About Us
everything felt so well thought out."
Tucked away at the quiet edge of the French Quarter, The Italian Barrel is a New Orleans classic known for its romantic ambiance, heartfelt hospitality, and refined Northern Italian cuisine. Whether you’re visiting for a special occasion or simply savoring a leisurely lunch, you’ll find timeless charm and unforgettable flavor in every detail.
Our Philosophy
At The Italian Barrel, we invite you to slow down and savor — a philosophy rooted in the Slow Food traditions of Northern Italy. Located at the quiet edge of New Orleans’ French Quarter, our romantic dining room and warmly lit sidewalk tables offer a timeless escape where conversation lingers and every detail is intentional.
Our dishes reflect the depth and elegance of Northern Italian cuisine: seasonal, refined, and crafted with premium imported ingredients. Whether it’s a long lunch, afternoon aperitivo, or candlelit dinner, we believe in creating an experience that stays with you.
Lori & Kevin Cates:
Our Story
We first came to The Italian Barrel because Kevin missed his mother’s Northern Italian cooking. As a first-generation Italian American with deep family roots in Friuli, he was immediately struck by the authenticity of the food and the warmth of the atmosphere. We fell in love with the restaurant and got engaged here not long after.
Over the years, we became regulars and close friends with Chef Samantha Castagnetti. So when the opportunity arose to preserve the place we cherished, we didn’t hesitate. Today, we bring our experience as owners of the award-winning Teddy Wong’s Dumplings & Wine to enhance the guest experience, while honoring the spirit of The Italian Barrel.
Chef Samantha Castagnetti
Born and raised in Italy, Chef Sam founded The Italian Barrel in 2008 and has remained its culinary soul ever since. Her passion for authentic Northern Italian cuisine — and her insistence on top-quality ingredients — continue to shape every dish.
Today, she works closely with the kitchen team, ensuring her signature recipes and seasonal specials stay true to their origins, while allowing room for growth and refinement.
Meet the Front of House Team
Hospitality is a team effort — and we’re proud to have some of the best in the French Quarter. General Manager Sierra Henriques leads with care and calm. Beverage and Bar Manager Dan curates our Italian wine list and craft cocktails. You’ll often be warmly welcomed by Khaled, Cade, Ali, or David, who make guests feel like family.
Their kindness, energy, and professionalism are among the most mentioned things in our 5-star reviews — and part of what keeps guests coming back time and again.
In the Kitchen
Behind the scenes, our kitchen is led by Chef Tzarine, whose passion and creativity shape every dish we serve. She’s supported by Kitchen Manager Marcos and a close-knit team — Dillon, Brandon, Troy, Redmond, and Mike — whose talent and heart make The Italian Barrel what it is today.
From morning prep to the final plate of the night, their care, craft, and love for Northern Italian cuisine shine through. Using seasonal ingredients and timeless techniques, they cook not just for the plate, but for the guests who gather around our tables — creating the kind of meals that keep people coming back, time and again.
New York Times
Best Steak House Wine Lists
New York, NY
Business Insider
Best Steakhouses in America
Year 2021
Open Table
100 Best Steakhouses in America,
Las Vegas, NV
Trip Advisor
2020 Travelers' Choice
Best of the Best