Restaurant: Dante’s Kitchen
Grade: A
Cuisine: American
Price Range: $9-$12
Address: 736 Dante St.
Phone: (504) 861-3121
Website: danteskitchen.com

Don’t let the long line formed outside or the fact that you can’t make a reservation keep you from enjoying one of New Orleans’s best kept secrets. The only reason there is a line is because people want to get in before the doors even open.

Dante’s Kitchen, a cozy bohemian mom and pop restaurant, located Uptown, off the beaten path, is a perfect choice for Sunday brunch. The bright colorful walls, original artwork and soulful reggae music playing sets the tone for a delicious dining experience.

A surprise spin is put on the traditional eggs Benedict that are served over a house made buttermilk biscuit drizzled with honey.  Instead of a plain old slice of ham, a pork loin is rubbed with roasted rosemary.  You can also create your own entree with breakfast staples like creamy buttery stone ground grits and apple smoked bacon.  If you want a more healthy selection, get the fruit plate made with plump juicy local seasonal fruit, like strawberries.

The tasty dishes are affordable and range from $9-$12.  At those prices, you can afford to treat yourself often.  The mimosa’s are made per order with fresh squeezed orange juice poured from its fully stocked bar.  The servers are personable thoughtful attentive and naturally friendly.  In fact, Dante’s is so casual and laid-back that they wear their own funky clothes as uniforms.  Outdoor seating is also an option on the flowery umbrella shaded patio.

Getting up on a lazy Sunday morning and standing in line for eggs is well worth it for a lovely brunch at Dante’s.  Its American food with a gourmet New Orleans twist that will meet the three expectations you look for most when eating out, great ambiance, impeccable service and yummy food.