A few weeks ago, we took an amazing vacay with The New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau. We packed our bags and the kiddos and headed to New Orleans. It was a one of a kind family trip filled with memories to last a lifetime, we fell in love with the city as well as all the places to eat in New Orleans.
We were thrilled to bring you an intro to this series, with a sneak peek of all the fun things that we experienced. We’ve covered Where to Eat in New Orleans {Part 1}, and What to do in New Orleans {part 1}, and today we’re thrilled to bring you :
Places to Eat in New Orleans, part 2!
{Since we wanted to cover things in detail, this series will continue to grow. So be sure to check out everything in our travel section, here!}
There’s a reason Crescent city is known for their food and culture… there are so many places to eat in New Orleans…it’s kind of incredible. The restaurants alone are a destination, and when we walked away from each meal, we felt like we learned something about their food as well as their city. This is definitely what makes New Orleans so unique. And each meal should definitely be savored.
Places to eat in New Orleans – Things to remember:
• We asked the good people at each restaurant what they liked, recommended, and what they were known for. We loved trying their unique items on their menu. So here, you’ll see a few of their specialties.
• We had three picky eaters in tow. That means we made them try all the things. They could order something they liked from the menu, but they also had to sample what mom and dad were having. We even kept a tab going for each child, so it became a game for them {and us – because some of their faces were worth the photo ops}. It was part of the deal with dining in New Orleans. Since we’ve gotten back, they’ve kept it going, which may sound silly to some but for us, it was LEAPS and BOUNDS of progress for them. So we’ll keep you posted on each thing we tried if it was totally different or new.
• It’s really hard for us to relive these posts through photos, because we want to do it all again. ;} Note to self: do not write when hungry.
Places to eat in New Orleans – Kingfish • 337 Chartres St.
From The New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau:
Kingfish is a popular casual restaurant and cocktail bar in New Orleans that salutes the Huey P. Long era. The Kingfish menu embodies new Louisiana cuisine brought to fruition by renowned Chef Nathan Richard whose trademark style is evident in the multilayer of flavor he presents in every dish.
This sweet restaurant felt like the quintessential stop everyone should try while people watching on the street. The kids and I even spotted one lady twice in a completely different location, on another side of town later that day because we’d been people watching that morning. We recognized her because of her epic feather hair. To say they were amazed, was an understatement.
From their awesome atmosphere to their incredible menu choices, it was a sweet chance to sit back, relax, and try a few of their unique takes on local flavors. What we loved about Kingfish is that they truly source everything locally.
What we tried:
You simply can’t eat here without trying their famous Pulled Pork Nachos.
It was this interesting combo of barbecue pork, with pimento cheese, tomatoes, b&b pickles, and sour cream… all on top of… wait for it…
Pork rinds.
The kids actually really enjoyed these. They had a one of a kind taste and were pretty awesome, to say the least.
Kingfish Ale – Jamin tried their own special beer, that they brew themselves: the Kingfish Ale. It was so good he wants to get his hands on it again… We’re always up for trying locally brewed concoctions. This one is also a must-try since it’s what they’re known for.
I went simple this time since we paired our main dishes with the nachos. I went for the Smoked Turkey Spinach Salad, complete with candied pecans, gala apples, tasso, and cranberry vinaigrette – yes please. It was a super refreshing, sweet change and super light for the afternoon ahead.
The Gulf Fish & Shrimp Burger is another must try – Shaved fennel, pimenton, and lemon aioli on a potato roll -with French fries for the win.
The kids loved meeting the chef, who was so sweet along with some of the rest of the great staff.
They took time to make sure the kids got what they’d want off the menu, and kept it simple for them {since they tried the Pork Rind Nachos, after all – a big leap from their pb&j’s}. The tally kept going for who tried what, and slowly but surely kept climbing.
Side note: I think this trip inspired more on the career side of things for them. It opened up their world just a little more, along with ideas to start considering. We love this and are so grateful that even the simplest of events like lunch were so enriched, it really fostered some great conversations since they were able to meet interesting people.
