The Classics & the Newfound Jewels

Everyone continues to ask me what’s great and new in New Orleans. This year, I am sad to say most of my updates are due to restaurant closings (I’ll miss you so, Appoline), and a terrible propensity to keep going to my tried and true favorite restaurants. I promise to hit newer restaurants this year. I’ll include at least a couple here, so hold me to trying these places out so I can report new finds to you!

I’ve categorized restaurants by Fine Dining, Casual Dining, Breakfast/Brunch, and Lagniappe (meaning “a little this, and a little that”). I’ve also included a new section, Notables aka must-try establishments. Each restaurant has neighborhood and dress code information.

Fine Dining. Most serve both lunch and dinner, unless noted.

Peche –  If you can’t get in for dinner, go for lunch. If you have a big group, order the large, sharable fish of the day, like tuna collar. One of the best fish dishes I have had. The steak tartare w/ oyster aioli is ridiculous here, becoming everyone’s favorite after one bite. Everything else is amazing too, such as the cappellini. I love the kale salad with chili oil vinaigrette,  In the Warehouse district. Business casual. 

R’evolution – Recently renovated, this restaurant is a special dinner experience. Their food prep and presentation are amazingly traditional yet creative. The Snapping Turtle Soup includes deviled quail eggs that I eat willingly, and I don’t even like deviled eggs. They change their menu regularly. Service is phenomenal. Reserve in advance. In the French Quarter. Dress up!

Arnaud’s – For lunch or dinner. This classic restaurant on Bourbon Street will allow you to watch the ruckus on Bourbon Street if you sit in the more informal Patio Room (which also has jazz music during dinner and Sunday brunch). The more formal room requires jackets. It’s a favorite for a big group, French Quarter reservation in a pinch, or even during Jazzfest. Get the Oysters Arnaud, which includes each of the many different grilled oysters they prepare. The turtle soup is great, too. French 75 is their historically famous bar. It’s tiny but lovely. There’s a crazy Mardi Gras Museum in the restaurant, too. The old mannequins are creepy (hoping they get some new ones soon), but the history of Mardi Gras is intriguing.  In the French Quarter. Dressy in one room, more business casual in the other. 

Antoine’s – Next to Arnaud’s, this is my OG, tradtional Nola favorite. Claiming to be the oldest creole French restaurant in town, they are known for inventing Oysters Rockefeller and Eggs Sardou. The Baked Alaska is a must, as they do it right. Be snoopy and check out the whole restaurant’s unique rooms. I celebrated a “special” birthday lunch in one of their elegant private dining rooms. In the French Quarter. Jackets required for dinner, business casual for lunch..

Luke’s – For lunch or dinner. This is a regular lunch spot for us, especially after an action-packed night. Go ahead, scream “Hurray!” when they tell you that the BLT Soft Shell Crab sandwich is on the menu for the season. The burgers, brussel sprouts, shrimp and grits, and flammenkuchen are favorites. The oyster selection is  This is a teflon restaurant, always good. In the Central Business District (CBD). Not dressy

Herbsaint – For dinner, or a long lunch. Talking about teflon, this restaurant is overlooked because I think it’s been good for so long. I have had almost everything on the menu, and it’s all fantastic. The spaghetti dish with the perfectly poached egg is a valid low carb diet-break contender. The duck confit is like no other; people say Herbsaint’s owner, Donald Link, has made his fortune on duck. Their gumbo is one of the best in the city. In the CBD. Casual dressy.

Commander’s Palace – For lunch or dinner. This iconic restaurant is a super special, celebratory spot with typical creole fare, done up a notch. Their new chef, Meg Bickford, has “spiced” things up a bit while maintaining the restaurant’s classic fare. It’s a great lunch splurge, too. Did someone say 25-cent martinis? “Crack bread pudding” is how my friend describes the Creole Bread Pudding Souffle. For foodies, watch “Commanding the Table”, a documentary on the history of Ella Brennan, the restaurant’s founder. Advance Reservations.  In the Garden District. Dress attire. 

