new orleans guide
New Orleans aka the "Big Easy," is an incredibly special place. It's known for its round-the-clock nightlife, vibrant live-music scene and spicy, singular cuisine reflecting its history as a melting pot of French, African and American cultures. The city is rich in history and beautiful architecture. You will be greeted with warm hospitality and a culinary scene unlike anywhere else in the country. Here's what I would do:
stay
Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery
Ideally situated just three blocks from the French Quarter, the Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery is the best New Orleans boutique hotel for art lovers and cultural explorers. The walls of the rooms and lobby features a rotating art gallery. When it’s time to grab a bite, try dining at Compère Lapin, named New Orleans’ 2016 Restaurant of the Year by The Times-Picayune
Address: 535 Tchoupitoulas St, New Orleans, LA 70130
the ritz-carlton
A luxury 4-Star hotel in the French Quarter, The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans features antebellum mansion-inspired décor, a grand spa and unique local culinary offerings. This historic hotel is the perfect place to experience the vitality of New Orleans, while also providing a refined urban retreat. Located on Canal Street, this beacon of Beaux Arts architecture is a star among New Orleans luxury hotels.
Address: 921 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70112
eat
For my city guides, I try to have a mix of everything - new restaurants, iconic venues, and tourist spots worth a visit. These will range from casual cafes for breakfast to suit jacket fine dining. As with all guides, it is not exhaustive but hopefully full of wonderful recommendations that will help you make the most of your visit!
drago's seafood
Modern, downtown hub of the Metairie original known for charbroiled oysters & other seafood.
2 Poydras St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Café du monde
Iconic New Orleans cafe known for café au laits, chicory coffee & beignets since 1862.
800 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116
photo: bacchanal
Bacchanal
Wine store featuring globally accented small plates & live music on a lush back patio.
600 Poland Ave, New Orleans, LA 70117
Galatoire’s
Fine-dining century-old institution serving French-Creole fare in upscale space
209 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Willie Mae’s Scotch House
Lauded family-owned spot since 1957, famous for fried chicken & other soul food in a humble setting.
2401 St Ann St, New Orleans, LA 70119
shaya
Chef Alon Shaya's modern Israeli fare is served in a bright blue-and-white space with a back patio.
4213 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115
photo: star chefs
cochon
Stylish renovated warehouse serving elevated, pork-focused Cajun fare in a group-friendly setting.
930 Tchoupitoulas St B, New Orleans, LA 70130
photo: nola.com
Pesce
Seafood from a coal grill & raw bar, plus local brews, are found in rustic digs with weathered wood.
800 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130
photo: bevi seafood
bevi seafood co
Market & eatery in no-nonsense quarters with fresh fish & oysters plus prepared foods like po' boys.
236 N Carrollton Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119
willa jean
Retro-chic café & John Besh operation offering Southern menus, baked goods, coffee, tea & cocktails.
611 O'Keefe Ave, New Orleans, LA 70113
Central grocery
Small Italian market selling specialty foods & muffuletta sandwiches, which its founder invented.
923 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116
Commander’s palace
Notable spot for refined Creole fare & an elegant jazz brunch in a chandelier-hung space since 1880.
1403 Washington Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130
arnaud's french 75 bar
Tin-ceilinged "grande dame" of Creole dining since 1918, featuring seafood classics & a jazz brunch.
813 Bienville St, New Orleans, LA 70112
Compere lapin
A sophisticated eatery serving Caribbean- and European-accented takes on New Orleans flavors.
535 Tchoupitoulas St, New Orleans, LA 70130
dooky chase
Legendary Creole chef Leah Chase serves down-home staples in a vibrant, art-filled space.
2301 Orleans Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119
explore
