city’s food is a living history lesson, shaped by French, Spanish, African, Caribbean, and Native American influences that blended over centuries to create Creole and Cajun cuisine.

Gumbo and jambalaya tell stories of cultural exchange, while po’boys and red beans and rice speak to the ingenuity of making the most with what was available. Many of the city’s signature dishes were born from humble beginnings, crafted by resourceful cooks stretching simple ingredients into deeply flavorful meals. Over time, these traditions evolved into a rich dining culture, where neighborhood joints stand alongside storied institutions that have been serving locals for over a hundred years. In New Orleans, eating isn’t just a necessity – it’s a way of preserving identity, celebrating resilience, and honoring a past that still flavors every plate. 

Antoine’s Restaurant is an icon in New Orleans, where history and Creole cuisine blend to offer an unforgettable experience. Established in 1840, this French Quarter institution is the oldest family-run restaurant in the United States, serving signature dishes like Oysters Rockefeller, which Antoine’s famously invented. With its opulent dining rooms, vintage chandeliers, and storied ambiance, Antoine’s transports guests back to the grandeur of 19th-century New Orleans. This legendary restaurant offers a true taste of the city’s culinary heritage and the essence of Creole tradition.

The history

New Orleans’ oldest restaurant was founded by a French immigrant in 1840, and has managed to survive the Civil War, both World Wars, Prohibition, the Great Depression and Hurricane Katrina.

The experince

The rooms are decorated uniquely and extravagantly, with photographs of notable musicians, politicians, military personnel, sports figures, royalty, including George Bush, Bill Clinton, Franklin Roosevelt, Pope John Paul II, Brad Pitt, Bruce Willis, Tom Cruise, Kate Hudson, Jimmy Buffet, Whoopi Goldberg, Bob Hope, and Bing Crosby, etc. If it’s not too busy the staff will take you on a quick tour by request.

Culinary specialties

Birthplace of culinary classics such as the Rockefeller Oysters, Eggs Sardou (poached eggs over artichoke bottoms with anchovies, topped with hollandaise sauce), and Pommes de Terre Soufflées (marvelous puffed potatoes that Antoine’s helped popularize).

The menu

Not super cheap but standard pricing for an upscale NOLA restaurant, with entrees ranging form $30-$50 (see menu). They do have $38 3-course Jazz Brunch menu 10:30AM – 2:00PM on Sunday and a $45 3-course Coolinary Dinner menu every night.

My tab

Make a reservation here.

They have an al a carte brunch menu, a 3-course Coolinary menu for $45, and a 5-course dinner menu is about $70. I’m not sure if they do a la carte dinner or not.

Make a reservation here. 

Drag Brunch Saturday and Sunday 10:00AM and 1:00AM

Make a reservation here. 

The Original Cafe Du Monde Coffee Stand was established in 1862 in the New Orleans French Market, a traditional coffee shop, and hasn’t veered too far from its roots. Pre-pandemic it was open 24 hours a day, seven days a week – closing only for Christmas Day and the occasional Hurricane. The workers are ready to serve beignets and cafe-au-lait-all-day for the earlier-risers, as well as the late-nighters. Now, under the new world order, it closes at 11:00PM, which is really sad. 

Cafe du Monde has 2 personalities – one is awake at 7:00 AM reading a book and enjoying a coffee and a beignet. The other is shit-faced at 2:00 AM, straight from Barley Legal, spilling powdered sugar on his friends’ laps, trying to soak up the last of the liquor before crawling home to his Airbnb. I always recommended trying both, but now you gotta get it done by 11:00. 

See here for both in-house and takeaway.

Cafe du Monde does not take reservations – and it’s always crowded so be prepared to stand in a well-worth-it line. 

Commander’s Palace is famous for introducing jazz brunch to the city and claims to have brought iconic dishes like turtle soup and bread pudding soufflé to the forefront of Creole cuisine.

Turtle Soup au Sherry: A classic Louisiana favorite, this rich and hearty soup is prepared with veal fond, egg, and crushed lemon, and is traditionally finished tableside with a splash of aged sherry.

Shrimp and Tasso Henican: This dish features wild Louisiana white shrimp stuffed with house-made tasso ham, accompanied by pickled okra, sweet red onions, five-pepper jelly, and Crystal hot sauce beurre blanc, offering a harmonious blend of spicy and savory flavors.

Pecan-Crusted Gulf Fish: A testament to the restaurant’s commitment to local ingredients, this entrée presents Prosecco-poached jumbo lump crab over spiced New Roads pecan-crusted fish, complemented by roasted corn, asparagus, grilled kale, melted leeks, and a whiskey-spiked crushed corn cream.

Creole Bread Pudding Soufflé: Dubbed “The Queen of Creole Desserts,” this signature dessert combines the richness of traditional bread pudding with the lightness of a soufflé, finished tableside with warm whiskey cream.

À la Carte Menu: Commander’s has a range of appetizers, soups, salads, entrées, and desserts that you can do a la carte, but if you come all the way here you should do a tasting menu.

Tasting Menu: The Chef’s Playground Tasting Menu is priced at $110 with an optional $70 wine pairing.

Make a reservation here. 

St. Roch Market is a dynamic food hall and cultural hub located in New Orleans’ vibrant Bywater neighborhood. Housed in a beautifully restored historic market building, St. Roch Market brings together a diverse array of local vendors, offering a curated selection of cuisines that reflect New Orleans’ multicultural flavors. From fresh seafood and gourmet Creole dishes to inventive vegan options and artisan cocktails, this food hall is a haven for food lovers seeking variety and quality under one roof.

More like a fancy food hall, this place is great if you want casual dining with lots of options, without having to sacrifice quality. Local chefs create innovative and varied food in 11 restaurant stations, centered around award-winning craft cocktail bar, The Mayhaw.

Check out St Roche here and get $25 off with this link. 

If you’re headed to the Big Easy check out this complete guide to your next New Orleans trip, and see some of our favorite hotels, below:

Best hotels in NOLA

Airbnbs are a great option in New Orleans, especially if you’re traveling with a group — you can find charming homes with courtyards, balconies, and plenty of space to spread out. But New Orleans also has some truly exceptional hotels that offer local charm, history, and personality you won’t get from a rental. Here are three standout picks for every budget:

Luxe: Windsor Court Hotel

A New Orleans classic with timeless elegance, a rooftop pool, and some of the largest rooms in the city. It’s a favorite for weddings, special occasions, and anyone seeking refined Southern hospitality just a short walk from the French Quarter.

💵 Price: $300–$450 per night

🌟 Vibe: Grand, polished, and timeless

⭐ Booking.com Rating: 9.0 / 10

📍 Neighborhood: Central Business District

✅ Book here

Check out more NOLA hotels here:

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