Paris & David
NOLA Recommendations
Jacques-Imo's
Authentic New Orleans French Cajun cuisine, it’s David’s favorite dinner spot in town...get the alligator cheesecake! Pre-COVID they didn't take reservations, so be prepared to go early or expect a wait, but we promise it will be worth it!
Pêche Seafood Grill
Book a table today! This multiple James Beard award winning restaurant can't be missed, and put simply, many believe it to be the best seafood restaurant in the city.
Cochon RESTAURANT
Awesome Cajun / Southern / BBQ restaurant in the CBD, within walking distance from the Quarter. A meal here never disappoints!
Emeril's New Orleans
One of Emeril Lagasse's many restaurants in New Orleans, serving classic NOLA style cuisine in the Warehouse District.
Commander's Palace
The most famous restaurant in New Orleans, but be prepared if you want to dine here you will need to make a reservation several months in advance! Very upscale (see dress code on website) but the food and service are worth it!
The Rum House
Need to grab lunch or dinner as you stroll down Magazine Street? Make sure to hit up this casual Caribbean taco spot....oh and by the way, order at least one calypso beef taco (or 10!), you won't regret it. We make sure to always stop in when we're in town.
Willa Jean
Looking for a superb brunch spot that's within walking distance of the French Quarter, and don't want to settle for anything less than a James Beard winner for best pastry chef in America? Head here and you won't be disappointed...unless of course you forget to order the biscuits!
Elizabeth's
Elizabeth's is a favorite brunch spot for locals and visitors alike, a classic New Orleans style joint in the Bywater. They don't take reservations, so if you have to wait we recommend checking out Crescent Park and Piety Wharf across the street for a gorgeous view of the NOLA skyline, or Dr. Bob's art studio down the street. Don't forget to order the praline bacon!
St. James Cheese Company (Uptown or nearby French Quarter)
Sometimes nothing is better than a perfect sandwich or salad, or better yet a bespoke cheese plate for lunch. This place rocks; check out either location in the city depending on where your travels take you. We're partial to the "hooks cheddar" sandwich and "manchego" salad.
Our Other Favorite Restaurants
New Orleans is known for it's food, and while we couldn't list all of our favorite restaurants here, feel free to ask Paris or Dave for a recommendation! Below are a few more: Court of Two Sisters -- jazz brunch in the Quarter Dat Dog -- casual lunch spot Superior Seafood -- a favorite for happy hour oysters and frozen drinks Shaya -- Mediterranean on Magazine Street Red Fish Grill -- NOLA style seafood in the Quarter Domenica -- get the cauliflower and garlic knots GW Fins -- upscale seafood in the Quarter
Pat O'Brien's
The best bar on Bourbon for world famous hurricanes and a dueling piano bar (always taking song requests)! The bouncers may or may not have known Paris a little too well in college...
Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop Bar
Want the Bourbon Street vibe without the Bourbon Street drunken crowds? Walk all the way down to the other end of Bourbon for a must hit bar with live piano music nightly, and order what they call a "purple drink." Also claimed to be the oldest bar in America!
The Carousel Bar & Lounge
This spinning bar is a ride you can't miss! The old carrousel acts as a bar and rotates about 4 times an hour. The perfect place to try some classic New Orleans style cocktails -- Dave orders the Sazerac and Paris the Gin Fizz or French 75. Enter via the Hotel Monteleone lobby.
New Orleans Lager & Ale (NOLA) Brewing
Our favorite local brewery on Tchoup, come for a delicious beer and stay for some live music and sunshine!
Frenchmen Street
The locals' Bourbon Street: great for a night out with live jazz music bars lining the street (our favorites are Maison and Blue Nile). We also love the outdoor art market open at night.
The Boot
Tulane's college bar, where Paris' college career began and ended.
The National WWII Museum
The #2 rated tourist destination on Trip Advisor in the ENTIRE UNITED STATES. We say no more, though be prepared to spend a full day here, the tickets even allow for re-entry the following day, that's how big it is!
Garden District
One of the prettiest neighborhoods in the city, get lost and explore, or better yet, book a walking tour in advance and learn some local history, including stopping in at famous places such as the Manning childhood home (Peyton and Eli's parents still live there), and Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 to see some above ground tombs!
Magazine Street
Fun street full of restaurants, shops and bars, this road parallels St. Charles Ave and runs downtown to uptown (all the way to Audubon park). A great spot to walk around during the day and explore (and good to hit if you're already doing a Garden District walking tour which we highly recommend!) Stop in at Rum House for lunch.
Saint Charles Avenue
Full of beautiful historic mansions, hop aboard the streetcar downtown and ride it along St. Charles as you make your way uptown.
Jean Lafitte National Historic Park
Everyone loves a free activity...take advantage of a sunny day and walk through the Louisiana swamp land, just watch out for alligators! Put the following address into your GPS for a ~30 minute trip out by car: 6588 Barataria Blvd, Marrero, LA 70072
Audubon Park
Need some fresh air and perhaps work off some of that good food and drink? Head here for the city's best park. With a ~2 mile paved path that encircles the park, it's a great spot for a run in the sun! There's also a golf course inside the park! You can also head across Magazine Street through the zoo and walk up to the banks of the Mississippi River for a nice view.
Cafe Du Monde French Market
A must hit tourist activity -- stop in for the best beignets in the city, we promise the line is worth it.
Jackson Square
The epicenter of the French Quarter, you'll find yourself here at some point on your trip whether you meant to or not!
Mardi Gras World
Wish our wedding was during Mardi Gras? We don't...but check out this museum if you're hankering to learn about Mardi Gras and see some floats! A great rainy day activity.
Oak Alley Plantation
If you have time to venture outside the city, check out a nearby plantation such as Oak Alley, the Laura Plantation, or the Whitney Plantation. All are along the same road, about an hour drive from New Orleans.