New Orleans |A Love Letter to Old Haunts & New Finds
New Orleans is the kind of city that keeps you coming back for more—whether it’s the beignets, the brass bands, or the kind of late nights that turn into early mornings. Every time I visit, I make it my mission to revisit old favorites and uncover new gems (thank goodness, I have friends who love to eat and drink as much as I do).
In this post, I’m sharing a mix of NOLA staples I swear by and some new spots that have officially earned a spot on my must-visit list. Whether you’re looking for the best po’ boy, a hidden cocktail bar, or a jazz-filled corner to soak up the city's magic, I’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in!
When you need The Perfect Balance of Laid-Back & Elegant 🍽️
If you’re looking for the perfect mix of elevated comfort food, strong cocktails, and effortless French Quarter charm, look no further than Sylvain. Located in an 1800s carriage house in the French Quarter, Sylvain feels like a secret hideaway. The dim lighting, exposed brick, and lush courtyard make it one of the most atmospheric brunch spots in the city. Sylvain hits that sweet spot between casual and upscale. You can show up dressed for a fancy brunch or stroll in with a bit of French Quarter swagger from the night before—either way, you’ll feel right at home. Sylvain takes classic brunch staples and gives them a refined New Orleans twist. Think Blueberry Buttermilk Pancakes, Chicken Sandwich, and my favorite, Chicken Grillades, and Grits (featured below). A great brunch isn’t complete without a stellar drink, and Sylvain gets that. Their French 75, house-made Bloody Mary, and expertly crafted mimosas make it easy to keep the good times rolling (or revive yourself after a long night out). Brunch at Sylvain isn’t just a meal—it’s a whole vibe. It’s where you linger over your food, sip one more cocktail than you planned, and soak in the magic of New Orleans.
When you need A Break from the Hurricanes & Hand Grenades 🍹➡🍷
Let’s be honest—Bourbon Street is fun, but sometimes you need a reprieve from neon-colored drinks in giant plastic cups. Really Really Nice Wines offers a slower, more sophisticated way to sip and savor the city. This isn’t your average wine shop—it’s thoughtfully stocked with interesting, hard-to-find bottles that don’t feel intimidating. Whether you’re a casual sipper or a full-blown wine nerd, you’ll find something exciting. Perhaps my favorite part - the wine bar. They have a fantastic selection of wines by the glass, and rest assured, they will knock your socks off. It’s the ideal place to pick up a bottle before heading to a dinner party or to pop in and post up at the bar. Really Really Nice Wines lives up to its name. It’s cool, unpretentious, and stocked with wines you’ll actually be excited to drink.
When you need a Lobster Roll That Transports You Straight to the Coast 🦞
If you’re wandering Magazine Street and want a break from po’ boys and gumbo (no shade, I love them too), The Nell Shell is the perfect spot to satisfy your seafood cravings. This isn’t just any seafood shack—the lobster is top-tier, and the menu often includes fresh Gulf seafood specials that give a nod to local flavors. Think sea-cuterie boards or a sneaky Cajun twist on a classic roll. What’s perfect- The Nell Shell is located across the street from Really Really Nice Wine. A match made in heaven!
When you are looking for Some of the Freshest Seafood in Town 🦐🐟
After sharing my love for Mosquito Supper Club, one of my favorite spots in Nashville, Nicky’s Coal Fired, recommended that I try one of their NOLA favorites, Porgy’s Seafood Market. New Orleans takes its seafood seriously, and Porgy’s delivers with an impressive selection of fresh Gulf shrimp, oysters, crabs, and fish. If you want seafood that tastes like it was pulled straight from the water that morning, this is the place. While I was there, I had my first The Muffulettu, which is fresh baked seeded and spiced muffulettu loaf stuffed with Gulf tuna conserva, olives, giardiniera salad, and pecorino cheese with basil and anchovy aioli. Talk about an OMG moment. And I can’t forget my first authentic cajun crawfish- absolutely fantastic. So, whether you’re stocking up for a boil, craving fresh oysters, or just in need of a beverage with your buddies, Porgy’s Seafood Market is a spot worth visiting.
When you want to take breakfast to a whole new level 🍳
Molly’s Rise and Shine isn’t just a place to grab breakfast—it’s a destination. Locals and visitors alike rave about it, and once you’ve had a meal here, you’ll get why. Sure, you’ll find eggs and toast, but Molly’s goes way beyond the basics. Their menu is playful, inventive, and full of unexpected twists—like roasted carrot yogurt, loaded breakfast sandwiches, and creative takes on classic comfort food. The vibe here is pure joy. Think colorful decor, retro cereal boxes, and a laid-back, almost diner-like energy that makes you feel right at home (or like you’ve stepped into a funky ‘90s Saturday morning cartoon). If you love biscuits, prepare to have your life changed. Molly’s serves up some of the flakiest, butteriest biscuits around, often paired with perfectly fried chicken, house-made jams, or drizzled with honey butter. If you’re in New Orleans and want a breakfast that’s anything but boring, Molly’s Rise and Shine should be at the top of your list!
PS- Don’t sleep on the Collard Greens!
When you want the iconic, undefeated champion of the sandwich world 🫒🥖
When it comes to food, originality matters—and Central Grocery is the birthplace of the muffuletta, created in 1906 by Sicilian immigrants. Other places may serve great versions, but this is the one that started it all. The secret weapon? The briny, garlicky, perfectly balanced olive salad is made fresh in-house. It soaks into the bread just enough to infuse every bite with bold, tangy flavor. A great muffuletta needs the proper bread, and Central Grocery nails it. Their round, sesame-seeded Italian loaf is soft enough to soak up the flavors but sturdy enough to hold the layers of meat, cheese, and olive salad without falling apart. This isn’t your average deli sandwich. Central Grocery stacks it with Genoa salami, ham, mortadella, Swiss, and provolone—a rich, savory combo that perfectly balances the olive salad’s tang. Walking into Central Grocery feels like stepping back in time—old-school Italian grocery vibes, shelves stocked with imported goods, and a counter lined with muffulettas ready to be wrapped up for eager customers. It’s a no-frills, all-flavor kind of place. Muffulettas actually get better as they sit, making them the ultimate takeout meal. Many people grab one to eat by the Mississippi River, take it back to their hotel, or even bring it home after a trip to NOLA. Trust me, it’s the perfect snack for the plane- bring napkins.
So, if you’re in New Orleans and haven’t had a Central Grocery muffuletta, did you even really visit?
New Orleans is a city that knows how to eat—and if you’re anything like me, half the fun of visiting is eating your way through it. Whether you’re biting into a legendary muffuletta, discovering a next-level po’boy, or washing down a lobster roll with a crisp glass of wine, every meal here tells a story. From old-school institutions to new favorites shaking things up, this city’s food and drink scene is always worth exploring (and overindulging in a little). Come hungry, bring your sense of adventure, and don’t be afraid to order one more thing—because in NOLA, one meal is never enough. Cheers to good food, great drinks, and even better memories!
Until Next Time!
