August is restaurant month in New Orleans, and while the argument could be made that it's always restaurant month down in the Big Easy, no one can argue about the fact that there's no better city in the U.S. in which to celebrate the culinary arts.
New Orleans is full of choices-maybe too many choices as if that's possible. For visitors to the Crescent City, the world is their oyster with everything from traditional Cajun fare and seafood to more eclectic eateries serving up nouvelle American cuisine and edgy takes on old standards.
When it comes to dining choices in New Orleans, the options are seemingly endless. So while you stay at the Royal Sonesta New Orleans, here are a few suggestions for making the most of a dine-around weekend.
Old school eateries
For visitors staying in the French Quarter, there is no end of choices.
Some of New Orleans best-and best-known--restaurants are all within easy walking distance of any of the hotels in the Quarter. Brennan's Restaurant, Broussard's, Galatoires, Antoine's Restaurant, Arnaud's Restaurant and The Court of Two Sisters all serve up tasty and traditional New Orleans fare-think Trout Almondine, Oysters Rockefeller and Bananas Foster-with a side of old school service.
Eat like a local
For those who don't mind going a little further afield, neighborhood favorites such as Liuzza's by the Track and Mandina's Restaurant offer up casual fare and old-time New Orleans ambiance served with a side of yat. Within the Quarter, Port of Call serves up burgers the size of a small country with a massive, loaded baked potato as a side. Come hungry.
Looking for authentic po'boys away from the tourist areas? Head for Domilise's Po-Boys, Mahony's Po-Boy Shop or the Parkway Bakery & Tavern.
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See food, eat it
Casamento's Restaurant has been around since 1919, and this family-run business is still serving up oysters and fresh seafood today (Fair warning: They are closed in the summer.).
The Desire Oyster Bar, conveniently located in the Royal Sonesta New Orleans, features an extensive menu with such favorites as Desire's Shrimp & Grits, jambalaya and Blackened Catfish Lafitte, as well as a raw oyster bar, where Gulf oysters are shucked and prepared right in front of you. Our recommendation: Try the chargrilled oysters. You'll thank us later.
New favorites
They might not be so new anymore, but when compared to the likes of Commander's Palace, they're the new kids in Quarter.
Chef John Besh has been tearing up the restaurant scene for years, offering visitors and locals such divine eateries as Lüke, Restaurant August and Domenica. Other must-tries include Herbsaint and Peche.
For dining al fresco, no place beats Café Amelie whose gorgeous, lush courtyard and bubbling fountain evokes how the other half lived in the late 1800s. Settle down for cocktails, and you may never leave. Don't have time for the full Amelie experience? Petite Amelie is just a few steps down the street and offers up "cuisine rapide" with tasty sandwiches, fresh salads, a selection of gourmet sides and entrees-all perfect for a picnic in City Park.
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