There is no shortage of amazing food in New Orleans. So, how exactly do you decide where to go? Welcome to the first in the "Best Of" series where we will be giving a rundown of, you guessed it, the best of the city. To those that have been to NOLA, it probably won't be a surprise that restaurants are the perfect place to start. Here we give our top five don't miss restaurants, some for the history, some for the atmosphere, and all for the food. I'm not going to lie, it was hard to keep it to five.
Top Five Best Restaurants in New Orleans
GW Fins - Best Overall
If you only go to one restaurant in NOLA, make sure it's GW Fins. A seafood forward fancy restaurant with a classy feel, you will have a hard time deciding what to order off this menu. No need to worry too much, you really cannot go wrong. Your food will look almost too good to eat, but once you take your first bite, you will be hard-pressed to stop. For starters, try the ceviche and the lobster dumplings. For your main course, if they are doing the scalibut special, you better get it! What is scalibut you ask? It's a scallop encrusted halibut. Yep, you read that right. It will be one of those nights you don't want to share. You better get your reservations now, this place books up fast!
Desire Oyster Bar
Desire Oyster Bar is located in the Royal Sonesta Hotel right on Bourbon Street. From the moment you walk in, you can feel the energy of the place. Looking for amazing chargrilled oysters? This is the place to get them. The crab cakes are also perfectly light and airy and make for an amazing meal or starter. Looking for a heavier entrée? Try the red beans and rice, some of the best in the city.
Muriel's
Muriel's has a lot of history and is even haunted by the ghost of Pierre Antoine Lepardi Jourdan who killed himself in the house the night he lost the deed in a gambling wager. It is said that he used to cause a lot of mischief, such as throwing glasses at people and breaking things, until the restaurant realized he just wanted an invite to the party! They started setting a table for him every night, and now there is only a little mischief. Besides the interesting history, the building itself is very impressive and you really feel just like you are at one of Pierre Antonie's famous parties when you are dining there. You def want to try the wedge salad and the gumbo here as starters. Feeling like fish? Go for the crispy onion salmon. Feeling like meat? Try the wood-grilled pork chop.
Broussard's
Broussard's has an incredible space with several different rooms and even a gorgeous outside area. The restaurant has been around since 1920. In 2020, they were celebrating their 100 year anniversary and created a cocktail for each decade which was both creative and fun. As a starter, try the crab meat ravigote. The salmon with beurre blanc was some of the best in the city and you can't go wrong with a filet!
Compère Lapin
Compère Lapin is located in the Old No. 77 hotel. The atmosphere is upscale rustic and the employees are some of the friendliest and most knowledgeable that you will find. Compère Lapin means "brother rabbit" in French and the restaurant is based on folktales of the same name. The menu is a mix between New Orleans, French, Caribbean, and Italian styles. It might sound strange, but it all plays incredibly together. I mean how can you not go to a restaurant with a giant drink called The Copper Bunny (pictured above). Honestly. For a starter try the biscuits, as a main get any of the pastas, they are all incredible, and for dessert, don't miss the banana bread zeppoles with rum caramel. You just can't go wrong here.
Bonus Time
You know I can never resist giving some bonus content! Especially when it comes to food.
Acme Oyster House
With the feel of a dive bar where everyone is your friend, Acme Oyster House has a couple of locations, but the favorite is the one in the French Quarter. There are a variety of oysters and drinks (more Chargrilled Oysters, yes please!). This is also arguably the best seafood gumbo in the city.
Café Du Monde
If you've been to New Orleans before, it's likely you have heard of Café Du Monde. There might be a lot of hype for these beignets, but it's all warranted. Beignet means donut in French and these are the perfect mix of fluffy dough and powdered sugar. You can even buy some beignet mix and coffee to make at home. Word of warning, don't wear black or anything that you don't want a pound of powdered sugar to get on.
Where are your favorite places to eat in New Orleans? Tell us in the comments!
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