Romantic Restaurants, Getaway Places in Gretna

"Visitors to New Orleans in search of haute Creole cuisine will find their nirvana at Commander’s Place in the Garden District. This 1893 landmark restaurant has garnered significant recognition and won innumerable culinary awards, including six James Beard Foundation Awards. They pride themselves in sourcing local ingredients and, in fact, 90% of their ingredients come from within 100 miles of the restaurant."

"The restaurants on the pricier side are worth visiting for this one-of-a-kind appetizer. And, to reiterate: Commander's Palace's turtle soup is legendary. Go for lunch, order a series of 25-cent martinis (you read that right), and slurp from your glass and a bowl."

"You didn’t believe me when I talked about 25¢ martinis, did you?. I wouldn’t blame you. I didn’t believe it either…until I proved that this particular unicorn (of the dining world) exists at the wonderful, up-scale restaurant, Commander’s Palace."

"Sure, it’s the most touristy spot in the city, but no list of beautiful Big Easy buildings can be complete without its most recognizable building. Overlooking Jackson Square sits the St. Louis Cathedral, one of the oldest continually operating cathedrals in the United States. After the original structure was destroyed in the Great New Orleans Fire of 1788, multiple rebuilds resulted in the current—and much larger—structure designed by Louisiana architect Jacques de Pouillyin 1850."

"New Orleans has got some amazing places to visit and attractions galore for tourists and locals alike. Amongst the many landmarks over here, one of the most popular is the St. Louis Cathedral, which is one of the most imposing and tallest structures in the French Quarter. It is also one of the most recognizable, based on the fact that it has appeared in numerous movies and TV shows."

"This cathedral is one of the oldest in the United States and for this reason, has some interesting history behind its stunning exterior. It was officially named the Cathedral-Basilica of Saint Louis, King of France, and had its first version built in 1718. However, there were three more reconstructions, the final expansion and rebuilding happening in 1850."

"Jackson Square is pretty famous in New Orleans, Louisiana, and tourists gravitate towards it like nobody’s business in their quest for what to do for fun while visiting. Once upon a time, Jackson Square was a ground for military parades back in the 1720s, somewhat similar to Paris’ Place des Vosges. In 1815, once the Battle of New Orleans drew to a close, the area was renamed to honor General Andrew Jackson."

"The square is a National Historic Landmark and a natural gathering spot. The palm tree-lined square, named after Andrew Jackson, has a statue of him riding a horse in honor of his victory in the Battle of New Orleans against the British."

"Founded and constructed all the way back in 1721, Jackson Square is one of the oldest destinations in the whole city of New Orleans and is known to be the equivalent of the downtown area in other cities."

"At this stately museum in City Park, you’ll experience New Orleans’ oldest fine arts institution, which opened in 1911 and showcased just nine works of art. Fast forward more than 100 years, and NOMA (1 Collins Diboll Circle; 504-658-4100) plays host to a permanent collection of nearly 40,000 objects that include photography, glass works, French and American art, Japanese and African works, and much more. Just outside, the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden is home to over 60 sculptures by renowned artists from around the world."

"The Ogden Museum of Southern Art is a Smithsonian affiliate with a permanent collection of more than 4,000 different pieces of art. The museum celebrates the culture of New Orleans and the south as a whole. There are beautiful photography collections on display which are a favorite."

"Dinner at Bacchanal Wine Bar This is located in the Bywater which I’ve been calling “hipster” because that’s the vibe but it’s also kind of gentrified. This area is having a tough time where locals can’t afford their homes as the city grows out – something that I guess happens everywhere. The Bywater area is the “cool place to be” right now and Bacchanal is the coolest place in Bywater."

"Head brewer and co-owner Alex Peyroux’s comes from a long time Cajun-French family, and his fiancee and Miel co-owner Janice Montoya descends from Spanish colonies, so the name is both a nod to that cultural blending — as well as the fact that Alex’s beekeeping parents keep them loaded up with Louisiana honey. New Orleans’ 10th brewery will use honey as a fermentation sugar as well as the featured ingredient for several beers in the future."

"For the past 65 years the Carousal Bar has been famous for one very unique feature, the bar never stops rotating!. Located just off the Hotel Monteleone lobby they are open to the public daily and offer a fantastic cocktail menu featuring New Orleans classics and new favorites. Their extensive bar bites menu also does not disappoint.Escape rooms are a great way to test how well you crew communicates and problem solves together."

"One of New Orleans’ most creative bars is the city’s only revolving bar. Enjoy bar bites and cocktails while you take a spin on the Carousel Bar and Lounge inside the Hotel Monteleone. Open every day from 11 a.m."

"Deanie's has been around since the 60s - and so have their prices. Big portions and home-cooked meals makes this family-owned place (deservedly) a lakefront institution. Known for its fresh local seafood and warm service, Deanie's is a local's favorite."

"Whether you’re in for a date night or out with some friends, the Orleans Grapevine is a French Quarter hot spot for an amazing bar experience. With over 300 wines by the bottle and 65 wines by the glass, each visit is sure to be different from the last. Stop by for their delicious Surf ‘n’ Turf or their Bacon Happy Hour for free bacon."

