Ask anyone outside of New Orleans what the “must-eat” restaurants are in the Big Easy and Café du Monde is sure to be at the top of the list. They’re not wrong. It is the quintessential New Orleans foodie experience with beignets and a steaming hot cup of café au lait made from their special blend of coffee and chicory. There’s no shortage of famous and delicious restaurants to eat at in and around the French Quarter, so how do you choose? With the Self Storage Association (SSA) descending upon New Orleans for its Spring Conference and Trade Show, we asked our New Orleans self-storage customers for their favorite restaurants in New Orleans to help guide us through the culinary beaten path.
Verti Marte
1201 Royal Street
New Orleans, LA 70116
504.525.4767
Hidden away on a quiet French Quarter street, this longtime deli is known for Creole-inspired sandwiches. Part of a small convenience market, Verti Marte’s deli has developed quite a following for its version of a Louisiana staple, the shrimp and oyster poor boy, as well as other massively sized sandwich combinations. Because the good times keep rolling in the French Quarter, the deli stays open twenty-four hours a day, so Verti Marte is perfect for late night eats as well. The best news is that they deliver, but then you’d miss a picturesque walk through the streets of historic New Orleans and squeezing into the cozy market to make your way back to the deli.
Pier 424 Seafood Market
424 Bourbon Street
New Orleans, LA 70130
Phone: 504.309.1574
Adventuresome eaters will appreciate the bayou roots of Pier 424’s menu. Located on the famed Bourbon Street, the casual dining spot is in the middle of the fun. It features an oyster bar and Louisiana swamp favorites like fried alligator, frogs’ legs, and Creole turtle soup. You’ll be ready to dance the Cajun two-step after a meal here.
Port of Call
838 Esplanade Ave, New Orleans, LA 70116
Phone: 504.523.0120
Locals and tourists flock to the quiet end of the French Quarter to this “dive-y” restaurant that has been a cornerstone of New Orleans dining for five decades. If you’re looking for the best burger in town, this is your place. Winner of multiple foodie awards from Zagat to Citysearch, your eyes might get the best of you at Port of Call. Portion size and flavor will leave you more than satisfied – and ready for a nap. No need to dress up for this super casual, dark, and funky joint.
Evangeline
329 Decatur Street
New Orleans, LA 70130
Phone: 504.373.4852
At Evangeline, you’ll get a taste of Louisiana culture through its cuisine in a hip, casual atmosphere. This bar and eatery serves seasonal, locally sourced Cajun and Creole dishes in a cozy setting with courtyard seating. Shrimp and grits fans take note: Evangeline’s take on the ubiquitous southern staple features crawfish in a spicy cream sauce. The house specialty is catfish that can be enjoyed in jambalaya or on a poor boy.
Café East
4628 Rye St.
Metairie, LA 70006
Phone: 504.888.0078
Is it Asian-inspired Creole or Creole-inspired Asian fare? No matter. This unique restaurant and cocktail lounge made our customer favorites for its blend of traditional East Asian spices combined with flavors like mango, goat cheese, and crawfish to create interesting dishes. You’ll find crawfish spring rolls and goat cheese gyoza ravioli with lemongrass dressing on the menu, along with the usual Chinese food favorites that may have a southern influence such as okra. You’ll need a car to get to this restaurant located ten miles east of New Orleans in Metairie, Louisiana.
We’d love to hear about your favorite New Orleans restaurants! Please share in the comments.
