[Megan Watson, Unsplash]

Top Places to Eat in New Orleans for Thanksgiving

07:00 November 22, 2024

Thanksgiving is right around the corner on Thursday, November 23, and there is no better place to be for it than New Orleans. The city is obviously known for its cuisine, and Thanksgiving here can look a multitude of ways. Everyone will have a place to eat for the holiday here, whether you want all of the traditional foods like turkey, mashed potatoes, and gravy—or maybe you prefer some wildcards like shrimp, gumbo, or perhaps even tikka marsala.

New Orleans has a diverse range of restaurants, and many of them have specific Thanksgiving specials to help you celebrate. Some of them will even offer special Thanksgiving menus on top of their regular menus. So if you don't want to cook this year, but still want to enjoy a plateful of delicious food, here are the top 14 New Orleans restaurants where you can enjoy a Thanksgiving banquet.


Top New Orleans Restaurants to Enjoy Thanksgiving


1. King Brasserie + Bar

521 Tchoupitoulas St., (504) 324-3000

kingbrasserieandbar.com

King Brasserie + Bar [Website]

Head to King Brasserie + Bar this Thanksgiving for a unique, but comfortable dining experience with brasserie classics, as well as special menu items for the season. The service, from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m., will feature Brasserie classics like the Crawfish beignets and delicious Gulf seafood gumbo, as well as Thanksgiving classics like ham and turkey. Choose from a Joyce Farms Heritage turkey or Nueske's Cane Syrup glazed ham, served with whipped potatoes, french bread stuffing, cane glazed brussel sprouts, roasted turkey gravy, and blood-orange cranberry sauce.

Reserve your spot for a Thanksgiving feast using King Brasserie's OpenTable.


2. Arnaud's

813 Bienville St., (504) 523-5433

arnaudsrestaurant.com

[Arnaud's, Website]

A longstanding fixture in upscale New Orleans cuisine, Arnaud's will also be offering a special Thanksgiving menu this year. The classic Creole-cooking spot will also feature classic Thanksgiving delicacies: traditional roasted turkey, which includes cornbread or oyster dressing, cranberry sauce, candied yams, and French beans. But don't miss out on the other specials. Start off with the delicious roasted butternut squash soup, featuring a truffle créme fraîche. If turkey isn't your thing either, Arnaud's will also be serving a succulent braised beef short-rib dish with smothered mustard greens and potato Dauphinoise.

Check out additional options available here.


3. Commons Club New Orleans

550 Baronne St., (504) 603-8000

virginhotels.com

Commons Club [Virgin Hotels, Website]

The Commons Club at Virgin Hotels will be featuring a Thanksgiving special this year with seating times from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Drop by for a dining experience that'll make your holiday special without the difficult prep work. Indulge in mouthwatering dishes from a $65++ prefix menu. For $35++, the Commons Club will be offering a special three-course kids menu. Choose from a number of starters like the BBQ shrimp, duck confit Aaancini, or fried brussell sprouts salad. Then, work up to a main course like the traditional turkey dinner with dressing and gravy; or the short-rib and swordfish plates. For a delicious conclusion to the meal, try the eggnog bread pudding.

Make Thanksgiving easy and reserve your spot today here.


4. The Grill Room at Windsor Court

300 Gravier St., (504) 522-1994

thewindsorcourt.com/dining/the-grill-room

The Grill Room at The Windsor Court [Facebook]

Enjoy fine-dining at the 5-star hotel this Thanksgiving for lunch and dinner. On November 28, the Grill Room at Windsor Court will feature a special prefixed menu for $120++, and for an additional $50, the Grill Room will offer special wine pairings. To start, the four-course menu includes eggplant roulade, oyster, or the citron scallop dish. The second course offerings are shaved brussels sprouts and cream of potato & kale soup. Main course offerings include a filet, bone-in pork chop, red snapper, and the classic turkey (with a spinach roulade). Finally, end the celebration with a delicious dessert like the spiced apple tart or pumpkin cheesecake.

