Best Places to Eat in April: A New Orleans Dining Guide

New Orleans boasts an enthralling culinary landscape, and April presents an extraordinary opportunity to savor its diverse dining delights. With spring’s arrival, the city’s restaurants and markets brim with fresh, seasonal ingredients, making it an ideal time to indulge in the flavors of the Big Easy.

TL;DR

• The arrival of spring brings an abundance of seasonal specialties to New Orleans’ vibrant culinary scene.
• Understanding the local dining culture and etiquette enhances the experience during the busy tourist season.
• From renowned dishes to upscale dining and casual street food, New Orleans offers a wide range of options for every taste and budget.

Seasonal and Local Specialties in April

April in New Orleans heralds the arrival of fresh, seasonal ingredients that inspire chefs across the city. Crawfish, a beloved local staple, reaches its peak during this time. Many restaurants feature crawfish boils, where the crustaceans are cooked with a spicy blend of herbs and spices, often accompanied by corn, potatoes, and sausage. Frankie and Johnny’s (321 Arabella St, New Orleans, LA 70115, (504) 243-1234, Open daily 11am-10pm, Crawfish boil prices vary) is a popular spot for authentic crawfish boils.

Other seasonal ingredients include fresh Gulf seafood, such as shrimp, oysters, and fish, as well as locally grown produce like strawberries, artichokes, and tender greens. Restaurants like Pêche Seafood Grill (800 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130, (504) 522-1744, Open daily 11am-10pm, Entrees $18-$36) and Clancy’s Restaurant (6100 Annunciation St, New Orleans, LA 70118, (504) 895-1111, Open Mon-Sat 5:30pm-10pm, Entrees $28-$48) showcase these ingredients in innovative dishes that highlight the best of the season.

Iconic New Orleans Dishes and Where to Find Them

A visit to New Orleans wouldn’t be complete without trying some of the city’s most iconic dishes. Crawfish Étouffée, a rich stew of crawfish tails smothered in a roux-based sauce and served over rice, is a must-try. Bon Ton Cafe (401 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130, (504) 524-3386, Open Mon-Fri 11am-2pm & 5pm-9pm, Sat 5pm-9pm, Entrees $18-$36) has been serving up this classic dish since 1953.

Jambalaya, a one-pot meal of rice, meat, and vegetables, is another quintessential New Orleans dish. Coop’s Place (1109 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116, (504) 525-9053, Open daily 11am-midnight, Entrees $12-$24) in the French Quarter is known for its rabbit and sausage jambalaya.

For a sweet treat, head to Cafe du Monde (800 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116, (504) 525-4544, Open 24/7, Beignets $3 for an order of 3) for a plate of warm, powdered sugar-dusted beignets and a cup of chicory coffee. This iconic cafe has been a New Orleans institution since 1862.

High-End Dining Experiences

New Orleans is home to many fine dining establishments that offer unforgettable culinary experiences. Commander’s Palace (1403 Washington Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130, (504) 899-8221, Open Mon-Fri 11:30am-2pm & 6pm-9pm, Sat 11am-2pm & 6pm-9pm, Sun 10am-2pm & 6pm-9pm, Entrees $35-$50), located in the Garden District, has been a New Orleans landmark since 1893. Known for its elegant setting and impeccable service, Commander’s Palace serves refined Creole cuisine, including its famous turtle soup and bread pudding soufflé.

Another top-rated fine dining restaurant is Restaurant August (301 Tchoupitoulas St, New Orleans, LA 70130, (504) 299-9777, Open Mon-Sat 5pm-10pm, Tasting menu $115 per person), where chef John Besh creates contemporary French-Creole dishes using locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant’s historic building, with its exposed brick walls and crystal chandeliers, provides a stunning backdrop for a memorable meal.

When dining at these high-end establishments, it’s important to dress appropriately (business casual or cocktail attire) and make reservations well in advance, especially during the busy April season.

Casual and Street Food Dining

For a more laid-back dining experience, New Orleans offers an abundance of casual eateries and street food options. Po’ boys, the city’s signature sandwich, can be found at countless corner stores and restaurants throughout the city. Domilise’s Po-Boy & Bar (5240 Annunciation St, New Orleans, LA 70115, (504) 899-9126, Open Wed-Sat 11am-6pm, Po’ boys $10-$20) has been serving up some of the best po’ boys in town since 1918. Their fried shrimp and roast beef po’ boys are particularly noteworthy.

