Romantic Restaurants, Getaway Places in Elmwood

"If you’re off to a slower start or you’re in New Orleans for the weekend, Brunch at Commander’s Palace is unmissable. Located in the Garden District among the houses and mansions of the first Americans who settled the city in the early 19th century, the upper floors of the restaurant offers some clues to its life before it was a world-famous, James Beard award-winning eatery. (Reservations highly recommended!)"

"with a classic movie at The Prytania Theatre (Louisiana’s oldest — and only — single-screen movie house, and the one made famous in Walker Percy’s "The Moviegoer"), followed by brunch at Commander’s Palace. If someone asked me to pick the “most New Orleans restaurant” in all of New Orleans, Commander’s would win that designation in my book, hands down. Many might say Galatoire’s and that is fine."

"Since 1880, Commander’s Palace has been a hot spot in the Garden District winning numerous awards. Customers come back again and again for the award winning food and welcoming atmosphere of this place filled with history. This venue is more than a restaurant, it is a landmark."

"One of the best examples of French architecture in the country, this triple-spired 18th-century cathedral is dedicated to Louis IX, the French king sainted in 1297. It's an attractive bit of Gallic heritage in the heart of an American city. In addition to hosting black, white and Creole Catholic congregants, St Louis has also attracted those who, in the best New Orleanian tradition, mix their influences, such as voodoo queen Marie Laveau."

"If you’re up for waking up early, Jackson Square, featuring the beautiful St. Louis Cathedral in the background, is about as Instagrammable as you can get. This area gets crowded later in the day though, so if you want the perfect shot with no people in it, you have to go early. Either way though, it’s a fantastic shot for your ‘gram."

"Take your food coma and march yourself over to Jackson Square for a healthy dose of New Orleans history. Jackson Square is the plaza where the final version of the Louisiana Purchase was signed (remember that from history class?). It’s also an excellent place to people watch and where a number of New Orleans’ historical landmarks like The St Louis Cathedral, The Cabildo, and The Presbytère are located (with Preservation Hall and The Historic New Orleans Collection nearby). Tons of artists, musicians, and fortune tellers hang out in Jackson Square and in the spirit of disclosure, I spent most of my time here people-watching and eating beignets."

"From here, you’ve got Jackson Square literally across the street, or if you walk out and to the right you can go to the French Market. Do both in whatever order you like then head into the center of the French Quarter. Some key points to check out in this small zone are: the artists along the street at Jackson Square, St Lous Cathedral (you can’t miss it), New Orleans Pharmacy Museum, Marie Laveau’s House of Voodoo, and shopping for antiques on Royal Street. Of course, Bourbon street is here too and always popping even in the daytime."

"To explore one of New Orleans' most famous historic locations, visit Jackson Square at Experience New Orleans. See street performers and live music in the heart of the French Quarter!"

"At this stately museum in City Park, you’ll experience New Orleans’ oldest fine arts institution, which opened in 1911 and showcased just nine works of art. Fast forward more than 100 years, and NOMA (1 Collins Diboll Circle; 504-658-4100) plays host to a permanent collection of nearly 40,000 objects that include photography, glass works, French and American art, Japanese and African works, and much more. Just outside, the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden is home to over 60 sculptures by renowned artists from around the world."

"Having opened in 1911, the New Orleans Museum of Art is the city’s oldest fine art institution. Back then, it had just a few art pieces but has since grown to house over 40,000 objects with a notable collection of French and American art. The museum is also home to the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden, with over 90 sculptures on display in the 11-acre landscaped garden."

"Dinner at Bacchanal Wine Bar This is located in the Bywater which I’ve been calling “hipster” because that’s the vibe but it’s also kind of gentrified. This area is having a tough time where locals can’t afford their homes as the city grows out – something that I guess happens everywhere. The Bywater area is the “cool place to be” right now and Bacchanal is the coolest place in Bywater."

