Dinning Area at  Antoine’s Restaurant, New Orleans, American South

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.

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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.

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Exterior View - Boucherie, New Orleans, American South

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.

Bar at Brennan’s, New Orleans, American South - Courtesy Chris Granger

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.

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Café du Monde

Café du Monde is a New Orleans institution famous for beignets, a fried sweet doughnut dusted with powdered sugar.
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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.

Clancy’s

Clancy’s is classic old-school New Orleans, serving delicious Creole dishes in a chic and quaint setting. They also have a great wine list.
a skillet with pork on top of beans

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.

Domilise's Po-Boy & Bar

A bit rough around the edges, this uptown sandwich shop nevertheless serves some of the best po-boys in the city.
Food at Emeril's, New Orleans, American South

Emeril's

Nestled in renovated pharmacy warehouse in the cool Warehouse District, Emeril's is the crown jewel in Chef Emeril Lagasse’s empire.

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.

Food at Gautreau's, New Orleans, American South

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.

Food at Hansen's Sno-Bliz, New Orleans, American South

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.

Food at La Petite Grocery, New Orleans, American South

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.

Food at Mother's Restaurant, New Orleans, American South

Mother's Restaurant

Founded in 1938, Mother’s occupies a historic brick building in the Central Business District. Most famous are the po’boys and ham sandwiches.

Fried oysters at Mr. B's Bistro New Orleans

Mr. B’s Bistro

Mr. B’s Bistro in New Oreans boasts a cozy, classic ambiance and serves traditional Louisiana favorites to a steady stream of regulars and locals.
Juice at Muriel’s Jackson Square, New Orleans, American South

Muriel’s Jackson Square

Muriel’s serves a gorgonzola prosciutto tart that is alone worth the visit (as is requesting a copy of the recipe). Muriel’s is a perfect spot for a long New Orleans lunch. The restaurant occupies an 18th-century mansion, whose inhabitants allegedly still haunt the hallways. During the lull between meals, waiters treat guests to a tour of the haunted second floor.

Dinning Area at Napoleon House, New Orleans, American South

Napoleon House

Built for a mayor of New Orleans in 1815, Napoleon House earned its name because it was offered as lodging for the French emperor. (He never did stay here, but the name stuck). While it has been a neighborhood gathering place for almost two centuries, the restaurant remains a favorite for its history and because the welcoming Impastato family who has owned it since 1914. The signature drink is Pimm’s Cup and the menu features simple bar food such as sandwiches, soups, gumbo and jambalaya.

Food at Pascal’s Manale, New Orleans, American South

Pascal's Manale

Founded by Frank Manale over 100 years ago, Pascale’s Manale is the self-described “creator of barbecue shrimp.” The restaurant remains no-frills and low-key and sports a unique Creole Italian menu.

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