Best Fine Dining in Ruddock

"Last on our list of the top 7 bars and restaurants in New Orleans: nestled in the Garden District, Commander’s Palace has been a New Orleans landmark since 1893, known for its award-winning food and its lively atmosphere. With some of the best Creole cuisine in New Orleans and whimsical Louisiana charm, Commander’s Palace is a quintessential New Orleans upscale dining experience. Not to mention they offer 25 cent martinis during lunch with a full entree (limit 3 per person)."

"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."

"1403 Washington Ave., (504) 899-8221; www.commanderspalace.com. Duck fat-seared bluefin tuna is served with Meyer lemon grilled greens and sweet potato boulangere with miso-lemon grass veal bone jus and foie gras ganache. Reservations recommended."

"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."

"This New Orleans stalwart provides a sophisticated reprieve from Bourbon Street’s frenetic party scene. The dining rooms are elegant, with chandeliers and mahogany, the waiters wear tuxedos and the menu features French-Creole favorites. One menu staple not to be missed are the Soufflé Potatoes, which were featured on The Best Thing I Ever Ate."

"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."

"813 Bienville St., (504) 523-5433; www.arnaudsrestaurant.com. Baked Gulf fish is stuffed with crabmeat, crawfish, shrimp, breadcrumbs and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and served with lemon butter and vegetables Parisiennes. Reservations recommended."

"Pêche Seafood Grill, located in the Warehouse District, is a coastal seafood restaurant that offers an extraordinary approach to Old World cooking styles in a modernized environment. The ambiance matches the premise behind the cooking style: Old meets new. Rustic tables, chairs, and awnings juxtapose modern light fixtures, brick walls, and warm natural tones."

"The best fishing hole for miles may be the Warehouse District’s kind-of-rustic, sort-of-industrial dining room, where the great catches include catfish with pickled greens, a Louisiana shrimp roll and a model caramel cake. Small wonder that the James Beard Foundation presented Peche with awards last year for both Best New Restaurant and Best Chef: South."

"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."

"Restaurant R’evolution has six one-of-a-kind dining rooms ensuring that all guests can find their perfect ambiance. Each is adorned with designer drapes, comforting colors, exceptional lighting, authentic artwork, and extraordinary white china. The atmosphere of the restaurant is exceeded only by the food, conceptualized by world-renowned chefs John Folse and Rick Tramonto."

"Seared sea scallops and foie gras is served with truffle white bean puree, celery salad and bacon vinaigrette. Reservations recommended. Lunch Fri., dinner daily, brunch Sun."

"Orleans Grapevine tends to fly a bit under the radar in the midst of splashier French Quarter spots, but for those in the know it’s a top destination, particularly for wine. It’s a favorite of local distributors and wine geeks, and the great wine flight deal offered during happy hour can help familiarize even the most novice vino drinkers. There’s a cozy vibe and friendly staff, and it’s one of few places in the Quarter to feel like a neighborhood gem."

"Orleans Grapevine is a French Quarter Wine Bar & Bistro with a casual fine dining component as well. Start with the wine, which can be ordered by the glass or bottle. Come in between 4-6 pm to try a "Wine Flight", a three wine sampling to expand your horizons."

"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."

"My first time eating at Max Well and the food was delicious. I ordered the Birria and crab cakes. I I wanted to take pictures but I couldn’t stop eating...."

"Over in the French Quarter, check out A Gallery For Fine Photography, which has earned 4.5 stars out of 15 reviews on Yelp. Treat yourself at the art gallery by heading over to 241 Chartres St. As to what the business is known for, "Founded at a time when photography was only beginning to secure a foothold both in museum collections and in the art market at large, A Gallery for Fine Photography is a living landmark in the history of photography," it states on Yelp in the section highlighting specialties."

"126 Lake Drive, Covington, (985) 327-7111; 4801 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, (504) 889-1550; www.donsseafoodonline.com. Char-broiled Jacked-Up oysters are topped with bacon, jalapenos and pepper Jack cheese. Reservations accepted for large parties."

"The family-owned restaurant with four locations around New Orleans spotlights house signature items like Chicken St. Charles, Eggs Cochon and Bananas Foster Pain Perdu. Prices start around the $9 range, topping out around $15. The spot doesn’t take reservations."

"Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account. It's a beautiful day to enjoy our BEAUTIFUL outdoor seating area!. Welcome to this cheery cafe that has been serving tasty Southern brunch fare in a laid-back atmosphere."

"This place is popular, so much so that there is a wait as soon as it opens - I think it opens at 7 AM."

"The Bearcat Cafe in Uptown lets you decide by indicating healthy or less healthy items on the menu. This modern sit-down cafe offers an array of fresh breakfast and lunch options. There are also selections of coffees from Equator Coffee Co, a wide variety of loose-leaf teas, and house-made bottled beverages."

"Set in a quaint corner bungalow on Dauphine Street, Horn's Eatery and Catering is a friendly neighborhood café with lovely sidewalk seating, and they serve hearty Southern fare in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Packed with regulars and newcomers alike, the restaurant is a bustling breakfast spot with a menu of classic and traditional food such as fluffy three-egg omelets with different fillings, egg scrambles, grits and étouffée, carrot waffles, and waffle couchons. Signature dishes include the Jewish Coonass with two potato latkes, two eggs, and freshly grilled spinach topped with crawfish étouffée and a homemade biscuit, and the Havana Omelet with seasoned black beans, salsa, and cheddar cheese."

"Greasy spoon meets wood panelling at the Marigny's 24 hour breakfast and fried foods mecca founded in 1981 and seemingly (perfectly) never updated, except for new table cloths. Not the cheapest on the list, but affordable still. The biscuits and gravy will only set you back $3.95, but most dishes you're aiming toward $10, give or take."

"You may not have heard of La Boulangerie even though the Uptown cafe has been open since 2000. You also may be unfamiliar with the Link Restaurant Group that started managing La Boulangerie in 2015. However, you probably know some of the management group’s restaurants like Cochon, Herbsaint and Peche."

"La Boulangerie is hybrid bakery/cafe located on Magazine Street in New Orleans. The kitchen specializes in traditional French pastries and breads that are on display at the counter. For breakfast, coffee and a chocolate filled croissant can make a great start to a day in the Garden District."

"4600 Magazine St., (504) 269-3777; www.laboulangerienola.com. A L’Atlantique sandwich includes smoked salmon, avocado, arugula and lemon mayonnaise on toasted olive bread."