New Orleans is consistently ranked among the best food cities in America, and it's not hard to see why. Our city is a melting pot of cultures and flavors, with restaurants ranging from greasy spoon diners to fine dining establishments serving everything from regional delicacies to global flavors. There's simply no other food scene like it. 

COOLinary New Orleans is an annual celebration of all things delicious in NOLA. More than 100 participating restaurants are offering specially priced plates created specifically for the event, which extends from August 1 to September 15 this year. Our real estate agents are very excited to share some of their favorites!

• Plates Restaurant & Bar - 1051 Annunciation St, New Orleans, LA 70130
  Serving inventive globally-inspired cuisine, Plates Restaurant & Bar is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. The menu highlights the bounty of seafood from the Gulf of Mexico, along with seasonal meat and vegetarian dishes sourced from local farms. Near many New Orleans homes for sale, Plates Restaurant Bar is tucked away in the Warehouse District, where it rubs shoulders with several of the best restaurants in the city. It's especially known as a happy hour hangout, with excellent craft cocktails and small plates. 
  
  
• Gabrielle Restaurant - 2441 Orleans Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119
  Though its blue clapboard exterior might suggest a neighborhood dive, Gabrielle Restaurant is anything but ordinary. The Cajun and Creole-inspired cuisine here is on a whole other level thanks to the talents of resident chef and 2004 James Beard Award finalist Greg Sonnier. But while the food might be high-end, the ambiance is friendly and unpretentious. Gabrielle Restaurant has been family-owned and operated since 1992, and it's a can't-miss spot during COOLinary New Orleans. It's also convenient to some lovely New Orleans open houses.
  
  
• Bésame - 110 S Rampart St, New Orleans, LA 70112
  The Latin American influence on New Orleans culture is unmistakable, and Bésame is a great place to experience that side of the city at its most vibrant. A Latin-style tapas restaurant highlighting Caribbean and South American flavors, Bésame serves up fresh, colorful small plates that offer a whirlwind of flavors. From fresh watermelon salad and cauliflower tempura to charred octopus and pork arepas, there's something here to satisfy every palate. The restaurant is located in the Downtown Arts District and also offers a unique variety of Latin wines and spirits.
  
  
• Frey Smoked Meat Co. - 4141 Bienville St #110, New Orleans, LA 70119
  Barbecue isn't necessarily one of the first foods that comes to mind when one thinks about New Orleans' food scene, but Frey Smoked Meat Co. makes a strong case that it should be. This rustic Mid City joint serves up award-winning barbecue plates, including ribs, brisket, and pulled pork sandwiches, along with fried chicken sandwiches and smoked sausages. Try the Bar-B-Cuban, a cultural mashup that's a true menu highlight.
  
  
• Gautreau's Restaurant - 1728 Soniat St, New Orleans, LA 70115
  Nestled in the heart of Uptown New Orleans, Gautreau's Restaurant is an upscale eatery serving contemporary French cuisine. This out-of-the-way spot is housed in a former pharmacy, and if you didn't know what you were looking for, you would walk right past it without knowing what you were missing. Their menu has epitomized fine dining in New Orleans since 1982, offering innovative takes on staples like duck confit and sautéed red snapper. Gautreau's also has a unique and ever-changing wine list. 

Contact us today to learn more about life in New Orleans. Countless families have found their NOLA dream homes with help from our real estate agents, and we're here to help you find yours.