Press & Recognition
Celebrating our cuisine, wine & hospitality.
From our award-winning wine program to recognition by respected travel and dining publications, The Italian Barrel is proud to be part of New Orleans’ extraordinary culinary community. Explore some of the publications and organizations that have recognized our restaurant, cuisine, and hospitality.
Current Recognition & Features
Award of Excellence
Recipient of the 2026 Wine Spectator Award of Excellence.
Diners’ Choice
Recognized among OpenTable diners’ favorite Italian restaurants in New Orleans.
Recognition: October 2026
#3 – 10 Best Italian Restaurants in Louisiana | TravelMag (2026)
TravelMag ranked The Italian Barrel #3 among the 10 Best Italian Restaurants in Louisiana, recognizing its intimate French Quarter setting, Northern Italian cuisine, and distinctive approach to Italian dining.
“After several louder Louisiana Italian institutions, this one feels almost conspiratorial.”
— Dane Ashford, TravelMag
An editorial nod from across Louisiana
The Italian Barrel was included at No. 3 in TravelMag’s September 2026 list of 10 Italian restaurants across Louisiana.
A Louisiana hidden gem
Featured in TravelMag’s August 2026 guide to 12 under-the-radar Italian restaurants across Louisiana.
Among the city’s Italian dining favorites
Included in New Orleans & Company’s guide to the Best Italian Restaurants in New Orleans.
Featured by Eater New Orleans
Included in Eater New Orleans’s guide to the Best Italian Restaurants in New Orleans.
Truffle ravioli in the spotlight
The Italian Barrel’s truffle ravioli was selected for New Orleans & Company’s 24 Dishes to Eat in 2024.
Diners’ Choice
Recognized among OpenTable diners’ favorite Italian restaurants in New Orleans.
Recognition: October 2026
From Our History
The Italian Barrel’s story began long before Lori and Kevin Cates acquired the restaurant in April 2025.
These selected accolades celebrate its earlier chapters and were earned before their ownership.
Best of Dining
Named Continental Italian Restaurant of the Year in New Orleans Magazine’s 2012 Best of Dining.
Tops of the Town
Tied for No. 2 Favorite Italian Restaurant in New Orleans Magazine’s 2013 Tops of the Town readers’ poll.
Community & Events
Best of Dining
The Italian Barrel co-owner Kevin Cates joined Carla Pesono on FOX 8’s NOLA Now to preview the inaugural Taste of Italy. The Italian Barrel was proud to sponsor this celebration of Italian food, culture, and community in New Orleans.
Tops of the Town
Tied for No. 2 Favorite Italian Restaurant in New Orleans Magazine’s 2013 Tops of the Town readers’ poll.
People & Community
Marcos Lopez
NOCHI’s Fall 2026 cohort profile shares the story of Marcos Lopez, the anchor of The Italian Barrel’s kitchen, and his journey from dishwasher to kitchen manager during more than six years at the restaurant. The Italian Barrel is also funding his culinary education at NOCHI as part of its commitment to developing talent from within.
Tops of the Town
Tied for No. 2 Favorite Italian Restaurant in New Orleans Magazine’s 2013 Tops of the Town readers’ poll.
Food Creators & Local Recommendations
Eating With Cait Visits The Italian Barrel
After stopping by our booth at Taste of Italy, New Orleans food creator Caitlin Minshew, known as Eating With Cait, visited The Italian Barrel independently and shared a video featuring our ravioli.
Her visit and video were unsolicited and uncompensated. We’re grateful to be part of her exploration of New Orleans dining.
Video credit: Eating With Cait (Caitlin Minshew). Watch on Facebook.
Tops of the Town
Tied for No. 2 Favorite Italian Restaurant in New Orleans Magazine’s 2013 Tops of the Town readers’ poll.