[Mercedes Ohlen]

Spring Restaurant Guide 2023

07:00 March 08, 2023
By: Staff
[Mercedes Ohlen]

CBD / Warehouse District

Alto Rooftop Bar, located on top of the Ace Hotel, is the best hangout spot for swimming, drinking, and eating. There are tasty small plates to enjoy while hanging out on this lovely rooftop spot. Try the lettuce wrap with Gulf shrimp or the caprese panini. Be sure to come during happy hour for $8 specialty drinks. 600 Carondelet St, 504-900-1180, acehotel.com


[Mercedes Ohlen]

Annunciation has a really excellent and extensive wine selection that goes great with any of the restaurant's modern Creole and Southern dishes. Enjoy a number of upscale entrees such as filet mignon, roasted duck, and veal marsala. If you're with your date, consider ordering fried green tomatoes or pommes frites as appetizers with a hand-crafted cocktail. 1016 Annunciation St., 504-568-0245, annunciationrestaurant.com


[Where Y'at Staff]

Bar Marilou is a stylish French-style bar that perfectly fits into the New Orleans drinking scene. Relax and sip on Bar Marilou's creative cocktails, wine, or even their virgin cocktails. Enjoy a selection of small plates such as seared scallops and foie gras, or go extra fancy with some of the bar's different caviar choices including kaluga royal or trout roe. 544 Carondelet St., 504-814-7711, barmarilou.com


[Mercedes Ohlen]

Briquette is known for providing contemporary coastal cuisine in the French Quarter. The restaurant offers seafood from all over the world including the freshest options from the Gulf Coast. In addition to seafood, enjoy a wide selection of dishes such as the Roast Duckling Girod. Whether off the grill or out of the pan, Briquette's offerings are second to none. 701 S. Peters St., 504-302-7496, briquette-nola.com


[Mercedes Ohlen]

Café Normandie is located in the Higgins Hotel, the official hotel of the National WWII Museum. Enjoy a cup of locally-roasted coffee while taking in the historic atmosphere of the café., surrounded by vintage war memorabilia decorated with elegant chandeliers. The menu has options for everyone featuring items like eggs benedict and signature flat breads. 1000 Magazine St., 504-528-1941, higginshotelnola.com


[Mercedes Ohlen]

Carmo is a unique café and bar that blends flavors from the Caribbean, Southeast Asia, and beyond. The café is also great for vegetarian and vegan customers, offering selections including vegan ceviche and Burmese tea leaf salad. They also offer delicious baked bread such as maqaquito, which comes with bananas, cinnamon, and sugar, havarti cheese, or vegan cheese. 527 Julia St., 504-875-4132, cafecarmo.com


[Mercedes Ohlen]

Commons Club New Orleans, nestled within the luxurious Virgin Hotels New Orleans, presents a plethora of elevated dining options. Indulge in the mouth-watering juicy Wagyu smash burger. Make plans to visit during the weekends for brunch, served from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and treat yourself to a delicious meal in a stylish and sophisticated setting. 550 Baronne St., virginhotels.com


[Mercedes Ohlen]

Domenica, inside the historic Roosevelt Hotel, is a must-visit restaurant in New Orleans. Domenica serves up a menu of fresh, seasonal ingredients, including handmade pastas, Neapolitan-style pizzas, and other classic Italian dishes. With a focus on traditional cooking techniques, this spot is sure to give you a memorable experience. 123 Baronne St., 504-648-6020, domenicarestaurant.com


[Mercedes Ohlen]

Flamingo A-Go-Go is a fun and funky establishment that is perfect for getting together with close friends. Get the party started with one of the restaurant's creative "flocktails" such as the Bloody Mary A-Go-Go and the Forester Old Fashioned. Split and enjoy some of Flamingo's appetizers including the garlic chicken parmesan bites or the tuna poke bowl. 869 Magazine St., 504-577-2202, flamingonola.com


[Mercedes Ohlen]

Josephine Estelle focuses on seasonal ingredients that help blend classic Italian recipes with Southern flavors. Come and enjoy this interesting mix for either breakfast, brunch, or dinner. The seared scallops and the 48-hour braised beef short ribs are absolutely to die for. The restaurant also has a multitude of drinks to savor such as the Amalfi 75. 600 Carondelet St., 504-930-3070, josephineestelle.com


