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Commander's Palace
Commander's Palace
Photo: Nikki Mayeux

The Best Show-Off Restaurants For Holiday Guests

by Gwendolyn Knapp
View as Map
Commander's Palace
| Photo: Nikki Mayeux
by Gwendolyn Knapp

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The holidays are here, and for many that means accommodating out of town guests. Eater has polled our dear readers, and they have spoken. Here now our intern Carrie Stuckwisch has assembled a reader-decided guide for amazing, "showboat", one of a kind new Orleans restaurants to feed and entertain your guests. Yes, the best places to go to show off this great city. These restaurants are sure to please everyone in your group. Impress and delight your friends and family with one of these spots, and they will surely leave New Orleans thankful and full of joy this holiday season.

Looking for restaurants that are open on Christmas Day and still have reservations? Look no further than this map of The Best of What's Open on Christmas Day, 2013.


Even More Reader-Suggested Showboats
1. Antoine's
2. Lilette
3. Geautreau's
4. Dick and Jenny's
5. Morning Call
6. Camelia Grill
7. Mila
8. Delmonico
9. Cane & Table
10. La Petite Grocery
11. Tropical Isle
12. Pat O'Brien's
13. Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop
14. Superior Grill
15. Port of Call,
16. Mr. B's
17. Martinique Bistro
18. Boucherie
19. Cafe Degas
20. Parasol's
21. Harbor Seafood
22. R&O's Seafood
23. Five Happiness
24. Kyoto
25. La Thai
26. Stella!
27. Mahoney's Po' Boys

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Note: Restaurants on this map are listed geographically.

1. Commander's Palace

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1403 Washington Ave
New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 899-8221
(504) 899-8221
Visit Website
"If Commander's doesn't qualify, I don't know what does," writes an Eater reader. This Brennan family restaurant does Christmas like no other. 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.

Also Featured in:

2. Galatoire's

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209 Bourbon St
New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 525-2021
(504) 525-2021
Visit Website
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.

Also Featured in:

3. Arnaud's & The French 75 Bar

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813 Bienville St
New Orleans, LA 70112
(866) 230-8895
(866) 230-8895
Visit Website
Arnaud’s can accommodate larger groups in many of their dining rooms. They have a swanky Reviellon menu, and even a resident ghost. A great location if you're in the Quarter for caroling or the Christmas Concert series at St.Louis Cathedral. And of course, the most beloved bartender in New Orleans, Mr. Chris Hannah, holds down the French 75 Bar which is a ritzy must for out-of-towners and locals alike.

Also Featured in:

4. Herbsaint

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701 Saint Charles Ave
New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 524-4114
(504) 524-4114
Visit Website
Chef Donald Link shows us his more refined side at this well-known establishment located on St. Charles in the CBD. This great location allows for locals and tourists alike to enjoy classic Southern dishes with a French twist in the heart of the city. Sharing small plates with your guests is a popular way to go, and make sure to try the wonderful desserts.

Also Featured in:

5. Casamento's

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4330 Magazine St
New Orleans, LA 70115
(504) 895-9761
(504) 895-9761
Visit Website
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.

Also Featured in:

6. Bacchanal Wine

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600 Poland Ave
New Orleans, LA 70117
(504) 948-9111
(504) 948-9111
Visit Website
Readers head to this Bywater destination to to "show how hip we are," because nothing says we are cooler than thou like a killer wine selection, ambiance in the form of the great (and funky) outdoors, 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 new upstairs cocktail bar revamp.

Also Featured in:

7. Café Du Monde

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800 Decatur St
New Orleans, LA 70116
(504) 525-4544
(504) 525-4544
Visit Website
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 patronize too.

Also Featured in:

8. August

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301 Tchoupitoulas St
New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 299-9777
(504) 299-9777
Visit Website
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 New Orleans institution. The restaurant is located in the CBD and is definitely a special occasion spot. Dining here sure to make your loved ones feel spoiled. They offer vegetarian tasting menu, and a 5 course Reveillon menu. Whichever you decide, dining at August is sure to make for an impressive dining experience.

