New Orleans Food & Drink
Here's what you need to know about the exceptional restaurants, bars, and markets of New Orleans, a town devoted to the idea that life is best enjoyed over a fine meal.
Five Must-Try Bars in the French Quarter
The Windsor Court is at 300 Gravier St. in the Warehouse District. 21st-century elegance is the keyword here. This is a great martini, wine and cigar bar, where piano music is often also on the menu, along with a jazz trio on the weekends. The second floor features a refined English theme with oil portraits of bearded Georges and Edwards, plus nightly jazz.
The Windsor Court is at 300 Gravier St. in the Warehouse District. 21st-century elegance is the keyword here. This is a great martini, wine and cigar bar, where piano music is often also on the menu, along with a jazz trio on the weekends. The second floor features a refined English theme with oil portraits of bearded Georges and Edwards, plus nightly jazz.
Travelers Beware! New Orleans-Related Menu Deceptions
Here are my top choices for Cajun/Creole food clichés so abused by clueless chefs that New Orleanians traveling outside our city should view them as red flags to be avoided, rather than promises of home.
Here are my top choices for Cajun/Creole food clichés so abused by clueless chefs that New Orleanians traveling outside our city should view them as red flags to be avoided, rather than promises of home.
Tradition Meets Flavor at Mahony's Po'boy Shop
The food is traditional and tasty, po'boys offered with sides and a full bar, friendly customers, and an easily accessible Garden District locale. Chef Wicks tells why he created Mahony's and why the food is so good.
The food is traditional and tasty, po'boys offered with sides and a full bar, friendly customers, and an easily accessible Garden District locale. Chef Wicks tells why he created Mahony's and why the food is so good.
New Orleans Uptown Dining Under $20
Here's a short list of restaurants offering quality dining and reasonable prices in the New Orleans uptown area.
Here's a short list of restaurants offering quality dining and reasonable prices in the New Orleans uptown area.
Best Restaurants for Holiday Meals
New Orleans Travel Guide Sharon Keating offers a list of six restaurants that feature holiday menus and specials.
New Orleans Travel Guide Sharon Keating offers a list of six restaurants that feature holiday menus and specials.
5fifty5 at the Marriot Hotel
An eclectic menu, from seafood gumbo to jumbo Scallops with warm white bean salad and citrus gastrique Breakfast, lunch, and dinner served every day.
An eclectic menu, from seafood gumbo to jumbo Scallops with warm white bean salad and citrus gastrique Breakfast, lunch, and dinner served every day.
Acme Oyster House
Located in the Quarter at 724 Iberville St., 1202 N. Hwy. 190 in Covington, and 3000 Veterans in Metairie. Classic New Orleans oyster bar, with shucked and fried, gumbo and po-boys. Lunch and dinner served all week.
Located in the Quarter at 724 Iberville St., 1202 N. Hwy. 190 in Covington, and 3000 Veterans in Metairie. Classic New Orleans oyster bar, with shucked and fried, gumbo and po-boys. Lunch and dinner served all week.
Alibi, The
This laid-back French Quarter bar stays open all day, all week, and offers up classic bar food along with burgers and po-boys. Ask the bartender about the Dessert of the Day.
This laid-back French Quarter bar stays open all day, all week, and offers up classic bar food along with burgers and po-boys. Ask the bartender about the Dessert of the Day.
Alpine Bistro
Just off Jackson Square, traditional Creole and Cajun dishes from jambalaya to the blackened catfish platter. Serves lunch and dinner all week. Make a reservation.
Just off Jackson Square, traditional Creole and Cajun dishes from jambalaya to the blackened catfish platter. Serves lunch and dinner all week. Make a reservation.
Andrea's
This Metairie restaurant features Northern Italian cuisin. How about some proscuitto di parma sliced thin and served with cantaloupe, or some sautéed white veal served with jumbo lump crabmeat, lemon cream sauce, and a touch of bérnaise. Make a reservation. Lunch and dinner all week, except for brunch on Sundays.
This Metairie restaurant features Northern Italian cuisin. How about some proscuitto di parma sliced thin and served with cantaloupe, or some sautéed white veal served with jumbo lump crabmeat, lemon cream sauce, and a touch of bérnaise. Make a reservation. Lunch and dinner all week, except for brunch on Sundays.