[Mercedes Ohlen]

Legacy Kitchen's Tacklebox not only has a great oyster bar, but also provides quality Southern comfort food. For a taste of the city, order the NOLA Classic Trio, which is gumbo, jambalaya, and red beans and rice with toasted French bread. They also offer a daily brunch with items such as Crawfish + Egg Beignets and a Bananas Foster Waffle. 817 Common St., 504-827-1651, legacykitchen.com


[Sarah Ignas]

Luke, located in the heart of the French Quarter, offers classic Louisiana cuisine in a warm and elegant setting. Indulge in dishes such as oyster Rockefeller, blackened redfish, and jambalaya while sipping on handcrafted cocktails. Experience attentive service for a truly memorable dining experience of authentic Creole flavors. 333 St Charles Ave., 504-378-2840, lukeneworleans.com


[Mercedes Ohlen]

Manning's Sports Bar & Grill is just the place for lovers of sports and great food. Given the name, the restaurant is themed around the sports careers of New Orleans' favorite quarterback—Archie Manning. Some of the fan favorite, shareable plates on the menu include jalapeno poppers, fried catfish fingers, and, of course, nachos. Grab a beer and enjoy. 519 Fulton St., 504-593-8118, caesars.com


[Mercedes Ohlen]

Meril is Chef Emeril's fantastic restaurant located in the Warehouse district. The casual, cool vibe of the restaurant is the perfect setting for delicious craft cocktails or wine served with some of Lagasse's favorite dishes such as fettuccine Nero and wood fired flatbreads. Meril is a great date spot or locale to bring out of town visitors. 424 Girod St., 504-526-3745, emerilsrestaurants.com


[Mercedes Ohlen]

Mother's Restaurant not only has arguably the best baked ham in the world, but also some of the best red beans and rice in the Big Easy. Some of Mother's favorites, including file gumbo, are really out of this world. They also have all-day breakfast, so make sure to enjoy the crawfish etouffee omelet, the shrimp creole omelet, and grits with debris. 401 Poydras St., 504-523-9656, mothersrestaurant.net


[Mercedes Ohlen]

Seaworthy is the perfect place to relax and enjoy quality, hand-crafted cocktails with fresh oysters. All of Seaworthy's catches come from American waters and you can absolutely taste the difference. Mussels, crabmeat dip, and fried Gulf shrimp are just a few of the dishes on offer. Make sure to also get the banana bread pudding for dessert. 630 Carondelet St., 504-930-3071, seaworthynola.com


[Mercedes Ohlen]

Stumpy's Hatchet House has the perfect combination for a fun evening out: food and hatchets. Practice your throwing arm at the different private throwing pits Stumpy's offers, while also socializing with your friends, family, and even your coworkers. Once you've worked up an appetite, grab some hot dogs, nachos, or beer at the snack bar. 1200 Poydras St., 504-577-2937, stumpyshh.com/neworleansla


[Mercedes Ohlen]

The Steakhouse at Harrah's pays tribute to the classic flavors of New Orleans while also offering unforgettable steaks. In addition to steaks, the restaurant has plenty of starters such as the chef's cheese plate, charred Gulf oysters, and Louisiana BBQ shrimp. Pair your meal with any of their fantastic wines from the extensive and award-winning wine list. 8 Canal St., 504-533-6111, caesars.com


[Mercedes Ohlen]

Trenasse, located in the Intercontinental Hotel, pays homage to Louisiana fishers and hunters. The smoky braised short ribs, as well as the oysters, are strong recommendations. They have beignets and coffee and everyone's favorite-the shoyster po-boy, a combo of oysters and shrimp. Make sure to try the out of the blue martini. 444 St. Charles Ave., 504-680-7000, trenasse.com


[Mercedes Ohlen]

Ugly Dog Saloon offers some of the best BBQ around. Diners can enjoy dishes slow-cooked to perfection while watching their favorite sports teams. Try the Lafitte Pig with one of their tangy sauces while enjoying Ugly Dog's outdoor seating. Don't forget to pair your meal with one of their ice-cold beers on tap. 401 Andrew Higgins Blvd., 504-569-8459, theuglydogsaloon.com


[Mercedes Ohlen]

