A Local’s List and a Family Feast: New Orleans in a Weekend
We took a family trip to New Orleans with a native of the city - my mother in law! We could not eat our way through her list of recommendations so will have to return to this authentic town with incredible music literally around every corner and restaurants that live up to the city’s reputation for world class food.
Places to stay
View of the French Quarter from the Ritz Carlton
King room at the Ritz Carlton
The bathtub at the Ritz Carlton
The New Orleans Marriott Warehouse Arts District is a good choice if you want to be away from the French Quarter but close enough that you could walk. In the French Quarter we had a great stay at the Ritz Carlton and opted into an upgrade to have lounge access - which was excellent with plentiful food and evening drinks. If you prefer the quiet of the Garden District, the Hotel Tonnelle, also a Marriott property is a good option and right on the St. Charles street car line. For an alternative and more eclectic and quaint Garden District option, try Hotel Chloe.
Where to eat
We did a food tour of New Orleans with a native and can provide recommendations from down home classic New Orleans to more modern foodie fare. Here’s where we went:
Gris-Gris - brunch here had great gumbo, fried oysters, salads, and refreshing mimosas
Patois - lovely white table cloth setting with indoor and patio seating; we enjoyed the deviled eggs, beet salad, and gulf fish
Lilette - dependably good French and Italian cuisine
Napoleon House - outstanding traditional food here (gumbo, muffuletta, jambalaya, red beans and rice, po’ boys - all delicious)
Frankie and Johnny’s - casual and friendly place great for po’ boys and other fried seafood platters
And here’s the list of places we couldn’t get to, but would love to try next time:
LaPetite Grocery: A family friend’s favorite
Clancy’s: Creole - be prepared to call a month in advance to reserve
Joey K: Good options if you come with kids
LaCrepe Nanou: Small dishes for everyone
Saba: The best mediterranean and Israeli food in New Orleans
Antoines or Arnaud: New Orleans old fashioned long time restaurants in the French Quarter - go during the day for lunch
Galatoire or Brennans for brunch
Domilise: For poboys (hard to get in - tiny stools only)
Camelia Grill for amazing milkshakes, burgers and turkey sandwiches
Things to do
Walk around the French Quarter and stop when you see a live music performance.
See panoramic views of the city at VueOrleans.
Tour the Southern Food and Beverage Museum and participate in a cooking demonstration with Deelightful Roux School of Cooking.
Take a tour of the Hermann-Grima and Gallier historic homes in the French Quarter.
See other historic buildings, including the Cabildo (pictured below) which was the site of the Louisiana Purchase transfer ceremonies in late 1803.
