The crown jewel of the Brennan food empire, this landmark Garden District restaurant has been a beacon of fine dining since 1880. There’s no resting on laurels here, though: Chefs Paul Prudhomme, Emeril Lagasse, Jaime Shannon, Tory McPhail and now Meg Bickford have nurtured the Creole menu while making their own marks. The iconic Victorian mansion is the perfect setting for an intimate meal, large celebration or relaxed 25-cent martini lunch. Turtle soup is a must, the bread pudding soufflé provides an excellent finish and everything in between will impress.
With culinary influences that include African, Caribbean, French, Spanish and Italian, plus regional Cajun and Creole cuisine, the best restaurants in New Orleans serve up food you won’t find anywhere else in the country. No visit to the city is complete without trying iconic dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, or red beans and rice – and you’ll have no problem finding excellent versions of these dishes around town – but don’t miss out on some of the more modern cuisine on offer, too. From fine dining institutions to casual neighborhood joints, these restaurants will tempt your taste buds, whether you’re seeking out the classics or something more eclectic with an only-in-New-Orleans twist.
As one of the greatest cities for food, you’re sure to have a list of restaurants to try as long as your list of things to do in New Orleans. From famous restaurants to beignet spots (not to mention all the great bars), a culinary tour of New Orleans can be a whirlwind experience (don’t worry about the calories, just visit a jazz club and dance them all away). While you may not know the best season for shrimp, crab, crawfish, or creole tomatoes, you’re in good hands at these top spots. Make a reservation at one of the grande dames of Crescent City dining, like Galatoire’s or Commander’s Palace, for classics like turtle soup, oysters Rockefeller, or shrimp remoulade. Or seek out some relatively newer spots like Compère Lapin or Maypop that infuse Louisiana cuisine with other global flavors. For something more casual, nothing beats an overstuffed shrimp po-boy at institutions like Parkway Bakery & Tavern.
Wherever you choose to dine, the best restaurants in New Orleans will have you coming back for more.