Thanksgiving in New Orleans: Where to Eat

Feed your soul in #OnlyLouisiana this Thanksgiving.

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The official Explore Louisiana blogging team.
Seafood gumbo web

A tasty bowl of Louisiana seafood gumbo is a perfect way to kick off any Thanksgiving meal.

French 75 Cocktail from Arnaud's Restaurant

Perks of restaurant dining on Thanksgiving? Classic New Orleans cocktails on deck! 

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 from prix fixe, a 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 (check out the full menus on the restaurant websites):

Where to Eat on Thanksgiving in New Orleans

Arnaud’s

This Thanksgiving table d’hôte features Arnaud’s signature Shrimp Arnaud marinated in Creole remoulade sauce; traditional roasted turkey with cornbread or oyster dressing and candied yams; bone-in pork ribeye with porcini mushroom and artichoke ragout; chocolate caramel or apple custard tart and more.

Brennan’s

Brennan’s offers a three-course menu. Choose from appetizers like classic turtle soup or escarole and mirliton salad, topped with compressed pear and candied pecans. For the main course, find sides like roasted buttermilk brined turkey breast with cranberry & 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.

Mr. B's Bistro

Start with crispy fried oysters or duck spring rolls with ginger-soy dipping sauce. Then, 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 or classic pecan pie or lemon ice box pie with raspberry sauce.

Muriel’s

This menu includes a choice of appetizer, entrée and dessert. Options include shrimp and goat cheese crêpes; autumn pasta with prosciutto and toasted pumpkin seeds; roasted turkey with mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce and tasso gravy; wood-grilled filet mignon with blue cheese barbant potatoes, grilled asparagus and wine-infused demi-glace; pumpkin cheesecake, apple spice cake and more.

Ralph’s on the Park

Begin with turtle soup or roasted squash and pumpkin soup before moving on to traditional roasted turkey with giblet gravy, cranberry compote and roasted sweet potatoes; speckled trout amandine with brown butter and green beans; or panéed veal with jumbo lump crabmeat and roasted cauliflower gratin. Finish with pumpkin cheesecake or chocolate bourbon pecan pie.

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 herb roast prime rib. Add a side like blue crab mac & cheese or spinach madeline before ending the meal with a dark chocolate tartlet with whipped buttermilk, raspberry and Framboise ice cream.

Jack Rose

Try something new at Jack Rose for Thanksgiving with options like lamb bacon papardelle, flounder en papillote with crab boil butter, fall vegetable and jackfruit pot pie and more. Don't miss their famous mile high pie or the roasted honey glazed pear with candied spiced almonds 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 n’ cheese, sweet potato casserole, chili-glazed Brussels sprouts and southern pecan pie. Or, pick one of their preset catering packages. Learn more here!

Cochon Butcher

Start off with cajun meats and sausages, but don’t get too full. Entrées include jambalaya stuffed turkey, butcher ham, bone-in rib roast or 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. To order online, click here.

La Boulangerie

Starters include pimento cheese or baked brie with pepper jelly. From the bakery, soft potato rolls or cheddar chive biscuits 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. Check their website to get details on ordering for Thanksgiving!

For more delicious dining options, check out the Creole Crescent Culinary Trail.