- What makes New Orleans special?
- Nicknamed the “Big Easy” and known for its round-the-clock nightlife, vibrant live-music scene, and spicy, exceptional cuisine, New Orleans is nothing less than spectacular.
- What are some great reasons to visit New Orleans?
- Here are a few great restaurants to head to for a first date or a big anniversary celebration.
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1. Antoine’s Restaurant
Antoine’s Restaurant is the oldest French-Creole fine dining restaurant in New Orleans and has been serving award-winning French-Creole cuisine for more than 176 years. Established in 1840 by Antoine Alciatore, the old-world grand dame of excellent cuisine and New Orleans institution is the birthplace of famous dishes such as Oysters Rockefeller, Pigeonneaux Paradis, Eggs Sardou, and Pompano en Papillote. The restaurant presents a lengthy menu that was initially only in French but is now in available French and English that features classic French-Creole dishes such as Ecrevisses Cardinal - Louisiana Crawfish tails in a special white wine sauce and Chair de Crabes Ravigote - crabmeat served chilled in a creamy créole mayonnaise dressing. Antoine's features a cellar with a 25,000-bottle capacity and 15 dining rooms with their distinct character, charm, and décor, including Mardi Gras krewe memorabilia. Antoine’s Restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, Monday through Saturday, and a Jazz Brunch on Sundays.
713 Saint Louis Street, New Orleans, LA 70130, Phone: 504-581-4422
2. Napoleon House
Capturing the essence of New Orleans like no other establishment, Napoleon House is a 200-year-old landmark that has been owned and operated by the Impastato family since 1914 and takes diners on a journey back in time to a bygone era. Also known as the Mayor Girod House or Nicolas Girod House, The Napoleon House was built in 1794 as a residence for Napoleon Bonaparte after his exile, and later became the home of the mayor of New Orleans, Nicholas Girod. In 1914, the building was transformed into an elegant restaurant and declared to be a National Historic Landmark in 1970. Exuding a quintessential New Orleans atmosphere, the award-winning restaurant serves a menu of traditional Southern fare such as jambalaya, gumbo, and red beans and rice, as well as popular bites such as muffuletta sandwiches. A full service offers an impressive list of libations and signature cocktails, including the Pimm’s Cup, and classical music sets the tone for a fine dining experience. Napoleon House is open for lunch and dinner, Monday through Sunday.
500 Chartres Street, New Orleans, Louisiana, Phone: 504-524-9752
3. Bourbon O Bar
Located in the grand Bourbon Orleans hotel of the New Orleans Hotel Collection, the Bourbon O Bar is a refined, moody bar on the renowned Bourbon Street that serves classic and seasonal cocktails and hosts live entertainment in the evenings. Hailed as the classiest bar on Bourbon Street, the Bourbon O offers a wealth of handcrafted, including a Ramos Gin Fizz, as well as craft beers, fine wines, and other libations. Some of the best New Orleans Jazz performers take to the stage from Wednesday to Sunday evenings, playing traditional tunes as well as some contemporary jazz twists and jams and the stylish bar boasts comfortable, yet sophisticated atmosphere – ideal for a romantic date!
730 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70116, Phone: 504-571-4685
4. Effervescence Bubbles & Bites
Effervescence Bubbles & Bites is an elegant champagne bar on the edge of the French Quarter in New Orleans that serves an array of Champagne, cava, prosecco, and sparkling wines along with chef-inspired sharing plates in a polished modern setting. Effervescence offers 18 sparkling wines by the glass, as well as prosecco on tap and a cellar with 90 full bottles of sparkling wine, ranging from $30 bottles to an $800 bottle of Salon "Le Mesnil" blanc de blanc brut from 2004. The bar also serves a range of wines from Austria, Italy, New Zealand, Hungary, and New Mexico for those who don't want bubbles, and all drinks are served by the bottle, by the glass and half glass, in Champagne cocktails and tasting flights. Effervescence Bubbles & Bites also serves a menu of small plates to pair with champagne, including fried chicken thighs, Pommes frites, and caviar with creme fraiche and a mushroom tarlez. Effervescence Bubbles & Bites is open in the evenings from Wednesday through Sunday.
2406, 1036 N Rampart St, New Orleans, LA 70116, Phone: 504-509-7644
5. Brigtsen’s
Set in a cozy and beautifully restored Victorian cottage in Uptown New Orleans near the Riverbend, Brigtsen’s is a family-owned and operated restaurant that has been serving authentic Creole fare for more than 30 years. Chef Frank Brigtsen uses his New Orleans palate to create and present a menu that boasts a combination of traditional and contemporary flavors blended in true Creole/Acadian style that pay tribute to the traditions of Louisiana cuisine. Signature dishes include shrimp grits, pan-roasted pork chops, broiled Gulf fish, blackened yellowfin tuna, seasoned redfish, and baked oyster LeRuth, and desserts like double chocolate cake, pecan pie, and banana bread pudding. Brigtsen’s Restaurant is open for dinner only from Tuesday through Saturday.
723 Dante St, New Orleans, LA 70118, Phone: 504-861-7610
6. Restaurant R'evolution
Restaurant R'evolution is a delicious New Orleans restaurant serving as a joint venture between award-winning chefs Rick Tramonto and John Folse, originally opened in the city's French Quarter in 2012 at the spectacular Royal Sonesta Hotel New Orleans. The restaurant serves up classic Creole cuisine with a modern twist at brunch, lunch, and dinner, presented in a whimsical manner with names such as "Death by Gumbo" and "A Tale of Three Fishes." Wild game is served in many dishes, ranging from Wagyu sirloin strip to unique southern meats and seafoods such as alligator, frog, and crawfish. A full tasting menu offers five courses of top chef selections, along with a carefully-selected dessert to pair. Market-fresh seasonal cocktails are also available, along with an extensive fine wine list.
777 Bienville St., New Orleans, LA 70130, Phone: 504-553-2277
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