Willa Jean is the purest definition of "retro-chic." Not only does the café serve coffee and all kinds of different alcohol, Willa Jean's has a number of Southern-inspired breakfast items to enjoy. Pick up something from their biscuit station or bite into their avocado toast with tomato, labneh, serrano, shallots, arugula, and poached egg. 611 O'Keefe Ave., 504-509-7334, willajean.com


Darrow

[Frank Kovalchek]

Houmas House & Gardens contains three different restaurants that cater to your specific tastes and price range. Perhaps you'd like to take the family to the Carriage House and enjoy some Louisiana ribs, turtle soup, or lasagna with New Orleans style red gravy? Or maybe you want to be fancy and visit Latil's Landing or the Wine "Cellas?" 401336 LA-942, Darrow, 225-473-9380, houmashouse.com




French Quarter

[Mercedes Ohlen]

Crescent City Brewhouse is unique in that it provides quality craft beers right in the French Quarter. Order a flight to enjoy samples of their pilsner, wheat beer, Red Stallion, and Black Forest brews. Make sure to slurp down a dozen of their Louisiana raw oysters too. They also host live jazz performances every Friday to Sunday. 527 Decatur St., 504-522-0571, crescentcitybrewhouse.com


[Mercedes Ohlen]

Evangeline is one of the French Quarter's finest restaurants while offering a true taste of Louisiana. New Orleans' classics including gumbo, jambalaya, and etouffee are all offered on the menu. If you go for weekend brunch, then you'll find interesting dishes like fried alligator and waffles, crawfish and grits, and crab cake benedict. 329 Decatur St., 504-373-4852, evangelineneworleans.com


[Mercedes Ohlen]

House of Blues New Orleans has all of the drinks and live entertainment needed for a fun night out. You'll definitely be satisfied after you try the food from the House of Blues' Southern-inspired menu. Choose from the shrimp and grits or go for one of the restaurant's amazing burgers. If you still have room, get the bread pudding. 225 Decatur St., 504-310-4999, houseofblues.com/neworleans


[Mercedes Ohlen]

Jimmy J's Café is the funkiest place in New Orleans for all-day breakfast. Their beignet sticks, crab cake benedict, and French toast Monte Cristo are perfect for brunch or supper. If you're not in the mood for breakfast, then definitely make sure to order their cochon panini. They also offer weekly food and drink specials such as fried green tomatoes and Irish coffee. 115 Chartres St., 504-309-9360, jimmyjscafe.com


[Mercedes Ohlen]

JINX Bar & Grill offers good food right in the heart of the Quarter. Enjoy tasty sandwiches and burgers like the Big Kahuna. The bar also has tasty shareable plates including the JINX wings and Foghorn fingers. Pop in for happy hour and try one of their signature cocktails while taking in the sights and sounds of the city. 91 French Market Pl., 504-510-2797, jinxnola.com


[Mercedes Ohlen]

Kingfish prides itself on serving traditional New Orleans cuisine with new-school twists. Try one of the restaurant's knockout entrées such as the seafood au gratin or the red beans and rice with Southern fried chicken. Make sure to save some room for the bourbon pecan pie, the big brulée cheesecake, or the café au lait mousse cake. 337 Chartres St., 504-598-5005, kingfishneworleans.com


[Mercedes Ohlen]

New Orleans Creole Cookery offers one of the most beautiful spaces, both inside and outdoor, in the entire French Quarter. If you want to try something you won't get anywhere else, consider ordering the massive seafood tower. This dish comes with crab maison, shrimp cocktail, and shrimp remoulade, as well as oysters, clams, and mussels. 510 Toulouse St., 504-524-9632, neworleanscreolecookery.com


[Mercedes Ohlen]

Orleans Grapevine Wine Bar & Bistro offers casual fine dining and an intimate atmosphere that is perfect for a date night. Double cut pork chop and black angus house filet are some of the wonderful dishes on offer. The restaurant has one of the largest bottled wine selections in the French Quarter, so pour yourself a glass and enjoy. 720 Orleans Ave., 504-523-1930, orleansgrapevine.com


[Mercedes Ohlen]

The Bombay Club offers some of the best drinks that can be found in the French Quarter. In addition to classic New Orleans cocktails the Sazerac and the Ramos Gin Fizz, the bar offers plenty of unique creations like the Cissy Strut and the Baroness Clementine. The Bombay Burger and the buttermilk fried chicken sandwich are really satisfying. 830 Conti St., 504-321-6932, bombayclubneworleans.com