Call the number listed above to make your reservation this upcoming Thanksgiving.


5. Pascal's Manale

1838 Napoleon Ave., (504) 895-4877

pascalsmanale.com

[Pascal's Manale, Facebook]

Stop by Pascal's Manale on Napoleon this Turkey Day. The longstanding, New Orleans Italian-Creole restaurant will be offering a two-course Thanksgiving special, which includes a main dish and your choice of dessert. The Pascal's Manale Traditional Turkey Dinner features a citrus & rosemary stuffed turkey, mashed sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, and cranberry sauce, as well as your choice of andouille cornbread dressing or oyster dressing. For dessert, guests can pick between a delicious bread pudding or pecan pie.

You can't go wrong with the classics in New Orleans, and Pascal's has surely made that clear.


6. August

301 Tchoupitoulas St., (504) 299-9777

restaurantaugust.com

August [Facebook]

Enjoy Thanksgiving at the August Restaurant this year, found in an historic building on Tchoupitoulas. The service, offered from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., will be $125 per person, not including tips and gratuity. For the first course, guests can choose from shrimp, foie gras, yellowtail crudo, or coal-roasted squash. The second course includes some variations on classics, like the duck & andouille gumbo, crispy oysters, or the gnocchi with black truffle, and blue crab. Salmon and red snapper are offered as main dishes, as well as a "turducken" plate and wagyu short ribs.

To finish off the experience, the Mille-Feuille is vanilla-whipped ganache, salted caramel, and caramelized buttermilk ice cream.


7. Chemin à la Mer

2 Canal St., (504) 434-5898

fourseasons.com/neworleans

Chemin á la Mer [Four Seasons, Website]

Chef Donald Link invites guests to partake in an authentic Thanksgiving feast, using favorites served at his annual family gathering. The meal starts off with his classic turkey & andouille sausage gumbo before getting to the main course. Enjoy a boudin stuffed turkey, mashed potatoes & gravy, green beans, oyster corn bread dressing, cranberry sauce, and fresh brioche rolls for a fun and filling feast. Don't get too full before you have a chance to eat the dessert: a delicious satsuma buttermilk pie.

Chemin á la Mer will remain open on Thanksgiving and offer a limited menu on top of the Thanksgiving special. Reserve a spot today via OpenTable or by calling (504) 434-5701.


8. Compère Lapin

535 Tchoupitoulas St., (504) 599-2119

comperelapin.com

Compère Lapin [Website]

For a fun, and quirky Thanksgiving experience that'll still embody the belt-busting culinary values of the season, visit Compére Lapin on Tchoupitoulas. The special includes a three-course meal, starting with their roasted fall vegetable salad. The main course starts with their mojo turkey leg and includes a succulent butternut squash purée, crispy brussels sprouts/coconut dressing, sage & cherry stuffing, and jerk sweet potatoes. The conclusion for this feast will be a chestnut & cherry torte.

The meal is served family style and will be $95 per person.


9. New Orleans Creole Cookery

50 Toulouse St., (504) 524-9632

neworleanscreolecookery.com

New Orleans Creole Cookery [Website]

This fall season, be thankful that New Orleans Creole Cookery will remain open and offer a three-course meal special to celebrate. Start off with the iconic chicken & sausage gumbo before enjoying the delicious main dish. A delicious roasted turkey with gravy is joined by Cajun dirty rice, seafood dressing, candied yams, grand mariner cranberry dressing, and a green bean casserole before finishing with a pumpkin pie. Adults can enjoy this special for $65 each, as well as $25 for children aged 4-12.

The location will be open for business from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.,and feature regular menu options, as well.


