Everyone has their spot to “Must Eat” when in New Orleans. There is a good reason you will not go hungry in New Orleans! There are so many delectable bites in this city, that it would be impossible to review them all. So, we’ve narrowed down our favorites:
1. Commander’s Palace
When you want a true taste of New Orleans fine dining, go to Commander’s Palace in the Garden District. We’ve been to other big names but this one is the place to save that nice ensemble you brought to wear out. You will be met with Southern Hospitality, white linen table cloths, and perfectly sweetened tea. We visited during the Jazz Brunch and it was an amazing and memorable experience. We were served a three-course meal while listening to a jazz band. They stop at each table for special requests and were impressed when our young daughter requested ‘Do Whatcha Wanna’ by Rebirth Brass Band. The food was outstanding and reasonably priced. The creole bread pudding soufflé is not to be missed. Located 1403 Washington Avenue. www.commanderspalace.com
2. Domilise’s Po-Boy
They’ve been doing Po-boys right since 1924! This small house-like corner shop draws in locals and visitors alike. The Po-boys are huge and fresh and are created by the long-time staff. Our pick is the shrimp Po-boy fully dressed (gravy and cheese), washed down with a Barq’s root beer and a bag of Zapp’s Voodoo chips. This is truly a neighborhood gem with the best Po-boys I’ve ever tasted. Grab a number and a seat at the bar. Located at 5240 Annunciation Street. www.domilisespoboys.com
3. Cafe Du Monde
Fresh Beignets with a tower of powdered sugar, washed down with the cafe ole (frozen is best). The world’s most famous coffee (really beignet) shop should not be missed when you’re in New Orleans. As cliche, as it is nothing, beats Cafe Du Monde. They have been around since 1862 and you can eat in or take a bag of goodness to go. We have to stop here every time we are in New Orleans…no exception. Located at 800 Decatur Street. www.cafedumonde.com/
4. Shaya
The South meets Israel. This James Beard Award-winning restaurant under Alon Shaya married these two cultures beautifully. Unfortunately, Alon & John Besh are not working together in this restaurant but the food is still top-notch. We went for lunch and ordered several small plates to share. Some stand out dishes were the Matbucha, Fried Chicken Hummus and the fresh Pita Bread that just kept coming! Located at 4213 Magazine Street. www.shayarestaurant.com/
5. La Boulangerie
You just cannot beat a French Cafe styled breakfast spot…even if it’s in the middle of New Orleans. This bakery and cafe are known for their handcrafted pastries and bread, and sandwiches made from locally sourced products. It’s the perfect stop for a mid-morning snack. Located at 4600 Magazine Street. laboulangerienola.com
6. The Camellia Grill
This diner-style restaurant is a landmark in the city. It opened in 1946 and when you walk through the door, you feel like you’re stepping back in time. A popular spot for Tulane and Loyola students. The servers wear bow ties and the seating is at the counter. They are known for their bacon cheeseburgers, omelets, chocolate pecan pie, and chocolate freezes. They live up to the hype. How do we know? We tried them all! Pelicans fans we always pull for y’all except when our hometown team is in the building. Located at 626 South Carrollton Avenue (Jump on the trolley for an easy ride there).
7. Williams Plum Street Snoballs
Having a Snoball is a tradition for locals in those warm months in New Orleans. Plum Street has a machine that makes ice “like you have snow falling from the sky”. That perfect consistency along with fruit-flavored syrups and sweetened condensed milk makes the perfect sweet treat. Oh, and they’ve been doing it since 1945! Located at 1300 Burdette Street. www.plumstreetsnoball.com
8. Crawgators
You have to take a scenic drive about an hour and a half south to get to this restaurant but it’s well worth the gas! This place is overlooking the busy marina in Venice, Louisiana. Home to professional and sport fisherman. You can’t get fresher seafood than that. The boudin egg rolls were delicious as well as their shrimp and onion rings. After your meal, you can visit the pelicans fighting for fish heads and skin and the neighborhood cat who looks like Goose from “Captain Marvel.” If you’re looking for fresh, quality seafood, Crawgators is highly recommended. If you’ve been out fishing all day, they will even prepare your catch! Put 237 Sports Marina Rd, Venice, LA 70091 into your GPS. You’ll need it. www.venicemarina.com/restaurant.html
9. Shawarma On the Go
Around the corner from where we were staying sits a fine dining level Lebanese place that takes some cues from its home city. The odd part, it’s not where you are expecting it to be located. Looking for some fantastic Middle Eastern Classics and Po’Boys? Just pop inside of the Jet’s gas station on Magazine Street and you’ll find it! They serve fresh chicken shawarma, falafel, lamb and beef gyros, hummus, Lebanese Tea with Pine nuts and locally made pita. Shrimp Po-boys also make an appearance. Gas station food, elevated! Located at 3720 Magazine Street. www.shawarmaonthego.com/
10. Dong Phuong Restaurant
We didn’t make it here for their James Beard Foundation recognized King Cakes (we got to enjoy the Easter season offerings). However, they serve the best banh mi around. This Vietnamese sandwich is loaded with sliced pork, cilantro, and sliced cucumber on freshly baked bread. This “Vietnamese Po-Boy” does not disappoint! Plus, grab the baked desserts while you are there. Located a little outside of the city at 14207 Chef Menteur Highway. dpbakeshop.com
BONUS PICK: The Cupcake Collection
Missing a taste of home? Head over to The Cupcake Collection. You know it from the Germantown location but get to know their second location in their founder’s, Mignon Francois, home city of New Orleans. 2917 Magazine St. Unit 102. www.thecupcakecollection.com
If you’re looking for things to do in New Orleans make sure to check out our other article, “10 Things To Do That Are Family Friendly in New Orleans this Summer or anytime this year!” We’ve spent the last two Spring Breaks in the Crescent City. As Southerners, it’s great to have one of the most unique cities in the world just a short drive away. Please, go help support tourism in our great southern cities.