New Orleans, celebrated for its exceptional culinary scene, is a food enthusiast’s paradise throughout the year. However, November offers a particularly exciting opportunity to explore the city’s diverse dining options, ranging from classic Creole to contemporary fusion cuisine. With milder temperatures and fewer crowds, November provides the ideal chance to indulge in the best of New Orleans’ food culture without enduring the summer heat and bustle.
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TL;DR
New Orleans presents a wide array of outstanding dining experiences in November, from iconic eateries to hidden gems.
The cooler weather makes it an ideal time to savor the city’s culinary offerings without the summer heat and crowds.
November events like the Oak Street Po-Boy Festival and Tremé Creole Gumbo Festival showcase the best of New Orleans’ food culture.
New Orleans is a city that takes its food seriously, and November is no exception. As the weather cools and the crowds thin out, it’s the perfect time to explore the city’s iconic restaurants, casual dining spots, and tucked-away treasures. From classic Creole dishes to modern twists on traditional favorites, there’s something for every palate in the Big Easy.
Fine Dining Experiences
One of the most beloved dining institutions in New Orleans is Commander’s Palace, situated in the picturesque Garden District. This iconic restaurant has been serving up classic Creole fare since 1880, and its November menu is not to be missed. Expect dishes like the restaurant’s famous turtle soup, shrimp and tasso henican, and pecan-crusted Gulf fish. Be sure to make a reservation well in advance, as this popular spot fills up quickly.
Casual Dining and Local Favorites
For a more casual dining experience, head to Domilise’s Po-Boy & Bar in Uptown. This no-frills sandwich shop has been a local favorite since 1918, and its po-boys are the stuff of legend. The roast beef po-boy, in particular, is a must-try, with tender, slow-cooked beef and gravy piled high on fresh French bread. Domilise’s is open Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 7 pm, and a po-boy will set you back around $10-$15.
Off the Beaten Path
If you’re in the mood for something a little more off the beaten path, check out Marjie’s Grill in Mid-City. This cozy neighborhood spot serves up a unique blend of Southern and Southeast Asian flavors, with dishes like coal-roasted oysters with Thai herbs and crispy pork belly with watermelon and fish sauce. Marjie’s is open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Saturday, and entrees range from $15-$25.
Food Halls and Markets
November is also a great time to explore New Orleans’ food halls and markets. St. Roch Market, located in the Bywater neighborhood, is a historic food hall that features a variety of local vendors serving up everything from oysters to tacos. The market is open daily from 7 am to 11 pm, and most dishes are in the $10-$15 range.
For a more upscale food hall experience, head to Pythian Market in the Central Business District. This newer addition to the New Orleans food scene features a diverse selection of cuisines, including Vietnamese, Mediterranean, and classic New Orleans fare. Don’t miss the gumbo from 14 Parishes, a Jamaican spot that puts a Caribbean twist on the classic dish. Pythian Market is open daily from 7 am to 10 pm, and most dishes are in the $10-$20 range.
Outdoor Dining
If you’re looking to dine al fresco, New Orleans has plenty of options for outdoor dining in November. Café Amelie, located in the French Quarter, has a charming courtyard that’s perfect for enjoying a leisurely brunch or dinner. The menu features classic New Orleans dishes with a modern twist, like the crawfish and fontina beignets and the shrimp and grits. Café Amelie is open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and entrees range from $15-$30.
For a more laid-back outdoor dining experience, head to Bacchanal Wine in the Bywater. This wine shop and restaurant has a spacious backyard with live music and a menu of cheese plates, charcuterie, and small plates. It’s the perfect spot to while away a November afternoon with friends over a bottle of wine and some snacks. Bacchanal is open daily from 11 am to 10 pm, and most dishes are in the $10-$20 range.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
Vegetarians and vegans will also find plenty of options in New Orleans in November. Seed, located in the Lower Garden District, is a popular vegan spot that serves up plant-based versions of classic New Orleans dishes like gumbo and po-boys. The “Seed Boy,” made with fried tofu, pickles, and vegan mayo, is a must-try. Seed is open daily for lunch and dinner, and most dishes are in the $10-$15 range.
For a more casual vegetarian option, check out Sneaky Pickle in the Bywater. This quirky spot serves up a variety of vegetarian and vegan dishes, including their signature “Sneaky Burger” made with a house-made veggie patty. Sneaky Pickle is open Tuesday through Sunday for lunch and dinner, and most dishes are in the $10-$15 range.
Sweet Treats
No trip to New Orleans would be complete without indulging in some of the city’s famous desserts. Café du Monde, located in the French Quarter, is a must-visit for their legendary beignets. These square pieces of fried dough are covered in powdered sugar and served hot, and they’re the perfect way to end a meal (or start your day). Café du Monde is open 24/7, and a plate of three beignets will set you back just $3.
For a more upscale dessert experience, head to Sucré in the Garden District. This chic dessert boutique serves up a variety of pastries, cakes, and ice creams, all made with high-quality ingredients and a creative twist. Don’t miss the “Chocolate Insanity” cake, a decadent chocolate cake with chocolate mousse and ganache. Sucré is open daily from 7 am to 9 pm, and most desserts are in the $5-$10 range.
Food Festivals and Events
November is also a great time to experience some of New Orleans’ famous food festivals and events. The Oak Street Po-Boy Festival, held on the second Sunday of November, celebrates the iconic New Orleans sandwich with live music and food from local restaurants. The festival takes place on Oak Street in Uptown from 10 am to 6 pm, and admission is free.
Another must-visit event for food lovers is the Tremé Creole Gumbo Festival, held in Armstrong Park on the second weekend of November. This two-day festival features live music and some of the best gumbo in the city, with local restaurants and home cooks competing for the title of “Best Gumbo.” The festival takes place from 11 am to 7:30 pm on both days, and admission is free.
No matter what your taste buds are craving, New Orleans has something to offer in November. From classic Creole dishes to modern twists on traditional favorites, the city’s culinary scene is as diverse and vibrant as its culture. So come hungry and ready to explore – your taste buds will thank you.
Jyssica Schwartz is the Managing Editor at Inside NOLA, with extensive experience in business development, writing, and project management. As an accomplished author of six books and three journals, Jyssica's passion for storytelling is evident in her meticulous content creation. At Inside NOLA, she crafts engaging articles that highlight the vibrant culture, history, and unique aspects of New Orleans. Whether detailing the best po'boy spots, guiding readers through the historic French Quarter, or sharing the city's rich musical heritage, Jyssica's work perfectly captures the essence of life in the Crescent City. An optimist and cat lover, she brings entrepreneurial spirit and a deep love for New Orleans to the Inside NOLA team.