10. Brennan's

417 Royal St., (504) 525-9711

brennansneworleans.com

Brennan's [Website]

Brennan's will offer a special, three-course dinner come Thanksgiving, which lasts from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The experience costs $75 and begins with a variety of dishes to choose from. Eat some classic turtle soup, seafood filé gumbo, black truffle cavatelli, or goat cheese blintz. The second and main course offers options including the penultimate turkey dish: roasted & buttermilk brined turkey breast with cornbread dressing. Other options for the main course include a Creole spiced redfish, braised pork osso bucco, glazed pork tenderloin, and several egg dishes. For a fun conclusion to the festivities, try one of the famous desserts at Brennan's: the world famous Bananas Foster, caramel apple sticky cake, and more delightful options.

Brennan's will also include a $25 kid's menu that offers a turkey plate, farafelle pasta, or "Brennan's Breakfast," with eggs, bacon, and toast.


11. Briquette

701 S. Peters St., (504) 302-7496

briquette-nola.com

Briquette [Facebook]

Briquette is the sister location to the previously mentioned New Orleans Creole Cookery. As such, this restaurant will also remain open on Thanksgiving from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. and offer a Thanksgiving special to celebrate. The menu includes the same three course offerings as NOLA Creole Cookery but in different location. So delicious Thanksgiving food will be readily accessible, whether you're closer to Briquette or the Creole Cookery.

The three course meal will be $65 per person with typical menu options also available.


12. Jack Rose

2031 St. Charles Ave., (504) 323-1500

jackroserestaurant.com

[Jack Rose, Website]

Stop by Jack Rose on St. Charles for a truly hearty Thanksgiving meal with four courses! The first course offers delicious shareable plates like fried oysters Rockefeller, pork cheeks, or wild mushroom mac & cheese. Follow that up with another light starter to the meal like the duck gumbo, heirloom squash & apple salad, or a potatoe & leek soup. Prices vary depending on the main entrée and range from $63-$88 per person. Jack Rose will feature a stuffed roast turkey with cornbread and butternut squash, swordfish with artichoke tapenade, crispy duck leg confit, ribeye, or a pumpkin gnocchi. Desserts include a "Mile High Pie," classic Basque cheesecake, or butter pecan bread pudding.

Coursed wine pairings are also available for $80.


13. Restaurant R'evolution

777 Bienville St., (504) 553-2277

revolutionnola.com

Restaurant R'evolution [Facebook]

Restaurant R'evolution is offerings new menu options for the Thanksgiving holiday season. Enjoy unique offerings like the caviar deviled eggs, brioche & burgundy truffle stuffed quail, Acadiana honey whole roasted duck, as well as a delicious conclusion to any meal with the sweet potato pie with spiced chantilly, candied pecans, and Steen's syrup gastrique.

Reserve your spot at Restaurant R'evolution by using Resy through their website.


14. Red Fish Grill

115 Bourbon St., (504) 598-1200

redfishgrill.com

Red Fish Grill [Facebook]

On November 28 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Red Fish Grill will offer a Thanksgiving Buffet. The full experience will be $69.95 for adults and $19.95 for kids aged 12 and under (kids 2 and under eat free). Enjoy Red Fish Grill's seafood specialties while also taking advantage of the available carving station, featuring herb roasted turkey, prime rib, and slow roasted porchetta. Before the final dish, try some of the other available servings like the alligator sausage & seafood gumbo or the butternut squash & lobster bisque. Other entree's available include a grilled redfish plate, spiced bay snapper, or New Orleans BBQ shrimp & grits.

Desserts will include delightful, fall-oriented dishes, as well as classics like double chocolate bread pudding.


15. Sylvain

625 Chartres St., (504) 265-8123

sylvainnola.com

Sylvain [Website]

The people of Sylvain in NOLA take pride in the in the location's raucous atmosphere. The Southern bistro aims to be fun, just as much as it aims to provide delicious food for the French Quarter's visitors and locals. The name comes from the first opera in New Orleans, one equally as unruly and charming as the spot itself. Thankfully this Thanksgiving, Sylvain will remain open on the day in question. Enjoy all you're thankful for as you sip delicious, inspired cocktails and dig into delicious food from their menu. Try some of the cast-iron cornbread or shrimp remoulade before digging into a main dish. Between the burger, chicken sandwich, bolognese, or short rib, you'll certainly find a culinary delight to fill upon and be thankful for.