[Mercedes Ohlen]

The Garage is a great place to enjoy live music and tasty food. The club regularly has open mic nights, so get out there and sing your heart out. Savor a cold drink from the bar and dance the night away to the beat of the live band. Be sure to try The Garage's fried okra and other Southern classics. 810 Conti St., thegaragemusicclub.com


[Mercedes Ohlen]

The Jimani is a great late-night haunt for all things food, drinks, and sports. They have all of the Direct TV packages, including UFC, on 10 huge TV screens for patrons to enjoy. All with over 100 different beers, they also make some great Chicago-style hot dogs, as well as pizza. Plus, they also have some of the French Quarter's strongest Jell-O shots. 141 Chartres St., 504-524-0493, thejimani.com


Gentilly

[Mercedes Ohlen]

Thai'd Up offers modern Thai street food right in the Fairgrounds area. Try the restaurant's homemade beef jerky or butter Thai shrimp. Stay refreshed and order the restaurant's Thai tea or jasmine tea. In addition to the delicious food, the restaurant boasts a warm atmosphere making it the perfect spot for a casual meal. 1839 Gentilly Blvd., (504) 354-8202, thaidupla.com





Gretna

[Mercedes Ohlen]

Gattuso's Neighborhood Restaurant is a go-to spot for tasty eats and great drinks in the heart of Old Gretna. With a beautiful and spacious courtyard, it's the perfect place to take your entire family to, as well as your four-legged friend. Gattuso's offers a ton of different sandwiches such as a Rueben, triple decker club, or a sloppy roast beef po-boy. 435 Huey P. Long Ave., Gretna, 504-368-1114, gattusos.net


[Mercedes Ohlen]

Legacy Kitchen Steak + Chop offers some of the best steaks on the Westbank. Whether you order the sirloin, tomahawk, or even the Legacy surf and turf, you will be eating a great cut of meat. Steak + Chop's other entrees are not to be missed, including the chicken and waffles and the build your own Legacy burger. 91 Westbank Expy #51, Gretna, 504-513-2606, legacykitchen.com




Lakeview

[Mercedes Ohlen]

JB's Fuel Dock serves up mouth-watering pizzas, rotating specials, and is located on the waterfront. JB's Fuel Dock's open kitchen and bar layout is the perfect opportunity for intimate staff and customer interactions. Enjoy a JB's classic burger or a pepperoni calzone. Be sure to take in the pleasant waterfront scene and their tasty supreme pizza. 126 S. Roadway St., (504) 510-2260, jbsfueldock.com


[Mercedes Ohlen]

Lakeview Harbor is a well-established spot that has been pleasing patrons for over 30 years. With a focus on serving juicy and flavorful burgers, the restaurant is a great destination for those looking for a tasty meal in a relaxed atmosphere. The menu features a wide selection of beer, as well as the famous Typhoon cocktails that they are known for. 8550 Pontchartrain Blvd., (504) 486-4887, lakeviewharbor.us




Marigny/Bywater

[Mercedes Ohlen]

Buffa's Bar & Restaurant is known as "the best place you've never been." The restaurant has been serving the Marigny neighborhood since 1939. Listen to live music and sip on a cocktail while unwinding in a warm atmosphere. Stop by for a Reuben and visit during Buffa's traditional jazz brunches. 1001 Esplanade Ave., (504) 949-0038, buffasbar.com


[Mercedes Ohlen]

Nonno's whips up authentic New Orleans meals with homemade pastries. Breakfast is served all day, so you can enjoy eggs and grits at any time. They have a little bit of everything and it's all delicious, from burritos to sandwiches Try the vegan cauliflower po-boy for a treat. You'll fall in love with their Southern shrimp and grits. 1940 Dauphine St., (504) 354-1364, nonnoscajuncuisineandpastries.com


[Mercedes Ohlen]

The Country Club is one of the Bywater's best kept, and most elegant, treasures. Not only do they offer exquisite food and quality cocktails, The Country Club also has a separate pool area. Enjoy dishes such as the black angus hamburger or the grilled Norwegian salmon. Make sure not to miss out on their weekend drag brunches. 634 Louisa St., 504-945-0742, thecountryclubneworleans.com



Metairie

[Mercedes Ohlen]

