Eating in New Orleans

I recently returned from an amazing trip to New Orleans. I have to say, that city has some of the best food in the world. Eating in New Orleans is an experience like no other.

From high-end dinners, to po’ boys at a little hole in the wall, we experienced (and ate!) it all.

 

Planning a trip there? Here are my top picks of places to eat in the French Quarter.

 

Tableau

Eating in New Orleans should definitely include a dinner at Tableau. The restaurant has a classic high-end feel that many of the more formal New Orleans restaurants are known for. Enjoy dinner on their balcony, or inside overlooking a beautiful courtyard.

A must have appetizer is their fried oysters maison. This dish is just ridiculously good on so many levels.

For a main course, the beef filet is some of the best steak I’d had… period. They don’t bring a steak knife, because you don’t need one. It cuts with your butter knife. It’s that good.

And don’t even think about skipping dessert. The date night skillet is heaven. It’s a dense cake served in a iron skillet with a  side of brown sugar ice cream. It’s as good as you are imagining.

 

Royal House

 

We stopped at this awesome spot for our first meal in New Orleans. The waitress at the Royal House even told us they were most people’s first and last stop while in town. She was right. We went back for lunch the day we left for the airport.

Why? Well the food is amazing and it is exactly what you think of when you think of traditional New Orleans cuisine.

My top picks- A “taste of New Orleans” which includes chicken & andouille jambalaya, crawfish etouffée, and chicken & andouille gumbo. The oysters are also ridiculously good – chargrilled, royale, and Rockefeller varieties are all here and will  make you so happy!

And definitely add the crab claws to your list of starters. Ask for extra bread so can enjoy the lemon garlic and butter sauce long after the claws are gone.

 

Brennan’s

This New Orleans classic is a must stop for any visitor. Brennan’s pink building, bright and airy decor, and top level service will have you happy before you even take one bite.

For dinner, you can never go wrong with any of the seafood options. This is also a great place to stretch your palette with something truly Southern like redfish amandine.

Again, I have to say, don’t even think about skipping dessert.

Brennan’s is where Bananas Foster originated, so it’s kind of hard to recommend any other option. They make it table side, so you get a mini show, along with an amazing dessert.

 

The Court of Two Sisters

 

Not sure what you want while eating in New Orleans? Then make The Court of Two Sisters one your first stops on your trip.

This amazing buffet style restaurant has a little bit of everything. While taste testing everything from turtle soup to pecan pie, you’ll surely find out which Southern dishes are your favorites.

One tip- I’d recommend skipping breakfast, eating here at about 11 or noon, and planning a late dinner. You’ll thank me later!

 

Café Du Monde

Of course, no trip to New Orleans is complete without eating at the world famous Café Du Monde. Open 24-hours, 364 days a year (they close for Christmas) you can literally make this a stop at any time during your trip.

The menu is simple. Beignets and coffee. And they do them both perfectly.

The beignets are heavenly and the chicory coffee or Cafe Au Lait are amazing. No visit to New Orleans is complete in my opinion without at least one (or daily!) stops here.

So, those were my favorites during my most recent trip. I know I’m only scratching the surface! If you have other must visits please comment below. You know I’m already making a list for next year’s visit!!