Miss River Menu: Brunch with a Twist

Miss River New Orleans menu offers a brunch course option, which is where we decided to order from. The course menu lets you pick from a variety of options, starting with cocktail service where you can choose from a Bloody Mary, mimosa, espresso martini, milk punch, or opt for their unique table-side spritz cart. One thing I appreciated was how they make many of the cocktails right at your table, adding an extra touch of elegance to the experience.

For appetizers, we had plenty of tempting choices, but ultimately, we went with the deviled eggs and the best stop boudin. Both are standout dishes on the Miss River restaurant New Orleans menu.

The deviled eggs came topped with paddlefish caviar. Now, I’m a huge fan of deviled eggs and could eat them endlessly, but I’m not much of a fan of caviar. However, I decided to give them a try, and while the deviled eggs were great as expected, the caviar didn’t really enhance the dish for me. That said, if you enjoy caviar, I would recommend them, but I personally could have done without it. The dish came with only two eggs, and I wouldn’t have minded a few more considering how much I enjoy them.

The boudin sausage, on the other hand, was outstanding. The sausage was moist, seasoned to perfection, and very flavorful. As someone who enjoys cooking boudin at home, I can be a tough critic, but I must say, Miss River’s version could easily compete with my own. It was perfectly spiced, capturing the essence of this Louisiana staple.

For those unfamiliar, boudin is a beloved dish throughout Louisiana, especially among locals who appreciate its blend of rice, pork, and seasonings. It’s more than just sausage—it’s a cultural favorite, often found at local markets, festivals, and family gatherings. In many parts of the state, people grow up eating boudin, and it holds a special place in their hearts and on their tables. The fact that Miss River serves such an excellent version only adds to its appeal for locals and visitors alike. The dish came with a side of mustard, but since mustard isn’t one of my favorite condiments, I skipped it. However, if that’s your preference, I’m sure it would complement the boudin nicely, adding a tangy kick to the rich, savory flavors. For anyone looking to try authentic Louisiana cuisine, this boudin is a must-try, embodying the flavors that make the region’s food so unique and cherished.

The Bloody Mary Bar and Cocktails

Miss River also has a Bloody Mary bar where you can craft your own cocktail. My companion decided to try it, and while I’m not a huge Bloody Mary fan, she enjoyed hers. I gave it a sip and found it decent, but not quite to my taste. I opted instead for one of my go-to cocktails, an Old Fashioned. Miss River serves a version called the Port City Old Fashioned, made with local rums and fig, giving it a distinct New Orleans twist. I’ve had my fair share of Old Fashioneds, and this one was certainly one of the better ones. If you’re browsing the Miss River New Orleans menu, I’d definitely recommend this drink.

Miss River New Orleans Main Courses

For my main course, I went with the shrimp and grits—one of my all-time favorite dishes. Shrimp and grits can be hit or miss depending on where you go, but Miss River definitely got it right. The dish was perfectly seasoned with a great balance of flavors, and the portion size was just right. The grits were creamy, and the shrimp were plentiful and cooked to perfection. The dish is served with Anson Mills corn grits, Poche’s andouille sausage, chives, and butter. The addition of the andouille made this a standout dish, and it’s easily one of the highlights of the restaurant’s menu.

My companion chose the Filet Mignon Tournedos, which came with dauphinoise potatoes, blistered cherry tomatoes, poached eggs, and béarnaise sauce. The steak was cooked medium and was incredibly tender and flavorful. Naturally, I had to taste it as well, and I was impressed by how well-prepared it was. The poached egg and béarnaise sauce added a rich, unique flavor that paired beautifully with the steak. It was a delightful dish and a standout on the Miss River restaurant New Orleans brunch menu.

The prices at Miss River are consistent with what you’d expect from a high-end restaurant in downtown New Orleans, especially one located inside the Four Seasons Hotel. However, I did find it rather pricey at $152.00 for the two meals, not including the drinks we had. While it’s certainly not an everyday dining option for most, the quality of food, the service, and the unique jazz brunch experience make it well worth the cost. For those in search of the best Sunday jazz brunch New Orleans has to offer, Miss River is definitely a contender.

After finishing our meal, we took advantage of Miss River’s proximity to the French Quarter and headed there to enjoy the rest of our afternoon. We topped off our day with a visit to Café Du Monde for beignets and coffee, a perfect complement to our elegant brunch. It’s hard to beat a day that starts with Southern flavors and ends with the timeless charm of the French Quarter.

Miss River offers an exceptional brunch experience with a touch of Southern elegance. Whether you’re a local or visiting from out of town, I highly recommend stopping by Miss River for a memorable Sunday brunch. The jazz music, friendly service, and delicious menu options make it a standout spot for those looking for a relaxed yet upscale dining experience in New Orleans.

Miss River Restaurant Address and Hours

• Address: 2 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70130

• Phone Number: (504) 434-5701

• Hours:

• Lunch: Weekdays from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM

• Dinner: Daily from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM

• Brunch: Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Miss River is located inside the Four Seasons Hotel and offers a refined yet welcoming dining experience, with a Southern-inspired menu curated by Chef Alon Shaya. Make Reservations at Miss River

If you’re looking for other great spots in the area, Copper Vine offers a laid-back wine bar atmosphere in downtown New Orleans, perfect for a more casual dining experience. It’s a great complement to the refined vibe of Miss River, making both restaurants standouts in the city’s dynamic food scene.