A Tavola Restaurant & Wine Bar is a great place to grab something to eat after walking around Lakeside Shopping Center. The restaurant is known for its Italian classics including Neapolitan-style pizza and gourmet pasta dishes. Pair your dish with one of A Tavola's select wines or go fancy with the Italian Margarita or the Frozen Limoncello. 3413 Veterans Blvd., Metairie 504-577-2235, atavo.la


[Mercedes Ohlen]

Bon Temps Boulet Seafood has a passion for, not only boiled seafood, but also mouthwatering BBQ. If you want to get great tasting and plentiful boiled crawfish, then this is the place for you. For something absolutely amazing, order the 16-hour Wagyu brisket po-boy, which comes with your choice of caviar ranch or horseradish sauce. 4701 Airline Dr., Metairie, 504-885-5003, bontempsboulets.com


[Mercedes Ohlen]

Nephew's Ristorante has been serving New Orleans quality and authentic Sicilian dishes for many years. The menu is large and filled with tasty entrees such as veal with peppers and mushrooms, eggplant parmigiana, and grilled rosemary chicken. They also offer frog legs, stuffed shrimp, and soft-shell crabs. 4445 W. Metairie Ave., Metairie, 504-533-9998, nephewsristorante.com


[Mercedes Ohlen]

Rivershack Tavern is a live music club, sports bar, and neighborhood tavern combined into one. Cozy up to the bar and sit on one of Rivershack's famous "bar legs." There's hearty, delicious food and a nice selection of beer. Treat yourself and get the fried pickles and don't leave without trying a Tex-Mex burger. 3449 River Rd., Jefferson, 504-834-4938, rivershacktavern.com


[Mercedes Ohlen]

Short Stop Poboys has been dishing out tasty po-boys in Metairie since 1966. The restaurant has over 30 po-boys that customers can decide from such as roast beef, turkey breast, hot sausage links, catfish, and so much more. All of these po-boys come with your choice of a side from potato chips or even gumbo. 119 Transcontinental Dr., Metairie 504-885-4572, shortstoppoboysno.com


[Mercedes Ohlen]

Spudly's Super Spuds is easily the best restaurant in the entire Greater New Orleans Area for baked potatoes. Spudly's has been serving Metairie their "meals in baked potatoes" for over 40 years. Anything from crawfish, chicken, chili, pepperoni, cauliflower, corned beef, and even veal is found in their potatoes. They also offer specialty sandwiches. 2609 Harvard Ave., Metairie, 504-455-3250, spudlys.com


[Mercedes Ohlen]

The Marsh Room Patio Bar and Grill is a local gem known for its delicious entrees and signature cocktails. Regularly the host of karaoke nights and live music on weekends, the bar is a great way to soak in the vibrant vibe of the city. The menu features a variety of dishes, including fresh seafood and 75 cent wings on Sundays. 4740 Rye St., Metairie, (504) 571-5733, facebook.com/marshroom


[Mercedes Ohlen]

Tacos Del Cartel has some of the best tacos that can be found in all of Metairie. The restaurant gives you three corn tortilla tacos with your choice of a variety of different meats such as al pastor, carnitas, carne asada, brisket, seafood, and even tofu and mushrooms. Wash your meal down with a delicious margarita, craft cocktail, or tequila flight. 2901 David Dr., Metairie, 504-381-5063, tacosdelcartel.com



Mid-City

[Mercedes Ohlen]

Café Degas is New Orleans' longest running French bistro—for good reason. Over the past 10 years, their menu has received a multitude of accolades and awards. Café Degas' lunch and dinner menus contain classic French dishes including frog legs, scallops, escargots, quiche, and much more. They also have Belgian waffles on their brunch menu. 3127 Esplanade Ave., 504-945-5635, cafedegas.com


[Mercedes Ohlen]

Crescent City Steaks is Louisiana's oldest family-owned steakhouse, and it has stuck around for a reason. Their New Orleans-style steaks, which they sizzle in butter, are out of this world. Anything on their award-winning menu is fantastic, from the broiled lobster tail and shrimp cocktail to the stuffed mushrooms and bread pudding. 1001 N. Broad St., 504-821-3271, crescentcitysteaks.com


[Mercedes Ohlen]