Places to eat in New Orleans – Vessel • 3835 Iberville St.
We’ve already written a bit about this charming little restaurant with amazing venue and incredible dining, along with our own special experience. But set in an old church, this restaurant is definitely one to try.
Let’s just say we wanted to stay.
From The New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau:
Vessel is an exciting new concept in the heart of Mid-City, offering a menu and bar program that emphasizes fresh and seasonal ingredients in a social setting. The food takes influence from our coastal haven, sourcing as much from our local region as possible while blending coastal influences from throughout the world. The beverage selections include wine from many of the world’s best coastal wine regions, unique craft beers and fine handcrafted cocktails also incorporating many local seasonal ingredients.
The inside was gorgeous with exposed beams and backlit windows.
Quite the destination for an enjoyable evening, but also charmingly casual, too. It felt so welcoming with such a unique take on all things restaurants.
What we tried:
I honestly can’t tell you everything that we tried because we were delighted when we were able to meet the chef, Nick Vella.
And he brought out all their specialties. Until visiting New Orleans, I don’t think I understood the relationship between a restaurant and head chef, and how important all of the creativity behind it, really is. These people create masterpieces… and it’s an art form and experience for the palate. One of the biggest thrills we had with all of this was tasting their own spin on things. This is what made each place unique in its own way. And it never got old.
I’m officially changing my job description to food critic. Maybe just food consumer because it was all so good.
One of the things that made this event so interesting, was the thought process we could tell the entire kitchen had put behind everything that they did. Things were homemade, and domestic, with a twist.
For starters, we enjoyed quite the sampling of a great appetizer tray. One of the things we rememberthe most are their own house pickles, along with some of their cheeses, and amazing bacon and mushroom flatbreads. The kids even tried octopus… which I can say I’ve never had before. I’m usually up for trying anything but I must admit the name of the plate freaked me out a bit.
And. It. Was. Delicious. We’re pretty sure it had everything to do with the Chef and his awesome creation.
For our main courses we also tried some wild boar ragu {I know, right?}, and whole smoked fish, with roasted broccoli, celery root purée, and horseradish yogurt.
To drink we tried The Charlatan, and Tomorrow’s Mystery. Both winners in our books.
They also really catered to our picky children and made sure they got their hamburgers just the way they wanted. They’d tried the octopus so we were okay with them eating something they’d really enjoy. We were grateful for their consideration and attention paid to their younger, sleepy guests. Let it be known that Vessel would have made the perfect date night, but it is also very much kid and family friendly in the way that they treated and served all of us.
If you get nothing else, get this for dessert: Their Isot Chile Valrhona Chocolate Cake, with white chocolate pudding and cherry sorbet. YES. The perfect combination.
Suddenly, I’m ready to go to culinary school. But instead, I asked our amazing chef after it was over, if we could pack him up and take him home with us to live in our kitchen. I was sure he wouldn’t mind. I have no idea why he laughed, and then backed away slowly. ;} I couldn’t get him to agree to come with us.
This definitely makes our MUST EATS in our places to eat in New Orleans list. TRY. IT.
Places to eat in New Orleans – Commander’s Palace • 1403 Washington Ave.
Stop what you’re doing at this very moment and…
a. go watch Ella Brennan: Commanding the Table on Netflix.
b. visit Commander’s Palace and revel in what it is.
Because this restaurant is more than a restaurant. It’s the life of a woman and what she did for New Orleans food. It’s a beautiful, inspiring story that will leave you wanting to try these awesome dishes. Don’t miss out.
Our one regret? Not understanding the gravity of this place until after we visited. We actually met the chef, and Ella’s daughter in the kitchen, and while we were so grateful to be there, we just didn’t comprehend the things these people have accomplished. Each business has a story. Usually it’s happened with a person who has paved their own way with hard work. And we have so much admiration for those hard-working dreamers who make it happen.
Ella Brennan is officially a hero to us.
