Romantic Restaurants, Getaway Places in Jean Lafitte

"This Garden District beauty made famous by renowned restaurateur Ella Brennan (who employed both Paul Prudhomme and Emeril Lagasse during her tenure) is known for its twenty-five cent martinis at lunch. Chef Tory McPhail also offers an affordable three-course prix-fixe special for about $35 or so, a steal for this landmark."

"You can’t miss the grand turquoise Victorian restaurant Commander’s Palace when you’re strolling through the Garden District and it shouldn’t be skipped!. Enjoy a fine Creole dining experience that makes you feel like you’ve gone back in time."

"Located in the Garden District, Commander’s Palace is one of New Orleans’ finest and most famous restaurants. You’ll need to plan ahead, as Commander’s Palace does have a dress code, and reservations are needed."

"This is where everyone in New Orleans (Catholic, Protestant or n/a) wants to be married and buried. The stately church reigns over Jackson Square with its three soaring spires and classically proportioned white façade. This building dates from 1849, but a church has been in this spot since 1724."

"Originally built in 1727, the Cathedral-Basilica of Saint Louis is flanked by the historic Cabildo on one side and the Presbytère on the other. After the great fire of 1794, the original structure was rebuilt. The current structure was finished in 1850 and overlooks Jackson Square."

"– Every day from 830 am to 4 pm, you can tour the St Louis Cathedral for free. Self-guided brochures are available for a $1 donation, and Mass is at 12:05 pm daily."

"From here, you’ve got Jackson Square literally across the street, or if you walk out and to the right you can go to the French Market. Do both in whatever order you like then head into the center of the French Quarter. Some key points to check out in this small zone are: the artists along the street at Jackson Square, St Lous Cathedral (you can’t miss it), New Orleans Pharmacy Museum, Marie Laveau’s House of Voodoo, and shopping for antiques on Royal Street. Of course, Bourbon street is here too and always popping even in the daytime."

"Just walking around the French Quarter, with its famed wrought-iron balconies and historic architecture, is quite the experience. Bourbon Street is a rowdy, neon-lit thoroughfare that runs through the neighborhood, but there are hundreds of restaurants and bars and the antique stores of Royal Street. The Mississippi River frames the city, and the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas and Harrah's Casino are also top attractions."

"The Ogden Museum of Southern Art is Smithsonian-affiliated and, as its name suggests, celebrates the culture and aesthetic of Southern artists. The permanent collection showcases more than 4,000 pieces from 15 states; in fact, with works dating back to 1733, the institution boasts the most comprehensive collection of Southern art in the world. Exhibits feature paintings, photography, sculpture, and handicrafts, and place historical works alongside contemporary artists working in the South."

"A massive stone edifice in City Park, the museum encompasses a huge collection of works primarily by American and French artists, as well as international pieces from Asia, Africa, and South America. Key items found in this important museum include a group of paintings by Edgar Degas, which the French Impressionist created while visiting New Orleans in the 1870s. Those are joined by pieces created by Picasso, Braque, Dufy, and Miro, as well as many other well-known artists."

"If you’ve got an eye for art, you simply have to check out the New Orleans Museum of Art, known simply as NOMA for short. Located in City Park, this museum shows off some of the truly beautiful and historically rich art. This Louisiana museum first began its journey in 1912, when Isaac Delgado, an art collector and sugar broker, left the city behind, also leaving a large financial grant to be used to establish the museum."

"In the Bywater, Bacchanal became a part of the Hurricane Katrina recovery efforts when guest chefs from around New Orleans cooked for the crowds on Bacchanal Sundays. “After Katrina, New Orleans had this renaissance and reinvention of itself, and I think Bacchanal had a lot to do with that,” says Gregory Gremillion, owner of local restaurant CellarDoor. This combo wine shop/backyard party hosts live jazz on the outside patio."

