In honor of Easter Sunday on the horizon, for those looking to celebrate this holiday with a hint of mischief, hop on over to New Orleans this Easter and enjoy some delicious rabbit. From stews to braises, roasts to fried delights, you can enjoy Peter Cottontail served up right in the Big Easy. Buckle up your taste buds and get ready for a hare-raising culinary adventure with these 10 restaurants that serve rabbit dishes in and around New Orleans.
10 NOLA Dining Destinations Offering Rabbit
1. Luke
33
St. Charles Ave., 504-368-2840, lukeneworleans.com
Luke, a Creole-inspired brasserie, is in the Central Business District, just steps away from the French Quarter. The well-renowned restaurant hosts a lively atmosphere, specializes in seafood, and is known for their raw bar, which prepares fresh seafood and oysters daily from the Gulf of Mexico.
In
the spirit of Easter, celebrate their Fish Fry Fridays, which will be served in
honor of Lent in the weeks leading up to Easter. However, you must try their
pâté of Louisiana rabbit and chicken livers. This dish, made to share, treats the taster to a symphony of tastes, with the rabbit and chicken livers
complimented by truffles and griddled bread.
2. Domenica
123 Baronne St., 504-648-6020, domenicarestaurant.com
Discover the incredible fusion of classic Italian cuisine and modern New Orleans flair at Domenica. Indulge in New Orleans-inspired pasta dishes, daring Napoleon-style pizzas, and an extensive wine list that will tantalize your taste buds.
With an in-house sommelier to guide you through the perfect wine pairings, dining at Domenica is an unforgettable experience. Don't miss the tagliatelle with slow cooked rabbit and porcini mushrooms—a flavorful twist on a classic dish, featuring thick noodles, rich red sauce, and tender rabbit meat.
3. Coop's Place
1109
Decatur St., 504-525-9053, coopsplace.net
With the slogan "where the not-so-elite meet to eat," Coop's Place is the perfect relaxed, authentic environment to order classic New Orleans cuisine. The restaurant, conveniently located in the French Quarter, resembles a classic pub with a dim interior, eclectic furniture, and a well-loved bar.
Their house
specialty is the rabbit and sausage jambalaya, which is a traditional Creole
rice dish they have perfected. The boneless rabbit, chicken, and smoked
pork sausage are complemented with a plethora of veggies for a delicious and
well-rounded jambalaya dish.
4. Jaques-Imo's
8324
Oak St., 504-861-0886, jacques-imos.com
For an authentic example of New Orleans cuisine with a European twist, make sure to visit Jacques-Imo's. Founded by Jacques Leonardi, a New Yorker with a French mother and Italian father who developed a deep affection for the city, this restaurant exudes his passion and commitment with every visit.
The menu features a plethora
of classic comfort food dishes, but one standout option is the fried rabbit
tenderloin, offered as an appetizer special. This delectable dish features
tender rabbit meat coated in flavorful Creole mustard cream sauce, promising a
culinary experience that beautifully marries New Orleans flair with European
influences.
5. Cochon
930
Tchoupitoulas St., 504-588-212, cochonrestaurant.com
Cochon is a Cajun/Southern restaurant known for their meat, perfecting a variety of classic Cajun dishes from pork to seafood and, of course, rabbit. They offer a traditional southern menu complemented by an industrial interior with tall ceilings and two floors of seating.
Their famous head chef, Chef Donald Link, grew up in Cajun country and even revealed his recipe for rabbit and dumplings to the Food Network. However, if you are not an ambitious cook,
order the rabbit and dumplings at Cochon, and you'll find yourself licking the
cast-iron skillet clean.
6. Café 615
615 Kelper St., Grenta, 504-365-1225, cafe615.com
There is no restaurant more fitting for the harrowed occasion than Cafe 615, with its slogan "Home of Da Wabbit." While it is refering to a burger, it's still a title perfect for the Easter season. Beyond their culinary delights, Café 615 boasts a series of specialty cocktails perfect for the Easter season, from "Jose's Wabbit Wita" to "Jack Wabbit Juice." You'll get your fix of bunny fun.
The casual New Orleans-style restaurant, located in Gretna, specializes in classic Southern delicacies, including their fan-favorite gumbos and fried chicken. An insider hint: don't miss their special dish, rabbit with rice and gravy, offered every Thursday.
7. Paladar 511
511 Marigny
St., 504-409-6982, paladar511.com
Located on the vibrant and jazzy Frenchman Street, Paladar 511 is a high-end restaurant specializing in comfort food on a lively street that always promises a lively crowd. The Italian-New American restaurant, located in an old warehouse, has an eclectic charm matched with a well-rounded menu.
The menu houses a plethora of pasta dishes and pizzas, and their
standout pasta uniquely blends rabbit into a well-versed pasta dish. Their braised rabbit is served on a sweet
potato gnocchi, with a brown butter jus, and is topped with fried Brussels
sprout leaves.
8. Bayona
430
Dauphine St., 504-525-4455, bayona.com
The gorgeous Bayona restaurant boasts three main dining rooms and a beautiful courtyard adorned with fountains and lush greenery, providing the perfect setting to savor this spring as you prepare for Easter. The restaurant emphasizes hospitality, where their friendly service and warm, European atmosphere is complemented by their nationally acclaimed cuisine.
Their standout dish is the Mississippi rabbit, featuring a green onion sausage stuffed rabbit roulade complemented with smothered greens, dirty rice, and topped with a Creole mustard sauce. For a unique blend of international flavors amidst an equally worldly atmosphere, enjoy the Mississippi rabbit dish at Bayona.
9. La Petite Grocery
4238
Magazine St., 504-891-337, lapetitegrocery.com
Nestled along the famous Magazine Street, this quaint yet elegant restaurant is as essential as a leisurely stroll down Magazine itself. Offering a creative twist on traditional New Orleans cuisine, the restaurant injects a youthful energy into classic dishes like Turtle Bolognese and Blue Crab Beignets, setting a standard that's hard to surpass.
Among their dinner
offerings is the panéed rabbit: a shallow-fried and breaded rabbit dish that's
a delight for all rabbit enthusiasts. This delectable fried delicacy is
accompanied by a turnip purée, sauce grenobloise, and topped with wilted greens
for a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
10. Restaurant R'evolution
777 Bienville St., 504-553-227, revolutionnola.com
Restaurant R'evolution, a modern New Orleans-style dining destination, is nestled in a partnership with The Royal Sonesta New Orleans, an exquisite hotel located on the vibrant Bourbon Street. Boasting a contemporary interpretation of Cajun and Creole cuisine, Restaurant R'evolution presents an ambiance of sophistication and refinement while honoring beloved comfort dishes such as turtle soup, gumbo, and an array of tantalizing pasta creations.
Among their standout
offerings is the rabbit rillettes, a delectable dish featuring tender shredded
meat infused with rich flavors, elegantly accompanied by apricot jam for a
harmonious blend of tastes. Come out and enjoy this amazing restaurant once helmed bu Chef John Folse.
Celebrate the Easter Season with a Rabbit Dish this Year
As Easter Sunday approaches, indulge in a culinary journey through New Orleans with these 10 dining destinations offering delightful rabbit dishes.
