Arnaud'sOne of the grand old classic New Orleans restaurants, Arnaud's offers a taste of history along with its ambitious menu. Named after its founder, Count Arnaud Cazenave (immortalized in a portrait on the wall), Arnaud's glitters with chandeliers, leaded windows and a mosaic floor. The eatery consists of 13 buildings in the French Quarter, including a brasserie, bistro, grill bar and banqueting halls. The formal main restaurant requires a jacket, and offers raved-about fish dishes, as well as traditional favorites like filet mignon. Open daily for dinner and brunch on Sundays.
Address: 813 Bienville Street,
French Quarter
Website: www.arnauds.com
Galatoire'sAn institution on Bourbon Street, Galatoire's has been serving up French-Creole specialties since 1905 and still uses many of the original recipes. Starched white linen and shiny crystal set the tone in this establishment where tradition reigns and locals and visitors return again and again to enjoy the fresh local seafood. Open Tuesday to Saturday for lunch and dinner.
Address: 209 Bourbon Street, French Quarter
Website: www.galatoires.com
Steamboat NatchezThe sounds of jazz music and the beautiful skyline of downtown New Orleans provide a wonderful backdrop for a moonlight dinner cruise on the mighty Mississippi River, aboard the Steamboat Natchez. The cost of the two hour cruise is inclusive of a traditional southern buffet dinner, departing from the Toulouse Street Wharf, opposite Jackson Square in the heart of the French Quarter, at 7pm.
Address: 2 Canal Street, Suite 2500
Website: www.steamboatnatchez.com
Christian'sIt is not just the novelty of dining in a renovated church that draws gourmets to Christian Ansel's lakefront restaurant. The food on offer has a reputation for being as heavenly as the setting, highlights being roast duck and gumbo, daily fish specials and smoked soft-shell crabs laced with butter. Reservations are essential for this popular venue much favored by locals. Open for lunch Tuesday to Friday and dinner Tuesday to Saturday. *Note: Following the effects of Hurricane Katrina, Christian's is closed until further notice.*
Address: 3835 Iberville Street
Website: www.christiansrestaurantneworleans.com
Mr John's SteakhouseSituated in the heart of St Charles Avenue on the historic streetcar line, Mr John's offers an alternative to the ubiquitous seafood restaurants for which New Orleans is known and loved. Only USDA Prime Beef is used for the range of steaks - up to a 28 oz (794g) Porterhouse - offered on the menu. There is also a range of seafood specialties, of course. Open for lunch and dinner from Tuesday to Sunday.
Address: 2111 St. Charles Avenue
Camellia GrillThe Camellia Grill in the Riverbend area off the St Charles Avenue streetcar is a favorite haunt for night owls who congregate in the early hours for breakfast, particularly the huge fluffy omelets with adventurous fillings. The classy diner features white-jacketed waiters, delicious waffles, the best burgers in town and is famous for its chocolate pecan pie.
Address: 626 South Carrollton Avenue
BaccoAt this chic eatery owned and operated by Ralph Brennan, Chef Chris Montero prepares beautifully fresh, local seafood and homemade pastas with Creole and Italian panache. Bacco has been called 'a gem' and voted 'Best Italian Restaurant' four years running. At night Bacco is a romantic, candlelit venue and at lunchtime it's more affordable and casual. While it's open for lunch and dinner, diners should call ahead for times.
Address: 310 Chartres Street
Website: www.bacco.com
Bubba Gump Shrimp CompanyAs Bubba from Forrest Gump would appreciate, this quirky restaurant combines a casual family atmosphere with quality seafood cuisine. Shrimp cocktails, shrimp and pasta, coconut shrimp, fried shrimp& it's all there! Bubba Gump also has etouffee, gumbo, ribs, steaks and a marvelous children's menu on offer. It's open for lunch and dinner but diners should call ahead for times.
Address: 429 Decatur Street
Website: www.bubbagump.com
Mulate'sMulate's is the original Cajun restaurant, featuring authentic Cajun cuisine. Be sure to try the Zydeco Gumbo and don't miss the homemade bread pudding. Live Cajun music and dancing each night attracts many New Orleans visitors; even Bob Dylan stopped by when he was in town. This restaurant/bar is open for lunch and till late at night.
Address: 201 Julia Street
Website: www.mulates.com
Ralph's on the ParkRalph's on the Park offers food fresh from the farms and waters of Louisiana, with a side helping of splendid City Park views. Their shrimp rémoulade is a favorite, creamy and not a bit spicy, and the filet mignon brings mutterings of 'buttery, so buttery&' to mind. The chocolate Kahlúa mousse or Creole cream cheese ice cream on peach cobbler wraps things up nicely. Ralph's is open for dinners and Sunday brunch.
Address: 900 City Park Ave
Website: www.ralphsonthepark.com
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The Columbus World Travel Guide has been published for 26 years and is sold in over 90 countries worldwide.
Word Travels is a comprehensive travel guide covering hundreds of cities and holiday resorts in more than 125 countries.