Arnaud’s Restaurant – Haunted Fine Dining in New Orleans, Louisiana

Arnaud’s Restaurant, one of the most famous dining establishments in New Orleans’ French Quarter, is known for its rich history, classic Creole cuisine, and an eerie side that keeps ghost hunters intrigued. Established in the early 20th century, this fine-dining venue has witnessed decades of celebrations, scandals, and spectral activity.

Many believe that the spirit of its eccentric founder, Count Arnaud, still lingers, ensuring that his restaurant remains a place of impeccable service—even from beyond the grave. Staff and patrons alike have reported ghostly sightings, mysterious noises, and inexplicable occurrences, making Arnaud’s a must-visit for both food lovers and paranormal enthusiasts.

Historical Background

• Year Built: 1918
• Original Purpose: Fine-dining restaurant
• Significant Events:
  • Founded by the flamboyant and aristocratic Count Arnaud (born Leon Bertrand Arnaud Cazenave), who was known for his meticulous attention to detail.
  • Over the decades, the restaurant has remained largely unchanged, with the Count’s spirit seemingly ensuring that no drastic alterations disturb his legacy.
  • A hidden speakeasy existed during Prohibition, adding an air of secrecy and mystery to its past.
  • Tragedies tied to old New Orleans history, including duels, affairs, and untimely deaths in the nearby area, may have left residual hauntings in the building.

Paranormal Activity Summary

• Common Occurrences:
  • Strange whispers and murmurs when no one is around.
  • Phantom footsteps echoing through empty hallways.
  • Unexplained cold drafts in areas with no air vents.
  • Glasses and silverware moving or rearranging on their own.
• Notable Ghostly Figures:
  • Count Arnaud himself is believed to linger, ensuring his restaurant’s legacy remains untarnished.
  • Mysterious woman in 1920s attire has been seen wandering through the dining rooms before vanishing.
  • Unseen hands occasionally tug on waitstaff uniforms or brush against diners unexpectedly.

Ghost Stories & Reports

The Ghost of Count Arnaud

The most famous spectral resident of the restaurant is Count Arnaud himself. Many believe he still watches over his beloved establishment, ensuring service is up to his high standards. Waitstaff have reported feeling as if they’re being observed, only to turn and find no one there. Some even claim to have seen a dapper older gentleman, dressed in vintage formal wear, smiling approvingly before fading away.

The Woman in White

Patrons and employees have encountered a ghostly woman dressed in 1920s attire, often described as a former patron or performer. She appears momentarily before disappearing into thin air, leaving behind a faint scent of perfume. Some speculate she could be one of the many women who dined at Arnaud’s during the Roaring Twenties or perhaps a lost soul tied to the speakeasy days.

Mysterious Dining Room Occurrences

Guests have reported eerie incidents such as silverware mysteriously moving across tables and glasses shattering for no apparent reason. Some have even heard faint laughter, as if spirits from the past are still enjoying a lively evening.

Most Haunted Spot Inside

The Count’s private dining room is considered the most haunted area of the restaurant. Many believe the ghostly presence of Count Arnaud is strongest here, as if he’s overseeing every meal served. Employees have heard phantom footsteps approaching from behind them and have even caught glimpses of his reflection in the room’s mirrors.

Can You Visit?

• Open to the Public? Yes
• Entry Fee: No, but reservations are required for dining
• Tour Availability: Occasional ghost tours in the French Quarter include Arnaud’s as a stop
• Photography Allowed? Yes, but paranormal investigators may need special permission
• Visiting Hours: Regular restaurant hours, typically 5 PM – 9 PM on weekdays, extended hours on weekends

Best Time to Visit

• Fall and winter months seem to have the highest number of reported ghostly encounters, particularly around Halloween when paranormal activity is believed to be at its peak.

Paranormal Investigations & Findings

Arnaud’s has been featured on several ghost-hunting television shows and paranormal podcasts. Investigators have captured EVP recordings of faint whispers, as well as unexplained temperature fluctuations in areas of the restaurant where spirits are frequently seen. Some psychics visiting the location claim to have sensed a strong presence of multiple spirits, including Count Arnaud himself.

Final Thoughts

Arnaud’s Restaurant is more than just a place to indulge in Creole fine dining—it’s a step into a bygone era, where the past refuses to fade. Whether you come for the ghost stories, the history, or the impeccable cuisine, one thing is certain: you might not be dining alone.