Every August, New Orleans holds an annual city-wide dining event to encourage visitors and residents to eat local. COOLinary supports local restaurants during the slower summer season. It features discounted prix fixe menus with special food and drink items. Here are 10 local spots to visit for this year's COOLinary!
Located in the Warehouse District, Briquette features a contemporary casual feel. It is known for its delicious seafood cuisine, where you can watch the food be cooked in the open kitchen. Briquette is also a 2026 recipient of Wine Spectator's Award of Excellence. You can enjoy amazing food such as jerk chicken thighs and crawfish crepes on their COOLinary menu.
Restaurant R'evolution has everything from Creole cuisine to an extensive wine cellar. You can enjoy elevated Louisiana flavors at this spot located in the Royal Sonesta New Orleans. Restaurant R'evolution has a cool, contemporary feel and incredible ambiance. They will be offering corn and summer truffle raviolo, Short Rib Boudin, and much more for COOLinary.
Enjoy Avenue Pub's wide selection of beers and tasty pub fare. Located along the historic St. Charles Avenue streetcar line, Avenue Pub is a scenic place to enjoy drinks. There are over 40 beers on tap!
Willa Jean is a beloved bakery in New Orleans' Warehouse District. It is known for its Southern comfort food with a wide range of breakfast and brunch options, including pastries, sandwiches, salads, and entrées. Willa Jean is both a local and visitor favorite, so be sure to try their fried chicken biscuit and Tabasco honey for COOLinary.
Located inside the iconic Omni Royal Orleans, the Rib Room is a classic and elegant choice for COOLinary. It is known for its slow-roasted prime rib, grilled steaks, and great location. Guests can enjoy jazz brunches on the weekends, handcrafted cocktails at the Touché Bar, and an unforgettable meal of herb crusted snapper and more during COOLinary.
Pulcinella features Italian cuisine derived from family recipes. Chef Matty Hayes honors the food with his family's Sicilian heritage. Pulcinella has food to satisfy every palate, including their creamy leek and wild mushroom orzo from their COOLinary menu.
The Riccobono family's Sala NOLA is located in the West End area of New Orleans by the lakefront. It celebrates Coastal Italian cuisine, fresh Gulf seafood, pastas, and Mediterranean flavors together. The menu was inspired by the seaside cooking of Southern Italy and New Orleans Creole Italian cuisine, and you can taste that influence by ordering their blackened redfish, soft shell crab amandine, and more during COOLinary.
Mother's Restaurant has been around since 1938. Mother's captures the essence of classic New Orleans dining with classic po-boys and traditional Southern dishes such as crawfish étouffée, cheesy grits, and French roast beef sandwiches. Visit for COOLinary and try their seafood gumbo, fried Gulf shrimp plate, and more.
Crescent City Brewhouse has a warm and casual atmosphere with delicious craft beers and Louisiana dishes. You can enjoy one of the six types of beer freshly brewed in-house! Some of their COOLinary offerings will include shrimp maque chox, boudin stuffed pork chop, and dark chocolate bread pudding.
Located in the Central Business District, Luke has a lively atmosphere. You can enjoy the freshest seafood and oysters produced daily from the Gulf at this restaurant. Luke's features Creole cuisine with a French and German edge, so visit for COOLinary and try their crispy fried chicken biscuit.
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