Thanksgiving in New Orleans: Where to Eat
From gumbo to gravy, feast with us in the Big Easy this year.
We all know that the best part about Thanksgiving is gathering with loved ones for a delicious meal. For those who don’t want to worry about grocery shopping, burning the turkey or doing the dishes, this one is for you!
The New Orleans culinary scene has all sorts of dining options for a Thanksgiving dinner, including prix fixe, à la carte or catering feasts for brunch, lunch, dinner and desserts. You'll see everything from traditional holiday favorites to those with Southern contemporary twists. Here are a few spots with just a sampling of Thanksgiving dishes you can get without all the hassle.
Where to Eat on Thanksgiving in New Orleans
Arnaud’s Restaurant
This Thanksgiving table d’hôte at Arnaud’s typically features roasted butternut squash soup, the chef’s signature Shrimp Arnaud marinated in Creole remoulade sauce, traditional roast turkey with cornbread or oyster dressing and candied yams, and more.
Brennan’s Restaurant
Brennan’s usually offers a three-course menu. Start with the classic turtle soup topped with brown-butter spinach and grated egg. For the main course, options have included roasted buttermilk-brined turkey breast with cranberry and rosemary jus, chicory-rubbed beef tenderloin with red wine sauce or Creole-spiced Gulf fish with Brussels sprouts and hazelnut butter. Finish with a seasonal dessert or Brennan’s world-famous bananas foster, flambéed tableside.
Mr. B's Bistro
At Mr. B’s Bistro, appetizers have included crispy fried oysters and duck spring rolls with ginger-soy dipping sauce. Then, guests can dig into roasted turkey with sausage and cornbread dressing, pepper-crusted duck with creamy risotto or bourbon pork loin with onion and bacon jam. For dessert, try a slice of classic pecan pie or lemon ice box pie with raspberry sauce.
Muriel’s
Muriel’s menu usually offers a choice of appetizer, entrée and dessert. Options have included shrimp and goat cheese crêpes, a caramelized onion tart with Gruyère fondue, wood-grilled filet mignon with a brandy-spiked peppercorn sauce, pumpkin crème brûlée, bourbon pecan pie and more.
Ralph’s on the Park
Thanksgiving dinner at Ralph’s on the Park typically includes turtle soup or roasted squash and pumpkin soup, before moving on to traditional roasted turkey with giblet gravy, cranberry compote and roasted sweet potatoes or seared duck breast with citrus-glazed baby carrots. Finish with pumpkin cheesecake or praline bread pudding.
Luke
Luke's Thanksgiving menu features a quirky Louisiana dish: a turducken served with wild mushroom giblet gravy and satsuma cranberry marmalade. If turducken isn't your thing, consider a garlic and herb-roasted prime rib. Add a side like blue crab mac and cheese or spinach madeline before ending the meal with a Lyonnaise pink praline tart.
Jack Rose
Try something new this Thanksgiving at Jack Rose. Previous menus have included lamb bacon pappardelle, flounder en papillote with crab boil butter, fall vegetable-and-jackfruit pot pie and more. Don't miss their famous Mile High Pie or trendy DuBayou Chocolate Cake for something sweet.
Where to Order a Thanksgiving Meal in New Orleans
Blue Oak BBQ
Choose from a la carte items like smoked turkey, brisket, roasted garlic mac and cheese, chili-glazed Brussels sprouts and house-made banana pudding at Blue Oak BBQ. Or feed a crowd with one of their preset catering packages.
Cochon Butcher
At Cochon Butcher, start with Cajun meats and sausages, but don’t get too full. Entrées have included jambalaya-stuffed turkey, butcher ham, bone-in rib roast and even a whole hog. Pair with shrimp and eggplant dressing, broccoli and rice casserole, smothered greens, deviled eggs and more. Don’t forget a pumpkin pie, carrot cake or red velvet cake.
La Boulangerie
Starters at La Boulangerie have included pimento cheese or baked brie with pepper jelly. From the bakery, fresh baguettes, cheddar chive biscuits and whole wheat sourdough boules make a great accompaniment to your meal. But the big shebang here are the desserts: Choose from pies like pecan, apple, key lime or chocolate cream. If you're feeling nontraditional, try the strawberry tart or vanilla cheesecake.
Learn more about Louisiana’s food culture.
