It’s not new to call New Orleans one of the best food cities in the country. We’ve been planning trips to eat powdered-sugar-dusted beignets at Café du Monde and the iconic pecan-crusted gulf fish at Commander’s Palace for over 60 years. But in addition to Cajun, Creole, and soul food institutions, the city continues to welcome new spots serving inventive contemporary Mexican, West African, and Indian cuisines—all which play into the diverse, lively vibe of New Orleans.. Here, we break down the main neighborhoods, where to eat within them, and where to stay so that you don’t miss a single place to eat (and drink).. Start with grab-and-go pastries to savor while you stroll the quiet residential neighborhood of Marigny. A little walk to Ayu Bakehouse, especially in the early morning while most of the neighborhood is still dozing, is a great start to the day. Try the soft and savory Parmesan-and-chive biscuit with butter and the slightly sweet kaya bun (trust us and get some chili oil on the side) with whatever seasonal drink is available.. Loretta’s Pralines is a great place to go for your next pastry fix. Beyond traditional beignets and some of the best pralines in the city, it has beignets stuffed with pralines (a natural marriage), cheeseburger, and crabmeat. Speaking of beignets, there are quite a few Cafe du Monde locations across greater New Orleans, but the outpost in City Park is something of a hidden gem: Indoor seating keeps you from melting while you wait for your treats—which shouldn’t be long because this location is never mobbed the way the more famous spot off of Jackson Square can be. Order a hot cafe au lait, frozen cafe au lait, or hot cocoa to wash down your beignets.. Walking along the Mississippi River or cruising the mall with a frozen cocktail from Fat Tuesday is a simple, affordable joy. In addition to the classic flavors like 190 Octane, piña colada, and margarita, you can also get off-menu daiquiri specials.. Courtesy of Hotel Peter & Paul. See Availability at Booking.comSee Availability at Expedia. At Hotel Peter and Paul, you might find yourself taking a photo of every last charming corner. The property was once a 19th-century Catholic school and church campus, complete with a rectory and nunnery, and each room has a rotary phone and other touches of the not-so-distant past. The stellar team at Ash NYC is behind the property’s revival in late 2018 and didn’t miss a beat—service is warm and welcoming, the hotel’s own map of the neighborhood comes handily marked with the staff’s favorite bars and restaurants, and even the custom-blended toiletries are a real treat.
