Locals have been big on the pig since Cochon debuted in spring 2006. Chef/co-owner Donald Link, winner of the 2007 James Beard Foundation's Best Chef: South award, has been serving his authentic version of the Cajun food of his childhood to rave reviews. An in-house boucherie, wooden tables and artisan-designed chairs set the stage for mint juleps and Louisiana cochon with turnips, cabbage & cracklins. With its rustic and inviting ambiance, this "swine"-dining establishment is a great example of the city's true Southern appeal. (They even have real moonshine.) Try Link's signature roasted Gulf fish "fishermen" style, as well as his superb andouille.
Reservations suggested. Full bar. Serving lunch Mon–Fri, dinner Mon–Sat. Closed Sun.
James Beard Foundation: Donald Link, Best Chef: South, 2007
Gambit Weekly: Best Place to Get a Cajun Dish, 2009 readers' poll
Zagat 2010: 25 food rating (very good to excellent)
The New Orleans Menu by Tom Fitzmorris: **** (excellent and ambitious)
"The flavors of the Cajun prairie came to the big city when chefs Donald Link and Stephen Stryjewski opened their pork-centric Warehouse District eatery in 2006. Ever since, Cochon has been the darling of those seeking rustic Louisiana fare done with urbane twists and an eye for contemporary presentation."
—Gambit Weekly
"Cochon is a revelation, not for its ability to make Cajun food seem as au courant as Mediterranean, but because it does so without dressing the cuisine in fancy clothes."
– Brett Anderson for Epicurious.com