From The New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau:
Commander’s Palace, nestled in the middle of the tree-lined Garden District, has been a New Orleans landmark since 1880. Known for the award-winning quality of its food and its convivial atmosphere, the history of this famous restaurant offers a glimpse into New Orleans’ storied past and has been the go-to destination for Haute Creole cuisine and whimsical Louisiana charm.
But let’s back up and tell a little of our experience. So that day, we dressed up a little. There’s a dress code in Commander’s Palace, and we think that’s really fun. Which obviously, is a big deal for me from the usual yoga pants ensemble you see me in around the house when I’m working, because yoga pants.
But Commander’s Palace is an experience and should be on everyone’s list of places to eat in New Orleans. Like, I wasn’t surprised when the manager told us they study the hospitality concepts behind Disney Experience.
They do it right.
What we tried:
I had the Tomato {soup of the day} as a starter, and Jamin tried with the The Commander’s Salad – Hearts of romaine, Parmesan, egg, bacon, croutons, shaved Gruyère, and creamy black pepper dressing. We {and the kids} also sampled the Crispy Pork Belly – Abita Root Beer braised Chappapeela Farms pork belly with Charred chili & popcorn rice boudin, blueberry hot sauce and smoked onion soubise. They. Loved. It.
I also had the Louisiana Crab & Heirloom Tomato Salad as my main dish – Citrus & olive oil marinated blue crab with heirloom tomatoes, avocado, crisp watercress, arugula, cracked red pepper and Champagne mignonette. It was light and easy, just what I needed for the day.
For drinks, Jamin and I tried the Champgne Cocktail + Sazerac.
If the photos give you an inkling as to how things tasted, this should help a little. Because they don’t do it justice. It was amazing.
The kids tried steak, along with their usuals, but they also sampled everything of Mom and Dad’s.
Aiden was thrilled with the fries on his plate.
And he made considerable progress. It’s the {not so} little things that keep them entertained.
For dessert, we thought we’d all split something small. So we waited patiently at the end.
We’re not even sure what we tried to dessert… because while we were waiting for our small piece of pie, about five of the fabulous staff brought out every single one that we could possibly try. Well have to show you this one later if you missed it on Insta stories.
Because it was glorious. And we tried them all.
Afterwards, we were thrilled to take part in a small tour, to see the inner workings of the restaurant. Again, I’m not sure we appreciated it in the moment because it was just so much to take in. Now that we’ve had a little time to step back and realize the work that it took for Miss Ella and the people behind her, and for that restaurant to get there, we’re in awe. It’s a lot to absorb and we’re just so glad we were able to see so many incredible things first hand.
The wine cellar where they have special events and parties, was an interesting experience for sure.
Emerson even took a photo in the bathroom because she was in awe of the tufted walls.
I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t, too.
Miss Ella now resides in this house on the property with her sister.
They order food to go and still enjoy the restaurant in all its glory.
Seriously, don’t miss the Netflix documentary, and then don’t miss this restaurant the next time you’re in New Orleans.
Miss Ella Brennan is definitely someone to admire in the business and restauranteur world, and we were glad that all our kiddos could watch the documentary about her life… they have such a great appreciation for her now that they’ve seen her amazing restaurant.
They’re too young to realize what a treat that was, but I think like us, the documentary left quite an impression on them.
Places to eat in New Orleans – Borgne • 601 Loyola Ave.
From The New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau:
Borgne’s casual dining room anchored by large columns of Louisiana oyster shells features colorful flooring to ceiling chalkboard panels and artwork by local artists. The modern, open space creates a comfortable atmosphere for friends and family to enjoy Chef Brian Landry’s food. The menu is homage to New Orleans classics and offers a focus on local, fresh seafood.
This image is from their site, and does the restaurant so much more justice since we were there at night.
From their site:
Chefs John Besh and Brian Landry grew up fishing on Lake Borgne, the epicenter of coastal cuisine in Louisiana. Their shared passion for Louisiana seafood brought them together to create Borgne, a gathering place for locals and visitors alike, a CBD lunch spot, a quick bite before the game and a casual setting for a delicious dinner with friends.
