A Startling Array of Tastes
Here’s a question for you: How many restaurants are there in The Big Easy? After a quick search I’ve come up with approximately 1,216 to 1,400. I’m going with the lower number because it’s more detailed. In 2018 it was found that there were 605 full-service restaurants, 476 counter-service or fast food eateries and 135 bars serving food from their own kitchens.
Keeping this I mind, I decided to take a new approach. I’ve created a list of thirty-three New Orleans’ restaurants that offer food choices from all over the world. I haven’t included addresses or phone numbers because if one has the name of a restaurant it can be found very quickly on the web. I know this because that’s where I found every single one of them.
Are they in alphabetical order? No, that bored me. I’ve been eating out with my husband, family and friends for years in NYC so here’s a list arranged in this order, “HEY, WHAT DO YOU FEEL LIKE EATING TONIGHT?”
That’s real life, so eat your heart out!
AMERICAN
The Grill Room offers excellent food and service in a grand hotel. You’ll find legendary soul food at Willie Mae’s Scotch House, Dooky Chase’s Restaurant and Brown Butter Southern Kitchen.
ITALIAN
Rizzuto’s Ristorante & Chop House offers Old World Italian classics and impressive steaks and chops. You’ll also enjoy Vincent’s Italian Cuisine – it serves classic Italian comfort food and welcomes families.
FRENCH
New Orleans’ heritage gets top billing at Antoine’s Restaurant (known as the creators of Oysters Rockefeller that appeared in 1889), and Café Degas – it serves hot onion soup with a Gruyere cheese topping that’s to die for.
CHINESE
Love Chinese food? Then head for the Five Happiness Chinese Restaurant where you’ll find freshly made dishes that are always served quickly, while the August Moon menu lists fried tofu + Vietnamese spring rolls. Yummy!
SPANISH
The Barcelona Tapas lists authentic Spanish paella “in one of New Orleans’ most romantic settings” while Lola’s on Esplanade Avenue offers Angel Hair pasta and their homemade sangria – in a fun, lively atmosphere.
GERMAN
Moving on to the Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant in Harrah’s Casino that features fresh handcrafted beer. Luke on St. Charles in the CBD is described as a German jewel: it’s also vegetarian friendly. Good for them!
GREEK
Kebab is the place to go if you’re in the mood for falafel (deep-fried patties) with hummus or try The Simple Greek that has been described as having “the best Greek food in New Orleans” – order their delicious spinach pie.
JAPANESE
Geisha Sushi Bistro features classic fare and creative sushi rolls. One Good Time Sushi patron says, “Every time I eat here, it’s perfect” while the Mikimoto has been the go-to spot for Japanese cuisine for over 20 years.
MEXICAN
Panchita’s Mexican Criolla Cuisine, a visitor from Texas gave thumbs up to the food/service/ambience. Felipe’s Mexican Taqueria has three restaurants – everything is prepared from scratch with fresh ingredients.
BRAZILIAN
Fogo de Chäo Brazilian Steakhouse in the Marriott has a weekday Happy Hour. Brasa Churrasqueria is a farm-to-table steakhouse in Metairie with open-fire grilling that is “visually striking” (all those flames shooting up).
BRITISH
The Ritz-Carlton offers high tea seven days a week in the Lounge. The Windsor Court Hotel holds their version of this 170-year-old tradition in Le Salon. You’ll enjoy delicious finger food and a decadent sweet.
IRISH
Finn McCool’s Irish Pub is known for its love and support of football all over the world. Pat O’Brien’s is in the French Quarter and has 500 beer steins hanging from the ceiling. Erin Rose draws both locals and tourists.
RUSSIAN
Kukhnya has Beef Stroganoff and Pierogi (dumplings) on its menu. Siberia is off the beaten path and, according to one diner, “The sampler gives you a taste of Kielbasa (a delicious sausage) and Golubtsi (cabbage rolls).”
INDIAN
Nirvana Indian Cuisine has a diverse and authentic Indian menu, e.g., Tandoori Chicken. Turmeric Indian Cuisine features Indian staples in a spacious dining room. Saffron nola focuses on modern Indian cuisine.
THAI
The Bangkok Thai restaurant has Crispy Tofu and Roasted Duck Curry. And the Sukho Thai on Royal Street got this review, “I started with a papaya salad that was as good as any I have ever had or even made myself.”
WHY RATHBONE MANSIONS? New Orleans is one of the most vibrant cities in the world. It’s a magical place filled with friendly people and amazing food. At Rathbone we can handle English, Spanish, German and Italian. No matter what language is spoken, it all comes down to “many fantastic memories.”
PLEASE PHONE, USE EMAIL OR CHECK THE WEB for the current status of whatever restaurant you choose to visit.
Shaun Nelson-Henrick