Best Breakfast and Brunch Places in New Orleans

"Commander's Palace has been around since the late 1800s, but under Ella Brennan’s leadership starting in the 1970s, the restaurant essentially redefined New Orleans cuisine and catapulted into stardom with the help of celeb chefs Paul Prudhomme and Emeril Lagasse. Today, the menu and service are top notch with James Beard Award-winning chef Tory McPhail leading the kitchen and Ti Martin and Lally Brennan running the show. Go for lunch and make sure to end the meal with the bread pudding soufflé and whiskey sauce."

"GQ's Golden Dish Award for Eggs Sardou, Commander’s Palace’s legacy speaks for itself. Located in the Garden District, Commander’s Palace is thought to be the original spot for a jazz brunch and patio dining. For contemporary Louisiana food and alfresco dining, look no further than Commander’s Palace."

"If you’re in the South Market District then look no further than Willa Jean for your holiday grab and go’s. Assorted pastries and holiday pies like chocolate bourbon pecan plus a menu of savory items round out this year’s offerings. Take the baking stress away and order online today."

"Willa Jean is one of the most talked about restaurants in New Orleans. With fresh ingredients, a Southern-rustic feel, and all around great food, it is a go-to for many. Their twist on the classic milk and cookies is delicious."

"Ruby Slipper Cafe serves a New Orleans twist on Southern brunch favorites 7 days a week. We are a scratch-kitchen, using fresh ingredients from local purveyors whenever possible. Our coffee Read more..."

"Service was great.The wait was long, as the location was very popular.My friend and I got two of their signature dishes according to the menu, the Sweet ..."

"Opened in 2016 in the grand, Art Deco auspices of the Ace Hotel in the trendy Warehouse District, Josephine Estelle might be the epitome of New Italian in New Orleans. The osteria from James Beard Award-nominated chefs Andy Ticer and Michael Hudman mingles the Southern upbringing of the chefs with their Italian backgrounds. The result consists of modern interpretations of classic recipes featuring seasonal, local ingredients, and homemade pastas, including a ravioli with crab meat, green garlic, basil, and ricotta or a pork porterhouse with pistachio, brown butter, coriander and vignole."

"Josephine Estelle is located inside the Ace Hotel, which has quickly become one of the coolest hangouts in town. And, let’s just say that the kids who hang out here are just as hip as the adults. The hotel’s chic, art deco restaurant is always full of both locals and visitors alike, just starting the night off before moving the festivities to the lobby bar or a nearby music venue."

"Ace Hotel stands in the Warehouse District, where you can check out Alto, the hotel’s rooftop garden. Get a mix of seasonal cocktails, wines, craft beers, frozen drinks and rotating on-tap specials at Alto’s bar. Poolside dining includes a selection of Italian-inspired small plates for any growing appetites."

"There’s a time when you have to let the menu sing for itself. That’s the case with Katie’s. The lemon ricotta pancakes feature three large buttermilk pancakes that are packed with ricotta cheese and lemon zest."

"Lively neighborhood spot for Creole-Italian fare like pizza & po' boys, plus a busy weekend brunch. Reservations required. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinnerDress code: CasualPhone: +1 504-488-6582"

"This unique New Orleans-infused Mexican food is a rarity among the New Orleans food community. Velvet Cactus is known for refreshing summer dishes, including a delectable watermelon salad perfect for a hot New Orleans day, along with delicious and shareable appetizers and larger entrée dishes. As if the food is not significant enough to peak your interest, the drinks certainly will."

"Velvet Cactus provides a taste of Texas in the heart of New Orleans. With its Mexican-inspired art in neon hues and various outdoor tables, this restaurant and bar steps ahead as one of the most distinct Mexican spots of the city. Under good weather conditions, people can enjoy a margarita in the moonlight at their front patio."

"3524 Severn Ave., Metairie, (504) 455-2266; www.riccobonospeppermill.com. Sauteed veal Josephine is topped with lump crabmeat and shrimp and served with brabant potatoes. Reservations accepted."

