New Orleans as a city is known the world over for its arts, culture, sports, and entertainment. But it’s getting into the Crescent City’s neighborhoods where visitors really see the best of all the city has to offer, especially if you’re seeking an authentic Louisiana experience.
West Riverside
Italian family recipes get the NOLA treatment at Avo. Fried calamari, charred octopus, pear and apple bruschetta, steak, fish, chops, and more are prepared with traditional skills, local ingredients, and Southern hospitality. This newly renovated space comfortably seats large parties so everyone can enjoy a good meal.
Central Business District
At Windsor Court, dine on-site at The Grill Room. The menu features contemporary American dishes served with local style at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Seasonal flavors are showcased in menu items like beef carpaccio with wild arugula, a quail egg, and garlic mousse, and the scallops with mushroom risotto, pancetta, and citrus butter. Don’t miss the weekend jazz brunch for an authentic New Orleans music experience.
Downtown New Orleans
The hotel bar and lounge Cachette 1907 in La Pavillon serves small plates and dinner over cocktails and wine. The autumn salad features Fiji apples, figs, bacon, and hazelnuts, while the French BBQ chicken lollipops, braised short ribs, and beef tenderloin are served with seasonal vegetables prepared in an elevated Southern style.
The French Quarter
Tujague’s Restaurant in the French Quarter is legendary. It’s one of the oldest restaurants in the city. For more than 150 years, locals have dined on classics like shrimp remoulade, gumbo, and bread pudding. Today, you can also order duck and goat cheese crepes, maple leaf duck breast, tournedos of beef, and more.
Bywater
Explore the Bywater neighborhood but don’t miss dining at Cru New Orleans. The historic building and simple, artistic design aesthetic combine for a welcoming ambiance. Enjoy casual drinks and small bites. Cozy indoor and courtyard dining with soft lighting makes Cru feel like an oasis. Chef Marlon Alexander’s menu includes local blue crab cakes, fried oysters, lobster ceviche as starters followed by entrees like shrimp or foie gras and grits, pappardelle, veal chop, and steak for two.
You can’t go wrong at The Franklin; with a darker, more romantic feel, it’s a lovely and intimate alternative to the bright and airy Cru. Snack on spiced BBQ pecans while waiting for salmon tartare or grilled octopus; trout, duck, swordfish, steak, and burgers round out the menu. Creative handcrafted cocktails and old favorites are served from the bar; The Franklin also has an extensive wine list, making it a great place for a drink and cheese plate for sharing.
Lower Garden District
Indulge in the chef’s table experience at Gris-Gris for a first-hand look at the creativity and skill that goes into preparing each of your dishes. Whether you visit for lunch, dinner or weekend brunch, there’s an array of one-of-a-kind menu items to choose from. The menu showcases beef, seafood, duck, and pork dishes accompanied by uniquely Southern sides. It’s not hard to see why Gris-Gris has won so many awards.
No matter which neighborhood you wander, it’s easy to find a great meal in New Orleans. From traditional Southern cooking to French cuisine, handcrafted cocktails, local beers, and wines from around the world, there’s something to tempt every palate.
