Herbsaint

The story

Herbsaint – New Orleans | Chef Donald Link's French-Southern Bistro on St. Charles

Since 2000, Herbsaint has anchored the corner of St. Charles Avenue as the flagship of the Link Restaurant Group. Chef Donald Link, a Louisiana native whose cooking is rooted in the Cajun and Southern food of his grandparents, opened the restaurant to offer his take on the French-American bistro. Today, Chef de Cuisine Tyler Spreen oversees the kitchen, working closely with local farmers and fishermen to produce a menu that is contemporary, seasonal, and grounded in place.

The cooking at Herbsaint is often described as French-Southern with rustic Italian touches – a reflection of Link’s influences and the Gulf South’s abundance. Signature dishes that have become classics include a dark roux Gumbo and Duck Leg Confit served with Dirty Rice and Citrus Gastrique. The kitchen favors sustainably sourced seafood and meats, and the menu changes to track the best of what’s in season.

The wine list is curated with the same thoughtfulness. It leans toward small producers in France, Spain, Italy, Austria, and Germany, as well as New World estates, favoring balanced, nuanced bottles made with minimal intervention. The list changes frequently, and the staff are knowledgeable enough to guide you to a perfect pairing.

Herbsaint has earned consistent recognition since it opened. It was on the Times-Picayune’s annual list of New Orleans’ 10 Best Restaurants every year since 2003. Gourmet named it a Top 50 Restaurant in America. Nation’s Restaurant News inducted it into their Fine Dining Hall of Fame. In 2007, Chef Link won the James Beard Award for Best Chef South. And in 2026, Herbsaint received a Michelin Recommendation, cementing its place as one of New Orleans’ most enduring and dependable restaurants.

The space itself is a comfortable, polished neighborhood spot with a bar, patio seating, and a semi-private dining room that can accommodate up to 34 guests. Walk-ins are welcome at the bar or on the patio when weather allows. Whether you’re coming for lunch or dinner, the service is warm and professional – the kind that makes you want to return.