As Thanksgiving approaches, New Orleans’ decadent culinary scene offers a plethora of dining options for those looking to celebrate the holiday with a memorable meal. Whether you’re seeking traditional turkey dinners or dishes infused with local Creole flavors, the city’s restaurants are ready to provide a feast. Here’s a curated list of establishments serving Thanksgiving meals this year:
1. Arnaud’s Restaurant
- Location: French Quarter
- Description: A historic venue offering classic French Creole fine dining.
- Thanksgiving Offering: Special holiday menu featuring traditional dishes with a Creole twist.
- Reservations: Recommended.
2. Brennan’s
- Location: French Quarter
- Description: Known for its elegant ambiance and innovative Creole cuisine.
- Thanksgiving Offering: A festive menu combining traditional Thanksgiving fare with New Orleans flavors.
- Reservations: Recommended.
3. Tujague’s
- Location: French Quarter
- Description: The city’s second-oldest restaurant, offering a blend of French and Creole dishes.
- Thanksgiving Offering: A special three-course menu featuring options like chicken and andouille gumbo, traditional turkey dinner, and sweet potato bread pudding.
- Reservations: Call 504-525-8676.
4. Ralph’s on the Park
- Location: Mid-City
- Description: Overlooking City Park, this restaurant offers contemporary Creole cuisine.
- Thanksgiving Offering: A specially curated three-course menu showcasing Louisiana flavors, including turkey and andouille gumbo, roasted turkey with giblet gravy, and pumpkin cheesecake.
- Reservations: Recommended.
5. Jack Rose
- Location: Garden District
- Description: Known for its eclectic decor and innovative dishes.
- Thanksgiving Offering: A four-course prix-fixe menu with options like lamb bacon pappardelle and flounder en papillote.
- Reservations: Recommended.
6. Luke
- Location: Central Business District
- Description: A Franco-German brasserie offering a blend of Western European and New Orleans cooking.
- Thanksgiving Offering: A special four-course menu featuring turducken with wild mushroom giblet gravy and satsuma cranberry marmalade, garlic herb roast prime rib, and sides like blue crab mac & cheese.
- Reservations: Recommended.
7. The Pelican Club
- Location: French Quarter
- Description: Offers a blend of contemporary Creole cuisine in an elegant setting.
- Thanksgiving Offering: A special three-course menu starting at $75 per person, plus tax and gratuity.
- Reservations: Recommended.
8. Restaurant August
- Location: Central Business District
- Description: A contemporary French-American restaurant known for its refined dishes.
- Thanksgiving Offering: An exquisite four-course prix-fixe menu highlighting seasonal produce and traditional Thanksgiving dishes.
- Reservations: Recommended.
9. New Orleans Creole Cookery
- Location: French Quarter
- Description: Offers authentic Creole cuisine in a historic setting.
- Thanksgiving Offering: A traditional Thanksgiving menu with a Creole twist, featuring chicken and sausage gumbo, seasoned roasted turkey with gravy, dirty rice, seafood dressing, candied sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie.
- Reservations: Recommended.
10. Briquette
- Location: Warehouse District
- Description: Known for its contemporary coastal cuisine and open kitchen.
- Thanksgiving Offering: A traditional Thanksgiving menu with a Briquette twist, including chicken and sausage gumbo, seasoned roasted turkey with gravy, dirty rice, seafood dressing, candied sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie.
- Reservations: Recommended.
11. Fleming’s Steakhouse – Metairie
- Location: Metairie
- Description: A classic steakhouse offering prime cuts and an extensive wine list.
- Thanksgiving Offering: A three-course prix-fixe menu featuring mixed herb-roasted turkey, filet mignon, or prime bone-in ribeye, each served with a starter, classic sides, and dessert.
- Reservations: Recommended.
12. Compère Lapin
- Location: Warehouse District
- Description: Chef Nina Compton brings influences from her Caribbean homeland, French culinary training, and Italian cooking experience.
- Thanksgiving Offering: Special holiday menu combining traditional Thanksgiving fare with Caribbean and Creole flavors.
- Reservations: Recommended.
13. Domenica
- Location: Central Business District
- Description: Focused on rustic Italian fare, Domenica takes “hotel dining” to the next level.
- Thanksgiving Offering: A special four-course prix-fixe menu combining seasonal produce, signature dishes, and traditional Thanksgiving fare with an Italian twist.
- Reservations: Recommended.
14. The Grill Room
- Location: Central Business District
- Description: Old-world elegance abounds at The Grill Room.
- Thanksgiving Offering: A swanky Thanksgiving Day brunch buffet with a carving station, seafood, cheese, charcuterie, breakfast and salad selections, and Cajun fried turkey with giblet gravy.
- Reservations: Recommended.
15. Luke
- Location: Central Business District
- Description: Luke offers a fine blend of Western European and New Orleans cooking.
- Thanksgiving Offering: A special holiday turkey plate featuring light and dark brined bird, Creole oyster dressing, shrimp and tasso mirliton stuffing, spiced pecan and marshmallow whipped sweet potatoes, and gravy
- Reservations: Recommended.
