Our Staff’s Top Restaurant Picks
Our conference is one of many treasures New Orleans has to offer! We don’t want you to miss the chance to enjoy our incomparable cuisine — so we’ve compiled our staff’s favorite dining venues in one place.
Take a look at our favorites….
Brien Lundin — President/CEO
Brigtsen’s — reservation recommended
723 Dante St., New Orleans, LA
504-861-7610Come hungry! Frank Brigtsen learned from famed chef Paul Prudhomme, and he carries on the tradition of Creole/Acadian cooking in generous portions.
Upperline — reservation recommended
1413 Upperline St., New Orleans LA
504-891-9822A hidden gem in the Uptown/Carrollton area. Try the Fried Green Tomato with Shrimp Remoulade!
GW Fins — reservation recommended
808 Bienville St., the French Quarter
504-581-3467THE place for fresh seafood prepared in spectacular fashion. Try the Spearfished Cobia.
Emily Coia — Conference Director
Peche – reservations suggested
https://www.pecherestaurant.com/
800 Magazine St.
504-522-1744Contemporary seafood – the whole grilled fish is a big, but delicious, commitment.
Coquette – reservations suggested
2800 Magazine St.
504-265-0421A cab ride uptown brings you to this contemporary Southern gem whose menu changes often.
Meril – reservations suggested
http://emerilsrestaurants.com/meril
424 Girod St.
504-526-3745Newest (and most casual) restaurant from Chef Emeril Lagasse just steps away from the conference.
Killer Poboy – no reservations
219 Dauphine St.
504-462-2731French Quarter non-traditional, unique po-boys in a very casual setting (the original counter location is also still open in the back of the Erin Rose bar…which is a total dive!)
Jordan Falciani — Exhibitor Coordinator:
Rock-n-Sake
http://www.rocknsake.com/home/locations/new-orleans/
823 Fulton St.
New Orleans, LA 70130
504-581-7253Relaxed Asian fusion. Good for sushi, small plates. Great shishito peppers and pork belly lettuce wraps.
Compère Lapin – reservation recommended
535 Tchoupitoulas St.
New Orleans, LA 70130
504-599-2119
(inside Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery)Cool blend of Caribbean, Italian, and classical French menu themes. I like the Dirty Rice Arancini as a nice small dish. Solid cocktails too.
Lobby Bar – Three Keys
600 Carondelet St.
New Orleans, LA 70130
(inside Ace Hotel)Great cocktails, lots of new twists on old classic cocktails. Three Keys venue is host to mostly free events in an intimate space.
Carol Conran — Attendee Coordinator
Commander’s Palace – reservations required
https://www.commanderspalace.com/
1403 Washington Ave.
New Orleans, LA 70130
504-899-8221The Turtle Soup is a must!
Johnny Sanchez – reservations recommended
http://www.johnnysanchezrestaurant.com/
930 Poydras St.
NOLA 70112
504-304-6615Great Margaritas!
St. James Cheese Company – no reservations
https://stjamescheese.com/pages/warehouse-district
641 Tchoupitoulas St.
504-304-1485Looking for a close place outside of the hotel — this is five blocks from the Hilton.
Alex Goldfinger — Speaker Coordinator
Casamentos – no reservations
https://casamentosrestaurant.com/main/main.html
4330 Magazine St.
New Orleans, LA 70115
504-895-9761Don’t miss the charbroiled oysters and if you’re with a group try the seafood platter (oysters, shrimp, crabclaws, trout or catfish, French fries, texas toast).
Cochon Butcher – no reservations
930 Tchoupitoulas St.
New Orleans, LA 70130
504-588-7675A meat-eaters paradise not far from the Hilton — try the charcuterie plate or ‘Le Pig Mac’ sandwich.
Mother’s Restaurant – no reservations
https://www.mothersrestaurant.net/
401 Poydras St.
New Orleans, LA 70130
504-523-9656This classic po’ boy spot usually has a line, but trust me it moves fast. Their Debris Po’ boy is out of this world.