"And this little wine and cheese shop has an extensive selection. Take yours out back to the private courtyard and enjoy live music (seven nights a week). 600 Poland Ave.BywaterNew Orleans, LA 70117+1-504-948-9111"

"It can be hard for a chef to really stand out amongst all the spectacular Italian food in NOLA, but Nick Lama hit this one out of the park. His Magazine St eatery satisfies both in style and substance, clearly showing off Lama’s Italian roots and painstaking attention to detail, all while managing to avoid fussy pretension. Get the rosemary fettucini with rabbit ragu and chanterelles, then thank us after."

"The gist: This lovely little restaurant from Nick Lama recently got a beautiful renovation, and the Sicilian food here is as good as ever. The food: Enjoy the homestyle touch on dishes like the octopus, a short rib lasagna, or the portobello ravioli. As always, the daily specials are still worth eyeing up, too."

"When it became very apparent how important it was to have a covered outdoor dining space to stay afloat during the pandemic, Nathanial Zimet, executive chef of Boucherie, built his own. It features a permanent covering surrounded by trellises growing new evergreen wisteria vines, picnic tables and benches, as well as smaller four-top tables and purple chairs to match the flowers when they start to bloom. The modern Southern restaurant offers a fab cocktail program along with the likes of blackened shrimp and grit cake and whole hog pulled pork."

"When it became very apparent how important it was to have a covered outdoor dining space to stay afloat during the pandemic, Nathanial Zimet, executive chef of Boucherie, built his own. It features a permanent covering surrounded by trellises growing new evergreen wisteria vines, picnic tables and benches, as well as smaller four-top tables and purple chairs to match the flowers when they start to bloom. The modern Southern restaurant offers a fab cocktail program along with the likes of blackened shrimp and grit cake and whole hog pulled pork."

"This charming, dark, romantic spot in the French Quarter is known for exceptional food, from Sylvain’s Southern fried chicken sandwich to its version of shrimp and grits, a creamy dish of ambrosia that includes tomato-basil brodo, bacon, mushrooms and sweet caramelized onions. The beauty of this place lies in the unpredictable twists weaved throughout the menu — and it’s all good."

"This candlelit French Quarter restaurant is casual enough to be low-key but romantic enough to be special. Share the champagne and fries to start and the braised beef cheeks or scallops as the main. Grab cocktails to go and walk a block to St. Louis Cathedral for the backdrop to a perfect post-dinner smooch."

"(French Quarter, American (New)/ Gastropubs, $$) Chilled shrimp salad that was PERFECT!. Unfortunately, our bartender/waitress woke up that morning and served us with an attitude enough to ruin our experience. More: 25 Free Things to do in New Orleans"

"This family owned market and bakery in Mid City specializes in Central American pastries like flan, churros, empanadas both sweet and savory — but we’re talking cakes and Norma’s Sweets Bakery has the goods. Call ahead to order the bakery’s specialty — one of the best tres leche cakes around. Beyond moist, tres leches (three milks) is an ultra-light sponge cake soaked in a sweet milk bath."

"The gist: While this petite pastel café serving pastries, meat pies, coffee, and espresso drinks has yet to reopen its dine-in space, the porch is open and offers both spacious seating and excellent neighborhood people watching. The food: The sweet and savory pastries are baked from scratch daily. Expect cakes topped with buttercream and cream cheese frosting alongside vegan oatmeal cookies, kolache, meat hand pies, and sausage rolls."

"Formerly a filling station, this renovated cottage has a unique pitched purple roof. Inside, you’ll find a lovely exposed wood ceiling, concrete floors, and a surprisingly airy layout, thanks to architect Gunner Guidry. A post shared by David (@davidnola) on Jan 10, 2018 at 11:13am PST"

"The Station is a laid-back environment with good coffee and equally tasty homemade food to pair. Get to this industrial-chic and whimsically decorated coffee shop early to avoid a line. Take a seat outside on the patio for relaxed sipping."

"A traditional French-style, family-run bakery, O’Delice offers breakfast pastries as well as cakes, cupcakes, and cookies. Try the baklava, rum balls, and Key lime tart in addition to the traditional selection of muffins, croissants, and scones. Stop by for lunch and grab a sandwich, or plan ahead and order a king cake for Mardi Gras (O’Delice ships worldwide, so your less-fortunate friends and family can still taste NOLA goodness)."

