How Many Restaurants Does John Besh Have?

John Besh Restaurants: Key Takeaways

John Besh owns 10 restaurants exclusively in the United States, primarily centered in New Orleans.
His portfolio includes fine dining and casual dining concepts showcasing Southern, French, Italian, and modern Israeli cuisines.
Besh's restaurants range from high-end venues costing $100–$150 per person to casual eateries priced $15–$100.
Recent expansion includes the opening of the Delacroix Fish Camp & Bar seafood restaurant in New Orleans in 2025.

Chef John Besh is a prominent figure in American Southern cuisine, with a portfolio focused on New Orleans' vibrant dining scene. His restaurants blend local culinary traditions with international influences, ranging from French fine dining to casual bakeries.

This article explores how many restaurants John Besh currently owns, highlighting his diverse restaurant concepts, regional presence, pricing tiers, and recent expansions within New Orleans.

John Besh Restaurants: Global Presence and Restaurant Count

John Besh currently owns and operates 10 restaurants, all located in New Orleans, United States. Unlike many culinary celebrities expanding internationally, Besh has concentrated his restaurant portfolio within his hometown to maintain a strong local culinary identity.

His collection includes both fine dining and casual establishments, ranging from high-end venues to popular cafes and bars, without reliance on franchising or licensing models.

Here is a breakdown of John Besh’s restaurant count by region as of 2025:

Region	Approx. Number of Restaurants	Notable Examples
United States	10	Restaurant August, Borgne, Domenica, Pizza Domenica, Shaya, Willa Jean, The Caribbean Room, Bayou Bar, Hot Tin, Silver Whistle Café

Note: All restaurants are owned directly by Besh’s group, no franchises or licenses.

Besh’s focused regional strategy allows him to maintain high quality and a strong cultural connection to New Orleans cuisine and its diversity, without overextending into international or multi-state operations.

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Michelin-Starred Flagship Restaurants

As of 2025, John Besh does not hold any Michelin-starred restaurants. While his culinary prowess is well recognized, especially for showcasing Southern and French-influenced flavors, his portfolio does not include Michelin-rated venues.

Besh’s approach emphasizes authenticity and regional flavors over formal accolades, and his restaurants have built reputations through accolades in local and national food circles rather than Michelin guides.

For those curious about the statistics and impact of Michelin stars in the restaurant world, more details can be found in our Michelin stars statistics spotlight.

Notable John Besh Restaurant Concepts and Locations

John Besh’s portfolio showcases a variety of restaurant concepts reflecting his culinary versatility, driven by deep ties to New Orleans and surrounding coastal culture.

Fine Dining Restaurants

Restaurant August serves contemporary French cuisine using local ingredients, embodying sophisticated fine dining with a refined but approachable style. Located in New Orleans, it has become synonymous with elevated Southern hospitality. Price range is approximately $100–$150 per person.

The Caribbean Room offers classic New Orleans dishes in an elegant setting. This fine dining option highlights regional heritage food at a premium price point, around $100–$150 per person.

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Casual Dining and Bakery Concepts

Borgne is a casual seafood-focused restaurant emphasizing coastal Louisiana cuisine, particularly fresh catches and oysters. It appeals to diners seeking relaxed atmosphere with quality dishes, priced between $50 and $100.

Domenica features rustic Italian fare highlighting house-cured meats and cheeses with wood-fired pizza options. Located in New Orleans, it remains a casual dining favorite around $50 to $100.

Pizza Domenica offers wood-fired pizzas and small plates, representing a casual, approachable pizza dining experience at $15–$30 per person.

Shaya serves modern Israeli cuisine with a casual vibe, blending Mediterranean flavors with New Orleans influence, priced around $50–$100 per person.

Willa Jean is a bakery and café delivering Southern-inspired breakfast and lunch dishes, operating as a casual, affordable eatery in the $15–$30 range.

Silver Whistle Café operates as a historic New Orleans café offering breakfast and lunch, known for its down-to-earth charm and prices between $15 and $30.

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Bar and Rooftop Venues

Bayou Bar offers a casual bar environment with live music and Southern fare, pricing meals around $30–$50 per person. It's popular for its lively local atmosphere.

Hot Tin is a rooftop bar providing panoramic city views paired with casual dining, also within the $30–$50 price range, appealing for both locals and tourists seeking a vibrant nightlife experience.

Additionally, the recently opened Delacroix Fish Camp & Bar in 2025 expands Besh’s seafood offerings with a dedicated oyster bar, reinforcing his connection to Gulf Coast culinary traditions.

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John Besh Restaurant Empire: Conclusion

In conclusion, John Besh owns and operates 10 restaurants, all within New Orleans, firmly rooted in regional culture without franchising or international expansion.

His collection spans fine dining and casual concepts, priced from $15 to $150 per person, emphasizing Southern, French, Italian, and modern Israeli cuisines. While he has no Michelin-starred venues, his local reputation as a culinary force remains strong.

Besh’s recent addition of Delacroix Fish Camp & Bar shows continued evolution and focus on authentic coastal fare. His concentrated approach exemplifies dedication to quality, community, and culinary heritage rather than aggressive global growth.

Overall, John Besh’s restaurant empire is defined by its loyalty to New Orleans and its diverse foodways, offering something for upscale diners and casual eaters alike.

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01. How involved is John Besh in day-to-day restaurant operations?

John Besh maintains an active strategic role within his restaurant group, often collaborating with executive chefs and managing partners to ensure quality and brand consistency. However, he does not engage in daily kitchen operations, focusing instead on creative direction and business development.

02. Are John Besh’s restaurants expensive—and which ones offer the best value?

John Besh’s portfolio includes both premium and affordable dining options. Fine dining restaurants like Restaurant August and The Caribbean Room typically cost between $100 and $150 per person. Casual eateries such as Pizza Domenica and Willa Jean offer more accessible pricing from $15 to $30.

For many diners, the casual venues provide excellent value with high-quality dishes at reasonable prices, while the fine dining options cater to those seeking a more upscale experience.

03. How does John Besh choose new cities or countries for expansion?

As of 2025, John Besh has concentrated his efforts exclusively within New Orleans and has not expanded into new cities or international markets. His expansion strategy focuses on deepening his impact in the local culinary scene rather than geographic growth.

04. Are John Besh restaurants sustainable or locally sourced?

John Besh emphasizes the use of local ingredients and sustainable practices when possible, particularly in venues like Restaurant August that highlight seasonal and regional produce.

While sustainability is a consideration, Besh’s primary goal is to celebrate New Orleans’ culinary heritage rather than adhering to strict eco-certifications.

05. Can you book John Besh’s restaurants online—and are there loyalty programs?

Most of John Besh’s restaurants accept online reservations through platforms like OpenTable or directly via their websites.

Currently, there is no unified loyalty program across his restaurant group.