"Bourrée is a casual spinoff of parent restaurant Boucherie next door. Bourrée’s smokehouse offerings are best enjoyed in finger-licking relaxation at one of the beer garden’s purple picnic tables. Wings, a house specialty, come in a range of preparations from jerk to sweet mango BBQ."

"The thick, glistening cuts of bacon on the BLT can only be the work of the devil – or chef Nathanial Zimet, whose house-cured meats and succulent Southern dishes are lauded citywide. Savor boudin (Cajun sausage)... Top ChoiceVietnamese in New Orleans"

"Nathanial Zimet's gutsy, down-home cooking, a unique blend of Louisiana and contemporary Southern styles, fits right in at its cozy location...Read More"

"Part of New Orleans’s summer of major hotel openings, Virgin Hotels New Orleans opened in August 2021, with an exciting restaurant to boot — Alex Harrell, who’s previously led the kitchens at Sylvian, Angeline, and the Elysian Bar, runs the food program for the hotel and its restaurant, Commons Club. The Bar at Commons Club is equally appealling — cocktails include the Dragon Smoke with Montelobos Mezcal Joven, Cinzano 1757 Rosso, rosemary-infused Campari, and Benedictine; and a Saturn’s Son: Termana Blanco, Grand Marnier, Cabernet Sauvignon, and lime."

"124 Girod St., Mandeville, (985) 624-9331; www.beachhousemandeville.com. Fish tacos feature grilled or fried fish with Beach House taco sauce, shredded cabbage and Caribe mango pico de gallo and is served with two sides."

"11 Westbank Expressway, Gretna, (504) 367-9512; 3124 David Drive, Metairie, (504) 454-9449; www.groundpati.com. Applewood-smoked bacon and cheddar cheese top a burger served with french fries. Reservations accepted for large parties."

"A little more than a year old, Wishing Town Bakery Cafe took over the former Morning Call on Severn Avenue, neighbors to the complimentary Sharetea Nola. While also a bakery, Guangzhou-born couple Vivi and Kevin Zheng version of Chinese specialties are some of the best in town. An extensive array of dim sum and cold noodle salads round out a menu of beautiful cakes and pastries, perfect for a celebration."

"For more than a century, there’s been a long line outside Galatoire’s, the most famous restaurant on one of the world’s most famous streets (Bourbon). Like the city itself, Galatoire’s is a restaurant that combines elegant with raucous. From the Soufflé Potatoes appetizer followed by Black Drum topped with Jumbo Lump Crabmeat to Carmel Cup Custard and a cup of Flaming Café Brûlot, this is an experience not to be missed."

"The recipe for fun at Galatoire’s: show up early for the chance of a Friday lunch table on the ground floor; ask for a waiter named Bryan; ease in with a Sazerac and souffle potatoes; trust the server to bring you whatever fish looks best; and revive yourself with cafe brulot. The people-watching alone is worth the effort."

"If you're lucky enough to go on a night when soft-shell crab is on the menu, it'll be one of the best damn pieces of food you'll ever put in your mouth."

"Head to Tableau for the best views of Jackson Square while dining. The upstairs balcony wraps around Chartres Street to St. Peter Street. Get a glimpse of the street performers while noshing on some bites."

"Classic French-Creole dining served in an elegant townhouse with an open kitchen and balcony. Dress code: Smart casual. Open for lunch and dinnerDress code: Smart CasualPhone: +1 504-934-3463"

"The Ritz-Carlton Spa, is a luxurious spa where the soul is nourished, the spirit is revived, the body is transformed and the path to a more satisfying sense of well-being awaits. Revel in nature’s beauty while enjoying their signature service, a “zero gravity” massage performed as you sway gently in a rocking hammock, delivering you into true tranquility."

"First we make the world revolve around you, then we gently slow it down...". That's the mission at the luxe Ritz-Carlton spa, a place where bubbling fountains and expert service set the stage for a welcome retreat. This is by far the grandest spa in town, complete with draped chandeliers and beau monde elegance."