Romantic Restaurants, Getaway Places in Gentilly

"Visitors to the Garden District can’t miss the iconic striped awning in front of this historic restaurant near Lafayette Cemetery No. 1. Paul Prudhomme and Emeril Lagasse propelled the restaurant to worldwide fame as their careers took off and now Commander’s Palace is renowned for its excellent versions of Creole classics, its refined but festive atmosphere and the 25-cent martini lunches."

"While you’re in the Garden District or shopping on Magazine Street, you have to stop by Commander’s Palace. The place has been around since 1880, and it’s one of the most famous restaurants in New Orleans for a reason. Their famous teal and white striped exterior is what landed them on this list, but definitely check them out for fine Creole dining and their jazz brunch too."

"What looks like a castle in the French Quarter is actually the oldest cathedral in North America. This alone makes it one of the best things to do in New Orleans, especially when you head inside. You see, St. Louis Cathedral was founded as a Catholic Parish in 1720 and includes both Renaissance and Spanish Colonial architecture that is totally gorgeous."

"This is where everyone in New Orleans (Catholic, Protestant or n/a) wants to be married and buried. The stately church reigns over Jackson Square with its three soaring spires and classically proportioned white façade. This building dates from 1849, but a church has been in this spot since 1724."

"Formerly known as "Place d'Armes" in the 18th century and later renamed as Jackson Square in honor Andrew Jackson who was a hero in the Battle of New Orleans, the historic Jackson Square is a beautiful space and popular tourist attraction in the heart of the French Quarter of New Orleans. Facing the Mississippi River and surrounded by historic buildings, including the Louisiana State Museums of the Cabildo and the Presbytere, and the magnificent St. Louis Cathedral, this famous landmark is packed with things to see and do. A favorite site for visitors and locals, the Square has shops, restaurants, cafés and coffee shops, galleries, museums and more, along with a renowned open-air artist colony who has been displaying their work on the square's iron fence for more than 50 years."

"Once a military parade ground at the very centre of the city Jackson Square was first laid out in 1720s in the style of Place des Vosges in Paris. After the Battle of New Orleans in 1815 the plaza was renamed in honour of the victorious General Andrew Jackson who would become the seventh president of the United States between 1829 and 1837. At the very centre of formal gardens is the equestrian statue for Jackson by sculptor Clark Mills and unveiled in 1856."

"Initially laid out with the rest of the old French Quarter, Jackson Square sits in front of the St. Louis Cathedral. Also called the Place d’Armes, it is the oldest space in the city. Trees and walkways were added to it in the 1830s and the equestrian statue of Andrew Jackson was added in 1856."

"The city’s oldest art museum boasts over 40,000 artworks and objects from across the globe and the ages. But if you’re in town for Mardi Gras, make a point to see their current exhibition on 19th-century Swedish artist Bror Anders Wikstrom, who immigrated to NoLa in 1883 and helped shape the carnival experience into what it is today with his elaborate float designs. Afterwards, take a stroll through the museum’s enchanting five-acre sculpture park."

"In the 1912 the sugar broker and art collector Isaac Delgado left New Orleans a sizeable grant to establish what would become the New Orleans Museum of Art. The main building went up soon after, to a design partly by Benjamin Morgan Harrod, New Orleans’s former chief engineer, while new wings and expansions followed in the early-1970s and 90s. The collection is huge, with more than 40,000 pieces from the Italian Renaissance to today."

"The New Orleans Museum of Art is known to be the oldest fine arts museum in the city of New Orleans which is perfect for anyone looking for a cheap but immersive experience."

"While most of the restaurants on this list offer a level of intimacy most appropriate for an established pair, Bacchanal—true to its name—is a fun, low-commitment option for a first or second date. Wine lovers, take note: at this hopping Bywater spot, you enter the expertly curated wine shop, select a bottle from a selection of small, Old World–style producers, then head out into the spacious backyard. There, you can camp out at a table, enjoy your personally selected wine and order dishes from the produce-forward menu: think braised butternut squash with fregola sarda and pork belly ramen with mustard greens and shaved turnip."

"Located in the Ninth Ward, Bacchanal is a go-to spot for locals seeking good food, live jazz and outdoor dining in the courtyard. Bacchanal also has an Old World wine shop featuring vino from smaller producers from all over the globe. 600 Poland Ave., 948-9111, Bacchanalwine.com."

"Many of our readers would suggest us to check out City Park while we were posting photos of ourselves in New Orleans on social media. After seeing photos of this place it’s no wonder why this place is a photographer’s dream and has the most beautiful trees everywhere."

"In City Park twirling amongst the Spanish Moss Though all of the above are fantastic options for your New Orleans itinerary, here are a few more:"

"New Orleans’s coolest po’boy innovator Killer PoBoys expanded with a second French Quarter location five years ago, but the original kitchen in the back of bar Erin Rose remains the favorite for many. Both locations are back to serving up some of the most interesting po’boy creations in town, all on banh mi bread, from chicken confit with coffee barbecue sauce and ranch slaw to seared gulf shrimp with coriander lime sauce, as well as veggie options like sweet potato with a black eyed pea and pecan spread and braised greens. Of course, it’s obligatory to grab a frozen Irish coffee to-go while there."

"What originally started as five flavors being served out of the back of the Erin Rose Bar has since expanded to its own storefront on Dauphine Street (although you can still visit the original, if you so wish). While I’m a personal fan of the shrimp po’boy, our group agreed that the BBQ chicken and beef debris deserve accolades as well."

