Guide to New Orleans
Posted on April 01 2015
eats
the big easy is a foodie town full of rich, distinct
food combining cajun and creole cuisine,
southern food, and french food all at once. you could come here just for the food and leave satisfied.
here are some of our favorite eats and treats!
• parkway bakery – don’t miss this stop for classic po’ boys in an old house uptown. be prepared for the long line, but it’s full of fun friendly people and you won’t be let down at the end with the golden fried shrimp po’ boy, amazing sides, and of course bread puddin’! see our visit to parkway here.
• acme oyster house is a well-known, traditional favorite. we stopped in here late during a night of mardi gras, and loved the “new orleans medley” which is a sampling of gumbo, jambalaya, red beans & rice and grilled smoked sausage…good for a complete new orleans taster! also try their chargrilled oysters.
• cochon – just plain amazing. it’s a newer take on new orleans food where every bite will be savored. make a reservation, and try fried alligator here!
• antoine’s is the oldest family-run restaurant in the country. it’s classic french-creole cuisine, and it’s even just fun to stop by and see — it has 14 different themed dining rooms!
• dookie chase is the best for southern comfort food with the creole influence. the menu rotates but it’s so homeade, plenty of sides, and you won’t leave hungry. don’t forget the peach cobbler!
• jacque imo’s for real, local n’awlins food without any fanfare. it’s fun, local, and the food is new orleans through and through.
• arnaud’s is classic new orleans fine dining fare, where the puff potatoes and hollandaise are items to try! it’s fun to visit for the jazz brunch!
• ruby slipper cafe is fun for brunch. you must try the bananas foster french toast, no-brainer!
• try a muffaletta at central grocery & deli – a favorite of locals which was invented here!
• breakfast at elizabeth’s in the bywater…one word: biscuits.
• st. james cheese company for the decadent gruyere sandwich. it’s a down-to-earth cheese shop with top notch food.
• sylvain: one word… CHEESEBURGER. get a reservation!
• domenica for pizza if you’ve had enough southern/cajun/creole :)
• café reconcileis a place i wanted to mention because of the great food and the community service they have provided with helping turn around youth and teaching a trade!
treats
- cafe du monde is the iconic french quarter place to stop for a plate of beignets and a cup of coffee. you really can’t come to new orleans without stopping here at least once. it’s open 24 hours, right off jackson square on the water, and loved by tourists and locals alike. it’s still only $2.60 for a plate of beignets, and they never taste better than in new orleans! don’t forget to pick up a boxed mix to take home too!
- district donuts has over-the-top flavors, which makes them fun to try. it’s a fun stop!
- aunt sally’s pralines is the best place to stop and try these favorite candies.
- angelo brocato ice cream for yummy gelato and italian treats!
- boucherie is a great restaurant but go for the dessert. think: bacon brownies & krispy kreme bread pudding. don’t forget to try king cake somewhere if you’re there around mardi gras!
- creole creamery- i can’t forget you ice cream lovers! lavender honey is the ticket here.
- imperial woodpecker snoballs are perfect snow cones topped with sweetened condensed milk for a hot summer day.
- camellia grill – get the chocolate pecan pie, heated on the grill with butter. yes.
if you’re short on time, you can check out a food tour that covers the local cuisine with
history and samples. these are great if you just want a taste of different places!
sights
- the french quarter is listed first because i’m a french girl at heart and this made me fall in love with new orleans from the first moment.
- magazine street is the place to go for shopping. it’s a long street that you can wander and peruse antiques, art, and shops!
- the garden district is an absolute must. wander over there or take the street car, and do a walking tour through the beautiful homes + magnolia trees. if you have good weather, rent bikes and bike through here!
- royal street is the best to stroll for for music in the streets and lots of art galleries
- the french market is great to visit for the farmer’s market, other events, or walking tours that depart from here.
- city park is beautiful and huge.
- you can view beautiful architecture all over, from colorful balconies in the french quarter to the mansions on st. charles ave. (along with it’s streetcar line). a bit further outside the city you’ll find lots of historic plantations that are beautiful and worth the trip out to tour. these include: nottoway plantation, san francisco plantation, houmas house plantation, evergreen, oak alley, destrehan and laura!
- we’ve mentioned the unique cemeteries here with above-ground tombs, and they are worth touring – on your own or with a group. we did lafayette cemetary no. 1 right near the garden district, or you can see st. louis cemetary no. 1.
- if you’re a history lover, check out the national WWII museum.
- and last but not least is jazz. some hotspots include: a concert at preservation hall, irvin mayfield’s jazz playhouse in the royal sonesta hotel, and davenport lounge.
Blog post by: Emi Rigby
Instagram: @emi
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