Food Guide: New Orleans

New Orleans is one of the best food cities in America! Put on your stretchy pants friends, you're about to get hungry. Here are all the things that you need to try in New Orleans.

Photo Credit: Ruby Slipper Cafe

Breakfast

If you go to New Orleans and you don’t eat at The Ruby Slipper Cafe, then you have made a huge mistake. Though the popular Canal St. location is undergoing renovations, you can visit one of their other locations, but make sure to get there early as lines start to form around 8 AM. If it’s beignets that you’re looking for head to the world famous (and cash only) Cafe du Monde on Decatur at Jackson Square. If you can’t stand to wait in the lengthy lines, nearby Cafe Beignet on Royal also has amazing beignets and a really cute atmosphere.

Must try item: Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes at Ruby Slipper

Photo Credit: Brennan’s NOLA

Lunch

Brennan’s is a New Orleans staple but at lunch time you can get all of the creole classics at a much more affordable price. If you happen to like a long, leisurely lunch, you can cruise right into happy hour at Brennan’s which starts at 2 PM (yes, 2 PM) and they have amazing cocktails. Lunch is also the time to visit Commander’s Palace. Though the spot is buzzing at dinner, you can indulge in twenty-five cent martinis when you opt for the two or three-course lunch option.

Must try item: Bananas Foster at Brennan’s

Photo Credit: Antoine’s Restaurant

Red Gypsea

Dinner

One of my favorite places for dinner is Oceana Grill and I make sure to go there whenever I’m in New Orleans. It’s a no-frills, excellent seafood spot with great opportunities for people-watching. If you’re looking for something fancier, check out Antoine’s (the birthplace of Oysters Rockefeller) or another historical legend, The Court of Two Sisters.

Must try item: Oysters Rockefeller at Antoine’s

Safe travels and happy eating,

V.