Named as the Best New Restaurant at the 2024 James Beard Awards, Dakar NOLA is a culinary journey to West Africa right in the heart of New Orleans. Led by the visionary Chef Serigne Mbaye, this restaurant brings the vibrant and bold flavors of Senegal to life. The menu is a dynamic mix of traditional recipes and modern techniques, offering dishes that are rich in culture and flavor. Dakar NOLA isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience that will leave your taste buds dancing.
One of the most famous dining establishments in New Orleans, Commander’s is loved by both visitors and locals. With many James Beard Awards, as well as many other accolades, the restaurant became a culinary legend under the late Ella Brennan and has carried on to continued success under Ella’s daughter Ti and her niece Lally.
Located in downtown New Orleans, this Japanese restaurant has an extraordinary twist – they don’t have a menu. That’s because Yo Nashi specializes in omakase, a multi-course meal consisting of eight to 10 dishes selected by the chef. This allows for the use of only the finest, freshest seasonal ingredients and ensures that each dining experience is truly one of a kind. Feeling less splurge-y? Check out their new happy hour, running Thursday – Monday from 5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., which features half-price beer and sake by the glass, as well as a selection of a-la-carte dishes for those wanting to experience a smaller version of the full omakase experience.
Also located in the Four Seasons, Louisiana-native Chef Donald Link’s Chemin à la Mer epitomizes the idea of a meal with a view. Alongside its gorgeous interior and unique marble bar, the restaurant boasts a panoramic window with a view of the Mississippi River. This view is only complimented by Link’s culinary experience, which combines the many culinary influences of Louisiana with French techniques and Caribbean flavors to create a truly special meal. Best of all, Chemin à la Mer serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and is also home to an oyster bar.
Inside of the quirky-yet-elegant Hotel Saint Vincent, San Lorenzo focuses on coastal Italian cuisine with New Orleans flair. May we suggest the lobster bucatini? Pop in for drinks before or after dinner at the hotel’s Paradise Lounge, and take in the vistas of charming Magazine Street.
If looking for upscale seafood, GW Fins is the place. The menu changes daily to ensure freshness and seasonality. Since 2001, the restaurant has received many accolades, including yearly Wine Spectator Awards of Excellence. Don’t skip the bread!
Emeril’s New Orleans is the flagship restaurant of the one and only Emeril Lagasse, and it’s nothing short of spectacular. Here, modern Creole cuisine takes center stage, with dishes that explode with flavor and innovation. The elegant setting and top-notch service make it the perfect spot for any celebration. Every plate is a testament to Chef Emeril’s passion for New Orleans’ culinary heritage, and each meal is an experience you won’t soon forget. Bam!
This buzzing hotspot is all about craft cocktails, fresh flavors, and good vibes. The bartenders here are true mixologists, shaking up creative drinks that are as Instagrammable as they are tasty. But what really sets Fives Bar apart is its raw seafood selection. Picture yourself enjoying a platter of the freshest oysters, perfectly shucked and served, dip into the Tuna Crudo, or indulging in a vibrant caviar that pairs perfectly with your cocktail! Whether you’re starting your evening or winding it down, Fives Bar is the place to be for a lively atmosphere and exceptional seafood.
Nothing says luxury quite like The Four Seasons, and Miss River is perfect for a fancy night out on the town. Chef Alon Shaya (also of Saba) created what he calls "a love letter to Louisiana" in Miss River's menu, which features fresh Gulf seafood and other ingredients native to the pelican state. It's full of stunners you'll want to share, from the Carved Whole Buttermilk-Fried Chicken to the Blue Crab Au Gratin and Blackened Snapper.
As the winner of the 2024 James Beard Award for Outstanding Bar, Jewel of the South is a sparkling treasure in the French Quarter. This elegant eatery combines old-world charm with contemporary Southern cuisine, creating a dining experience that’s both sophisticated and inviting. The menu is a love letter to Southern flavors, reimagined with a modern twist. And the cocktails? Simply divine. It’s the kind of place where every meal feels like a special occasion, and every visit is long-lasting.
