Legendary Chef Closing Upscale Restaurant After Only 15 Months

Renowned chef Emeril Lagasse's extensive restaurant roster is going to shrink by one at the end of the month. 34 Restaurant and Bar in New Orleans is shutting down.

Opened in October 2024 as an homage to Emeril's Portuguese roots and his late mother Hilda, 34 will cease operations next weekend, according to an announcement from the Emeril Group.

'High costs' lead to closure

34 Restaurant and Bar's final day of service will be next Saturday, January 31. Economic factors led to the decision to shutter.

“The restaurant has been a true labor of love, but due to the high costs of operating in the current environment, we have made the difficult decision to close,” the Emeril Group said, via the Times-Picayune.

Restaurant staff will be offered “opportunities at other Emeril Group ventures" after the establishment closes.

'A true labor of love'

Founded by Emeril Lagasse and his son E.J., 34 Restaurant and Bar is named as a combination of Emeril J. Lagasse III and Emeril J. Lagasse IV.

"This past year has been a true labor of love for Chefs Emeril and E.J. Lagasse, and an opportunity to share their Portuguese heritage, family recipes, and culture with New Orleans," 34 said in a social media post. "While rising operational costs have led us to make this difficult decision, we are incredibly grateful for the journey.

"We’re proud of all that was accomplished, from Michelin recognition and Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence to introducing so many guests to Portuguese cuisine for the first time.

"This isn’t the last caldo verde we’ll be sharing with the New Orleans community, and we look forward to what’s to come."

Other Emeril Group properties remain open

Despite the closure of 34, the Emeril Group will continue to operate its flagship Emeril’s, along with Meril and Emeril's Kitchen in New Orleans.

Additionally, Emeril’s New Orleans Fish House and Delmonico Steak House in Las Vegas will still be open. Emerill Lagasse also operates three "At Sea" restaurants on cruise ships.