Atchafalaya Cafe
Great converted uptown house right off Magazine features creative Creole dishes, such as fried green tomatoes with jumbo lump crabmeat and remoulade and grilled pork chops with apricot Jack Daniels glaze. Make reservations for dinner. Serves dinner all week, with lunch Tuesday through Saturday and brunch Sunday.
Great converted uptown house right off Magazine features creative Creole dishes, such as fried green tomatoes with jumbo lump crabmeat and remoulade and grilled pork chops with apricot Jack Daniels glaze. Make reservations for dinner. Serves dinner all week, with lunch Tuesday through Saturday and brunch Sunday.
Attiki Bar & Grill
French Quarter Middle Eastern restaurant has the usual hummus and falafel, as well as the not-so usual seafood cartoccio. Lunch served on weekdays, dinner and a special late-night menu are available all week.
French Quarter Middle Eastern restaurant has the usual hummus and falafel, as well as the not-so usual seafood cartoccio. Lunch served on weekdays, dinner and a special late-night menu are available all week.
Audubon Clubhouse
Your basic clubhouse burgers and chicken salads with a lovely view. They'll make reservations for large parties. Open Tuesday through Sunday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Your basic clubhouse burgers and chicken salads with a lovely view. They'll make reservations for large parties. Open Tuesday through Sunday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Austin's
It's Metarie's steakhouse, Creole, and Italian restaurant in one. Their original Crabmeat Austin is a must, with jumbo lump crabmeat and asparagus drizzled in Dijon remoulade. Dinner served Monday through Saturday.
It's Metarie's steakhouse, Creole, and Italian restaurant in one. Their original Crabmeat Austin is a must, with jumbo lump crabmeat and asparagus drizzled in Dijon remoulade. Dinner served Monday through Saturday.
Bacco
This Brennan's Quarter restaurant serves classic Creole, heavy on the Italian, with menu stars like lobster ravioli, black truffle fettuccine, and Vermouth steamed mussels. You'll want reservations for lunch or dinner, both of which are served daily with Sunday brunch.
This Brennan's Quarter restaurant serves classic Creole, heavy on the Italian, with menu stars like lobster ravioli, black truffle fettuccine, and Vermouth steamed mussels. You'll want reservations for lunch or dinner, both of which are served daily with Sunday brunch.
Bayou Coffee House & Wine Bar
Sit on the balcony with your coffee, side it with bananas Foster cheesecake or order up a full breakfast. There are burgers, panini, and salads. Or relax at the stocked-up bar. 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Closed Thursdays.
Sit on the balcony with your coffee, side it with bananas Foster cheesecake or order up a full breakfast. There are burgers, panini, and salads. Or relax at the stocked-up bar. 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Closed Thursdays.
Bombay Club
French Quarter and a plush British theme meet to offer you an extensive list of top-shelf cocktails and Creole cuisine. Try the Oysters Rockefeller and enjoy the piano playing, but make a reservation first, and dress nice. Sunday and Monday dinner from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., open until 1:30 a.m. Thursday through Saturday.
French Quarter and a plush British theme meet to offer you an extensive list of top-shelf cocktails and Creole cuisine. Try the Oysters Rockefeller and enjoy the piano playing, but make a reservation first, and dress nice. Sunday and Monday dinner from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., open until 1:30 a.m. Thursday through Saturday.
Brett Anderson
Times-Pic food critic Brett Anderson maintains a top-shelf blog, with restaurant reviews, announcements of special events, and features on local chefs and bartenders.
Times-Pic food critic Brett Anderson maintains a top-shelf blog, with restaurant reviews, announcements of special events, and features on local chefs and bartenders.
Casamento’s
This is a great French Quarter oyster bar that actually resides on Magazine St. The po’boys are served on toast, and the fried seafood includes crab claws, trout, catfish, and soft-shelled crabs. Bright and friendly atmosphere. Cash only.
This is a great French Quarter oyster bar that actually resides on Magazine St. The po’boys are served on toast, and the fried seafood includes crab claws, trout, catfish, and soft-shelled crabs. Bright and friendly atmosphere. Cash only.
