Surrounded by water and located north of the Mississippi, Gentilly is a diverse and laid-back neighborhood in New Orleans with family at the heart of it all. Here you'll find several family-owned businesses and restaurants that locals swear by and visitors come into town for. With water views and park escapes, Gentilly is one of the city's historic neighborhoods that New Orleanians know and love.
It's all smooth sailn' from here. Gentilly's got all the New Orleans spirit on a smaller, quieter scale. Float down the bayou and witness the charm of New Orleans homes and greens as you pass by. Here are some things to keep in mind if you find yourself in Gentilly on a weekday, so add these to your list of things to do, to see, and to eat while in New Orleans.
What to See and Do in Gentilly
1. Bayou St. John
Bayou St. John is one of the three bodies of water that frames Gentilly. This ever-flowing stream is the same one you see while riding your bike through City Park.
Grab your friends and some kayaks and float down the waterway for a relaxing day on the water. Take a walk or ride your bike along Wisner Trail for great waterside views.
2. Levee Exhibit Hall and Garden
The Levee Exhibit Hall and Garden is a New Orleans museum dedicated to educating visitors on why the levees broke during Hurricane Katrina.
Their mission is to bring awareness to engineering failures and ensure safe levees for New Orleans and around America. Peruse this museum the next time you're in Gentilly and learn something new about our city and how important area flood control is to the community.
3. The Original Fiorella's Cafe
The Original Fiorella's is a New Orleans family-owned restaurant operating since 1985. Their one-of-a-kind fried chicken was voted best fried chicken two years in a row at the National Fried Chicken Festival!
They serve daily specials that stretch New Orleans culinary traditions and bring homestyle cooking to Gentilly. Learn about the history of the restaurant on their website and give them a taste next time you're in town.
4. Pontchartrain Park
Pontchartrain Park is a sub-district of Gentilly with a large green space, golf course, baseball field, and playground. Hit some rounds on the golf course or stroll through the greens as your kids play in the jungle gym.
Pontchartrain Park has the perfect space for neighborhood events, parties, and gatherings like the annual Gentilly Fest. This park is fun for all!
5. Gentilly Fest
Gentilly Fest is a celebration of the community of the Gentilly neighborhood. The three-day festival features live music, local foods, and fine arts and crafts for sale from vendors. There are kids' activities like the Kids' Village, kids entertainment stage, face painting, pottery, crafts, and more.
Gentilly Fest is a weekend that highlights the culture of music and art in Gentilly and promotes economic growth for the community. Take your friends and family and head to Pontchartrain Park this October 11-13, 2024 weekend and enjoy free admission to this town favorite.
6. The Munch Factory
The Munch Factory is a neighborhood restaurant with casual dining and a traditional Creole menu. Some of the restaurant's dishes include shrimp and grits, over roasted salmon, and fried ribs.
They've served the community for over 10 years using fresh ingredients with a New Orleans flare. With great prices and delicious food, Gentilly residents usually find themselves here on a weeknight enjoying blackened fish and shrimp and grits.
7. The Lakefront
Boarded by Lake Pontchartrain, Gentilly has great lakefront views at Lake Terrace Park. Sit back, relax, and listen to the gentle breeze tremble the water or get some exercise with your pup on a walk along the water.
Adjacent to Lake Terrace Park is London Park overlooking the London Avenue Canal. Just over Bayou St. John is Lakeshore Park, which is perfect for a lakefront picnic.
8. Thai'd Up
1839 Gentilly Blvd., (504)-354-8202, thaidupla.com
Thai'd Up made Where Y'at Magazine's Fall Restaurant Guide in 2023 year for its delicious Thai street food and extensive vegetarian menu. It is a family-owned business with a friendly staff and warm atmosphere.
Whether you're just passing through Gentilly, on an errand run, or visiting its neighborhood charm, Thai'd Up is the perfect spot to grab lunch. Try their Thai papaya salad, a favorite on the menu.
9. The University of New Orleans
Take a stroll through UNO's campus in Gentilly and feel the breeze from Lake Pontchartrain. You can catch a show at the Robert E. Nims Theatre or listen to live music at the Sandbar.
Campus is open for exploring, so change up your regular walking route and opt to walk through this old New Orleans campus. Make sure to check out what popular events will be coming to the UNO Lakefront arena as well.
10. Zimmer's Seafood
Zimmer's Seafood is a family-owned take-out restaurant and seafood market selling fresh seafood, poboys, and plates. It's a local favorite during crawfish season and sells all your crawfish boil needs.
Get your catfish, tilapia, shrimp, oysters, crab, and more at Zimmer's Seafood. They add that freshwater feel to Gentilly and give you the taste of the South.
Spend a Day in Gentilly
Gentilly is all about easy livin'. It's a neighborhood that'll make you feel right at home whether you're a New Orleanian from another district or from out of town. Take a break from the traffic and busy streets in the French Quarter and spend a day in Gentilly relaxing at the park and enjoying fresh seafood with your family.