Gita Pita offers fast-paced and fan-favorite Middle Eastern food. Quality classics such as shawarma bowls and pita wraps are all available. If you prefer vegetarian options, go green with the veggie sampler platter. Be sure to try their Greek fries for a little appetizer or their sweet, delicious baklava for dessert. 2530 Canal St. 504-766-6519 facebook.com/GitaPitaCanal


[Mercedes Ohlen]

Li'l Dizzy's is a classic Creole spot to dine with family and friends. Stop by for a flavorful taste of soul food for either breakfast or lunch. This family-owned operation was founded by Wayne Baquet Sr. who envisioned this restaurant as a local place for people to enjoy a delicious meal. Be sure to order their signature gumbo, a must-have for generations. Group reservations available. 1500 Esplanade Ave., 504-766-8687, lildizzyscafe.net


[Mercedes Ohlen]

Mandina's Restaurant is a New Orleans favorite for both Italian classics and sumptuous seafood. For a special occasion either get the filet mignon or the ribeye with fries and string beans. Along with plenty of fried seafood, you can also order shrimp remoulade, crab fingers in wine sauce, and Gulf fish amandine with fries. 3800 Canal St., 504-482-9179, mandinasrestaurant.com


[Mercedes Ohlen]

Mikimoto has been NOLA's destination for authentic Japanese cuisine for the past 20 years. The highly-skilled chefs pride themselves on their ability to craft traditional Japanese dishes with a modern twist. Guests can expect delicious sushi in a cozy environment. Try the geaux Saints maki roll or the Sex in the City roll. 3301 S. Carrollton Ave., 504-488-1881, mikimotosushi.com


[Mercedes Ohlen]

Neyow's Creole Café is an informal spot that is known best for its Creole and Southern inspired dishes. Go for some of their New Orleans classics such as char-grilled oysters, a hot sausage po-boy, and BBQ shrimp. Keep an eye out for their weekly specials and consider heading over for Sunday brunch to enjoy their Creole Omelet with grits. 3332 Bienville St., 504-827-5474, neyows.com


[Mercedes Ohlen]

Neyow's XL offers even more Neyow's flavors, but in a more fine dining atmosphere. Some of the restaurant's authentic Creole dishes include corn and crab bisque, jumbo crab cakes, and a whole red snapper. If you're really in the mood for some drinking, consider ordering the XL Hurricane, which is seven shots of Captain Morgan with different fruit juices. 3336 Bienville St., 504-827-5474 , xl.neyows.com


[Mercedes Ohlen]

Nice Guys Bar & Grill truly serves up quality that you can taste. There are a ton of different dishes on Nice Guys' menu that offer creative spins on classic cuisine. The different wings that you can order are really popular choices, such as the drunken wings coated with alcohol infused sauces and the candy-coated praline wings. 7910 Earhart Blvd., 504-302-2404, niceguysbarandgrillnola.com


[Mercedes Ohlen]

Parkway Bakery & Tavern first opened as a bakery in 1911. The menu features a tasty variety of po-boys such as shrimp and roast beef. Watch the Saints game at Parkway's large outdoor patio, which has two 65-inch TVs, while enjoying an ice-cold beer from their extensive selection of local and national brews. 538 Hagan Ave., (504) 482-3047, parkwaypoorboys.com


[Mercedes Ohlen]

Venezia specializes in home-style Italian cooking with a New Orleans flair. They have pizzas that are cooked in an original stone oven, as well other authentic cuisine such as lasagna, chicken marsala, and stuffed artichoke. Venezia is the perfect restaurant for a Sunday meal with friends and family. 134 N. Carrollton Ave., 504-488-7991, venezianeworleans.net


[Mercedes Ohlen]

Willie Mae's Scotch House found its start in 1957 and has been going strong with its New Orleans fried chicken ever since. Whether you get it fried, baked, or in a sandwich, Willie Mae's chicken is some of the best in the city. Complement that chicken with a multitude of different sides such as sweet potato fries, candied yams, fried okra, and sweet peas. 2401 St. Ann St., 504-822-9503, williemaesnola.com



Multiple Locations

[Mercedes Ohlen]

Daisy Dukes' motto is, "nuttin' fancy, just great Southern eatin'." This attitude perfectly encapsulates the restaurant's menu, which is full of simple, but great tasting Southern classics. A particular favorite is the blackened alligator platter, which comes with gumbo, red beans, fried green tomatoes, remoulade, and a biscuit. Their po-boys are also great. Multiple Locations, daisydukesrestaurant.com


