Best Fine Dining in Lower Garden District

"The turquoise and white awning is the first sign of good taste at this flagship of the Brennan family, housed in a gorgeous Victorian mansion in the Garden District since 1880. Sporting a decor that combines whimsy with elegance, Commanders is a dressy spot, no shorts or t-shirts and jackets are preferred - but not required - for gents at dinner. The kitchen, where Emeril Lagasse and Paul Prudhomme started and chef Meg Bickford now presides, delivers Haute Creole specialties including oysters with absinthe and skillet seared gulf fish."

"The Commander’s takeout menu changes daily and rotates classics like turtle soup, lacquered quail, and pecan pie as well as seasonal dishes like duck breast salad and wild Louisiana barbecue shrimp, available in family or individual sizes. Call to order, seven days a week between 11:30 a.m."

"Known for the award-winning quality of its food and its convivial atmosphere, the history of this famous restaurant offers a glimpse into New Orleans’ storied past and has been the go-to destination for Haute Creole cuisine and whimsical Louisiana charm."

"If you’re going to take somebody to something fancy, show them Galatoire’s in the French Quarter. Bring them to the Friday lunch, and order so many things: the pommes soufflées (crispy twice-fried potato wedges); the café brûlot (a boozy hot coffee drink, served flaming in a chafing dish); and the trout amandine (fried with a butter, lemon, and almond pan sauce)—all super-traditional New Orleans. And if the restaurant has the soft-shell crabs on the menu, you’ve got to get them."

"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."

"This jackets-required grand dame of Bourbon Street open for dine-in Wednesday through Sunday, 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., and for weekly changing menu of takeout family meals. Call to order between 9 a.m."

"French QuarterAnother historic fine dining institution in the Vieux Carre, Arnaud’s has been offering classic Creole fare since 1918. Aside from housing the famous French 75 Bar -- where you’ll find cocktail master and historian Chris Hannah -- you can’t help but be charmed by its Old-World elegance. And that's not to mention live Dixieland in the Jazz Bistro, a fantastic brunch, and dishes like Shrimp Arnaud, Crab Claws Provencale, Oysters Bienville, Crawfish O’Connor, Crabmeat Karen, and other fantastic French Creole dishes named after people (or places)."

"Soft candlelight and great cocktails make this New Orleans fixture a favorite with couples: There’s even a mezzanine in the main dining room called Lovers’ Lookout. A popular date-night dessert is the Bananas Foster, a local invention with a dramatic tableside presentation. Perfect for two, the dish consists of halved bananas that are sauteed in a caramel sauce made from brown sugar and creme de banane liqueur, then doused with a healthy pour of Jamaican rum for a tableside flambe presentation."

"When I lived in NOLA, every Easter morning my family and I would go to church at St. Louis Cathedral and then walk to Arnaud's for a festive brunch. Arnaud's is a fantastic restaurant for many reasons, including their hospitable service, fun band, and especially their bananas foster. Part of the fun of ordering bananas foster is that they make it for you table side, flames and everything."

"Pêche celebrates a visceral approach to eating seafood, so expect whole fish delivered to the table, ready to fbe sliced up and eaten between tables of friends. The menu is deceptively simple, but the presentation, choice of ingredients, and dressings are what elevates the experience beyond the tourist traps of the French Quarter. It’s a Donald Link restaurant, so fans of Cochon wanting to ease off on the meat are in abundance, as are people keen to go beyond the usual shrimp and fish dishes that permeate this city."

"Donald Link’s seafood-focused restaurant features fresh, local seafood, much of it cooked on a wood-fired grill. Boisterous and always packed, Pêche is a great place for group dining. Small plates like smoked tuna dip and beer-battered fish sticks are shareable, as is the delicious whole grilled fish."

"Coastal seafood dishes are prepared simply here, but unexpected flourishes – whether from salt, spices or magic – sear the deliciousness onto your taste buds. The vibe is convivial, with a happy crowd savoring... Top ChoiceCreole in Uptown & Riverbend"

"A relative newcomer to the Quarter, Restaurant R'evolution opened in 2012 and immediately garnered attention for the menu created by collaborating chefs John Folse and Rick Tramonto. Today, this elegant, seasonally sourced farm-to-table restaurant located on Bienville in the famed Royal Sonesta Hotel keeps bringing locals back for more and drawing tourists in, too. Classic Creole and Cajun dishes sparkle here, with death by gGumbo (roasted quail, andouille sausage, oysters) leading the pack."

"Restaurant R’evolution offers both classic Louisiana food fare and new innovative dishes created by world-renowned chef John Folse and Executive Chef Rick Tramonto. Chef Rick Tramonto is from Chicago and is a James Beard award winner. Chef John Folse is a local personality from Donaldsonville."

"People looking for cheap eats in New Orleans that are also inventive should check out Restaurant R'evolution. The menu here boasts both classic takes on Creole fare and inventive n..."

