We need a great dining spot for one night. Gotta be great food. Really want it to be representative of New Orleans cuisine/style but that doesn't have to be the sole menu focus.
Don't want steakhouses (Doris) or the better Italian places. I've seen the list of usual suspects but some seem to formal (Brennans) and others not interesting.
Looking for a "business casual" atmosphere. Would appreciate any ideas. Thanks!
I’m a New Orleanian. Also, was a waiter many moons ago at Commander’s Palace. My picks in order: Antoine’s, Galatoire’s, Arnaud’s. They are all the real deal in haute NOLA cuisine.
As reservations this time a year can be tough, be advised that you can stroll into the bar at Antoine’s (called the Herme’s Bar) or upstairs bar at Arnaud’s and eat in both places without a reservation—same menu as the restaurants.
At Antoine’s, they have a salad called the “Numa” salad named after a famous waiter there (he was my waiter for many years—and both Antoine’s and Galatoire’s have a “waiter” system where if you are a local, you book directly by phone with your waiter), anyway, Numa’s salad is pretty awesome—just a greens salad, but with artichoke hearts, hearts of palm and a some kind of light secret vinaigrette dressing, and it’s wonderful.
Center cut filet great at Antoine’s, trout almandine fab at both Antoine’s and Arnaud’s. Antoine’s has a dish called “Truite Au Vin Blanc” which is a casserole fish dish and it’s killer as is the Pompano en Papillote. Oyster’s Rock and Oyster’s Foch also wonderful at Antoine’s. At Arnaud’s, the crabmeat ravigotte is to die for and their coffee, OMG. Great.
Arnaud’s famous for Shrimp Arnaud. Definitely order that if you go there.
If you are into bloody mary’s, Antoine’s makes a great one over crushed ice. Their Sazeracs are fine too—it’s a rye whisky and absinthe cocktail.
Really don’t think you can go wrong at any of these places. If you are into deserts, have the Baked Alaska at Antoine’s. Perfect for a family desert.
Agree completely. Get the five course crawfish dinner ... crawfish bisque, crawfish omelet, crawfish etoufe, crawfish jambalaya, and crawfish gumbo.
It’s outside the Quarter but not a long ways. Take a cab or drive. The towns more dangerous than it used to be.
And of course...
Pat O’Brien’s Bar
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pat_O%27Brien%27s_Bar
And near by...
Preservation Hall
http://preservationhall.com/hall/
Brennan’s - it’s not that formal.
K Paul Louisiana Kitchen. I love it!! This was Chef Paul Prudhomme’s restaurant and is a New Orlean’s favorite.
NOLA’s which is an Emeril’s restaurant.
Old NOLA Cookery
Tujaque’s used to have a Thanksgiving spread that was delicious. You can check.
Manale’s for their barbecue shrimp. It is not barbecue like you do at home. Trust me it will be a rememorable dining experience that you will cherish the rest of your life. Reservations will be required.
I know it doesn’t fit your bill, but to go to a city that has one of the greatest legendary resataurants in culinary arts and miss it would be sad.
I went to Antoine’s while we were there for our honeymoon, and it is fantastic. The service is one of only 2 places I’ve experienced that was unbelievably old-fashioned flawless, so much it caught us by surprise.
Commanders Palace. Nothing comes close.
Have lunch at the Royal Sonesta Desire Oyster Bar and sit by the open windows to enjoy the passing scene.
Coffee and beignets at Cafe du Monde.
Stay alert and watch your six, it’s a pretty urban scene.
I recommend Antoines. The menu is in French, and it has been around since 1840. It is not terribly expensive, but you must wear a suit and tie. It is fun watching the tourists show up in a polo shirt and get turned away. Also, it is not pretensious like Europe. They will give you a sport coat and tie but only if you have a dress shirt. But I like having to dress up for once. Oh, and do make a reservation first.
The Commodore’s Place or any of the other Brennan restaurants in New Orleans are a good bet. For true New Orleans food, Tipitimas across from the Convention Center, very casual.
Try Fins. Pricey but fantastic seafood.
https://gwfins.com
All those above plus Theo’s for pizza on Magazine and the Creole Creamery for the best ice cream on the planet.
There is something incredibly special about Antoine’s.
But that's pretty upscale. You can try Cafe du Monde in Jackson Square if you like being surrounded by pigeon poop and tourists. And frankly, they're only known for their beignets.
K-Paul’s Louisiana Kitchen for awesome Cajun. Some of the best food (for a foodie) that I’ve ever had.
Antoine’s for old time New Orleans class.
Commander’s Palace in the Garden District is a nice mix of both of those.
Brightsen’s. A family run, relatively inexpensive, fine dining restaurant uptown. You can take the St Charles streetcar and enjoy the ride through the beautiful Garden district. I’ve dined there multiple times and it has not disappointed.
Avoid the old quarter, smells like mold and can’t be healthy.
GW Finns. Good food and a great waitstaff. We found Commanders Palace overrated and the waiter acted like he was doing us a favor. The food was mediocre.
Just checked your link and it leads right back to the FR main page of threads..........Sheesh!
A VERY nice and EXPENSIVE restaurant is Commander's Palace......get the kids a babysitter!