"A classic dive bar and headquarters of awesome sandwich operation Killer Poboys. French bread is stuffed with meat and veggies and other stuff that can soak up all the booze. 811 Conti St.French QuarterNew Orleans, LA 70112+1-504-522-3573"

"Napoleon House has been a staple of the French Quarter food scene since 1914; nowadays, famed NOLA restaurateur Ralph Brennan is at the helm of it, guiding the ship that shows no sign of sinking. That's because Napoleon House has the best muffaletta sandwich in town, layers of ham, Genoa salami, Swiss and provolone cheeses and a house-made olive salad, served warm. Pair that with the famous Pimm's Cup cocktail and you don't need anything else."

"Named for the famous Frenchman intended to live there after his exile from France, Napoleon House is a 200+ year old historical landmark. The speakers play classical music and there’s a lovely courtyard. Order a Pimm’s Cup and a muffuletta, served warm."

"One of the oldest bars in New Orleans is the famous Napoleon House. This historic building dates back over 200 years. Back in those days, then-mayor Nicholas Girod was living here."

"Adam Biderman’s homage to the simple burger — thin patty, American cheese, fresh ground meat, no lettuce, no tomato — blew the burger scene in New Orleans wide open when Company Burger opened in 2011. Since then it’s won local and national raves and awards from all directions and is in residence on busy Freret Street Uptown. The menu has a few other sandwich options well worth a try, like that tasty fried chicken sandwich."

"611 O’Keefe Ave., Suite C7, (504) 309-9422; 4600 Freret St., (504) 267-0320; www.thecompanyburger.com. A Company burger features two Creekstone Farm beef patties, American cheese, bread-and-butter pickles and red onions."

"If you want a Po Boy, we recommend checking out Killer Po-Boys, if you want a fancy dining experience where you dress up and have another Commander’s Palace like experience head on over to Galatoire’s on Bourbon St., if you want some great gumbo head on over to the Gumbo Shop, or if you want some of the best oysters in town to check out Acme Oyster House for their famed seafood. We had a hard time choosing our last meal because all of the food we ate was so good."

"I heard it compared to an over-sized frat party by one of our tour guides. It is the center of all the partying, drinking and debauchery. If that is your thing, or you just want to capture the scene with your camera, head on down in the evening and see what you can do."

"Visit the spacious art galleries of the Contemporary Arts Center to see some world-class fine art in the up-and-coming warehouse district in downtown New Orleans. There are different artist residences happening and constantly rotating and changing exhibits. The museum is famous for the events that it hosts with different performances and lectures."

"The CAC has free admission for Louisiana residents on Sundays courtesy of the Helis Foundation. The museum focuses on multi-disciplinary programming and rotating exhibits."

"Here's your chance to experience and understand the history and culture of the city of New Orleans!. The center is dedicated to the preservation and research of New Orleans and general Southern Gulf culture and history and is located in the French Quarter. Archives include the Sugar Bowl, life after Hurricane Katrina, the William Russel Jazz Collection, and the William C. Cook War of 1812 in the South Collection."

"It’s got plenty of space making it ideal for families, with a backyard perfect for running around in. The classic cottage is as stunning on the inside as it is on the outside, with the guest suite providing cosy accommodation for up to four visitors."

"Whether you’re in for a shot of beer or some quality food, Gordon Biersch has you covered. This pub-style restaurant creates their own award-winning beer to compliment their delicious bar snacks for a truly original time. Try their GB Beer Mushroom Chicken served with asparagus and a bit of brew in their stunning location, and then you’ll see what makes Gordon Biersch the winner of “Best Bar Patio” by beer-drinkers as well as the 2nd best place to drink beer in New Orleans."

"A post shared by Gordon Biersch New Orleans (@gb_nola) on Nov 26, 2017 at 2:36pm PST. Chain hangout for house-brewed, German-style beer & a pub menu served in a casual setting. Located right across from Harrah’s Casino and within walking distance of the French Quarter."

"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."

"Urban South Brewery debuted in April 2016 with two flagship brews, Charming Wit and Holy Roller IPA. It didn’t take long for them to make a name for themselves thanks to the great IPAs they regularly brew. By far, this was the most recommended brewery in New Orleans and somehow I was lucky enough to book an Airbnb one block over. This is one of those New Orleans breweries we all need to be keeping our eyes on."

"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."

"Katie’s breakfast pizza is topped with hash browns, eggs, sausage, bacon, and green onions. It's also covered in St. Louis style creamy Provel cheese—perfect for making those beautiful strands for an Instagram moment. What ties all the flavors together is the rich garlic butter cream sauce."

"There’s a time when you have to let the menu sing for itself. That’s the case with Katie’s. The lemon ricotta pancakes feature three large buttermilk pancakes that are packed with ricotta cheese and lemon zest."

"Covid-19 review: I recently had lunch at my neighborhood Katie's with a new friend to network and get to know each other!. And I'm surprised I h..."

"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."

"Beat the Louisiana heat and lounge at one of New Orleans’ best kept secrets. During the daytime, if the temperature is warm and you are feeling up for a dip, The Country Club has a beautiful swimming pool bar. They also offer a delicious brunch!"

"634 Louisa St., (504) 945-0742; www.thecountryclubneworleans.com. Fried Gulf oysters are served with pickled mustard seed and fontina cream. Reservations accepted."