Crescent City Brewhouse
Tourists shouldn't have all the fun, so don't let the Decatur address put you off. Tasty microbrewery beers include seasonal specials, the menu is fun, and this is my choice for the best shucked oysters in town.
Tourists shouldn't have all the fun, so don't let the Decatur address put you off. Tasty microbrewery beers include seasonal specials, the menu is fun, and this is my choice for the best shucked oysters in town.
Dante's Kitchen
Great restaurant, dinner only on the weekdays, brunch on the weekends. Fresh, flavorful dishes from Chef Emmanuel Loubier, a veteran of Commander's Palace.
Great restaurant, dinner only on the weekdays, brunch on the weekends. Fresh, flavorful dishes from Chef Emmanuel Loubier, a veteran of Commander's Palace.
Food Art
801 Carondelet St. Catering for corporate, bridal, and other social gigs by master chefs and food stylists.
801 Carondelet St. Catering for corporate, bridal, and other social gigs by master chefs and food stylists.
Franky and Johnny's
Po-boys, fish platters, huge onion rings, muffulettas,. and their famous boiled crawfish. Yum. Extremely casual atmosphere and a jukebox that hasn't updated its selections since the days of Ol Blue Eyes.
Po-boys, fish platters, huge onion rings, muffulettas,. and their famous boiled crawfish. Yum. Extremely casual atmosphere and a jukebox that hasn't updated its selections since the days of Ol Blue Eyes.
Gumbo Shop
I don't like the name of this French Quarter Creole restaurant, as it invokes images of some sort of gumbo automat. Instead, it's full of light and air and diverse local classics. Lunch and dinner served daily. They cater!
I don't like the name of this French Quarter Creole restaurant, as it invokes images of some sort of gumbo automat. Instead, it's full of light and air and diverse local classics. Lunch and dinner served daily. They cater!
Joey K's
The menu says it all for this casual joint on Magazine St.: jambalaya, oyster po-boys, catfish, onion rings and fried arthchoke hearts. Or go original with Shrimp Magazine and Trout Tchoupitoulas. Lunch and dinner every day but Sundays, when it's closed.
The menu says it all for this casual joint on Magazine St.: jambalaya, oyster po-boys, catfish, onion rings and fried arthchoke hearts. Or go original with Shrimp Magazine and Trout Tchoupitoulas. Lunch and dinner every day but Sundays, when it's closed.
Juan's Flying Burrito
Juan's serves Tex Mex with a New Orleans’ twist to celebrate variety and culinary adventure, and its wild menu only tastes better in its super-casual atmosphere. Check out the chipotle sour cream and pineapple salsa in their Jerked Nachos, or the roasted corn and grilled squash in the Mardi Gras Indians Tacos.
Juan's serves Tex Mex with a New Orleans’ twist to celebrate variety and culinary adventure, and its wild menu only tastes better in its super-casual atmosphere. Check out the chipotle sour cream and pineapple salsa in their Jerked Nachos, or the roasted corn and grilled squash in the Mardi Gras Indians Tacos.
K-Paul's Lousiana Kitchen
This famous Quarter restaurant founded by -- and still enriched by the cullinary stylings of -- Chef Paul Prudhomme offers blackened everything, po-boys, and fun fusion dishes. They take reservations these days, and you should make one. Lunch Thursday through Saturday and dinner Monday through Saturday.
This famous Quarter restaurant founded by -- and still enriched by the cullinary stylings of -- Chef Paul Prudhomme offers blackened everything, po-boys, and fun fusion dishes. They take reservations these days, and you should make one. Lunch Thursday through Saturday and dinner Monday through Saturday.
Lebanon’s Café
With so many good Middle Eastern restaurants in the city, it’s tempting to recommend this one just on the strength of its low prices. But the food is exceptional.
With so many good Middle Eastern restaurants in the city, it’s tempting to recommend this one just on the strength of its low prices. But the food is exceptional.
Leonardo Trattoria
Between Girod & Julia on St. Charles, this jewel does Italian food right -- rigatoni with fried eggplant and duck confit ravioli. The "Passport Menu" offers specials from different regions of Italy. Make reservations. Lunch and dinner served all week with Sunday brunch.
