New Orleans is known for many things including jazz music, Mardi Gras, and French and Spanish Creole architecture. But the city is arguably most famous for its cuisine. Gumbo, jambalaya, and po-boys are just three of the famous foods that make New Orleans such a unique city. If you plan to visit the city soon, below are some restaurants that you must visit.
Café du Monde
No trip to New Orleans would be complete without a visit to Café du Monde. The coffee shop, which began serving customers back in 1862, is open twenty-four hours a day and seven days a week. The menu is simple: coffee, beignets, chocolate milk, and orange juice. The French-style beignets are the reason why Café du Monde is so popular. A beignet is similar to a doughnut except there isn’t a hole. At Café du Monde, the beignets are covered with powdered sugar. Café du Monde can get very crowded, but the experience is worth the wait.
Jacques-Imo’s Cafe
Jacques-Imo’s Cafe is one of the most popular restaurants in New Orleans. Like many restaurants in the city, don’t be surprised if you have to wait up to two hours for a table. Many visitors recommend waiting at the nearby Maple Leaf Bar. Once you sit down for your meal, you won’t be disappointed. Some of Jacques-Imo’s specialties include fried chicken, paneed rabbit, and alligator cheesecake. There’s a good chance you’ll see chef and owner Jacques Leonardi mingling with his customers.
The Sazerac Bar
The Sazerac Bar is named after New Orleans’ official cocktail. It’s a classy establishment that CNN named one of the top 30 hotel bars in 2015. In addition to the great cocktails, you’ll also find three Paul Ninas murals inside the bar. Another popular drink that the bar is known for is the Ramos Gin Fizz.
La Boca
If you’re looking for a good steak, this is the place for you. La Boca is a top rated Zagat Argentine steakhouse nestled in the city’s Lower Garden District or Warehouse District. Chef Adolfo Garcia opened the restaurant’s doors in 2006. On the menu, you will find a variety of mouth-watering steaks. The menu also touts French fries that take three days to perfect. Their wine list touts a number of Argentina’s best offerings.
New Orleans is one of the best cities in America for dining. These four restaurants only represent a fraction of the great spots you’ll find in the Big Easy. One of the most difficult things about visiting New Orleans is deciding which restaurants you’ll visit and which ones you’ll save for another trip. When you visit New Orleans, remember: laissez les bon temps roulez!
