From the city’s most famed chefs to it’s most innovative rising stars, New Orleans offers exceptional culinary fare in a variety of cuisines. From fine French and Italian dining to casual Cajun and Creole eateries, the Crescent City offers locales to please any palate.
Clancy’s Restaurant
6100 Annunciation St.; (504) 895-1111
Once an old Po-boy shop, Clancy’s is now a New Orleans classic. The restaurant is a favorite among locals and is off the traditional tourist track, but well-worth the trip for its innovative twists on Creole favorites.
Cochon Restaurant
930 Tchoupitoulas St.; (504) 588-2123
Coming from German ancestry and growing up in Cajun country, Chef Link combines the best of both traditions, serving up old-style fish, seafood and rabbit dishes, from a wood-burning oven, many of which are served with freshly cooked vegetables on the side.
Commander’s Palace
1403 Washington Ave.; (504) 899-8221
Since 1880, Commander’s Palace has been a New Orleans landmark known for the award-winning quality of its food and service. Specialties include the eggs Sardou for Sunday brunch; rich soups, salads, entrees and 25-cent martinis for lunch; and turtle soup au sherry, grilled gulf fish and bread pudding soufflé for dinner.
Croissant d’Or Patisserie
617 Ursulines Ave.; (504) 524-466
This off-the-beaten-path pastry shop serves excellent and authentic French croissants, pies, tarts and custards, as well as an imaginative selection of soups, salads and sandwiches. Wash them down with real French breakfast coffee, cappuccino or espresso.
Drago’s Seafood
2 Poydras St.; (504) 584-3911
A New Orleans dining institution, Drago’s Seafood Restaurant claims it is the “home of the original charbroiled oyster.” Besides the barbecued oysters, the restaurant offers an extensive seafood menu, including Mama Ruth’s Gumbo and other Louisiana favorites.
Galatoire’s
209 Bourbon St.; (504) 525-2021
The grand dame of New Orleans’ old-line restaurants, Galatoire’s has remained committed to culinary excellence for more than a century, and has a rich tradition of serving authentic French Creole cuisine at a level that raises consistency to an art form.
La Boca
857 Fulton St.; (504) 525-8204
The menu at La Boca, a traditional Argentinean steakhouse, is predominantly beef, with a few specialty pasta dishes as well. Definitely try a dessert—the crepes with caramelized condensed milk is a good choice—and enjoy the dimly lit, rustic decor.
Lilette
3637 Magazine St.; (504) 895-1636
Only minutes from the French Quarter, in the midst of Magazine Street’s famous antique shopping, Lilette is quickly becoming a New Orleans tradition. Chef/owner John Harris has created a menu of his own contemporary French and Italian fare, complemented by an ever-changing wine list.