Between Girod & Julia on St. Charles, this jewel does Italian food right -- rigatoni with fried eggplant and duck confit ravioli. The "Passport Menu" offers specials from different regions of Italy. Make reservations. Lunch and dinner served all week with Sunday brunch.
Liuzza's by the Track
Next to the Fair Grounds, this classic New Orleans po-boy restaurant and bar is casual, freindly, and yummy. Check out the great BBQ shrimp po-boy, though the gumbo's a little thin.
Next to the Fair Grounds, this classic New Orleans po-boy restaurant and bar is casual, freindly, and yummy. Check out the great BBQ shrimp po-boy, though the gumbo's a little thin.
Louisiana Pizza Kitchen - French Market
Casual dining for pasta and some seriously yummy specialty pizzas, such as (my favorite) smoked salmon, Roma tomatoes, capers, caviar, red sweet onions, mozzarella, and cream cheese. Salads and wraps too. Make a reservation for evening dining. Lunch and dinner served daily. There's a second location uptown.
Casual dining for pasta and some seriously yummy specialty pizzas, such as (my favorite) smoked salmon, Roma tomatoes, capers, caviar, red sweet onions, mozzarella, and cream cheese. Salads and wraps too. Make a reservation for evening dining. Lunch and dinner served daily. There's a second location uptown.
Mahony's Po-Boy Shop
It's hard enough to find a good muffalaetta salad with friend oysters, let along a fried chicken liver po-boy. They serve the usual stuff too. Open Monday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
It's hard enough to find a good muffalaetta salad with friend oysters, let along a fried chicken liver po-boy. They serve the usual stuff too. Open Monday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Mandina's
Classic casual New Orleans cuisine includes steaks, po-poys, and spaghetti and meatballs. Kid-friendly, cash only.
Classic casual New Orleans cuisine includes steaks, po-poys, and spaghetti and meatballs. Kid-friendly, cash only.
Maximo's Italian Grill
Fresh and delightful Italian modern cuisine in the French Quarter. Osso Buco, Duck Parpedelle, Veal Saltmbocca, Fire Roasted Scallops -- am I drooling? Make reservations. Closed Tuesday, open for dinner the rest of the week.
Fresh and delightful Italian modern cuisine in the French Quarter. Osso Buco, Duck Parpedelle, Veal Saltmbocca, Fire Roasted Scallops -- am I drooling? Make reservations. Closed Tuesday, open for dinner the rest of the week.
Mother's
Corner of Poydras and Thoupitoulas, so you'll have to park and walk...to some of the best po-boys in the city. Fried shrimp and oyster truly superb. Other dishes can be spotty.
Corner of Poydras and Thoupitoulas, so you'll have to park and walk...to some of the best po-boys in the city. Fried shrimp and oyster truly superb. Other dishes can be spotty.
Mr. B's Bistro
Another great restaurant in the Brennan's portfolio, with contemporary and classic Creole cuisine. BBQ shrimp, cider cured pork chops, and Gumbo Ya Ya. Lunch and dinner every day, with brunch on Sunday.
Another great restaurant in the Brennan's portfolio, with contemporary and classic Creole cuisine. BBQ shrimp, cider cured pork chops, and Gumbo Ya Ya. Lunch and dinner every day, with brunch on Sunday.
Mr. John's Steak House
Order some red wine -- it goes with steak or Italian. Eggplant parmesan, fried green tomatoes with crabmeat, or Filetto Di Manzo alla Christian. Reservations recommended for dinner. Open Tuesday to Saturday, 5:30 to 9:30 pm, and Friday 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Order some red wine -- it goes with steak or Italian. Eggplant parmesan, fried green tomatoes with crabmeat, or Filetto Di Manzo alla Christian. Reservations recommended for dinner. Open Tuesday to Saturday, 5:30 to 9:30 pm, and Friday 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Mulate's
This one is great for people who want "real New Orleans food" and Cajun music, but when was the last time you went there for uncomplicated food and fun? And did you know their party hall can hold a reception for 300?
This one is great for people who want "real New Orleans food" and Cajun music, but when was the last time you went there for uncomplicated food and fun? And did you know their party hall can hold a reception for 300?
Nacho Mama's
Fun Mexican food and drinks, with locations in Harahan and Uptown. Fajitas, chimichangas, enchiladas, burritos, tacos, and -- hey! -- nachos. Generous portions.
