GW Fins opened on Bienville Street with an innovative approach that sounds almost revolutionary—treating fish the way high-end steakhouses treat beef.
Executive Chef Michael Nelson pioneered dry-aged fish and sustainable cuts that apply steakhouse techniques to seafood, creating something truly unique in the French Quarter.
The 808 Bienville Street location has become famous for its Scalibut and dry-aged tuna, each prepared with methods you’d typically only find at top-tier steakhouses.
What Makes GW Fins Special
The restaurant runs a dry-aging program for fish that spans 14 to 28 days, developing umami layers through the same process used for big primal beef cuts.
Their Tempura Fin Wings arrive as a unique fish cut designed so you can literally pick them up and eat them like chicken wings, complete with Korean dressing.
What makes this place special is their focus on sustainable, lesser-known cuts from areas around the collar and belly—the meatier parts of fish that deliver more intense flavor through the daily-changing menu.
The Story Behind the Restaurant
GW Fins launched when Executive Chef Michael Nelson decided to apply steak and chicken techniques to seafood, bringing dry-aging and unique butchering methods to fine dining.
He built the restaurant’s reputation with filet mignon and ribeye-style fish cuts, proving that a steakhouse approach could transform the New Orleans seafood scene.
The invention of Scalibut—halibut crusted with scallops—shows how texture innovation can earn a devoted fan club and become a signature dish that guests request again and again.
New Orleans’ Favorite Menu Items
Food Highlights
- Lobster Dumplings: These delicate dumplings filled with lobster create melt-in-your-mouth perfection that stands as the most popular appetizer. The refined preparation delivers a fan-favorite start that sets the tone for the fine-dining experience ahead. 🥟
- Tempura Fin Wings: This unique fish cut with Korean dressing creates an innovation you can pick up and eat just like chicken wings. The quality is so exceptional that guests regularly order them again before finishing their meal. 🐟
- Scalibut: Scallop-crusted halibut served on shrimp risotto with buttery sauce has earned true fan club status as the signature dish. Chef Mike’s innovation solves the texture issue, allowing even scallop-skeptics to enjoy all the flavor. 🦞
- Dry-Aged Tuna: Big primal cuts aged 14 to 28 days develop umami layers that create a high-end steak experience with fish. When available (depending on fishing boat schedules), this preparation showcases what guests call “absolutely one of the best” Michelin-star quality. 🥩
- Lobster Risotto: Creamy rice studded with lobster chunks creates an indulgent combination among the rich seafood preparations. The luxurious dish delivers comfort within an upscale menu. 🦞
- Sea Scallop Carbonara: Fresh scallops paired with creamy pasta elevate comfort food through Italian-inspired fine dining. The rich combination brings satisfaction to the seafood-pasta selections. 🍝
Atmosphere
The restaurant sits at 808 Bienville Street, where a classy, upscale interior creates moderate noise levels perfect for conversation in the French Quarter.
Inside, you’ll find a sleek full-service bar complementing the white-tablecloth fine-dining experience that’s ideal for groups and special occasions.
The elegant setting welcomes dress-to-impress seafood dining with reservations available, all built around a daily-changing menu that keeps things fresh and exciting.
Bottom Line
Visit GW Fins for dry-aged fish and unique sustainable cuts featuring Scalibut and Tempura Fin Wings, all prepared with Executive Chef Michael Nelson’s innovative steakhouse techniques.
You’ll discover lobster dumplings, dry-aged tuna when the fishing boats deliver it, and daily-changing fresh catch prepared like filet mignon and ribeye-style cuts.
The 14-to-28-day aging process, focus on lesser-known meatier cuts, and umami layer development prove this seafood innovation has earned its place as a New Orleans institution. 🌟
Address: GW Fins 808 Bienville Street, New Orleans, LA 70112
📞 Phone available on website
🕐 Sun-Thu: 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM | Fri-Sat: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Fine dining | Daily-changing menu | Dry-aged fish | Sustainable seafood | Private parties available