Food in New Orleans is a way of life and a big part of the city’s inimitable charm. Here are some top choices, as rated by some of the locals:
Michael Uddo, G&E Courtyard Grill:
Pre-dinner drinks at the Napoleon House; appetizers at the Pelican Club; entrees at the Rib Room in the Omni Royal Orleans Hotel (“they have a great rotisserie”); desserts at Gabrielle; after-dinner drinks at the Chart House (“on the balcony only, overlooking Jackson Square”).
Mike Fennelly, Mike’s on the Avenue:
Pre-dinner drinks at the Polo Lounge in the Windsor Court Hotel; appetizers at Gautreau’s; entrees at Bayona; desserts at Gabrielle (“the Peppermint Patti”); after-dinner drinks at the Napoleon House.
Jeff Tunks, The Grill Room:
Pre-dinner drinks at Bella Luna (“for the view”); appetizers at Emeril’s (“and a second appetizer at Bayona”); entrees at Peristyle; desserts at Brigtsen’s; after-dinner drinks at the Polo Lounge (“it’s cigar-friendly”).
Kevin Graham, Graham’s and Sapphire:
Pre-dinner drinks at the Napoleon House; appetizers at Hana (“for sushi”); entrees at Taj Mahal in Old Metairie (“great Indian food”); desserts at Sapphire (Chef Graham didn’t follow the ground rules here); after-dinner drinks in the revolving bar at the Monteleone Hotel.
Rob Mitchell, Gautreau’s:
Pre-dinner drinks at Vizard’s; appetizers at NOLA; entrees at Peristyle; desserts at the Windsor Court Hotel; after-dinner drinks at The Columns.
Anne Kearney, Peristyle:
Pre-dinner drinks at Vino, Vino; appetizers at Bayona; entrees at Brigtsen’s or Gabrielle; desserts at NOLA; after-dinner drinks at the Napoleon House.
Greg Sonnier, Gabrielle:
Pre-dinner drinks at the Polo Lounge or the Napoleon House; appetizers at Emeril’s; entrees at Galatoire’s; desserts at the Pelican Club; after-dinner drinks at the Old Absinthe House.
Susan Spicer, Bayona:
Pre-dinner drinks on the rooftop of the Omni Royal Orleans Hotel; appetizers at Mike’s on the Avenue; entrees at Brigtsen’s; desserts at Peristyle; after-dinner drinks at the Napoleon House.