Dinner will be available on the day in question and walk-ins are welcome, as well as reservations via Resy.


16. Lula Restaurant Distillery

1532 St. Charles Ave., (504) 267-7624

lulanola.com

Lula Restaurant Distillery [Website]

This charming restaurant and distillery will remain open on Thanksgiving day from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. with a set menu. Prices start at $65 per person for an experience that includes four courses and one Lula specialty cocktail. Kids under 3 eat free, while ages 8-12 will be $25 (alternatively, a limited kids menu for ages 12 and under are available for $8). The first course is a rabbit & sausage gumbo, second is a caesar salad, and the third is a family-style feast of deep fried turkey with gravy and sliced beef tenderloin. The fourth course includes access to the assorted Lula desserts found at the dessert bar.

Visit Lula's site for reservations, or call the number above directly if you're in a party of eight or more.


17. Miss River

2 Canal St., (504) 434-5701

missrivernola.com

Miss River [Facebook]

Chef Alon Shaya and Miss River invite guests to the location on Thanksgiving day. Offering a more playful and unique take on Thanksgiving cuisine, the special menu includes a whole buttermilk fried chicken, brined for 16 hours. The perfectly golden, crunchy chicken can be accompanied by typical sides like mashed potatoes & gravy, green beans almondine, sweet potato, oyster dressing, and cranberry sauce. The full menu will also be available come Turkey Day.

Book a reservation on OpenTable, or call the restaurant's number above.


18. Ralph's on the Park

900 City Park Ave., (504) 488-1000

ralphsonthepark.com

Ralph's on the Park [Website]

From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on November 28, head to City Park to enjoy the sights and good food at Ralph's on the Park. The restaurant will use a special Thanksgiving menu that includes seasonal favorites. The three course menu will be $75 per person or $21 for kids aged 12 and under. Start off with a classic turtle soup or more fall-oriented local pumpkin bisque. Entrées include the essential Southern fried turkey, speckled trout almandine, Cajun spiced duck breast, grilled filet mignon, and much more. Dessert must-haves include a praline bread pudding, pumpkin cheesecake, chocolate blackout cake, or seasonal ice cream. The kids menu includes main entrées of turkey & gravy, chicken tenders or pasta, but starts with veggies and ranch dip. For dessert, kids can get the vanilla bean ice cream with chocolate sauce for dessert.

Reserve your spot online now, or call the number listed above.


19. Mister Mao

4501 Tchoupitoulas St., (504) 345-2056

mistermaonola.com

[Mister Mao, Website]

Check out Mister Mao's Thanksgiving special with seatings available on November 28 at 2 p.m., 4 p.m., and 6 p.m. The three-course Thanksgiving is $70 per person and includes a choice of starter, including chicken dumplings or Gulf tuna crudo. Main dishes include a unique turkey massala dish and a wood fried hanger steak. Finish with a delicious dessert like the gelato sunday or a s'mores ice cream pie. Accompany the fall-themed meal along with some of Mister Mao's famous cocktails like the Safe Word or the Money Shot. For kids 12 and under, a "Happy Meal" will also be available for $25 and includes a choice of appetizer, a grilled or fried chicken plate, and a choice of dessert.

To make reservations, visit the restaurant's Resy page.


20. Copeland's of New Orleans

Multiple Locations

copelandsofneworleans.com

Copeland's of New Orleans [Facebook]

Pre-order you holiday feast here! Visit the Copeland's website to order a meal package that serves six to eight people. The catering package includes fried turkey breast or a whole turkey, gravy, buttermilk biscuits, and your choice of two traditional holiday sides. You can also add a delicious dessert to perfectly close out the meal, including the pumpkin bread pudding dessert. The Thanksgiving feast catering package will be available at any of the Copeland's locations in Jefferson, Kenner, Harvey, Slidell, Covington, New Orleans, and more!

