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Alma Cafe
Antoine’s Restaurant
Antoine’s Restaurant has been a mainstay on the New Orleans dining scene for over 150 years. Opened in 1840 by Antoine Alciatore, the restaurant has survived multiple wars, hurricanes, prohibition and the Great Depression, and it still serves up admirable French Creole cuisine by a descendant of Alciatore: Randy Alciatore-Guste. Here is where Oysters Rockefeller were invented, and the seafood is very good.
Arnauds
Old Louisiana elegance at its best, Arnauds serves classic Creole food in beautiful turn of the century dining rooms. Located in the heart of the French Quarter, this restaurant is the largest and most renowned in the entire city.
August
One of celebrity chef John Besh’s beloved restaurants, August focuses on local ingredients and French culinary traditions. The historic 19th century building incorporates grand details such as a wood paneled bar and dining room with massive crystal chandeliers. There are numerous private rooms, but the atmosphere is elegant and formal throughout.
Bacchanal
Once a wine shop, Bacchanal morphed into a neighborhood hangout and then a hot spot for good music and food after Hurricane Katrina. Imagine a friend’s casual backyard garden party with excellent wine and joyous jazz, and you have a sense of why this is a locals’ favorite.
Bittersweet Confections
This charming neighborhood sweet shop is known for its waffle pancakes and cupcakes. Chocolates and wedding cakes are made on site.
Boucherie
Boucherie started as a late-night food revolution in a purple food truck (often parked outside famed music hall Tipitina’s) but quickly became one of the best quality fine dining (but bargain) restaurants in the city. Located far away from the action of the quarter, Boucherie serves food for the people, especially gastronomy-obsessed locals who recognize exceptional craft and creativity. Head chef and owner Nathaniel Zimet offers local cuisine with a cross-cultural twist, with specialties like crispy duck confit with roasted kumquat and mustard greens salad. The Krispy Kreme Bread Pudding is the perfect way to top off a New Orleans night.
Brennan’s
First appearing on the New Orleans dining scene in 1946, Brennan’s has since become a staid classic and is known for inventing Bananas Foster. Moving from its original location on Bourbon Street in 1956, Brennan’s now occupies a stunning, two-story mansion in the French Quarter, where diners enjoy the Creole cuisine and lavish breakfasts for which the iconic spot has become known.
Café du Monde
Carousel Bar
Locals and tourists alike have imbibed cocktails at the rotating Carousel Bar since its installation in 1949 at the Hotel Monteleone. The bar is as historic as it is beautiful, and definitely worth a visit.
Casamento's
Founded in 1919, Casamento’s is a beloved New Orleans institution known for its seafood, particularly oysters, crabcakes and seafood gumbo. The son and grandson of the original founder still run the restaurant and generations of New Orleans natives consider meals here a city ritual.
Chandelier Bar
Clancy’s
Cochon
While the multitude of pork dishes (cured, smoked, pressed etc.) served up at Cochon, are irresistible, they by no means reflect the wide array of nouveau-Cajun food served here. James Beard–winner Stephen Stryjewski has transformed this Warehouse District restaurant into a must-visit for every foodie in New Orleans. Start with the fried alligator with chili garlic aoli and top it off with the cabbage braised pork cheeks or the heavenly rabbit and dumplings. For a quick break, try Cochon Butcher Shop, located next door, for a mufaletta, a popular Italian-inspired New Orleans sandwich topped with olive salad, salami, capicola and provolone.
Commander's Palace
This iconic New Orleans restaurant is housed in an aqua blue-and-white striped Victorian mansion in the Garden District. Opened in 1880, Commander’s Palace has gone through many renovations and many famous chefs (Emeril, anyone?) but has remained a timeless dining option in the city. Sip on Turtle Soup in the glass-walled, second-floor Garden Room with views of the giant oak trees below. If in town over a weekend, don’t miss the Jazz Brunch on Sundays—for such a touristy spot, the food is surprisingly delicious. Tip: during weekday lunches you can enjoy 25-cent martinis.
Coquette
Domilise's Po-Boy & Bar
Emeril's
Galatoire’s Restaurant
The epitome of an old-style New Orleans bistro, Galatoire’s remains a favorite amongst locals and tourists. While the lines outside may seem daunting, once inside you will be treated to a boisterous crowd of friendly waiters and diners eager to share in the joy of the Galatoire’s experience. Ask to be seated in the main ground floor dining room for a more authentic experience. For a real glimpse into traditional New Orleans society, check out Galatoire’s on Friday for lunch.
Gautreau's
One of the best restaurants in New Orleans, Gautreau’s has been recognized by Food & Wine and the James Beard foundation as a hothouse for great young chefs. Set in an elegant house on Soniat Street, the restaurant is known for modern American cuisine. A stand-out dish during a recent visit was sautéed halibut with spicy beurre blanc, chanterelles, corn, brabant potatoes and brussel sprouts. Don’t miss desserts like caramelized banana split with vanilla ice cream, warm banana bread, butterscotch, chocolate sauce and toasted walnuts.
Hansen's Sno-Bliz
Named an American Classic by the James Beard Foundation, Hansen’s Sno-Bliz is truly a New Orleans institution. Founded in 1939 by Ernest and Mary Hansen, locals of all generations flock to this dessert shop where lines regularly reach out the door.
Herbsaint
Herbsaint is a restaurant that pays homage to the spirit and history of New Orleans, with a modern look to the future. This local favorite is a comfortable, casually upscale eatery serving French-inspired cuisine with a Southern touch. The menu offers a selection of small plates (try the beef short rib with potato rosti) in addition to cross-cultural entrées like locally-sourced duck confit served with dirty rice and citrus gastrique. The coconut cream pie with macadamia-nut crust is one of the best desserts I have ever eaten. The warm bistro, with humble white tablecloths and natural wood accents is a place where lingering over one more glass is not occasional, but rather expected.
Hot Tin
La Crêpe Nanou
Tucked away on a sleepy side street, the food is truly delicious at this cozy, romantic French bistro. Be sure to save room for the fantastic selection of dessert crèpes.
La Petite Grocery
This corner restaurant on Magazine Street in the Garden District is a local mainstay serving French-Creole food in a lovely, dimly-lit atmosphere. While the regular menu serves inventive cuisine using local ingredients, the daily specials are the real stars and not to be missed. Try the handmade papperdelle with braised duck legs and crème fraîche for a hearty but heavenly starter. The subtle design is as welcoming as the waiters—on a recent visit my friends and I were welcomed to stay well after closing time.
Lilette
Head chef and James Beard Award–nominee John Harris serves up seasonal French and Italian-inspired fare in this bistro on Magazine Street. The menu offers a selection of straightforward and innovative dishes ranging from a raw brussel sprouts salad to roasted musocvy duck breast with kale and butternut squash. Set in a converted corner pharmacy, the local favorite has ceramic-tiled floors, maroon walls and high ceilings, all of which create a charming environment that transports you to another time. For a romantic evening, request a table on the side patio.
Magasin Café
If you ever tire of the Creole/French fare typically found in the Big Easy, mosey on over to Magasin Café, where the hip clientele feasts on authentic, delicious Vietnamese food. Obsessed fans rave over the fresh banh mi and flavorful pho, made even more delicious by the low prices.