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5 restaurants you absolutely have to eat at in the French Quarter

By Ian Goodwillie

NEW ORLEANS, LA - FEBRUARY 16: A man shouts while standing in the street during Mardi Gras in the French Quarter on February 16, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Traditional Mardi Gras celebrations have been disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, including the cancelling of all carnival parades and the closing of all bars in the French Quarter until Wednesday. (Photo by Jon Cherry/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - FEBRUARY 16: A man shouts while standing in the street during Mardi Gras in the French Quarter on February 16, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Traditional Mardi Gras celebrations have been disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, including the cancelling of all carnival parades and the closing of all bars in the French Quarter until Wednesday. (Photo by Jon Cherry/Getty Images) /
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Talking about New Orleans immediately stirs the imagination, conjuring up images of an amazing meal with a lively jazz band playing in the background. It’s definitely an experience that visitors to this incredible city can find in the French Quarter.

The French Quarter is the oldest neighborhood in New Orleans, and was established shortly after the city was in 1718. It is almost overflowing with intense food experiences that cannot, and should not, be ignored, though some are a little unexpected.

Sylvain

Located on Chartres Street just a few steps away from Jackson Square, Sylvain is a quintessential French Quarter experience. Firmly rooted in unique takes on classic dishes as well as other entries, this Southern style bistro has a reputation as a place for locals and visitors alike.

Their dinner menu is exceptional, and includes fantastic tastes like glazed short ribs, crispy pork belly and fried oysters. Plus, their Cast Iron Cornbread makes everything better. Sylvain’s brunch menu is equally enjoyable, particularly after a night on the town.

Cafe Pontalba

French Quarter
NEW ORLEANS, LA – FEBRUARY 16: An empty Bourbon Street is seen in the evening on February 16, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Traditional Mardi Gras celebrations have been disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, including the cancelling of all carnival parades and the closing of all bars in the French Quarter until Wednesday. Patrons are allowed into barricaded areas only if they are visiting a restaurant or staying in a hotel. (Photo by Jon Cherry/Getty Images) /

People watching in New Orleans is a regular pass time, particularly when you’re around Jackson Square in the French Quarter. This place might not win a Michelin Star, but it is somewhere to get good, reasonably priced food in what can be a pricey area.

Cafe Pontalba is a solid venue to find good seafood, not to mention a solid array of Cajun and Creole classics. And the cost of the meal won’t break the bank. You also cannot beat the view of Jackson Square, which is right out front.

Pere Antoine Restaurant

Taking a few steps away from Jackson Square and deeper into the French Quarter will lead visitors to Pere Antoine Restaurant. This is a key spot for to know about as its open to midnight, and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner all day long.

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Their Big Easy Breakfast Sandwich is egg, cheese and your choice of meat on a croissant with Southern grits or hashbrowns. Is this meal going to kill you if you eat it to often? Maybe, but what an delicious way to go.

Muriel’s Jackson Square

French Quarter
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JULY 14: Pedestrians are seen walking along Bourbon Street in the French Quarter on July 14, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards issued three new restrictions for Phase II of reopening that will be in place until at least until July 24 across Louisiana to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Restrictions include mandatory mask or face covering outside of the home for those eight years old and older, bars will be closed unless providing curbside pickup, and indoor social gatherings are to be limited to 50 people. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /

Anyone in the French Quarter is looking for a spot to eat that gives them that classic French Quarter vibe. That’s both from the menu as well as the design of the dining room. You can definitely find all of that at Muriel’s Jackson Square.

They have an incredible range of perfectly executed Creole dishes that seems to effortlessly blend contemporary with classic. Their menu is brilliant but the Turtle Soup au Sherry might be the best appetizer option in the neighborhood.

Johnny’s Po-Boys

Go to the French Quarter, eat a Po-Boy. That’s how the system works. If you don’t, you might not be allowed to leave the city. Since you need to eat a po-boy anyway, you might as well do it at Johnny’s Po-Boys.

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There’s not pretention here. It’s just a killer place to go get a great sandwich. There are quite a few options to choose from, but there are two things to keep in mind. It’s a cash only experience and make sure you show up with a healthy appetite.

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