Clancy’s – This is a compulsory stop for all my visitors. I dine here at least four times a year. Located in an unassuming Uptown neighborhood, everything on the menu makes me salivate, and the staff is friendly. Turtle soup, black drum, veal dishes, lemon ice box pie are favorites. MAKE a reservation here if you come to Nola. Uptown aka Black Pearl. Advanced Reservations. Business Casual`

Gautreau’s – Another hidden gem in New Orleans’ Uptown area, Gautreau’s originally opened in 1983. It resurfaced in late 2023 after closing for years. The always changing menu will have a French/Creole dish like Gulf Porgy with Sauce Provencal, then offer you a Redfish in Vadouvan, a curry sauce. Fine, traditional dining at it’s best, Gautreau’s has a convivial atmosphere for an elegant dinner on a whim or special occasion. Check out their Avegno Lounge next door for small plates and great cocktails, before or after dinner! Uptown. Business casual dress

Mosca’s – You’ll think I’ve sent you to the swamps. An experience and always a good time. Ask me personally about this recommendation, because I don’t want the wrong people to visit this place, or get the wrong idea about why I’m sending you there. Italian food. The owner is cooking in the kitchen. Cash only, my friends. Westwego. Look nice, y’all.

N7 – I finally dined here after its ten year existence. The Marigny location is tucked away, romantic & hidden. You’ll feel like maybe you are in the south of France, or maybe Vietnam, but it’s not your typical New Orleans fare. The food is a unique mix of Japanese and French foods. For example I ordered delicious hamachi for an appetizer, then Steak au Poivre for my main. We also had a spectacular coq au Vin. Brunch is supposed to be just as delightful as dinner. Reservations are a must, and hard to get. In Marigny. Business Casual
Notables – As I mentioned, I tend to go to the old standbys, but here are some worth mentioning that are on my list of must-tries. Most of these are popular, and have limited seating, so they require immediate attention when reservations open.

Galatoire’s – For lunch or dinner. I’m including this because I have to. Like Antoine’s, Galatoire’s is a historic, traditional, true Creole restaurant. Friday lunch is a scene, and a town tradition. People hire “line sitters”. Some locals would frown that I haven’t been there yet for a regular meal. However, a better offer always presents itself. Order anything creole. Reservations here are attainable, except, of course, at Friday lunch. In the French Quarter. Jackets required for dinner, business casual for lunch.

• Dakar – Nobody would have had a New Orleans Senegalese restaurant winning the 2024 James Beard Best New Restaurant on their bingo card. Serving a tasting menu, it is concentrated on seafood, with little dairy or gluten. Anybody who has been there has raved about it. Another restaurant where reservations are required. Uptown. Business Casual
• St. Germain – Another restaurant with a tasting menu format, St. Germain is located in an extremely unassuming location in the Bywater. They have a “small guest count” for an intimate experience. The menu changes regularly, but I can confidently say, it will be delicious. Reservations open up 30 days before. Bywater. Look nice; you’re eating spectacular food.
• St. Claire – Get out of town, and head to Algiers, which is across the Mississippi River Bridge. You’ll drive through a perplexing neighborhood, then arrive at a Georgian Colonial home, where you will feel like you are arriving at someone’s home for dinner. Most dishes are served family-style. Gumbo alert: I have never seen such a dark roux Gumbo as here, and it’s delicious. The menu changes regularly. Algiers. Business Casual

Casual Dining – Don’t worry about a dress code. Just go eat here.

Cochon – For dinner or lunch. Pork lovers, unite. My husband hesitates going to Cochon, but once we start dining, he’s satisfied. Outside of the fried livers, all the Small Plates are tremendous. If you can’t get a reservation, or want something more casual, go around the block to Cochon Butcher. Best BLT ever (off the menu). In the Warehouse District.

Liuzza’s On the Track – For lunch. There is only one thing I have ever ordered here, and it is divine: The BBQ Shrimp Po Boy. You’re on your own after that. Bloody Marys are good here, too. Near the Racetrack/Jazzfest Fairgrounds.

Jacques Imo’s – For dinner. Super colorful and boisterous, this Oak Street charmer has great Cajun food, including shrimp and alligator sausage cheesecake. No reservations, but just keep drinking at the bar. I try and get back there whenever I can. “Jacque” is a great host. Near Tulane, Uptown.

 Willa Mae’s – For lunch only. This is the simplest, finest Southern cooking you will have. America’s Southern Classic Restaurant James Beard winner here. There are regularly lines out the door, so be strategic with your timing. Order fried chicken; everything else is incremental. Treme neighborhood.
Note: There is now a Willa Mae’s Nola located in the CBD, serving the same fine fried chicken. More upscale, and hopefully, they know how to handle a crowd better than the last time we were there before a Smoothie center event.

Venezia – When I get homesick for 100% Italian food, you know, the kind from the tri-state area, we grab a group of friends and go here. It’s an OG, red sauce, neighborhood establishment.  The well-priced menu, generous portions, and attentive staff make it a great, impromptu place for a big crowd. Afterwards, go to Angelo Broccato’s for dessert, right down the street. Mid-City.

