10 New Orleans Thanksgiving Dinner Restaurants

Thanksgiving in New Orleans has always been a favorite time of year for many locals, including myself. It’s the official start of the holiday season, and the temperatures are typically a bit cooler. Visitors enjoy traveling here to see the city and enjoy it just like locals, and part of visiting is eating out. On Thanksgiving Day, there can be a few challenges in finding a restaurant that’s open to serve, but not impossible by any means. New Orleans is a city that revolves around hospitality, so many establishments are open and ready for guests to dine with them. I’ve been out to eat on Thanksgiving, and it’s actually quite nice. Regardless of where you choose to go, whether more upscale or casual, you’ll get to experience Thanksgiving meals in New Orleans, and that’s always a good thing. I’ll help guide you to choosing the best option for your needs in this blog.

This blog is going to give you as much information as possible to make some reservations for Thanksgiving dinner. My advice first and foremost is that if you plan to dine out on Thanksgiving, make a reservation as early as possible. This gives the restaurant an idea of staffing needs and food supplies. It’s also just a good practice so you’re not left scrambling and eating fast food for Thanksgiving - gross! You might want to eat a filet mignon and sweet potato casserole over a fake hamburger and soggy fries, but maybe I’m just making assumptions. I think we’d both like for you to have a fantastic Thanksgiving experience in the Big Easy, and I’m going to try my hardest to help make that happen. The restaurants I recommend will be solid choices that I know, and though I haven’t eaten at them all on Thanksgiving, I know on a day-to-day basis they are great. So, let’s see what we have to offer you.

Friendsgiving

In my opinion, Thanksgiving is a great time to visit New Orleans. In fact, I have a blog called “best time to visit New Orleans” and I mention that October to December can be “quite magical” here in New Orleans, and I do mean that. Currently, Im’ writing this in mid-November, it’s 70 degrees, sunny, and my windows are open to enjoy the breeze. The weather will probably drop a bit as we get closer to the end of November, but it’ll almost always be amazing. This is the time of year where people are out, enjoying life, getting ready for Christmas and cozy moments around the city. So yes, Thanksgiving is a spectacular time to visit New Orleans. Come on, we’re waiting for you!

A couple of big things come to mind when thinking about Thanksgiving weekend. One of them is the Bayou Classic, which is a huge football game against two historically black universities and colleges, Grambling State University and Southern University. It’s a full weekend of festivities located downtown, as they play in the Superdome the Saturday after Thanksgiving. It’s a party for sure, so get your party hat on if you want to partake.

The other big event is the racetrack (called the Fair Grounds) on Thanksgiving Day. It’s a big tradition for a lot families and friends of all ages. Many people will go for the day and then have Thanksgiving dinner afterwards. It’s a fun event and one that I would encourage you to attend if you do like horse racing, or just a good time at the track. If neither of these events appeal to you, check out my list of free things to do in New Orleans. There’s always something to do in this city.

I’m going to share restaurants that I’ve been to and like and enjoy. I’ve not been on Thanksgiving, as I’m typically not eating out on that day because it's not my tradition. However, I’ll name some high quality (not necessarily super expensive but also possibly) restaurants that I would personally go to on Thanksgiving if I were to do so. These are places that have a great reputation all year long, and the food is outstanding. I want you to have a delicious meal on a nice holiday. So, let’s see what I have in store for you.

Doris Metropolitan

Doris Metropolitan is a stellar restaurant that I find myself recommending to anyone who wants an outstanding meal. I’ve been there many times, and my favorite thing to do is sit at the bar. They are located in a great spot in the heart of the French Quarter, right by the St. Louis Cathedral. If you’re staying anywhere downtown, you can walk over there. Make reservations, as they will book fast.

Directions here.

Domenica

I like Domenica because you can get something as simple as a pizza, but you can also go fancier. The restaurant is located inside the Roosevelt Hotel, a historic and beautiful hotel. The food and service are good, and it's a nice atmosphere all around. You can take photos in the lobby of the hotel, which is by far one of the most famous spots to take photographs for Christmas in the city. It’s iconic. Have a drink at the Sazerac Bar after, too. They make some fun ones for the holiday season.

Directions here.