"Orleans Grapevine is a French Quarter Wine Bar & Bistro with a casual fine dining component as well. Start with the wine, which can be ordered by the glass or bottle. Come in between 4-6 pm to try a "Wine Flight", a three wine sampling to expand your horizons."

"This Uptown locals favorite for crawfish has covered outdoor seating in the front and back, though the few tables along the front porch are the most coveted. A neighborhood throwback with a lively but relaxing atmosphere, regulars also love Frankie & Johnny’s for po’ boys, chargrilled oysters, and cold beers."

"A seafood combo platter includes fried shrimp, catfish, oysters, a crab cake, french fries and salad. Reservations accepted for large parties. Lunch and dinner daily."

"This place is a hole in the wall, but its for mature groups, has cheap beer, is in a great night spot and feels like you're dining in someone's…"

"Just as Little Tokyo advertises, they offer food for the adventurous and the not-so-adventurous. From the Chicken Teriyaki Bowl to the Spicy Tuna Rainbow Roll, their versatile menu is sure to please. This is one of my favorite lunch places, mainly because I am a huge fan of their Donburi."

"Lilly’s Café is primarily a Vietnamese restaurant and one of the leading joints worth checking out if you are interested in the best Asian restaurants in New Orleans. It is a relatively small joint but smartly designed, with comfortable seating and a great ambiance. They have an incredible menu that will take you right into the heart of Vietnam, featuring common specialties such as banh mi, pho, and delicious wraps among others."

"Lilly’s Café is a neighborhood favorite known for its Vietnamese dishes, both traditional and vegan. Enjoy delicious spring rolls, pho and banh mi with a variety of colorful beverages. Vegans will also appreciate their meat-free options, like vegan pho broth, spicy tofu and a number of other excellent offerings."

"This LGD staple is where numerous locals go to get their lunchtime pho fill. Many consider the broth here to be the best in town, but the menu is also home to numerous Vietnamese classics that won't break the bank."

"(400 Dauphine St.) This 24-hour full-service restaurant and bar in the French Quarter is always available and ready to accommodate. You will find a wide variety of options on the menu ranging from traditional New Orleans fare to downhome comfort food, all under $20. Deja Vu serves breakfast, lunch and dinner all day long and is available for dine-in, carry out or delivery."

"The original building, constructed in the 1850′s at the corner of of Conti and Dauphine Streets, was in the area known formerly as the red light district of New Orleans."

"Hands down best (I Know, I know...) Bloody Mary in the Quarter, possibly New Orleans... And the food is way better than you think when you walk…"

"A gas station turned late night diner, The Trolley Stop is open 24 hours Thursday-Saturday on St. Charles Avenue, with breakfast all day, sandwiches, burgers, beer and wine, and usually some strange characters dining within. Try the daily specials, or dare we suggest Pigs in a Blanket."

"Since New Orleans is constantly buzzing with action, Clover Grill thought best to stay open in order to ensure the people of New Orleans are being fed at all times. This is a popular place; the laid-back atmosphere and the hot breakfast specials keep guests coming back for more. The diner is defined by its white washed plaster exterior, brightly painted, and the glass-paneled doors."

"Whether it's late night in the Quarter or it's noon and you're still in the mood for breakfast, Clover Grill always delivers. Perched on the corner of Bourbon and Dumaine and usually open 24 hours a day for the last 81 years, this little diner is a quintessential NOLA spot. "We love to fry and it shows" is the motto, so don't be surprised if there's a little grease on your spoon."

"Located on the edge of the French Quarter, in the Marigny neighbourhood, Frenchmen Street is a popular destination for live music and entertainment to enjoy. Here, you’ll find everything from; jazz, rock, blues, Latin, funk, zydeco, brass bands, and even EDM can be found here. Plus, you’ll easily find plenty of bars, clubs, and restaurants to spend a weekend at."

"This private and cozy private room is perfect for solo travelers, couples, or digital nomads visiting New Orleans. It’s modern throughout, and offers wifi, a workspace, and free on-site parking. Staying here puts you 15 minutes from the French Quarter and right in the middle of the neighborhood’s coolest cafes and eateries."

"Instead, head to the live music clubs on Frenchmen Street. It’s actually close enough to Bourbon Street to walk. And, while Frenchmen Street goes for several blocks, between Decatur and Chartres Streets there’s enough music, food, and drink to have you booking your next trip to New Orleans!"

"Up there with the United States’ great shopping and dining experiences, the French Market is in long iron-framed halls designed in the late-19th century by Joseph Abeilard, one of America’s first African American architects. As a place of commerce, this location goes back centuries to a Native American trading post by the Mississippi. The market runs for five blocks from Jackson Square and the famed Café du Monde to a flea market at the end of Esplanade Avenue."

"The French Market is a six-block-long bustling, open-air shopping center that can hold as many as 220 vendors on a busy day. You can shop for local art, t-shirts and hats and all things Mardi Gras while enjoying New Orleans street music and the aroma of fresh gumbo and jambalaya from the food stalls. The market has a ton of history, having existed on the same piece of land for more than 200 years."

"Address: 700-1010 Decatur StreetNew Orleans, LA 70130Phone: (504) 636-6400Website. French Market is a popular open-air market and food hall in New Orleans. The space has permanent food stalls serving local étouffée, char-broiled oysters, crawfish, and more."