Acme Oyster House has been a mainstay in the NoLa dining scene since its inception in 1910. This iconic restaurant, with its vintage neon signboard, serves up a unique take on local flavors. Their signature raw oysters are a must have, followed by coastal specialties like Poopa, French bread canopy stuffed with sausage and shrimp gumbo.
Ruby Slipper fans no longer need to trek to Mid-City to sample the restaurant's renowned breakfast, lunch and brunch. The Ruby Slipper Downtown offers a similar menu to the original restaurant from its Central Business District location. Stop in the downtown diner for a hearty brunch like the Eggs Cochon or BBQ Shrimp Blackstone. For lunch, choose from an entrée salad, sandwich, or daily special. Sandwich options include simple diner favorites like the Ruby Slipper Burger and the Patty Melt in addition to more interesting options like the Grilled Portobello served on an onion bun with Brie and tomato.
GW Fins
GW Fins, as its name suggests, is a premier seafood restaurant that has gained widespread acclaim for its impeccable cuisine and unparalleled dining experience. Located in NoLA’s French Quarter neighborhood, the menu at GW Fins showcases a creative and innovative approach to seafood, utilizing the freshest ingredients sourced from around the world. Their evolving menu features the likes of crispy-fried lobster tail, pesto-crusted halibut, wood-grilled mahi, and braised monkfish that are paired well with wine. and your meal with their exquisite Grand Marnier Chocolate Mousse. From succulent Gulf fish to pristine oysters and decadent lobster, each dish is prepared with precision and artistry, highlighting the natural flavors of the ocean.
Cochon
Cochon serves you the traditional home-made food of Louisiana for that perfect Southern dining experience. The restaurant specializes in pork and receives whole pigs to prepare spicy Andouille Sausage, Fried boudin, and moist patties of pulled pork served over turnips and cracklings. The menu faithfully features the rural Louisiana fare that chef Donald Link prepares, retaining the authentic flavors. The meal is best washed down with a pint of the locally brewed Abita beer. Also try the restaurant's fine cakes or cobblers and a shot of the small-batch bourbon.
No compilation of New Orleans restaurants would be complete without mentioning Commander's Palace. In 1996, it was crowned the "Best Restaurant in the United States," and this renowned establishment continues to live up to its well-deserved reputation with exceptional cuisine and an unforgettable dining experience. One notable aspect is the attentive and efficient wait staff, who strike a perfect balance between attentiveness and formality. Housed in a modified 1880s Victorian house, Commander's Palace offers a range of dining rooms, from large to intimate. The restaurant is particularly acclaimed for its signature turtle soup, while other standout dishes include the Mississippi Roasted Quail Stuffed with Creole Crawfish Sausage, and for dessert, the delightful Creole Bread Pudding Souffle. Complementing the exquisite menu, an excellent wine list is available, complete with recommendations for each entrée.
Luke
Renowned chef and restaurateur John Besh combined German and French cooking traditions with his Louisiana roots to develop the menu at his Central Business District brasserie. Unlike most CBD restaurants, Luke offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Breakfast diners can choose from baked goods from the patisserie and a la carte sides like skillet potatoes and cane syrup sausage. The lunch menu includes salads, soups, daily hot specials, and selections from the raw bar. Those looking for an evening meal can enjoy fine offerings like a whole roast Cochon de Lait with cherry mustard and stewed greens, or crabmeat maison with fresh herbs, greens, and country bread croutons. Don't miss daily blackboard specials.
Atchafalaya exudes an unapologetic vibe in the Uptown neighborhood of New Orleans. Situated a short distance from the riverfront, this award-winning restaurant offers a blend of traditional and local flavors within its minimalist décor. Renowned for its weekend brunch, the menu features a variety of specialties, including beef brisket, pork chops, and fried green tomatoes. Another highlight of this restaurant is the talented chefs and their dedication to culinary excellence which makes it truly worthwhile. Atchafalaya's warm and inviting atmosphere, combined with its delectable dishes and commitment to local flavors, will make for a memorable dining experience.
Peche Seafood Grill is widely regarded as one of the city's most popular restaurants in the vibrant dining scene. Its exceptional flavors and high-quality offerings have captured the attention of locals, who consider it their go-to dining destination. Specializing in seafood, the roast whole fish made from the daily catch is their standout dish. All of their delectable food is carefully cooked in an open-fire setting and skillfully tossed and sautéed. Additionally, the desserts at Peche Seafood Grill are equally enticing and should not be missed.