Packages are available to order starting November 11, so visit their page for more information.


21. Parkway Bakery & Tavern

538 Hagan Ave., (504) 482-3047

parkwaypoorboys.com

Parkway Bakery & Tavern [Facebook]

Visit the storied Parkway Bakery & Tavern this season to enjoy the famous Thanksgiving po-boy and contribute to a good cause. Parkway is teaming up with the Al Copeland Foundation again for the #IDidItForTheTurkey 2024 celebration with special support from New Orleans favorites like Crystal Hot Sauce, Blue Plate Mayo, and Leidenheimer Baking Company. The Thanksgiving po-boys will be available until November 27. Purchase one today to help the fight against cancer and save lives.

Visit the foundation's site for tickets to skip the line on the 27th, as well as receive a t-shirt, lemonade, dessert, and side.


22. Mr. B's Bistro

201 Royal St., (504) 523-2078

mrbsbistro.com

Mr B's Bistro [Website]

Since 1979, Mr B's has served delicious New Orleans cuisine in a charming bistro location on Royal. This Thanksgiving, celebrate at Mr. B's with their unique takes on its seasonal food and celebratory feast. The menu includes Cajun, Creole, and seafood options; a proper selection for a New Orleans-based holiday meal. Starters include classics like the gumbo ya ya with chicken & andouille sausage, seafood gumbo, fried oysters, and foie gras. The main dish includes seafood options, as well as typical Thanksgiving fare like the roasted turkey. You may have trouble choosing though, as other options include a Mississippi rabbit, wood-grilled fish, and bourbon glazed pork loin. Finish off the celebration with a delicious pumpkin spice cake with candied pumpkin seeds or one of many delightful desserts.

Visit Mr. B's website for more info.


23. Tujague's

429 Decatur St., (504) 525-8676

tujaguesrestaurant.com

Tujague's [Website]

A brunch and dinner favorite for over 160 years, Tujague's will also offer a special, three-course holiday feast for Thanksgiving. The service will last from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and costs $65 per person (other menus will not be available). The first course will be a chicken & andouille sausage gumbo or brussels sprout and mixed green salad. The second course includes a traditional turkey dinner, Gulf fish almandine, braised short rib, or pork shank with cornbread dressing. The third course will be a sweet potato bread pudding topped with spiced pecans.

Visit OpenTable, or call the restaurant's number to reserve a spot today.


24. Broussard's Restaurant & Courtyard

819 Conti St., (504) 581-3866

broussards.com

Broussard's [Facebook]

Another New Orleans classic of over 100 years, Broussard's is a trusted name for dinner and brunch. So, patrons can be pleased to hear the introduction of their special Thanksgiving menu for the holiday season. Start off with a hearty introduction to the festivities: warm skillet cornbread, duck & alligator sausage gumbo, Creole turtle soup, and more. Main dishes in the meal include a grilled pork chop, filet mignon, and, of course, roasted turkey with andouille dressing, smothered casserole, sweet potatoes, and whipped potatoes. The dessert will be a warm cranberry & apple cobbler. Kids are also welcome to attend. The kid's menu includes a roast, turkey plate, or crispy shrimp, as well as vanilla bean ice cream for dessert.

Schedule your visit to Broussard's using OpenTable, or call the number listed above.


Best Restaurants for Thanksgiving Food in New Orleans

So if you don't want to spend all of Thanksgiving week in the kitchen, consider heading out in the city to experience all of the delicious food that local New Orleans restaurants have to offer. You can either keep it traditional or try something new to celebrate this essential American holiday. Whether you want to dress up for your dinner experience or keep it more casual, these restaurants can cater to all of your needs.

With a rich history in both cuisine and American tradition, New Orleans is the perfect place to have a Thanksgiving feast. And you won't have to worry about the pre-Thanksgiving cooking stress. So have a great time and Happy Thanksgiving!

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