Also Featured in:

9. Ralph's on the Park

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900 City Park Ave
New Orleans, LA 70119
(504) 488-1000
(504) 488-1000
Visit Website
Chef Chip Flanagan serves up elegant New Orleans fare with a twist across from beautiful City Park. Bring your guests to this picturesque neighborhood for small plates at the bar, 3 course brunch, or a satisfying dinner. Ralph's often features special multi-course menus featuring local seafood and game.

Also Featured in:

10. Domilise's Po-Boys

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5240 Annunciation St
New Orleans, LA 70115
(504) 899-9126
(504) 899-9126
If you're running around Uptown and need to stop for lunch, head to this famous Uptown haunt, family run for over 70 years. Miss Dot, Domilise's matriarch, recently passed away, but her legend lives on. So do the tasty po' boys.

Also Featured in:

11. Parkway Bakery & Tavern

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538 Hagan Ave
New Orleans, LA 70119-4911
(504) 482-3047
(504) 482-3047
Visit Website
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 minutes away in City Park, you won’t want to miss the “spectacular” holiday lights festival.

Also Featured in:

12. Jacques-Imo's Cafe

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8324 Oak St
New Orleans, LA 70118
(504) 861-0886
(504) 861-0886
Visit Website
This eclectic restaurant never fails to impress out-of-towners with it’s “Creole soul food” by Chef Jacques Leonardi. Enjoy the scenic drive uptown on St.Charles and take in the lights and decorated mansions. Reservations are only available for parties of 5 or more.

13. GW Fins

Copy Link
808 Bienville St
New Orleans, LA 70112
(504) 581-3467
(504) 581-3467
New Orleans has no shortage of seafood restaurants, and GW Fins tops the list of places to impress your guests. Known in the French Quarter for the service, atmosphere, and well executed, decadent dishes from chef Tenney Flynn, who is known for showcasing seafood from around the globe.

Also Featured in:

14. Chophouse New Orleans

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322 Magazine St
New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 522-7902
(504) 522-7902
Visit Website
Eater readers recommend this classic steakhouse in the CBD, who pride themselves on making their guests comfortable while serving simple, fresh, high quality fare. Chophouse serves up USDA prime aged steaks and provides a thoughtfully selected wine list. The rich ambiance and live music provide a great setting for celebrating special occasions.    Bonus, they're open Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Even and Day.

15. Columns Hotel

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3811 Saint Charles Ave
New Orleans, LA 70115
(504) 899-9308
(504) 899-9308
Visit Website
This Garden District hotel is always a destination for posh lounging and libations in the Victorian Lounge or on the porch when guests are in town. Of course, they're doing a Reviellon menu this month too. Sure you can go casual here, but tell your guests it's more fun to don a blazer than the croakies, pal.

Also Featured in:

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16. Coquette

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2800 Magazine St
New Orleans, LA 70115
(504) 265-0421
(504) 265-0421
Chef Michael Stoltzfus has been charming the pants off Magazine Street, since opening this elegant home of southern cuisine back in 2008. It's the type of place you definitely want to lunch with Mom, or do dinner with the entire family. Or, you know, ditche everybody to gorge yourself on fried chicken and champagne on New Years Eve.

Also Featured in:

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1. Commander's Palace

1403 Washington Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130
"If Commander's doesn't qualify, I don't know what does," writes an Eater reader. This Brennan family restaurant does Christmas like no other. 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.
1403 Washington Ave
New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 899-8221
Visit Website

2. Galatoire's

209 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70130
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.
209 Bourbon St
New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 525-2021
Visit Website

3. Arnaud's & The French 75 Bar

813 Bienville St, New Orleans, LA 70112
Arnaud’s can accommodate larger groups in many of their dining rooms. They have a swanky Reviellon menu, and even a resident ghost. A great location if you're in the Quarter for caroling or the Christmas Concert series at St.Louis Cathedral. And of course, the most beloved bartender in New Orleans, Mr. Chris Hannah, holds down the French 75 Bar which is a ritzy must for out-of-towners and locals alike.
813 Bienville St
New Orleans, LA 70112
(866) 230-8895
Visit Website

4. Herbsaint

701 Saint Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130
Chef Donald Link shows us his more refined side at this well-known establishment located on St. Charles in the CBD. This great location allows for locals and tourists alike to enjoy classic Southern dishes with a French twist in the heart of the city. Sharing small plates with your guests is a popular way to go, and make sure to try the wonderful desserts.
701 Saint Charles Ave
New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 524-4114
Visit Website

