In New Orleans, Breakfast or Brunch, depending on what time you get going, is a sacred communal tradition. It’s when we say hello to the day as the fog lifts and this sleepy city wakes up slowly. With this thought in mind, we, at Hotel Monteleone, felt it was only suitable to give you a few — oh, who are we kidding — several options for a great meal.
To make it easier or more challenging to decide, we’ve divided the breakfast/brunch places by area of town. Each one is charming, and most importantly, each one is scrumptious.
Ready to pick a place to eat Breakfast – or Brunch? Let’s go!
THE BEST SPOTS IN UPTOWN
Photo by @urban504photography
Atchafalaya Restaurant
Located uptown, just off Magazine Street on Louisiana Avenue, you will find Cajun and Creole restaurant Atchafalaya. The food is savory and rich, and the bloody mary bar is on point. It also has a gigantic iron skillet on the side of the building, making it the perfect spot for a selfie.
Photo by @commanderspalace
Commanders Palace
This restaurant is practically a culinary landmark in New Orleans. This restaurant started serving its signature Creole cuisine back in 1893. It’s off Washington Street, and it has a huge bright blue and white striped awning. You can’t miss it. Plus, it’s also across the street from a pretty cool cemetery.
Photo by @basinseafood
Basin
Locals love this place. The price isn’t too high, and the staff that waits on you feel like friends you haven’t met yet. The drinks are killer, and their fries are savory and perfect. From their Short Rib Benedict to their Couchon Biscuits and Gravy, you will not leave hungry until lunch. Try this delish coffee cocktail above during your next brunch.
Photo by @dennyculbert
La Petite Grocery
Located in the spot of an old corner grocery, this restaurant is a wonder. When renovating the restaurant, they discovered the original tin ceilings and walls and restored the little grocery to its original glory. Of course, it’s a restaurant now, so there are tables and chairs instead of aisles of sundries, but it’s as charming as the food. We recommend you order this over-the-top Bloody Mary.
THE FLAVORS AROUND THE FRENCH QUARTER
Criollo
If you want to wake up and listen to a bit of Jazz, this is the perfect spot. Also, it’s inside Hotel Monteleone, so you don’t have to go too far. Some of their most talked-about meals for brunch are their Blue Crab & Corn Beignets and Avocado Heirloom Tomato Toast.
Photo by @cafebeignetnola
Cafe Beignet on Royal
This place has the best Cajun Hash Browns. We’re hungry just thinking about them. They also have Pecan Waffles and omelets to die for! And, of course, order some fluffy, warm, powdered beignets as a side to any meal.
Photo by @courtoftwosisters
Court of Two Sisters
The site of the Court of Two Sisters has been a cultural landmark since 1726 when the second French governor of Louisiana took up residence there. Today, it’s a beautiful spot to welcome the day and has a gorgeous courtyard to dine outside when the weather is just right. People rave out their Chicken and Sausage Gumbo, Andouille Sausage and Bacon, and their Grits and Grillades.
UGC_@tableau_nola
Tableau
Crepes Suzette, Eggs Tableau, Gulf Fish Almondine – these are just a few of the things you’ll be able to devour if you decide to go here. It’s amazing. And we highly recommend you try it out.
INDULGE IN THE CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT
Photo by @willajeanneworleans
Willa Jean
Everyone raves about Willa Jean. They offer Grain Bowls, Huevos Rancheros, Shrimp and Grits, Griddled Pumpkin Bread, and much more. If you haven’t been to Willa Jean — go. Make sure you wear your comfy clothes because you will want to try everything.
Photo by @vivalareza
Majoria’s Commerce Restaurant
Want to dine at a1950s diner in the Central Business District and step back in time? Commerce Restaurant is it. The staff is quick and kind, and the food is perfect for those who may have overindulged the night before.
Photo by @bearcatnola
Bear Cat Restaurant
Are you into homemade breakfast potatoes, pancakes, and biscuits? Then you have to try Bear Cat in the CBD or Uptown. They have items with fun names, too – like the Couyon Daddy, which comes with fried chicken, Creole crab dip, and a sunny-side-up egg. Another amazing item on their brunch menu is their Scallop and Grits, a twist on the traditional shrimp and grits dish that’s popular here.
CELEBRATE BRUNCH IN THE MARIGNY
Photo by @thecountryclubneworleans
Country Club Drag Brunch
The Country Club is a fun spot to watch an incredible drag show while you eat brunch. If the weather is nice, bring your swimsuit because they have a heated pool in the back that is open to patrons.
Photo by @threemuses.frenchmen
Three Muses
Three Muses also offers Pork Belly Bao, Tofu Rice Bowls, and many vegan and vegetarian options. So if your partner is conscious about eating vegan or vegetarian this may be a place to look into.
Photo by @horns_eatery
Horn’s Eatery
Horn’s has more of a traditional breakfast menu with a few items that have that New Orleans twist all the chefs here are famous for. The most expensive thing on their breakfast menu is under $20, which is pretty good for food this yummy.
Well, there you have it, folks—a nice long list of incredible restaurants around New Orleans to break your fast. If you do not find anything to temp your palette above, talk to one of our staff. They’ll give you plenty more options to consider and their personal favorites. Or, if you just want to stay in your room and order in-room dining, we understand completely!
Photo by @jstephenyoung
