Galatoire’s

Galatoire's has served French Creole food at 209 Bourbon Street since 1905, when it was founded by Jean Galatoire, who came to New Orleans from the small French village of Pardies. Five generations of his descendants have kept its traditions going, and since 2009 the family has run it in partnership with a group of local owners.

The main dining room, with its mirrored walls, is one of the most traditional rooms in the city, and much of the pleasure of eating here comes from the atmosphere of a place that has changed little over many decades. The menu leans on Gulf seafood, with oysters, fish and crab prepared in the Creole style, alongside poultry and game from family recipes. Classic sauces, including remoulade, meunière, béarnaise and hollandaise, are central to the cooking, and the restaurant publishes some of its recipes on its website.

Friday lunch is the best-known tradition. The restaurant is known for family celebrations and for its lively Friday afternoon lunch, when tables tend to stay late. If you want the full experience, go on a Friday and allow plenty of time; if you prefer something calmer, choose a weekday evening. The dining room is closed on Monday and opens from 11.30am to 9pm from Tuesday to Saturday and from noon to 9pm on Sunday, serving continuously through the day.

Reservations are taken through Resy, linked from the official website. The restaurant has a dress code, so check the FAQ page on its website before you go and plan to dress smartly. Galatoire's suits couples, families marking occasions and anyone curious about old New Orleans dining culture. It is less suited to diners who want a quick meal.

The menu is French Creole rather than modern, and the pleasure is in classic dishes cooked the same way for generations, so ask your server for guidance if the names are unfamiliar. Lunch is the more festive meal and dinner the calmer one. Because service runs through the afternoon from Tuesday to Sunday, a late lunch here can easily replace both meals on a sightseeing day.

Next door, the same owners run Galatoire's 33 Bar and Steak, a useful choice for a drink before or after dinner. Galeriè de Galatoire, another part of the business, is on Royal Street. The restaurant is in the French Quarter, so it is easy to reach on foot from hotels in the Quarter.