Accommodating out of town guests? There's no better way to usher in the holidays then by taking them to one of New Orleans' finest, reliable showboats for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. These restaurants are in a class all their own--impressive and representative of The Crescent City's unique culture and fine hospitality. Because these show-offs aren't just for the upscale diner, here you'll find a range of dining possibilities, from affordable dining to glamorous steakhouse (with oysters and cocktails too!), from Creole stunners to casual soul food haunts. All of them are sure to leave your guests happy, and in some cases, even wearing bells this holiday season. Calling ahead for holiday hours is highly encouraged.
Looking for restaurants that still have reservations available for Christmas Day? Look no further than this map of Where To Eat on Christmas Day.
If the stress of planning a holiday meal is taking it’s toll, make reservations soon and let your guests be impressed by the 6 course Reveillon menu. Carolers have been known to make an appearance, and they even have a tradition of giving out jingle bells to diners in December. Can't go wrong with brunch or lunch either.
Galatoire's probably deserves the "most over the top" spot on this list. They are famous for extravagant old-school New Orleans service and patrons can be seen lining up for Friday lunch at 7 in the morning. The cuisine screams fine dining and tradition with the same dishes still on the menu from 1905.
When booze is in order, head to Arnaud's impeccable lounge, headed by beloved bartender Chris Hannah, who whips up a bevy of seasonal drinks. But don't overlook the tableside preparation of Cafe Brulot, which is a sight to behold at this institution.
If your guests have oysters on the brain, (which, let's be honest here, they will at some point) Casamento's is a quintessential New Orleans dining experience that everyone should be turned on to at least once in their lives.
If the weather is mild, head to this Bywater favorite, home to a killer wine selection, a glorious courtyard, live music, and fabulous small plates from chef Joaquin Rodas, who also does a great job curating their cheese selection. Not too mention the awesome upstairs cocktail bar.
One of New Orleans' unmistakeable landmarks, Café Du Monde has been whipping up cafés au lait and beignets for well over one hundred years. It's tourist trappy, yes, but Café Du Monde is one of those iconic New Orleans spots that locals actually love to patronize too.
If there's one John Besh restaurant that's known as a showboat, this is it. Chef Todd Pulsinelli serves inspired contemporary french cuisine in this modern, and lunch here is the best bet, even for vegetarians.
Treat your guests to po-boys at this favorite New Orleans spot. It’s family friendly and great for large groups. If you’re lucky you might get to sample some of their holiday-only special sandwiches. Celebration in the Oaks is located only minutes away in City Park.
Breakfast at Brennan's is back with a classy upgrade. Chef Slade Rushing refines the classics like Eggs Sardou while updating the menu with gorgeous additions, like a barbecue shrimp variation made with lobster. The booze list is better than ever, and this newly-annointed Champagne House of The South is a sure fire way to impress your entire family.
Chef Donald Link's James Beard Award winning Best New Restaurant in America is packed basically every night, so you'll need reservations well in advance. Order the whole fish and selections from the raw bar. Famous people will likely be dining around you.
The swankiest steakhouse in New Orleans right now is Doris Metropolitan, which also boasts a great location in the Quarter for sightseeing and strolling.
The wet-battered fried chicken at this legendary Treme restaurant is the stuff of dreams. Stand in line. Order macaroni and cheese for the table. Take photos. Repeat. (Also: there is now a second location at 7457 St. Charles Avenue).
When guests come to town, it's imperative to introduce them to New Orleans' amazing Vietnamese offerings. Tan Dinh represents the best of the bunch, with an enormous menu that boasts everything from banh mi to house specialties like curried goat.
If a trip to Cajun Country isn't in the cards, head to chef Isaac Toups eponymous Mid City restaurant, where cracklin, boudin, chaudin, and more Cajun delicacies arrive on the must-order Meatery Board. Do a shot of whiskey from a marrow bone, and save room for the Debbie Does Doberge cake offerings for dessert.
If the stress of planning a holiday meal is taking it’s toll, make reservations soon and let your guests be impressed by the 6 course Reveillon menu. Carolers have been known to make an appearance, and they even have a tradition of giving out jingle bells to diners in December. Can't go wrong with brunch or lunch either.
Galatoire's probably deserves the "most over the top" spot on this list. They are famous for extravagant old-school New Orleans service and patrons can be seen lining up for Friday lunch at 7 in the morning. The cuisine screams fine dining and tradition with the same dishes still on the menu from 1905.
When booze is in order, head to Arnaud's impeccable lounge, headed by beloved bartender Chris Hannah, who whips up a bevy of seasonal drinks. But don't overlook the tableside preparation of Cafe Brulot, which is a sight to behold at this institution.
If your guests have oysters on the brain, (which, let's be honest here, they will at some point) Casamento's is a quintessential New Orleans dining experience that everyone should be turned on to at least once in their lives.
If the weather is mild, head to this Bywater favorite, home to a killer wine selection, a glorious courtyard, live music, and fabulous small plates from chef Joaquin Rodas, who also does a great job curating their cheese selection. Not too mention the awesome upstairs cocktail bar.
One of New Orleans' unmistakeable landmarks, Café Du Monde has been whipping up cafés au lait and beignets for well over one hundred years. It's tourist trappy, yes, but Café Du Monde is one of those iconic New Orleans spots that locals actually love to patronize too.
If there's one John Besh restaurant that's known as a showboat, this is it. Chef Todd Pulsinelli serves inspired contemporary french cuisine in this modern, and lunch here is the best bet, even for vegetarians.
Treat your guests to po-boys at this favorite New Orleans spot. It’s family friendly and great for large groups. If you’re lucky you might get to sample some of their holiday-only special sandwiches. Celebration in the Oaks is located only minutes away in City Park.
Breakfast at Brennan's is back with a classy upgrade. Chef Slade Rushing refines the classics like Eggs Sardou while updating the menu with gorgeous additions, like a barbecue shrimp variation made with lobster. The booze list is better than ever, and this newly-annointed Champagne House of The South is a sure fire way to impress your entire family.
Chef Donald Link's James Beard Award winning Best New Restaurant in America is packed basically every night, so you'll need reservations well in advance. Order the whole fish and selections from the raw bar. Famous people will likely be dining around you.
The swankiest steakhouse in New Orleans right now is Doris Metropolitan, which also boasts a great location in the Quarter for sightseeing and strolling.
The wet-battered fried chicken at this legendary Treme restaurant is the stuff of dreams. Stand in line. Order macaroni and cheese for the table. Take photos. Repeat. (Also: there is now a second location at 7457 St. Charles Avenue).
When guests come to town, it's imperative to introduce them to New Orleans' amazing Vietnamese offerings. Tan Dinh represents the best of the bunch, with an enormous menu that boasts everything from banh mi to house specialties like curried goat.
If a trip to Cajun Country isn't in the cards, head to chef Isaac Toups eponymous Mid City restaurant, where cracklin, boudin, chaudin, and more Cajun delicacies arrive on the must-order Meatery Board. Do a shot of whiskey from a marrow bone, and save room for the Debbie Does Doberge cake offerings for dessert.
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