Tradition and Atmosphere
In most American cities the last place you would look for a great restaurant is in your hotel. Not so in New Orleans, where the incomparable Begue's at the Royal Sonesta is one of the city's only 4 Diamond restaurants. It's often called New Orleans' best-kept secret, because the locals like to keep it to themselves. Walk in through the magnificent lobby of the Royal Sonesta Hotel at 300 Bourbon Street and make it your secret too.

An extension of our tropical courtyard, through the French doors, Begue's carries a floral motif throughout the restaurant. Comfortable seating, intimate and well-spaced tables, classical music, and our superb Creole/French cuisine and impeccable service will make your dining experience one to remember.

Madame Begue's History
The tradition of the grand New Orleans breakfast, which is often thought to be the origin of Brunch, began at Madame Begue's original restaurant. It all started when the Cotton Centennial Exposition was held in New Orleans in 1884.

In 1853 a young German girl named Elizabeth Kettering came to New Orleans. She married a young butcher named Louis Dutrey and they opened a restaurant under his name. After his death, she remarried the man who tended bar in Dutrey's, Hippolyte Begue, and they changed the name of the restaurant to Begue's.  They served only one meal a day, breakfast at 11am, a convenient time for those who had worked since before dawn at the French Market and on the docks.

In 1884 tourists who came to the Cotton Centennial discovered the elaborate, many-course breakfast and the New Orleans tradition of the lavish late breakfast was born - a tradition that was to give rise to the concept of brunch. Many years after Madame Begue's death, in 1914, her daughter sold the family restaurant. It wasn't until the Royal Sonesta Hotel opened its doors in 1969 that the remarkable restaurant was resurrected.

In honor of Madame Begue, a spoon from her original restaurant hangs in the entrance. Today, renowned for its superb contemporary French and Creole cuisine prepared under the direction of our culinary team, Begue's overlooks a lush tropical courtyard in the Royal Sonesta Hotel.

The restaurant features the Sunday Champagne Brunch Buffet, a fitting tribute to Madame Hippolyte Begue, who started it all. Brunch is $43.00 per person for adults and $21.99 per person for children ages 5 to 12.

Breakfast:
Monday - Saturday 6:30 am to 11:30 am
Sunday  6:30 am to 10:30 am

Lunch:
Monday - Saturday 11:30 noon to 2:00 pm

Sunday Champagne Brunch served from 10:30 am to 2:00 pm

For reservations, please call 504.553.2278 or 504.553.2271