Chemin à la Mer

For an absolutely high quality experience, go to Chemin à la Mer for a Thanksgiving dinner. I’ve been to this restaurant a few times, and the waitstaff goes above and beyond, and the food is outstanding. The restaurant overlooks the Mississippi River, which at night will be stunning, especially if you go around sunset. I highly recommend this place on any given day, and Thanksgiving dinner should be out of this world. It’s in the Four Seasons Hotel, so you know it’s going to be top notch.

Directions here. 

The Country Club

The Country Club is a favorite of mine all year long. I enjoy going because it’s not a typical experience, and I like that I can request to sit outside or inside. The food is always so good. I’ve never had a complaint. They serve cocktails and fancy mocktails, both of which I’ve enjoyed. The restaurant is located in the Bywater neighborhood, one of my favorites. You can take a pre-walk to Crescent Park, watch the sunset over the river, and have a nice dinner. 

Directions here.

Addis Nola

Addis is a really cool place and I love the vibe. It’s an Ethiopian joint, and you can get vegetarian or vegan meals that will knock your socks off. I’ve enjoyed this newer location that they are in a few times. They’re also on my blog I wrote about the evolving food scene in New Orleans. Located near the Fair Grounds, you could go to the racetrack and afterwards hit Addis. Highly recommend for an atypical Thanksgiving dinner.

Directions here.

Brasa in Old Metairie

Brasa is going to be outside of New Orleans in Old Metairie, but nothing is very far here so this could be a quick Uber ride away. This restaurant is outstanding! I don’t eat red meat, and while it’s a steakhouse, they have some of the best sides I’ve ever had. Their wine list is great, and the inside of the restaurant is very cozy. I’m a fan. If they have the s’mores pie on the menu, do get it. I have gone there many times just for that. 

Directions here.

Brennan's

Baru Bistro & Tapas

Baru is a place I could go once per week and never get tired of it. It’s considered “modern Latin” style food, and I would agree. They are also on my blog about the evolving food scene in New Orleans, but a Thanksgiving dinner with them could be just what you need. They’re located in one of the best spots on Magazine Street, where it’s easy to walk to a few places from there. If Bouligny Tavern is open, grab a nightcap from them. They’re on of my favorite bars in the city.

Directions here.

Commander’s Palace

Likely difficult to get a reservation on Thanksgiving Day, Commander’s Palace is one that I have eaten at myself on Thanksgiving. It was amazing, as usual. There is no more quintessential experience than going to Commander’s on any day, and on a holiday it’s extra special. The staff is always so kind, and the food is always good. It’s a family owned restaurant at its finest, and no matter how many times I go, I do love it. If you can, this would be high on my list of places to dine on Thanksgiving for dinner.

Directions here.

Brennan’s

Brennan’s is one of the most traditional and iconic restaurants in our city. As a New Orleanian, I’ve attended dinners, rehearsal dinners, brunches, and more at this establishment. The restaurant is rather large, and it’s located in the very heart of the French Quarter on Royal Street. I can only imagine that for a Thanksgiving dinner it would be magical to dine there and then walk around near Jackson Square or up Royal Street. This would be a top choice for Thanksgiving dinner places for me, as you know the food and service will be consistent and good.

Directions here.

Ralph’s on the Park

One of my favorite spots to eat in the city is at the bar at Ralph’s on the Park. This is a restaurant that has it all. It has good food, good drinks, beautiful views of City Park, and a good ambiance. I’ve eaten at this restaurant countless times, and for me to continue to go back says a lot because I don’t eat out very often. (I love my own food!) This place is equally as laid-back as it is upscale. It’s just a very New Orleans feel, and I would absolutely recommend it for Thanksgiving dinner. I know you would’t be disappointed.

Directions here.

Garden District

This is my running list of places I would recommend going to for Thanksgiving dinner. New Orleans is a fantastic option if you’re traveling because there is so much excitement around this time of the year. No matter where you eat, you can take a nice stroll afterwards and walk off the turkey or pie (or both). If you’re here in New Orleans for this holiday, you’re going to have a fabulous time. We’re so excited to welcome you, and we can’t wait to share a plate with you. Laissez les bon temps rouler!

If you liked this blog, you may also like the one I wrote about the best coffee shops in New Orleans.

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