Food trucks are another popular casual dining option in New Orleans. The city’s food truck scene has exploded in recent years, with a variety of cuisines represented. Check out the New Orleans Food Truck Coalition website (https://nolafoodtrucks.com/) for a list of food trucks and their locations.

The French Market (1008 N Peters St, New Orleans, LA 70116, Open daily 9am-6pm) is a historic open-air market that features a variety of food vendors selling everything from fresh produce to prepared meals. Grab a muffuletta from Alberto’s Cheese & Wine Bistro or a plate of jambalaya from Mother Nature’s Cupboard, and enjoy your meal at one of the market’s outdoor seating areas.

Family-Friendly Restaurants

Traveling with kids can be challenging, but New Orleans has plenty of family-friendly dining options. The Camellia Grill (626 S Carrollton Ave, New Orleans, LA 70118, (504) 309-2679, Open daily 8am-midnight, Entrees $8-$15), a classic diner located in the Riverbend neighborhood, offers a kid-friendly menu and a lively atmosphere. Children will love watching the cooks prepare their meals at the counter.

Another great option for families is Dat Dog (multiple locations, https://datdog.com/, Open Sun-Thu 11am-10pm, Fri-Sat 11am-11pm, Hot dogs $7-$10), a local chain that serves gourmet hot dogs with creative toppings. The restaurant’s colorful decor and outdoor seating areas make it a fun spot for kids and adults alike.

When dining out with children in New Orleans, it’s always a good idea to make reservations or call ahead to ensure the restaurant can accommodate your family’s needs.

Dining Near Popular Tourist Attractions

Many of New Orleans’ best restaurants are located near popular tourist attractions, making it easy to combine sightseeing with great dining. In the French Quarter, Muriel’s Jackson Square (801 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70116, (504) 568-1885, Open daily 11:30am-10pm, Entrees $25-$40) offers contemporary Creole cuisine in a historic building overlooking Jackson Square. The restaurant’s second-floor balcony provides a stunning view of the square and the St. Louis Cathedral.

For a more casual option near the French Quarter, head to Central Grocery (923 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116, (504) 523-1620, Open Mon-Sat 9am-5pm, Muffulettas $10-$20) for a muffuletta, a massive sandwich filled with cured meats, cheese, and olive salad. This historic grocery store has been a French Quarter staple since 1906.

In the Garden District, Commander’s Palace (mentioned above) is a must-visit for both its culinary excellence and its proximity to the neighborhood’s stunning antebellum mansions. After your meal, take a stroll down the oak-lined streets and admire the architecture.

Sustainable and Ethical Eating Options

For diners concerned with sustainability and ethical food sourcing, New Orleans has several excellent options. Cochon Butcher (930 Tchoupitoulas St, New Orleans, LA 70130, (504) 588-7675, Open daily 10am-10pm, Sandwiches $12-$16) is a butcher shop and restaurant that sources its meat from local, sustainable farms. Their housemade charcuterie and bacon are not to be missed.

Satsuma Cafe (multiple locations, https://www.satsumacafe.com/, Open daily 7am-3pm, Entrees $10-$15) is another great option for sustainable and healthy eating. This popular breakfast and lunch spot features locally sourced, organic ingredients in its creative dishes, such as the green breakfast sandwich and the kale salad.

Supporting these establishments not only promotes healthier dining options but also helps to sustain the local agricultural community.

Nightlife and Dining

New Orleans is famous for its vibrant nightlife, and many restaurants offer late-night dining options. Bacchanal Wine (600 Poland Ave, New Orleans, LA 70117, (504) 948-9111, Open Mon-Thu 11am-midnight, Fri-Sat 11am-1am, Sun 11am-midnight, Small plates $8-$18) is a unique spot that combines a wine shop, a backyard courtyard, and live music. Grab a bottle of wine from the shop, order some cheese and charcuterie, and enjoy the lively atmosphere.

For a classic New Orleans late-night dining experience, head to Cafe du Monde (mentioned above) for beignets and coffee. This iconic cafe is open 24/7, making it the perfect spot for a post-bar snack.

When dining out late at night, be sure to take safety precautions and use reliable transportation options, such as taxis or ride-sharing services.

Navigating the Local Dining Culture

April is an exciting time to explore the diverse and vibrant dining scene in New Orleans. From seasonal specialties to renowned dishes, high-end restaurants to casual street food, the city offers something for every taste and budget. By understanding the local dining culture and etiquette, seeking out sustainable and ethical options, and taking advantage of the city’s late-night offerings, visitors can fully immerse themselves in the rich culinary traditions of the Big Easy.