"(617 Ursulines St.) And please don’t miss this Parisian-style patisserie, tucked away between Royal and Chartres on Ursulines. Steeped in old-world charm, Croissant D’Or some of the best baked goods in the city. The sweet and savory croissants, and everything else you’ll find displayed in the gleaming glass case — the tarts and the tortes and the quiches — is delicious and served fresh daily from the bakery."

"You can’t miss the grand turquoise Victorian restaurant Commander’s Palace when you’re strolling through the Garden District and it shouldn’t be skipped!. Enjoy a fine Creole dining experience that makes you feel like you’ve gone back in time."

"Another choice is to stay in the Garden District close to St. Charles Avenue. The streetcar makes it quick and easy to get to the French Quarter, not to mention how much quieter it is!"

"A few blocks from the French Quarter, St. Augustine has been the gravity center of the Tremé neighborhood since the 1840s. New Orleans’ large and vibrant community of free people of color was involved in the church from its beginnings. Often called “Creoles of color,” these property owners, artisans, businesspeople and professionals were several generations removed from slavery and sometimes were slave owners themselves."

"You could take a New Orleans river cruise on the Steamboat Natchez, grab a drink at Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop, visit Louis Armstrong Park, or take a class at the New Orleans school of cooking, to name a few. Better yet, for the best of both worlds, choose a half day tour option from among the most popular New Orleans day trips and spend the other half of your last day back in New Orleans."

"This 32-acre park located in the Treme neighborhood is a good option for kids to explore near the French Quarter. You'll find picturesque green space, a sculpture garden, and paths aplenty. View this post on Instagram"

"Armstrong Park’s stunning archway welcomes visitors from the edge of the French Quarter. It’s an eye-catching sight that is hard to miss. But a grand entrance suits the park’s gorgeous grounds and rich history."

"Urban South Brewery on Tchoupitoulas Street combines the heritage of European beer making with the brashness of new American styles. The brewery and taproom opened in 2016, and, last February, the company opened a research and development brewery and taproom in Houston to focus on new beer releases. Popular brews in its lineup include Paradise Park American Lager, Holy Roller Hazy Juicy IPA and Who Dat Golden Ale."

"They pride themselves with joining other local brewing pioneers to re-establish the brewery scene in New Orleans. Urban South Brewery offers carefully crafted beers using only the finest ingredients in New Orleans. The brewing process at Urban South Brewery is a mixture of cultural legacy and the bold innovation of the European beer making."

"Located in the historic Gem Theater—one of only two remaining African American movie theaters still standing in the city—Zony Mash Beer Project is both a brewery and an entertainment space. Named after the title of an album of rare B-side songs by New Orleans funk band The Meters, Zony Mash offers 21 taps in the tasting room and a robust line of brews using ingredients like coffee from local roaster, Congregation; additions include carrot and dragon fruit juices, coriander and butterfly pea. Year-round brews include Tiny Bubbles (a sparkling ale), Pillow Talk (a “fluffy” IPA) and Run for the Rosé (a wine hybrid ale)."

"Zony Mash is beautiful on the inside, a stunningly re-imagined microbrewery-take on the former Gem Theater. But its outdoor beer garden has been the center of the action lately, showcasing a rotation of popup eateries, as well as Zony Mash brews sold from the brewery’s tricked-out beer bus. As owner Adam Ritter said, “When the weather is nice, and it’s feeling right, it’s great.” Recent eats have included Zee’s Pizzeria and Doughtown’s Detroit-style pies as well as Bub’s Burgers, Southerns (of fried chicken sandwich fame) and the culinary talents of Luncheon."

"This neighborhood craft micro-brewery and taproom in the Bywater produces high-quality, small-batch brews with a funky twist inherent to New Orleans. The rotating tap list changes constantly, and the brewery prides itself on not having a flagship beer. Instead, the 12 taps are a virtual laboratory of experimental brews that push the boundaries of typical beer styles."

"A post shared by Parleaux Beer Lab (@parleauxbeerlab) on Oct 31, 2017 at 12:53pm PDT. A rotating choice of small-batch beers served in an offbeat, industrial-chic bar with outdoor seats. 634 Lesseps Street | Website"