Food Recommendations - Lunch/Dinner with a Toddler

Question

Hello everyone,

We will be traveling to New Orleans with a toddler in the next few weeks and we were wondering if there were any places you might recommend that would be good for lunch? Any others for dinner?

If it's helpful, around lunch hours, we will likely be near Audubon Park or City Park on a Friday or Saturday. For dinner, we would be close to either the French Quarter or CBD.

As an example, we love Antoine's, but I don't know if they would be thrilled to have a toddler there during dinner. If there are any places you could recommend, we'd really appreciate it.

Thank you!

Answer

New Orleans is a great place to explore with a toddler, and there are plenty of family-friendly restaurants to enjoy, both for lunch and dinner. Here are some suggestions for places that will be comfortable for you and your little one:

Lunch Options Near Audubon Park or City Park

Since you'll be near Audubon Park or City Park on a Friday or Saturday, here are some kid-friendly lunch spots in those areas:

The Café at the New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA): Located in City Park, this café offers a relaxed atmosphere with a nice selection of sandwiches, salads, and soups. It's a great spot for families, with a kid-friendly menu and a nice outdoor seating area. You can also take a stroll through the museum grounds afterward if your toddler needs to burn some energy.
Audubon Tea Room: Nestled within Audubon Park, this spot offers a laid-back, family-friendly environment with a variety of New Orleans-inspired dishes. It has a spacious dining area, and it's a great place for a casual lunch after exploring the park. The staff is accommodating, and there are plenty of options for picky eaters.
The Parkview Café: Just outside of City Park, this cozy café offers sandwiches, burgers, and a small selection of Southern-inspired dishes. It's a great casual spot to take your toddler, with both indoor and outdoor seating options.
Dat Dog: Located in the Uptown area, just a short drive from Audubon Park, Dat Dog offers a fun and casual atmosphere with a wide variety of hot dogs, sausages, and burgers. There’s a laid-back vibe here, and it’s perfect for families with young children, as they can play around while waiting for their food.

Dinner Options Near the French Quarter or CBD

For dinner, especially in the French Quarter or Central Business District (CBD), you may want a more casual dining experience that’s still delicious and family-friendly:

The Ruby Slipper Café: This local favorite is known for its brunch but is also great for lunch or dinner. Located in the CBD, it offers Southern comfort food with options for kids, including pancakes, waffles, and omelets. The atmosphere is casual and family-friendly.
Café du Monde (for a casual snack/dessert): While it’s not a full dinner spot, Café du Monde is a must-visit for a quick beignet snack. Located near the French Quarter, it’s a great stop for a light treat with your toddler. The outdoor seating area allows kids to move around a bit while you enjoy the sweet beignets and coffee.
Drago’s Seafood Restaurant: Known for its famous charbroiled oysters, Drago's is located in the Hilton Hotel near the CBD. The restaurant is casual, and while it’s a bit more upscale, they welcome families and have a menu that includes kid-friendly options like chicken tenders and fries. The spacious seating makes it a good option for families.
Commander’s Palace: If you love Antoine's and are looking for something a little more upscale, Commander’s Palace in the Garden District is a great option for families with toddlers. They offer a fantastic Southern menu and have been known to accommodate younger children with high chairs and kid-friendly options. While it’s a more formal restaurant, the staff is very welcoming to families.
Gumbo Shop: Located in the French Quarter, this casual spot is great for a taste of classic New Orleans gumbo and other Creole dishes. The environment is laid-back, and they are accustomed to families with children. There’s a kid-friendly menu with simple options like chicken tenders and grilled cheese.

Family-Friendly Dinner at Antoine's

While Antoine's is indeed a formal and iconic New Orleans restaurant, they are welcoming to families with children, including toddlers. However, if you’re looking for a more relaxed environment while still enjoying a great New Orleans meal, some of the options listed above might be better suited to a toddler’s needs—especially for a meal that isn’t too long or too formal.

General Tips

Many New Orleans restaurants are used to having families with children, and staff are generally accommodating when it comes to high chairs or kid-friendly menu options.
If you’re visiting with a toddler, always ask about the availability of high chairs or booster seats when you arrive.
New Orleans can be busy, especially in the French Quarter, so having a small toy or activity for your toddler to keep them entertained while waiting for food can be helpful.

Enjoy your trip to New Orleans! It’s a city that’s very welcoming to families, and there’s plenty to enjoy for both adults and little ones alike.