The Best of New Orleans’ Oldest Restaurants
Photo below courtesy of Commander's Palace
New Orleans’ status as a foodie paradise stems from its rich history, cultural diversity and a little bit of ego—after all, everyone wants to be serving the best bites in town, and there’s plenty of local competition to keep restaurateurs and chefs on their toes. While it can be hard to pinpoint NOLA’s greatest meals at first, just ask a local or a regular visitor; they’ll attest to the fact that some of the area’s oldest restaurants continue to reign supreme against newer competitors, no matter how modern their décor or innovative their chef.
Many of these indulgent spots (ranging from neighborhood favorites to potentially touristy digs) are over 100 years old, and though we couldn’t possibly list them all, we’d love to call out some truly special destinations. Head to the unbeatable eateries below for amazing Cajun and Creole cooking, among other delicious stuff.
Commander’s Palace (1893)
In its years as Emile Commander’s Palace Saloon (which opened in 1893 and not 1880, as recently discovered by a local historian), this now-famed blue and white restaurant (pictured at top) primarily served oysters and booze. Today, you’ll find limitless options for lunch and dinner, plus an unbeatable $46 jazz brunch special from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturdays and 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. on Sundays that includes a classic bloody mary, turtle soup, Texas quail and creole bread pudding soufflé, with most house ingredients sourced within 100 miles of the restaurant. Did we mention it’s won six James Beard Foundation awards? History buffs should note that Commander’s Palace is right across from Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, one of the city’s earliest burial sites. If you time things right, you can attend a daily tour of the grounds at 10:30 a.m. for $15.
Antoine’s (1840)
French immigrant Antoine Alciatore’s restaurant, which has held more than one location on St. Louis Street, has remained family-run for 176 years (and counting) and is believed to be the birthplace of Oysters Rockefeller, a dish invented by his son Jules. The restaurant you experience today opened in 1868, and it’s lauded for its impressive lunch menus (around $20 for three courses and 25-cent cocktails with the purchase of an entrée) within its picturesque, sophisticated dining space. On Sundays from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., visitors can also partake in a three-course jazz brunch ($33). Don’t miss a chance to peek at Antoine’s array of themed private dining rooms, which boast titles like “Mystery Room,” “Escargot Room” and “Proteus Room,” to name a few.
Napoleon House (1914)
Photo courtesy of Napolean House
Napoleon House gets it name from its original occupant, New Orleans mayor Nicholas Girod, who offered his home to Napoleon Bonaparte as a place of refuge from exile in 1821. Though Bonaparte never actually made it, the name stuck, and the restaurant (which opened there in 1914) conquered the local market. One of Napoleon House’s biggest draws (besides, arguably, the best muffuletta and most refreshing Pimm’s Cup in the city), is its rustic architecture and décor, and its cozy open-air courtyard.
Mandina’s (1932)
Head toward the light! And by light, we mean the old-timey neon signs at Mandina’s for heavenly, huge portions and casual dining (and fewer food tourists than most places on our list). The pink two-story building was first a grocery, then a pool hall and now (obviously) a restaurant, and many things from the original menu are still served. Before you leave, you’ll definitely want to try the turtle soup, fried seafood po’ boys and shrimp remoulade. Be warned: The restaurant doesn’t take reservations for parties with less than 15 people, so give yourself time to get a table.
Photo by J Stephen Young
Photo courtesy of HannaFoto.com