The legendary name in luxury Japanese dining has finally graced the Crescent City, bringing its signature sophistication to the newly unveiled Caesars as a quintessential splurge destination. The space exudes refined elegance while the menu delivers Chef Nobu Matsuhisa's greatest hits—from the decadent Toro tartare with caviar to the iconic Black Cod with Miso. Pillowy Wagyu dumplings and ethereal lobster tempura further demonstrate why Nobu remains the gold standard in contemporary Japanese cuisine, offering a special-occasion experience worth every penny in a city already famous for its exceptional dining.
In a historic 19th century French-Creole building, you will find rich interiors, beautiful chandeliers, and attentive service. The two-story wine room is a major draw for wine connoisseurs. The unique menu offers tastings and a la carte options.
Gautreau’s Restaurant is a hidden gem in Uptown New Orleans, offering a dining experience that is both sophisticated and delightfully unpretentious. The French-inspired cuisine is exquisite, with each dish crafted from the finest ingredients and presented with flair. It’s the kind of place where you can enjoy a romantic dinner or celebrate with friends, all while savoring some of the best food the city has to offer.
Tucked into a historic Garden District former-home-turned-restaurant along Magazine Street, Étoile ("star" in French) shines as a splurge-worthy beacon of fine dining in New Orleans. Chef Chris Dupont's tasting menu is a carefully orchestrated showcase of French techniques that celebrate the Gulf South's exceptional produce and proteins. The restaurant's historic setting provides an elegant backdrop for Dupont's culinary artistry, creating an intimate dining experience worth every dollar. This is farm-to-table at its most refined, where the connection between farmer and chef justifies the special-occasion price tag. Reservations are required for this exceptional tasting menu experience that transforms celebrations into unforgettable culinary journeys.
This elevated dinner spot on Freret Street transforms any evening into a special occasion affair worth every penny. With an all-wood interior, complex lighting structures illuminate the cozy-yet-sleek Mid-Century Modern lodge vibes, creating an atmosphere that justifies the premium price point. The bar takes the spotlight though, stacked high with beautifully backlit shelves of premium liquor. Indulgent offerings like crudo, perfectly executed beef Wellington, and rich French onion soup make for a delectable meal that exemplifies why this splurge belongs on your celebration shortlist.
For French fare in a picturesque setting, head to Vyoone’s in the Warehouse District. This Black-owned, woman-owned restaurant was named one the best restaurants of 2018 by New Orleans Magazine and one of the Hottest New Orleans Restaurants of Fall 2019 by WHEREYAT. Sip wine and French onion soup in the courtyard that illuminates come night.
This is not your average steakhouse. The highest quality of in-house, dry-aged prime beef is paired with Mediterranean dishes and excellent spirits. The meat hanging in the window on Chartres Street will catch your eye and promises a good night.
Located in the Garden District, Coquette is both chic and inventive. Frequently offering special no-menu dinners and fun brunches, they’re a local favorite.
James Beard Award-winner Chef Frank Brigtsen and his wife opened the restaurant in 1986 in a shotgun house in the Riverbend. Nestled off the beaten path, the bistro is small and homey, but stellar in food and service. It reflects true Southern hospitality.
The Saint-Germain experience offers a splurge-worthy ten-course tasting menu that's perfect for special occasions. Reservation only, this intimate dining destination recreates the feeling of eating at a chef's home, providing a close connection with the kitchen team that justifies its premium price point. The smaller-scale setting allows for culinary luxuries like dry aged meats, washed rind cheeses, and freshly butchered seafood. Each meticulously crafted course builds upon the last, creating a celebratory atmosphere where diners can forget the outside world and immerse themselves in a truly exceptional culinary experience worth marking life's important moments.
Award-winning Chef John Folse offers imaginative Cajun dishes in a modern setting. The main dining room and the wine room have a fancier feel, but you will have an excellent meal no matter where you sit.
Clancy’s is a classic New Orleans experience, a place where tradition meets innovation. For decades, this neighborhood favorite has been delighting diners with its classic Creole dishes, each prepared with a contemporary flair. The ambiance is warm and welcoming, making you feel right at home from the moment you walk in. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, Clancy’s really is a special treat.