Fun Mexican food and drinks, with locations in Harahan and Uptown. Fajitas, chimichangas, enchiladas, burritos, tacos, and -- hey! -- nachos. Generous portions.
New Orleans Cooking Experience
Here is where I learned the best way yet to make a roux and eat the best-ever Oysters Rockefeller. The classes start at $150 and are held in the kitchen of the House on Bayou Road, with students perched on the stools around the counter. After class, everyone sits down to a four-course meal.
Here is where I learned the best way yet to make a roux and eat the best-ever Oysters Rockefeller. The classes start at $150 and are held in the kitchen of the House on Bayou Road, with students perched on the stools around the counter. After class, everyone sits down to a four-course meal.
Nirvana's Indiana Restaurant
Authentic Indian cuisine, with biryani and tandoor and curry and hot fresh naan bread -- am I drooling? Dinner's fun, but I recommend the great lunch buffet for only $10.
Authentic Indian cuisine, with biryani and tandoor and curry and hot fresh naan bread -- am I drooling? Dinner's fun, but I recommend the great lunch buffet for only $10.
Port of Call
A literal hole in the wall on Esplanade, this place makes you wait outside for burgers, steaks, and drinks. Lunch and dinner served every day.
A literal hole in the wall on Esplanade, this place makes you wait outside for burgers, steaks, and drinks. Lunch and dinner served every day.
Sake Cafe
This upscale Japanese Restaurant sets the atmosphere with new age jazz and Chuhuli lamps, but the whole point is the super-fresh sushi. Try the special rolls, like the Tropical Roll and Red Dragon Roll. Great sake selection too.
This upscale Japanese Restaurant sets the atmosphere with new age jazz and Chuhuli lamps, but the whole point is the super-fresh sushi. Try the special rolls, like the Tropical Roll and Red Dragon Roll. Great sake selection too.
Stark Steak and Lobster House
Have a craving for filet mignon filled with shrimp, crawfish, crabmeat, and lobster stuffing and topped with red wine mushroom sauce? This French Quarter spot is the only place I know to get it. Serves dinner every day.
Have a craving for filet mignon filled with shrimp, crawfish, crabmeat, and lobster stuffing and topped with red wine mushroom sauce? This French Quarter spot is the only place I know to get it. Serves dinner every day.
Steak Knife
Locally owned and open again after Katrina, this serves one of the best steaks in town. There's some good pasta and seafood too. Located near City Park and open Monday through Saturday, 5 p.m. till whenever. Lavish bar.
Locally owned and open again after Katrina, this serves one of the best steaks in town. There's some good pasta and seafood too. Located near City Park and open Monday through Saturday, 5 p.m. till whenever. Lavish bar.
Vincent's
Located near the riverbend, this small Italian restaurant serves somewhat heavy dishes, like osso buco and veal picatta, and features a few local twists, like blackened tuna. Serves lunch Tuesday through Friday, dinner every day but Sunday.
Located near the riverbend, this small Italian restaurant serves somewhat heavy dishes, like osso buco and veal picatta, and features a few local twists, like blackened tuna. Serves lunch Tuesday through Friday, dinner every day but Sunday.
Voodoo BBQ & Grill
Slow-smoked brisket, pulled pork, and ribs with spicy Mojo sauce and all the usual fixings. New Orleans location is on St. Charles, open for lunch and dinner all week.
Slow-smoked brisket, pulled pork, and ribs with spicy Mojo sauce and all the usual fixings. New Orleans location is on St. Charles, open for lunch and dinner all week.
Ye Olde College Inn
Uptown comfort food po-boys, gumbo, onion rings, and veal. Serves Tuesday through Saturday, 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Uptown comfort food po-boys, gumbo, onion rings, and veal. Serves Tuesday through Saturday, 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Zea Rotisserie and Grill
There are many locations, but the original restaurant is in Harahan. My favorite is on St. Charles. Very popular for business lunches, and casual-formal for dinner. Food's yummy, though a little heavy on the butter for some.
There are many locations, but the original restaurant is in Harahan. My favorite is on St. Charles. Very popular for business lunches, and casual-formal for dinner. Food's yummy, though a little heavy on the butter for some.