There’s nothing like a great meal to help you relax and unwind after a long, hard day of meetings and seminars. And there is no lack of amazing restaurants to choose from in the Crescent City. From Creole and Cajun cuisine to seafood and po’boys, we’ve put together a list of some of the top spots to visit for a great meal.
BIG EASY CLASSICS
Brennan’s
Famous for the creation of Bananas Foster, Brennan’s has been a New Orleans staple since the 1940s. The menu is rooted in Creole tradition with a mix of modern influences and offers favorites like shrimp and grits and oyster soup. An added temptation is “Bubbles at Brennan’s” happy hour (Mon-Thurs. 2-7pm, Fri. 8am-7pm.) 417 Royal St.; (504) 525-9711. “I have never, in my life, paid over $100 for breakfast, and I never would have thought it worthwhile — until I came here.” — Rob M. (Yelp)
Café Du Monde
For a sweet, messy dessert, treat yourself to a beignet and a cup of café au lait at Café du Monde. Located in the French Market, Café du Monde has been serving up beignets since 1862. Beignets are light, square pieces of fried dough that are topped with a generous portion of powdered sugar. The café is open 24 hours a day. 800 Decatur St.; (504) 525-4544. “It was my dream to go there! Didn’t disappoint! ... Bucket list place crossed off!” — Eric G. (TripAdvisor)
Court of Two Sisters
If you’re able to venture a little farther away from the Convention Center you might want to check out this historic New Orleans location. The property dates back to 1726 and boasts the French Quarter’s largest courtyard. The restaurant is well known for its jazz brunch featuring a live jazz trio, and Creole cuisine. 613 Royal St.; (504) 522-7261. “It’s still a place I would recommend to friends and family coming into town.” — NewOrleansRestaurants.com
Drago’s Seafood Restaurant
Drago’s opened its first location in Louisiana in 1969 and has become famous for its charbroiled oysters — brushed with garlic, butter and herbs then dusted with a blend of cheeses and cooked in the shell on a hot grill. The restaurant also offers an assortment of seafood, including fried catfish, shrimp linguini and lobster mac and cheese. 2 Poydras St.; (504) 584-3911. Located in the Hilton New Orleans Riverside. “We had a brunch there last night. [The grilled oysters] were delicious.” — Leslie L. (Facebook)
Mother’s
This famous eatery had been in business since 1938 and sells the “world’s best baked ham.” But if you’re not in the mood for a ham dinner you might be interested in a po’ boy (a sandwich served on New Orleans French bread). Mother’s is known for its Famous Ferdi Special Po’Boy — ham and roast beef, debris (the roast beef that falls into the au jus gravy in the pan while roasting in the oven) with au jus gravy. Breakfast is served all day. 401 Poydras St.; (504) 523-9656. “All that I can say about this restaurant is Wow! EVERYTHING was delicious.”— Rialto (TripAdvisor)
Restaurant August
Located in the Central Business District, August was recently rated as one of the 21 best French restaurants in the country from TimeOut.com. Breaded flounder, Wagyu hangar steak and roasted duckling are just a few of the decadent offerings that you’ll find on the menu. But you’ll definitely want to save room for banana pudding or white chocolate mousse for dessert! 301 Tchoupitoulas St.; (504) 299-9777. “I’ve eaten at a lot of restaurants. This is the best one ever.” — Kim K. (Facebook)
CONVENTION CENTER ADJACENT
Cochon Butcher
This self-proclaimed butcher shop/sandwich counter/wine bar specializes in house-made meats, terrines and sausages. The business offers both take-out and dine-in menus that are packed with favorites like jambalaya-stuffed chicken, mac and cheese, and Cubanos. And for dessert … bacon pralines. 930 Tchoupitoulas St.; (504) 588-7675. “Will definitely go back the next time we are in New Orleans!”—John M. (Yelp)
Emeril’s New Orleans
Chef/restaurateur Emeril Lagasse’s flagship restaurant specializes in contemporary New Orleans cuisine and tempting offerings like Gulf swordfish and house-made Andouille and Boudin sausages. The restaurant is housed in a renovated pharmacy warehouse in New Orleans’ Warehouse District—not too far away from the Convention Center. 800 Tchoupitoulas St.; (504) 528-9393 “Lived up to expectations … Service was excellent.” — Robert W. (Yelp)
Fulton Street Cafe
It’s the perfect spot for a quick breakfast or lunch on your way to the convention. You can choose to have a seat in the café’s spacious dining area or grab a pastry, sandwich, dessert, or cappuccino to go. 901 Convention Center Blvd., Suite 111. (504) 522-2265. “Breakfast sandwiches and coffee were delicious.” — Mikala H. (Yelp)
Mulate’s New Orleans
This “Original Cajun Restaurant” is close to the Convention Center and can satisfy your need for New Orleans favorites, like seafood gumbo and crawfish etouffee. Each night patrons are treated to live Cajun music, and don’t forget to place an order for homemade bread pudding topped with butter rum sauce! 201 Julia St.; (504) 522-1492. “If you’re looking for a fun and only-in-NOLA dining experience, Mulate’s is for you.” — Matt P. (Yelp)
Restaurant Rebirth
Oysters & Angel Hair, Mississippi Style Barbeque Pork Belly, and Blackened Scallops are just a few of the delicacies you can find at Restaurant Rebirth. Boasting a menu full of farm-to-table Cajun Creole cuisine, the restaurant has earned a number of accolades, including a spot on MSN.com’s 50 Best Restaurants in America list. 857 Fulton St.; (504) 522-6863. “Everything from the oversized dishes and bold flavors to the colorful, often animated dining room suggests extravagance.”— Gambit Weekly
Two Chicks Café
If you need something quick and light, look no further. Two Chicks offers up an assortment of fresh juices and smoothies, and breakfast is served all day. For lunch you might be tempted to try a Quinoa Salad or Turkey Panini. The restaurant is closed on Mondays and is only open until 3 p.m. all other days. 901 Convention Center Blvd. Suite 109; (504) 407-3078. “The breakfasts were great … The decor is cheerful and eclectic.” — Aruna L. (TripAdvisor)