"La Boca, which resides in a chic renovated former warehouse, is an Argentinian steakhouse specializing in fine cuts of beef served in a simple and traditional way. Established by James Beard semi-finalist chef Adolfo Garcia, La Boca features designs from local architect Brooks Graham and metal craftsman Duane Link, resulting in a beautifully designed space able to accommodate the restaurant’s ever growing clientele. Try dishes such as the chorizo de la casa, La Boca’s house made grilled sausage and the bife ancho, a mouthwatering 24 ounce cowboy cut, bone-in rib eye steak."

"Bife La Boca is a lime- and garlic-marinated Angus sirloin flap served with avocado. Reservations accepted. Dinner Mon.-Sat., late-night Thu.-Sat."

"French QuarterMore of a lounge than a dance club, this place is on exclusive side... as in, you have to be a member of the House of Blues Foundation to even get in the door, or at least be a member’s guest. Swankily decked from top to tails like a sultan’s tent, if you want to mingle with the classy crowd (not to mention get to see HOB shows from a reserved spot on the balcony), this is your place."

"Max Well serves lunch and dinner and sticks to vegetarian fare such as salads, soups and bowls. There are protein sides ranging from hummus to lentils, and they have expanded entree offerings at dinner. Try the NOLA Bowl which features red beans, brown rice, cajun coleslaw and a jalapeño millet muffin."

"If you’re looking for a quick, easy vegan lunch option in NOLA then Max Well is your best bet. From healthy, fresh juices to power bowls and super salads, there’s a lot on the menu here that will fuel your body in the right way."

"6101 Magazine St., (504) 301-0510; www.maxwellneworleans.com. A La Bonita bowl includes avocado, cherry tomatoes, spiced black beans, refried beans, brown rice, romaine lettuce, green onion and cilantro cream sauce."

"Pop some bubbly at Effervescence, an elegant champagne bar at the edge of the French Quarter. Create the perfect date night at the Rampart Street bar with a champagne-focused menu featuring sparkling flights, light bites and desserts. The bar also offers live music every Wednesday and Sunday."

"If there are tangible signs of Rampart Street smartening up, Effervescence is undeniably one of them. As you step in, you’re enveloped in a sea of white walls and polished wooden floors. Behind a central bar, corks pop, and there’s a pleasing, well, effervescence to the whole room."

"A Gulf seafood Plateau includes West Indies crab salad, snapper ceviche, royal red shrimp, Murder Point oysters and bowfin Cajun caviar. Reservations recommended. Lunch Sun., dinner Wed.-Sun., late-night Fri.-Sat."

"frozen custard franchise, known for small-batch frozen custard made with milk from happy cows, is new to New Orleans. The signature Turtle (frozen custard, peanuts and fudge, dipped in coating chocolate) is one novelty on the extensive menu of frozen custard for cones, sundaes, milkshakes, treats and some locally themed sweets. 628 Toulouse St., 504.345.2524"

"In the land of hipsters, this vegan- and gluten-free-friendly bakery may sound gimmicky, but it is the real deal. Get badass pastries like the maple bacon sweet potato biscuit, fig rosemary scones, vegan orange sweet rolls, chai spice blondie, or gluten-free and vegan tart slice of the day, made with seasonal ingredients. If you can’t get enough, come by for breakfast and chow down on vegan biscuits & gravy."

"Those who seek chewy cookies and all-natural ingredients can try Shake Sugary on St. Claude Avenue. Vegan cookies in flavors like chunky peanut butter chocolate chip and lemon poppyseed almost feel healthy, while traditional cookies like cran-orange white chocolate oatmeal and mocha chocolate pecan are simply decadent. You’ll also find buttery shortbreads with herbs and spices baked right in."

"Blueberry pastries at Maple Street Patisserie|© Maple Street Patisserie. Serving European pastries, cakes, breakfast, sandwiches, and coffee, Maple Street Patisserie is an Uptown bakery run by Master Baker and Master Pastry Chef Ziggy Cichowski and Executive Chef Patricia-Ann Donohue. Inspired by Europe’s bakeries, this Maple Street sweet joint features a menu filled with delicious sugary treats, such as flaky croissants, decadent dark chocolate cake with rich Belgium fudge icing, and of course, puff pastry bear claws stuffed with almond paste, raspberry, and cinnamon."

"European baker extraordinaire Ziggy Cichowski is the mastermind behind this small bakery on Maple Street, cranking out some of the best baked goods in the city. The chocolate chip cookies are amazing, as are the tarts, éclairs, and Napoleons. But the best in show are the glazed donut twists: soft, yeasty donuts fried golden brown and covered in a decadent, sugary glaze."

"Spa Reyna began operations on December 22, 2009, and has been going strong ever since their opening. Come by and let their superior staff care for you."

"Pamper your mind, body, and spirit at their day spa and hair salon in Lakeview. At My Spa By The Park, they offer the very best in personal care and comfort. Their professionals are committed to providing you with the highest quality salon and spa service."