Best Fine Dining 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."

"New Orleanians are not only loyal to this traditional bastion of Creole dining, they're loyal to their waiter, and if they're old enough, to their waiter's son. Generations come and go, but Galatoire's, with its classic seafood-centric menu focused on in-season fish and shellfish treated to artful preparations like trout meuniere, shrimp remoulade and oysters Rockefeller. Not only can your order well known local fish like drum, redfish and pompano, you can also get the sweet goodness of sheepshead and lemon fish if the waters are right."

"This New Orleans stalwart provides a sophisticated reprieve from Bourbon Street’s frenetic party scene. The dining rooms are elegant, with chandeliers and mahogany, the waiters wear tuxedos and the menu features French-Creole favorites. One menu staple not to be missed are the Soufflé Potatoes, which were featured on The Best Thing I Ever Ate."

"This Bourbon Street landmark is famous for its Friday lunch, where the drinks are strong and the menu is bursting with classics— Oysters Rockefeller, Eggs Sardou, Galatoire Goute, Pompano with crabmeat. Show up early to stand in line (and bring a jacket, gentlemen)."

"French QuarterAnother historic fine dining institution in the Vieux Carre, Arnaud’s has been offering classic Creole fare since 1918. Aside from housing the famous French 75 Bar -- where you’ll find cocktail master and historian Chris Hannah -- you can’t help but be charmed by its Old-World elegance. And that's not to mention live Dixieland in the Jazz Bistro, a fantastic brunch, and dishes like Shrimp Arnaud, Crab Claws Provencale, Oysters Bienville, Crawfish O’Connor, Crabmeat Karen, and other fantastic French Creole dishes named after people (or places)."

"Address: 813 Bienville StreetNew Orleans, LA 70112Phone: (504) 523-5433Website. Known for its live Dixieland jazz brunch as well as for its classic cocktail bar, the French 75, Arnaud’s provides a range of signature NOLA experiences. After feasting in their romantic main dining room and imbibing in their cozy bar, you can even take home their creole mustard and remoulade sauce."

"To last 100 years means embracing tradition and change, something the huge restaurant with its labyrinth of transcendent, turn-of-the-century dining rooms does well. This grande dame of French Quarter dining offers impeccable service — and Creole dishes are still on point. Plus, Arnaud’s is also home to the James Beard Award-winning French 75 Bar."

"Coastal seafood dishes are prepared simply here, but unexpected flourishes – whether from salt, spices or magic – sear the deliciousness onto your taste buds. The vibe is convivial, with a happy crowd savoring... Top ChoiceCreole in Uptown & Riverbend"

"What can we say about Restaurant R'evolution that others have not said?. Situated snugly in a hotel lobby, this fusion restaurant perfectly blends the unique styles of chefs John Fo..."

"Restaurant R’evolution has a worthy claim to the best lunch in New Orleans, even though it’s open for lunch on Fridays only. Score a table during Friday lunchtime to experience the..."

"Gumbo, gumbo, and more gumbo are on the menu at Restaurant R'evolution, which has perfected the art of gumbo for their patrons. In addition to serving a traditional gumbo for their..."

"La Boca, which resides in a chic renovated former warehouse, is an Argentinian steakhouse specializing in fine cuts of beef served in a simple and traditional way. Established by James Beard semi-finalist chef Adolfo Garcia, La Boca features designs from local architect Brooks Graham and metal craftsman Duane Link, resulting in a beautifully designed space able to accommodate the restaurant’s ever growing clientele. Try dishes such as the chorizo de la casa, La Boca’s house made grilled sausage and the bife ancho, a mouthwatering 24 ounce cowboy cut, bone-in rib eye steak."

"Bife La Boca is a lime- and garlic-marinated Angus sirloin flap served with avocado. Reservations accepted. Dinner Mon.-Sat., late-night Thu.-Sat."

"French QuarterMore of a lounge than a dance club, this place is on exclusive side... as in, you have to be a member of the House of Blues Foundation to even get in the door, or at least be a member’s guest. Swankily decked from top to tails like a sultan’s tent, if you want to mingle with the classy crowd (not to mention get to see HOB shows from a reserved spot on the balcony), this is your place."

"Located on the corner of St. Louis at Royal Street, the Rib Room has been the haunt of literary greats and the politically infamous for over 50 years. The Rib Room’s rotisserie remains a focal point of the menu of classic to contemporary dishes."

"Omni Royal Orleans Hotel, 621 St. Louis St., (504) 529-7045; www.ribroomneworleans.com. Pan-seared Gulf fish amandine is served with sauteed garlic kale and parsley potatoes. Reservations recommended."

"Take the famous St. Charles Streetcar to Central City to visit the McKenna Museum of African American Art. The museum’s mission is to make African Diasporan fine art available and accessible to visitors of all ages. They work to preserve the culture of the African American community in Louisiana."

"The McKenna Museum is a fine art institution with a direct focus on African Diasporan pieces. In addition to their collection, McKenna offers a range of diverse programming such as guest speakers, workshops and book readings to further their mission and work."

"The Backstreet Cultural Museum is located in Tremé, the oldest African-American neighborhood in the U.S., and celebrates the creative achievements and cultural traditions of the African-American community. Housing the largest collection of Mardi Gras Indian regalia, these magnificent costumes represent the historical relationship between enslaved Africans that fled to the safety of nearby Native American tribes. You’ll also find plenty of memorabilia around the city’s jazz funerals, including hundreds of films, photographs, and obituaries."

"The Treme neighborhood is one of the oldest African American neighborhoods in the country, and inside what looks like an otherwise residential home is one of the most comprehensive archives of the traditions and community movements that sprung from this area. The most colorful aspect of the museum is its collection of elaborately sequined and beaded Mardi Gras masks and costumes, which have African and Native American influences. The collection also has information and artifacts relating to jazz funerals and social aid and pleasure clubs."

"The Ritz-Carlton Spa, is a luxurious spa where the soul is nourished, the spirit is revived, the body is transformed and the path to a more satisfying sense of well-being awaits. Revel in nature’s beauty while enjoying their signature service, a “zero gravity” massage performed as you sway gently in a rocking hammock, delivering you into true tranquility."

"First we make the world revolve around you, then we gently slow it down...". That's the mission at the luxe Ritz-Carlton spa, a place where bubbling fountains and expert service set the stage for a welcome retreat. This is by far the grandest spa in town, complete with draped chandeliers and beau monde elegance."

"Good Children Gallery is a pioneer artist-run space in the St. Claude Arts District aimed at enhancing the cultural landscape of New Orleans. The space serves as a bellwether for artistic endeavors by exhibiting engaging work from local, national, and international artists."

"After voodoo (or vodou) came to New Orleans in the 1700s—first via West African slaves, then with Haitians after the Haitian Revolution—it entwined with the city’s identity. Which is why, since the 1970s, a French Quarter visit has been deemed incomplete without a stop at the tiny Historic Voodoo Museum. If it’s lore you seek, you’ll find it here."