Rosedale – This Mid-City hideaway has become a favorite when looking for typical New Orleans fare. A Susan Spicer restaurant, she’s successfully gotten to the basics of Creole/Cajun fare with fried green tomatoes, pimento cheese sandwiches, bbq sandwiches, sauteed gulf fish and pecan pie. Worth getting a little lost to find! Mid-city

Cafe Degas – New to my list, this unassuming restaurant has bistro French food, set in a garden-like atmosphere. On a rainy afternoon, I wanted to sit for hours after our eggs, salads and sandwiches. I look forward to trying dinner there, but if you’re looking for a relaxing place for a lunch or brunch bite, this is it. Mid-City/Bayou St. John

St. John – This expansive, new space is casual, yet well-designed. If you’re having a hard time finding a place for dinner, lunch or brunch, St. John is still a best kept secret. The short ribs are divine; the Chicken Pontalba was unexpectedly delicious, and I dare you to order the Baked Macoroni Pie. I could hide in the corner and devour it. Unassuming yet always delivering, get the gumbo too. Everything is amazing. They’re going to know me by name. In the CBD, business casual to play it safe.

Breakfast/Brunch – You could try these at other mealtimes, but these are my mid-day favorites. Notice I didn’t write “My Morning Favorites”. Don’t judge me because cocktails are highlighted in almost all of these picks. Disclaimer: I don’t get out to brunch or breakfast much, so this is a short, but strong list!

Willa Jean’s – A great breakfast and lunch spot.  I need strong discipline to not order their Frose, a frozen rose slurpee-like drink every time I go. The baked goods here are so good, it’s hard to decide which one to order, but go for the coconut cake. Egg, and salad dishes are excellent. The cornbread IS worth the calories. In the CBD. Casual. 

Brennan’s – The restaurant that defined “brunch”, this renovated and historically significant institution is the home of Bananas Foster and a few other menu staples. The food is sumptuous, and of course the Bloody Marys are fantastic. You could have dinner here, but the brunch menu is so amazing, you’d be missing out on the best meal. There’s a beautiful wine/party room in the back for big groups. In the French Quarter. Business casual. 

La Petite Grocery – Yes, it’s a lovely place to eat for dinner, but it’s one of my favorite brunch places. The Big Red Hammer is one of the best Blood Marys in town. They serve it with a FORK. Food is almost irrelevant after one of these. In the Garden District, on Magazine Street. Business casual.

Bearcat – I hesitate telling you about Bearcat, because it will make their no-reservation waits longer. Be prepared for a line to dine. The biscuits are awesome, the egg dishes divine. They serve gluttonously yummy dishes along with vegan, gluten-free choices. Some of their cocktails have cereal in them. I’m going to have to get out of the Bloody Mary box, and try one of them. Open Wednesday through Sunday. CBD and Uptown. Casual.

Cafe du Monde – I’m mentioning this place because if you visit New Orleans and don’t come here, you’re missing a tradition. Yes, it’s touristy. Let me tell you what the menu is right now: Beignets (confectionary sugar decadence), coffee, iced coffee, frozen coffee, orange juice, milk and water. The wait line goes quickly, or you can get the food to go. But it’s worth it to just sit back in their simple patio. You can pretty much eat here ANY TIME of the day. In the French Quarter. Very casual. (Pssst – go to City Park, visit the vast, free NOMA sculpture garden right next door, take a stroll, and visit Cafe du Monde’s large, uncrowded location.)

Lagniappe aka “Other Stuff” – These establishments serve specialty food or drinks.

Salon Salon– Nestled in the Maison Metier Hotel, this cozy, loungy, gorgeous bar has a great vibe. There’s a delicious, limited food, but the stars are the ambiance and cocktails. Recently purchased by The Hyatt, the service is more amiable, and hospitable than before. CBD

Pluck – If there is a haven for oenophiles, this is it. With such a vast, eclectic, and well-balanced collection, you could grow indecisive on what to choose. So do what I do, and taste whatever bottle they’ve decided to open that day, named “Pluck of the Day”. I’ve found so many different varietals and regions here. The accompanying foods – charcuterie, salads, steak, sandwiches are delicious too. Skye, the owner, has generated a gem here. CBD

Forbidden Pizza – Coming from the Pizza Capital of the U.S.A., I’m dubious of rumored “awesome pizza” comments outside of CT, or even NY. However, Forbidden Pizza has got it. Sorry – you cannot order by phone or online, and there is no delivery. You have to go, wait, and pick it up. You can order by the slice or pie. There’s a genuine bar next door, which is genius, because that’s where you are going to wait for your pie. Barstool Pizza gave it an 8.3/10. CBD