Where to eat French Quarter

Question

We are staying at the Hyatt Centric French Quarter and only have two nights, where must we absolutely eat at?

Answer

Staying at the Hyatt Centric in the French Quarter puts you right in the heart of New Orleans’ most iconic dining and nightlife area. With only two nights, you’ll want to hit a mix of classic Creole/Cajun cuisine, iconic dishes, and a few fun spots to soak in the local atmosphere.

For a first night, I recommend starting with a classic Creole dinner. The French Quarter has several legendary restaurants where you can enjoy dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, crawfish étouffée, or blackened fish. Reservations are highly recommended as many popular spots fill up quickly.

Antoine’s: One of the oldest and most historic restaurants in New Orleans. It’s perfect if you want a true Creole experience and a sense of history.
Galatoire’s: A French-Creole classic, famous for its lively atmosphere and excellent seafood. Lunch is often easier to get in, but dinner is a treat.
Commander’s Palace: Technically in the Garden District, but worth a short ride if you want a quintessential NOLA fine dining experience.

For a more casual and iconic French Quarter experience, don’t miss the chance to try some street-level or quick bites that the city is famous for.

Café du Monde: A must for beignets and café au lait, perfect for breakfast or a late-night snack.
Central Grocery: Home of the original muffuletta sandwich, a great lunch stop.
Napoleon House: Known for its Pimm’s Cup cocktails and classic New Orleans sandwiches.

For a second night, consider something with a more relaxed, lively vibe where you can also enjoy music and cocktails. Many French Quarter spots feature live jazz, perfect for a quintessential New Orleans evening.

French Market/Pat O’Brien’s: Try their famous hurricanes at Pat O’Brien’s and enjoy the lively courtyard atmosphere.
Cochon Butcher: A casual, meat-focused spot with outstanding sandwiches and small plates; great if you want to avoid a formal sit-down dinner.
Royal House Seafood: If you want another chance for fresh seafood, this spot offers great po’boys and fried seafood platters.

With only two nights, prioritize one classic Creole dinner and one casual iconic NOLA experience, while fitting in at least one stop for beignets and coffee. Walking the French Quarter between meals will give you plenty of chances to soak in the vibrant atmosphere, historic architecture, and street music, making your short stay memorable.

Where to eat French Quarter

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