[Mercedes Ohlen]

Down the Hatch Bar & Grill is one of the best bars and grills to visit in the Garden District. Wings, salads, po-boys, burgers, and even Mediterranean dishes such as shawarma and gyro with hummus, pita, and basmati rice are available to be enjoyed. Save some room and finish your meal with their classic homemade bread pudding. Multiple Locations, downthehatchnola.com


[Mercedes Ohlen]

Empanola has the best empanadas in the city. They make unique empanadas such as beef Argentina, chorizo Mexicana, and gumbo. They even have vegetarian options such as mushroom and cheese, as well as spinach and artichoke. Pair your empanada with one of their refreshing drinks, including cold sodas or traditional Argentine maté tea. Multiple Locations, empanolaempanadas.com


[Mercedes Ohlen]

Felipe's Mexican Taqueria is home to some of the best margaritas and tacos in town, all offered with friendly service at an affordable price. If you want great tacos, choose from either the Mexico City tacos, Baja style, or the gringos tacos. They also have a build your own entrée option. Multiple Locations, felipestaqueria.com


[Mercedes Ohlen]

Felix's Restaurant & Oyster Bar has been a true French Quarter staple for more than 70 years. Their oysters, prepared a multitude of different ways, are the restaurant's main draw, but Felix's also has delicious turtle soup, crawfish etouffee, and so much more. Their Lakefront, Gulfport, and Mandeville locations also feature live music every week. Multiple Locations, felixs.com


[Mercedes Ohlen]

Juan's Flying Burrito has been serving tasty Mexican fare for 26 years. Juan's has some of the most unique burritos around—they are tasty and filling. A fun, happening place Juan's serves burritos, quesadillas, and tacos. Be sure to try the big bowl with skirt steak, potatoes, black beans, and more at their newest location on Oak Street. Multiple locations, juansflyingburrito.com


[Mercedes Ohlen]

Middendorf's Restaurant is located just north of Laplace off I-55, and is totally worth the scenic drive out. Recently, a second location opened in Slidell, on the Northshore of Lake Pontchartrain. Folks flock to the restaurant for their famous thin-fried catfish and crispy fried onion rings. Their turtle soup is as good as any you'll find. Multiple Locations, middendorfsrestaurant.com


[Mercedes Ohlen]

Pizza Domenica is the best place to be in order to enjoy Italian classics in a casual, fun, and lively atmosphere. All of their specialty gourmet pizzas are amazing and cooked in a custom-made oven. Start off the garlic knots or the burrata caprese and finish up with the lemon pound cake or the banana Nutella stromboli. Multiple Locations, pizzadomenica.com


[Mercedes Ohlen]

Tito's Ceviche & Pisco will make you feel like you've been transported to the beautiful cities of Lima or Cusco. All of their Peruvian specialties are amazing, especially the ceviches, which come with proteins including tuna, shrimp, and octopus. Try their classic pisco sour or one of the many different beers from South America and Spain. Multiple Locations., titoscevichepisco.com


[Mercedes Ohlen]

Voodoo Chicken and Daiquiris, as the name suggests, has juicy and flavorful voodoo chicken and delicious daiquiris keep patrons coming back to this lively spot. The menu features a variety of classic New Orleans dishes, such as jambalaya and gumbo, as well as a full bar. Stop by for lunch, dinner, or late-night bites. Multiple Locations, voodoochickenanddaiquirisnola.com



Uptown

[Mercedes Ohlen]

Apolline is a cozy-chic dining spot on Magazine Street. Their delicious dishes range from roasted Gulf fish couvillion and seared diver scallops to panéed veal medallions. The candlelit ambiance creates a warm environment where you can enjoy their expertly curated wines. Don't forget to save room for dessert—their decadent beignets with chicory coffee anglaise are a must try. 4729 Magazine St., 504-894-8881, apollinerestaurant.com


[Mercedes Ohlen]

Lebanon's Café has a strong reputation for being one of the top Middle Eastern restaurants in the entire city. You should expect to enjoy traditional Lebanese classics such as tabouleh salad, kibby meat pies, and much more. A perfect meal could be the chicken shawarma with Lebanese iced tea and baklava for dessert. 1500 S. Carrollton Ave., 504-862-6200, lebanonscafe.com


[Mercedes Ohlen]

