Oceana Grill in New Orleans is thriving nine years after Gordon Ramsay’s visit
Emma Powell
Published Oct 16, 2026
Gordon Ramsay’s visit to Oceana Grill in New Orleans for his show Kitchen Nightmares back in 2011 left many wondering about the fate of the restaurant. Known for its seafood and located on Bourbon Street, Oceana Grill was struggling when Gordon arrived. But is the restaurant still open and thriving in 2022? The answer is a resounding yes.
Gordon Ramsay’s Visit to Oceana Grill
In 2011, Gordon Ramsay paid a visit to Oceana Grill in New Orleans, which was then owned by brothers Moe and Rami. The restaurant had been taken over from their father in 200The Kitchen Nightmares show typically involves Gordon offering feedback on the food, staff, and restaurant appearance, followed by implementing changes.
During his visit, Gordon ordered dishes like seafood gumbo, crab cake platter, and blackened bayou duck. Unfortunately, he didn’t find any of them up to his standards. There were also rumors of rodents and disputes among kitchen staff, which added to the restaurant’s woes.
The brothers initially denied that the crab cakes were frozen, but Rami eventually admitted to the truth. Tensions rose when a staff member named Damon became argumentative, making Gordon unsure about whether he wanted to continue helping the restaurant. When Gordon requested to see the restaurant’s recipes, Moe claimed to keep them all in his head, leading to another disagreement.
Despite some initial improvements, Gordon expressed concern that Oceana Grill might not survive another year.
Thriving Under New Ownership
Fast forward to 2022, and Oceana Grill in New Orleans is still open. According to Reality TV Revisited, the restaurant now has new owners who have made significant improvements. In 2011, the new owners even sued Gordon and the production company to prevent old episodes featuring the restaurant from airing.
An agreement was eventually reached, allowing the production company to use clips under the condition that they acknowledge the restaurant’s change in ownership. However, in 2018, the new owners sued again after a clip was shown on Kitchen Nightmares’ social media, claiming it harmed the restaurant’s current reputation.
Despite these legal battles, Oceana Grill continues to operate successfully. It boasts top ratings on Google Reviews and has amassed more than 48,000 followers on its Instagram page.
An Award-Winning Success
Oceana Grill has not only survived but thrived under its new ownership. The restaurant has earned recognition for its excellence, becoming an “award-winning seafood restaurant for tourists and locals alike,” as stated on its website.
Today, Oceana Grill is celebrated as one of the finest dining establishments in the French Quarter. Specializing in Creole and Louisiana cuisine, it is renowned for serving the best crab cakes and gumbo in the area. The restaurant has received a remarkable 4.4-star average rating on Google Reviews, further solidifying its status as a culinary gem.
Over the years, numerous celebrities, including B.O.B, Birdman, Bobby Brown, and Chris Tucker, have graced Oceana Grill with their presence. The restaurant’s success story serves as a testament to its resilience and commitment to delivering exceptional cuisine.
Conclusion
Oceana Grill in New Orleans has transformed from a struggling establishment featured on Kitchen Nightmares into an award-winning seafood restaurant beloved by tourists and locals alike. Despite legal challenges and initial setbacks, the restaurant remains open, thriving, and celebrated for its Creole and Louisiana cuisine. Its journey from a “kitchen nightmare” to culinary excellence is a testament to perseverance and dedication.
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