Dinner in New Orleans
NOLA
Emeril Lagasse BAM! The fact that I ate here with 25 of my dad’s adult colleagues and still enjoyed myself is testament to how good the food was. And in a gimmicky french quarter, this is a great option. (French Quarter)
La Petite Grocery
If you’re going to ball out for one nice dinner in New Orleans, this would be my top pick. The food is SO SO good, and I feel blessed to have been not once but twice in 2016. Probably two of my best meals last year. Make a reservation and make it happen. YUM. (Magazine Street)
SHAYA
Dr. Al was late for dinner because he got stuck in a full mardi gras parade, walked in with beads. LOL. If you’re going to ball out for a second amazing dinner and are with a group of jews who appreciate the art of hummus, go here. There’s a big oven in the middle where they churn out fresh pita every minute. Another spot that is worth making a reservation, and actually showing up. (Magazine Street)
R’evolution
Probably the fanciest place on this list, a little stuffy but ultimately delicious food. The best part was dessert service, where they served pralines and other chocolates in a little jewelry box. Very entertaining to open the drawers and find different treats. Made many hamilton jokes here. (French Quarter)
DOMENICA
French quarter, but on the other side of Canal. John Besh is a celebrity NOLA chef and the food here will completely convince you that he deserves his resulting fame (but then in 2017, he was one of the first celebrity chefs to get me too'd. ugh). The kale is fried to a crisp and will make you actually enjoy eating kale!! And the cauliflower is the perfect vehicle for cheese. Both must order items. Ugh i could cry thinking about it. (fyi bathroom is very far into the hotel lobby, so be prepared to stretch your legs) (Domenica)
Clancy’s
One of the first places that Emmy drove me to and I thought I was gonna die. But we made it and enjoyed the meal! This isn’t a *must-do* but the food was great and felt like we were eating in someone’s actual house. Kind of felt like a place my Pops would love. Like old school gangstery. (Uptown)
GW Fins
BOTTOMLESS BISCUITS. What happens when two girls, disgusting from a day of dancing at jazzfest, walk into a fancy restaurant? They order a few vegetarian sides and take advantage of the most amazing ‘bread’ basket New Orleans has to offer!! Great spot to have in your back pocket if you’re looking for a good dinner in the oversaturated French Quarter. (GW Fins)
SYLVAIN
Heavy hitting spot in the french quarter. Amazing fried eggplant and burrata appetizer and my burger was great! Kind of an upscale rock and roll vibe, and nice back yard as well! Upper Eats Sider’s favorite restaurant in new orleans so you know it’s legit
compere lapin
Nina Compton’s restaurant! Top Chef Alum spot #1 of the weekend. Some of the greatests biscuits i’ve had in NOLA. Everything we ordered here was absolutely delish and would definitely recommend for a nicer dinner.
TOUPS SOUTH
this is top chef #2 spot on the list! Issac’s second location is actually in the same building as the museum of food and cocktails so you can really get a great history lesson here, with a side of fried pig fat. Was a tasty meal, but wouldn’t recommend it for a short- first timey weekend. Also, at a bachelor party behind us, the groom puked at the table. Eventful night!