The menu is a homage to New Orleans classics, a nod to the Isleño influence in New Orleans, and a celebration of all that the local waterways have to offer. The seafood featured throughout the menu reflects Chef Landry’s commitment to local, sustainable seafood.
What we tried:
The kids have a new obsession after our visit to New Orleans, and it’s fried fish. So this was at the top of their list and they were thrilled when Borgne had a great batch available that night, just for them. We also got them to try the Crab Fingers, with tarragon vinaigrette, grapefruit. They were a little different, {because once again, the chef’s own spin behind it was so creative} and absolutely delicious.
I tried the Whole Seafood Stuffed Flounder, which included shrimp and crab stuffing. It was amazing. Jamin had the Black Drum a La Plancha with brown butter, pecans, and jumbo lump crab.
And then they basically had to roll us out.
Places to eat in New Orleans – District Donuts • 2209 Magazine St.
This was the perfect spot to swing by and gab some donuts to go, after enjoying the great atmosphere of course.
We swiped some for the ride home, but they’d also be great for galivanting around the city.
I can’t even begin to tell you how much these photos torture us now, because we want more. ;}
From The New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau:
They make everything from scratch, even down to the sprinkles! They use real food made with integrity; no pre-made mixes or artificial flavors. Their team works excellently to create all glazes
and pastry creme fillings by hand. They offer seven rotating donuts every day; the catalog is now well over 100 options. In addition to these creative options, you can always count on us to have our staples: glazed, cinnamon sugar and chocolate glazed.
From their site: In the heart of Uptown New Orleans on Magazine and Jackson it all began with our first donut, slider & cup of brew.
Ours is a concept that fills bellies for breakfast, lunch and dinner. A concept that daily serves grandfathers taking grandkids for donuts, businessmen and women, college students and neighborhood friends. We have found it to add great value to the first neighborhood we planted in: the Lower Garden District.
Just like Borgne, I was basically distracted by their clever interiors – I’m a sucker for great window designs and interesting interior choices. I loved taking a look at all their great little finds while the kids inhaled their donuts!
What we tried:
A little bit of everything. Because one does not simply visit a homemade donut shop and not try a little bit of everything.
As you can tell in the photo below, we mostly lean toward the whole theme of chocolate in general. But they don’t just carry donuts… they’re also known for their sliders. Another great photo of what they have available from their site:
Also, I took mental note of this great little picnic table outside their Garden District location.
Oh so clever.
I wanted to settle in with my laptop on a rainy day with all the comfort food and coffee. We could see why this is such a local favorite!
And that wraps up our second installment of places to eat in New Orleans!
Are you hungry yet? Seriously though, this food.
Because this is a lot of info at once, this officially wraps up part two of our dining adventure on all things New Orleans! Stay tuned because next up we have what to see – part 2, along with where we stayed and a great itinerary with more suggestions for families! This vacay was go go go in a good way, enriched with fun and culture for all of us… we really had no idea that New Orleans could be so amazing for families.
Check out the entire series:
Lovely
A Trip to New Orleans:
Where to Eat Part 1:
What to Do Part 1:
What to Do Part 2:
Perfect Itinerary:
{We partnered with the New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau to highlight some of the great aspects of this city. For more on our partnerships please visit here.)
Jenna says
So much eye candy! I love all of this! Thank you so much for sharing your experience.
Bonnie says
Thanks Ashley! These pictures makes me want to visit New Orleans. I’ve never been there before. I had no idea it was full of such wonderful places to visit and restaurants to try.
Patrick W. says
The Ella Brennan Documentary looks fascinating. Thank you for sharing all of that.
Emma says
These look delicious. We’re visiting in a few months and I appreciate the recap!
Heath says
You’re right. I can’t read theses posts hungry! I lived in New Orleans for a few years and now I’m homesick. Thank you for showing it as the family friendly place it can be. There is so much more to it than the crazy Mardi Gras depictions it gets.
Joshua Ruino says
I had no idea New Orleans had so many great options. Thank you for sharing everything in such detail! It makes me hungry!