My sister is going to New Orleans this month and asked for some recommendations on which restaurants to go to.
I LOVE New Orleans because it is all about the food. You will not find a string of great restaurants in such a small space in any other city but New Orleans and each of them have their own unique style.
Here were my recommendations to her:
The Old Standards That Just Keep Putting Out Great Food:
Brennan’s – 417 Royal Street (French Quarter)
Commanders Palace – 1403 Washington Avenue (Garden District and also one of sister Mary's favorites)
Antoine's Restaurant (French Quarter) at 713-717 Rue Saint Louis -- between Bourbon and Royal streets
New (all in French Quarter):
August - 301 Tchoupitoulas Street (One of my favorite chefs Joh Besh’s place)
Emerils - 800 Tchoupitoulas St (Everyone loves Emeril!)
Bayona - 430 Dauphine (Chef Susan Spicer’s place – I am a huge fan of hers too)
My Favorite Place:
Galatoire’s – 209 Bourbon Street (French Quarter) This place has been around forever and I LOVE the atmosphere – REAL New Orleans. Small, black and white checked floor, lace curtains - you can drink in the atmosphere and the food is to die for. Very relaxed elegance.
MUST go to:
Cafe Beignet at 311 Bourbon Street for beignets and New Orleans style coffee. An institution.
New Orleans Cooking School – really great ½ day cooking class (excellent) followed by lunch. Have taken many groups here and everyone has LOVED it! At 524 St. Louis Street between Chartres and Decatur (French Quarter)
If I were looking for a destination city to go on vacation simply to eat New Orleans would be the place.
Bon Appetit!