Le Bon Temps Roule is where the good times roll Uptown. Not only does this iconic New Orleans bar feature live music and some of the best Bloody Marys in the city, but Le Bon Temps Roule also does a killer blackened mahi sandwich. The bar also features a menu of an array of hamburgers, sandwiches, and satisfying sides. 4801 Magazine St., 504-897-3448, lbtrnola.com


[Mercedes Ohlen]

Mr. Tequila adds a Tex-Mex twist on traditional Mexican recipes. Go with friends and share the popular 88-ounce margarita. Whether you're in the mood for tacos, enchiladas, or burritos, Mr. Tequila offers a mouth watering selection of Mexican inspired dishes that are sure to satisfy. Visit Mr. Tequila's happy hour Mondays through Fridays for special drinks and eats. 5018 Freret St., 504-766-9660, mrtequilanola.com


[Mercedes Ohlen]

Please U Restaurant will surely leave you pleased after you try some of their delicious food. The restaurant's po-boy selection is absolutely massive with choices such as veal parmigiana, French fries and gravy, chicken fried steak, and more. They also offer all day breakfast, so you can Please U's specialty omelets whenever you feel like it. 1751 St. Charles Ave., 504-525-9131, pleaseunola.com


[Mercedes Ohlen]

Shaya is a James Beard Award winning restaurant serving modern Israeli cuisine right in scenic Uptown. Try Shaya's amazing hummus with your choice of cauliflower, octopus, lamb ragú, tahini, or fried chicken. Make sure to sip on some of their craft cocktails or quality wines imported straight from Israel and Lebanon. 4213 Magazine St., 504-891-4213, shayarestaurant.com


[Mercedes Ohlen]

The Vintage is one of the best places on Magazine Street to grab a bite and people watch. Nibble on some of their traditional beignets, or wrap your hands around either their Italian, caprese, veggie, or BBQ chicken pressed sandwiches. If you don't feel like getting coffee, sip on a glass of red, white, or sparkling wine instead. 3121 Magazine St., 504-324-7144, thevintagenola.com


[Mercedes Ohlen]

Tracey's Original Irish Channel Bar is a great place to hang out for St. Patrick's Day, as well as any game day. The bar has lots of different beer bottles on offer, so you're bound to find your favorite there. Pair your beer with one of Tracey's specialty po-boys such as surf & turf, fried catfish, roast beef, alligator sausage, and French fry. 2604 Magazine St., 504-897-5413, traceysnola.com



Westbank

[Mercedes Ohlen]

Asia is one of the many top-notch restaurants located in Boomtown Casino. The restaurant serves authentic Chinese and Vietnamese fare, creating flavorful and delicious dishes that are sure to satisfy any craving. At Asia, guests can expect to enjoy a diverse menu filled with delectable flavors. Some of the popular dishes include General Tso's chicken, fried rice, and tofu vegetables. 4132 Peters Rd., Harvey, 504-366-7711, boomtownneworleans.com


[Mercedes Ohlen]

Mosca's Restaurant is the best-known Italian restaurant in the Westbank and has been a favorite for over 60 years. All of Mosca's entrée dishes are made-from-scratch, hugely proportioned, and are absolutely delicious. Go for their signature oysters Mosca or try some of the other amazing plates like the chicken cacciatore. 4137 US-90 W., Westwego, 504-436-8950, moscasrestaurant.com


[Mercedes Ohlen]

Nola Steak is a prime destination for steak lovers in the Westbank. Offering an extensive selection of hand-cut, aged steaks and an extensive wine list, diners can enjoy a luxurious and sophisticated meal complete with dim lighting, comfortable seating, and a sleek bar. From a perfectly-cooked ribeye to a juicy filet mignon, each steak is eason and grilled to perfection. 4132 Peters Rd., Harvey, 504-805-5596, boomtownneworleans.com/dining/nola-steak


[Mercedes Ohlen]

Tavolino Pizza & Lounge is definitely worth crossing the Crescent City Connection or taking the ferry to the Westbank. Located in picturesque Algiers Point, Tavolino specializes in authentic thin crust pizzas, with specialties such as the Behrman Hwy, red goat, and that's a spicy meatball. Grab some wine and enjoy the tastes of the Westbank. 141 Delaronde St., Algiers, 504-605-3365, tavolinonola.com

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