"The oldest organic juice bar in New Orleans, Surrey's Cafe and Juice Bar obviously serves some of the best fresh-squeezed juices in town (Orange! Carrot! Apple! Grapefruit!). But that’s just the beginning: biscuits, bagels and buns are house-made at all three locations (Uptown on Magazine and in Bywater). For a serious morning sugar fix, opt for the bananas Foster French toast, or go for the Costa Rican breakfast with eggs, rice, pico de gallo, avocado, chorizo or boudin for a protein-heavy start."

"What you're getting: Pain Perdu Surrey’s has incredible juices, but the restaurant’s piece de resistance is the Pain Perdu. It’s an absurdly fluffy, sugar-coated New Orleans take on French toast that can also be prepared for vegans without sacrificing taste and texture -- perfect for curing a hangover. The restaurant is also BYOB, just in case you want to add a little something extra to your glass of freshly squeezed orange juice or lemonade."

"(Uptown + Multiple Locations, Breakfast/Brunch, $$) Classic BLT and huevos rancheros. If you want a stiff drink to go with your eats, you can BYOB here and have the best of both."

"If you want to escape the hectic french quarter restaurant scene on a Saturday or Sunday morning, check out FullBlast Brunch located in the Mid City district. The brunch is so good, they include it in the official name of the restaurant. This festive New Orleans brunch menu features a variety of breakfast and lunch options with Creole, Cajun and Latin influences."

"Spa Isbell is a full-service salon and day spa, that offers you a truly unique “old world meets new” experience, with all of the amenities of a modern salon/spa. Their talented crew has specifically designed each service to pamper you from head to toe, while indulging in the charm of New Orleans past, leaving you feeling completely inspired and rejuvenated."

"The spa is located in a 150+ year-old building, which makes a wonderful mix of historic charm and complete luxury. In addition to the full-service spa including the European-style facials, Spa Isbell has a hair salon. And, it's easy to get to from the French Quarter or Warehouse District."

"This full-service spa is located in the colorful and funky neighborhood of Mid-City, just a couple of miles away from the French Quarter. Woodhouse signature service includes the Signature Minkyti facial which combines organic seaweed to deeply hydrate and nourish the face, and exfoliation to establish and maintain the skin’s pH balance. If you’re in need of a deeply restorative experience, opt for the Woodhouse Escape, with seven specialized treatments that include a dry brush exfoliation, and a full body stone massage, and reflexology."

"Voted one of the top 10 coziest spas in the country by Travel and Leisure, Belladonna is a charming, small scale day spa with lots of personal flair. Locally owned and operated, the spa offers a creative menu of services, from the Be Bamboozled zen body retreat bath, salt scrub, and full body massage to the New Orleans appropriate Be Detoxed seaweed purifying wrap and cleanse. The multi-service packages are well priced."

"Woodhouse Day Spa is New Orleans’ ultimate, full service, luxury day spa. Offers a tranquil, transformational environment that’s both memorable and healthful. From beginning to end, their dedicated spa team ensures that your visit enhances your well-being."

"The Red Dog Diner has a very cool atmosphere and even better food. If you go, make sure you ask to be seated in the back, since they have outdoor/indoor seating inside a redesigned garage. Open daily from 8am to 10pm, this is the brunch spot on Magazine you don’t want to miss."

"Magazine Street is a great place to grab a meal (we loved the Red Dog Diner) and then duck into some shops to check out Mardi Gras costumes, eccentric souvenirs, antiques, and more! Spend the evening on a ghost tour."

"Had a terrific snack at Red Dog Diner as we made our way around the Garden District in NOLA. We ordered pimento cheese spread and ice tea."

"Pontchartrain Hotel, 2031 St. Charles Ave., (504) 323-1455; www.silverwhistlecafe.com. A pimiento cheese omelet is served with hash browns and hollandaise."

"New Orleans, Louisiana, isn’t particularly known for being lush with greenery. That’s probably why Louis Armstrong Park is one of the top green tourist attractions that New Orleans has to offer. It’s close to the teeming French Quarter so isn’t far displaced from the cultural aspects of the city, and with a huge 32-acre space, it’s often become the home of events and festivals."

"Armstrong Park’s stunning archway welcomes visitors from the edge of the French Quarter. It’s an eye-catching sight that is hard to miss. But a grand entrance suits the park’s gorgeous grounds and rich history."