5. Casamento's

4330 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115
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.
4330 Magazine St
New Orleans, LA 70115
(504) 895-9761
Visit Website

6. Bacchanal Wine

600 Poland Ave, New Orleans, LA 70117
Readers head to this Bywater destination to to "show how hip we are," because nothing says we are cooler than thou like a killer wine selection, ambiance in the form of the great (and funky) outdoors, 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 new upstairs cocktail bar revamp.
600 Poland Ave
New Orleans, LA 70117
(504) 948-9111
Visit Website

7. Café Du Monde

800 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116
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 patronize too.
800 Decatur St
New Orleans, LA 70116
(504) 525-4544
Visit Website

8. August

301 Tchoupitoulas St, New Orleans, LA 70130
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 New Orleans institution. The restaurant is located in the CBD and is definitely a special occasion spot. Dining here sure to make your loved ones feel spoiled. They offer vegetarian tasting menu, and a 5 course Reveillon menu. Whichever you decide, dining at August is sure to make for an impressive dining experience.
301 Tchoupitoulas St
New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 299-9777
Visit Website

9. Ralph's on the Park

900 City Park Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119
Chef Chip Flanagan serves up elegant New Orleans fare with a twist across from beautiful City Park. Bring your guests to this picturesque neighborhood for small plates at the bar, 3 course brunch, or a satisfying dinner. Ralph's often features special multi-course menus featuring local seafood and game.
900 City Park Ave
New Orleans, LA 70119
(504) 488-1000
Visit Website

10. Domilise's Po-Boys

5240 Annunciation St, New Orleans, LA 70115
If you're running around Uptown and need to stop for lunch, head to this famous Uptown haunt, family run for over 70 years. Miss Dot, Domilise's matriarch, recently passed away, but her legend lives on. So do the tasty po' boys.
5240 Annunciation St
New Orleans, LA 70115
(504) 899-9126

11. Parkway Bakery & Tavern

538 Hagan Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119-4911
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 minutes away in City Park, you won’t want to miss the “spectacular” holiday lights festival.
538 Hagan Ave
New Orleans, LA 70119-4911
(504) 482-3047
Visit Website

12. Jacques-Imo's Cafe

8324 Oak St, New Orleans, LA 70118
This eclectic restaurant never fails to impress out-of-towners with it’s “Creole soul food” by Chef Jacques Leonardi. Enjoy the scenic drive uptown on St.Charles and take in the lights and decorated mansions. Reservations are only available for parties of 5 or more.
8324 Oak St
New Orleans, LA 70118
(504) 861-0886
Visit Website

13. GW Fins

808 Bienville St, New Orleans, LA 70112
New Orleans has no shortage of seafood restaurants, and GW Fins tops the list of places to impress your guests. Known in the French Quarter for the service, atmosphere, and well executed, decadent dishes from chef Tenney Flynn, who is known for showcasing seafood from around the globe.
808 Bienville St
New Orleans, LA 70112
(504) 581-3467

14. Chophouse New Orleans

322 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Eater readers recommend this classic steakhouse in the CBD, who pride themselves on making their guests comfortable while serving simple, fresh, high quality fare. Chophouse serves up USDA prime aged steaks and provides a thoughtfully selected wine list. The rich ambiance and live music provide a great setting for celebrating special occasions.    Bonus, they're open Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Even and Day.
322 Magazine St
New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 522-7902
Visit Website

15. Columns Hotel

3811 Saint Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70115
This Garden District hotel is always a destination for posh lounging and libations in the Victorian Lounge or on the porch when guests are in town. Of course, they're doing a Reviellon menu this month too. Sure you can go casual here, but tell your guests it's more fun to don a blazer than the croakies, pal.
3811 Saint Charles Ave
New Orleans, LA 70115
(504) 899-9308
Visit Website

Related Maps

16. Coquette

2800 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115
Chef Michael Stoltzfus has been charming the pants off Magazine Street, since opening this elegant home of southern cuisine back in 2008. It's the type of place you definitely want to lunch with Mom, or do dinner with the entire family. Or, you know, ditche everybody to gorge yourself on fried chicken and champagne on New Years Eve.
2800 Magazine St
New Orleans, LA 70115
(504) 265-0421

Related Maps