Where to Eat on Thanksgiving Day in New Orleans

New Orleans is a city that loves to eat, especially when it comes to big holidays. So if you find yourself in town for Thanksgiving Day this year, here are a few places you can feast. Be sure to make reservations so you have a guaranteed spot at any of these fantastic restaurants:

Fine Dining

Arnaud’s

813 Rue Bienville, New Orleans, LA 70112

Delicious, fresh seafood at Arnaud’s

Serving “classic Creole cuisine in the heart of the French Quarter,” Arnaud’s has been feeding the good people of New Orleans for over 100 years. Their prix fixe menu includes some Thanksgiving classics like roasted turkey, as well as some Creole favorites like Gulf fish. While you are there, be sure to take a walk through Arnaud’s fascinating Mardi Gras Museum Gallery, where you can find costumes worn by parade royalty, intricate carnival masks, and an incredible collection of vintage photographs.

Brennan’s

417 Royal St., New Orleans, LA 70130

This New Orleans favorite offers an extensive prix fixe menu for Thanksgiving, including all the traditional dishes and local fare as well. In addition, Brennan’s will be serving a kids’ menu to appease any of the younger, pickier eaters in your party.

Tujague’s

429 Decatur St., New Orleans, LA 70130

In the kitchen at Tujague’s

Tujague’s, one of the oldest restaurants in New Orleans, has been serving up high end dishes since 1856. This Thanksgiving, you can enjoy a variety of traditional holiday dishes, steak, or local favorites that include oysters and Gulf fish on Tujague’s prix fixe menu.

Casual Eateries

Café Maspero

601 Decatur St., New Orleans, LA 70130

If you are looking for a more casual Thanksgiving Day feast, look no further than Café Maspero, a French Quarter eatery that is known for massive sandwiches and overflowing seafood platters. Grab a seat near a window for some excellent people watching while you sip on a cocktail and enjoy some low-key Turkey Day dining.

Hard Rock Cafe

125 Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70130

Known the world over, the Hard Rock Cafe offers casual comfort food and a high-energy atmosphere. Make a reservation to enjoy a burger or steak as you sit among memorabilia from New Orleans’ legendary music scene.

Oceana Grill

739 Conti St., New Orleans, LA 70130

Pain Perdu, a very New Orleans-style French toast

If you need a casual breakfast spot for Thanksgiving, Oceana Grill might be exactly what you are looking for. Serving up a variety of breakfast and brunch classics, as well as dishes with a uniquely New Orleans flair, Oceana Grill will fill you up for a day of watching football and enjoying the city.

Best Views

Muriel’s

801 Chartres, New Orleans, LA 70116

With beautiful views of Jackson Square and the Mississippi River, Muriel’s is a fantastic spot for Thanksgiving. On top of the charming vistas, you can also explore the various rooms inside the restaurant, including the famed Seance Room and the alcove with the table set for the resident Muriel’s ghost, Pierre Antoine Lepardi Jourdan. Great food and a spooky story or two make for a great Thanksgiving Day feast.

Chemin à la Mer

2 Canal St., New Orleans, LA 70130

Enjoy great food in a beautiful space at Chemin a la Mer

Perched on the fifth floor of the Four Seasons Hotel, Chemin à la Mer (French for “the path to the sea”) serves up traditional South Louisiana and French cuisine with an incredible view of the Mississippi River. The Thanksgiving menu will offer all the classics with a a South Louisiana twist, like turkey stuffed with boudin and satsuma buttermilk pie. You will not find this great combination of incredible cuisine and breathtaking views.

Along the Streetcar Line

Hoshun Restaurant

1601 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans, LA 70130

For something a little less traditional along the streetcar line, try Hoshun Restaurant. Known for an incredible variety of Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese cuisines, this dining establishment has something for everyone. With their expansive space and large menu, you will be sure to enjoy a fantastic meal on Thanksgiving Day.

Commander’s Palace

1403 Washington Ave., New Orleans, LA 70130

Decadent dishes at Commander’s Palace

Just a quick streetcar ride from the French Quarter will take you to one of New Orleans’ most beloved restaurants, Commander’s Palace. Its distinctive teal and white striped awnings welcome you in to one of the best Creole dining experiences you will find in our city. Be sure to save room for dessert - their bread pudding is legendary.

Lula Restaurant-Distillery

1532 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans, LA 70130

Lula, located right on St. Charles Avenue, boasts a decadent southern restaurant and a micro-distillery where vodka, rum, and gin are distilled in-house. This Turkey Day, you can enjoy a high end cocktail and a Cajun-inspired Thanksgiving meal in the heart of Uptown.

Wherever you land for a meal this Thanksgiving, be sure to connect with Gators and Ghosts to book a haunted history tour that night to walk off your feast and experience a bit of the supernatural!