Best Fine Dining in Lake Pontchartrain

"The crown jewel of the Brennan empire, this landmark Garden District restaurant has been a beacon of fine dining since 1880. There’s no resting on laurels here, though: Paul Prudhomme, Emeril Lagasse, Jaime Shannon and now Tory McPhail have nurtured the Creole menu while making their own marks. The iconic Victorian mansion is the perfect setting for an intimate meal, large celebration or relaxed 25-cent martini lunch."

"GQ's Golden Dish Award for Eggs Sardou, Commander’s Palace’s legacy speaks for itself. Located in the Garden District, Commander’s Palace is thought to be the original spot for a jazz brunch and patio dining. For contemporary Louisiana food and alfresco dining, look no further than Commander’s Palace."

"If you’re looking for a place to have an upscale NOLA lunch, the famous Commander’s Palace is just across from Lafayette Cemetery 1 on Washington Avenue. It’s been named one of the best places to eat in the south!"

"French QuarterJean Galatoire founded this Bourbon St institution in 1905, and it continues to be one of the best places to eat (and to be seen) in New Orleans. This is the place to bust out your finest suit and enjoy some turtle soup au sherry, eggs Sardou, or baked oysters."

"In 1905, founder Jean Galatoire brought French recipes and traditions to New Orleans with his restaurant. Galatoire’s has continued thriving with the help of his descendants. The original culinary customs have been preserved because the restaurant believes in consistency."

"To last 100 years means embracing tradition and change, something the huge restaurant with its labyrinth of transcendent, turn-of-the-century dining rooms does well. This grande dame of French Quarter dining offers impeccable service — and Creole dishes are still on point. Plus, Arnaud’s is also home to the James Beard Award-winning French 75 Bar."

"This traditional New Orleans jazz bistro has date night written all over it. For 100 years and counting, Arnaud’s has served up some of the best Creole dishes in the Crescent City. They bring French Quarter charm to life with live jazz, out-of-this-world seafood and southern hospitality."

"R'evolution is a white tablecloth spot, albeit with bayou flair. Not only does Chef (and native son) John Folse cook up flawless takes on low-country classics like jambalaya; he also takes oft-overlooked ingredients (what he refers to as the "swamp floor pantry") like alligator, frog, and sassafras, and elevates them with technical precision. Death By Gumbo sees silk-smooth broth poured over a lightly-roasted quail."

"Serving dinner nightly Restaurant R’evolution is the first joint venture of award winning chefs John Folse and Rick Tramonto, offering modern, imaginative reinterpretations of classic Cajun and Creole cuisine. Located inside the iconic Royal Sonesta New Orleans hotel in...See More"

"Gumbo, gumbo, and more gumbo are on the menu at Restaurant R'evolution, which has perfected the art of gumbo for their patrons. In addition to serving a traditional gumbo for their..."

"634 Louisa St. This Bywater restaurant is one of the hottest brunch tickets in town. You’ll need to book a few weeks out for the Sunday brunch, and my wife and her friends had to book over two months out for the weekly Saturday drag brunch. The Country Club is not a member’s only country club in the traditional sense, but there is a pool, a poolside bar, and an outdoor kitchen that requires a one-day rate or an annual membership."

"Dining poolside feels like being on vacation and that’s exactly the vibe radiating from the Country Club in Bywater every day of the week. Enjoy chef Chris Barbato’s global menu - don’t miss the silky sweet corn and blue crab bisque and the panko-crusted fried cauliflower swabbed with an Asian sweet and savory sauce. Tables are social distanced so you and your honey can whisper sweet nothings and really get away with it."

"As mentioned earlier in this post, The Country Club is a great place to stop for lunch while you’re exploring the Bywater. You can dine here without a membership, which I highly recommend doing because look how cute this decor is!. And it’s all delicious too."

"When dining out with a family of people with different tastes, a steak house is never a bad option. Ruth’s Chris, nestled between Harrah’s Hotel and Fulton Street, offers outdoor seating right on the pedestrian walkway, which is lovely on a nice evening and perfect for the kids who might need to stretch their legs or stay occupied with some people-watching. Additionally, Fulton Street offers Christmas decorations, live music, and “snow” during the holidays."

"People might not think of cheap eats when they think of Ruth's Chris Steak House. However, when it comes to upscale dining in this town, Ruths Chris offers options that won't break..."

"In many cities, Ruth’s Chris dominates local steak houses with unforgettable steaks, seafood, and sides. At the location in New Orleans, Executive Chef Vernell Gibson has elevated ..."

"The ’90s are alive and well and delicious at this French Quarter groundbreaker. Its founding chef, Susan Spicer, has a steadfast palate that merges what appear to be the unlikeliest influences across not just an entire menu but even in one dish. Signature dishes, like the goat cheese toast with Madeira mushrooms, and the sweetbreads du jour with their daily changing preparation, deserve their iron-clad presence on the menu."

"One of the most refined options on the list, Bayona has been charming diners since Regina Keever and chef Susan Spicer opened the doors in 1990. Set in a 200-year old Creole cottage in the heart of the Quarter, Bayona drips with romance, but the vibe is casual and inviting. Spicer’s award winning global cuisine and great wine list is perfect for a special lunch or a leisurely dinner on the patio."

"Bayona, set in an 18th century Creole cottage, has been charming diners since Regina Keever and chef Susan Spicer opened the doors in 1990. Bayona drips with romance, but the vibe is casual and inviting. Pair chef Spicer’s award winning global cuisine with one of the most serene patios for fine dining in New Orleans."

"There’s no sign outside Gautreau’s, just the number 1728 discreetly marking a nondescript house in a residential neighborhood. Cross the threshold to find a refined but welcoming dining room, where savvy diners,... Top ChoiceLouisianan in Uptown & Riverbend"

"Gautreau’s Restaurant enjoys considerable critical acclaim – Zagat called it the best restaurant in New Orleans in 2014 – as well as a loyal clientele among local foodies."

"This vine-covered neighborhood bistro doesn't have a sign, but that hasn't stopped the national food media from finding it. Lauded chef Sue...Read More"

"When I walked into Revelator Coffee and saw all of their unique blends and espresso machines at work, I knew I was in for a treat. Their coffee tastes legit, and you can even buy some coffee grinds to DIY at home. Along with the relaxing music playing, the sounds of their espresso machines were extremely therapeutic while studying."

"Massage Envy provides massage, skin care and total body stretch services which are an integral part of total body wellness and a healthy lifestyle. Keep your body working with Massage Envy. Schedule an appointment today!"

"Spa Isbell is a full-service salon and day spa, that offers you a truly unique “old world meets new” experience, with all of the amenities of a modern salon/spa. Their talented crew has specifically designed each service to pamper you from head to toe, while indulging in the charm of New Orleans past, leaving you feeling completely inspired and rejuvenated."

"The spa is located in a 150+ year-old building, which makes a wonderful mix of historic charm and complete luxury. In addition to the full-service spa including the European-style facials, Spa Isbell has a hair salon. And, it's easy to get to from the French Quarter or Warehouse District."

"119 Transcontinental Drive, Metairie, (504) 885-4572; www.shortstoppoboysno.com. A barbecue beef po-boy includes roast beef, barbecue sauce, lettuce, tomato, onions and pickles."