Top Restaurants to Visit in December
December and decadence go hand in hand. While we may find ourselves still a little overstuffed from Thanksgiving feasts, it also seems like once you get on a roll of indulging, the fun doesn’t stop until after the first.
When it comes to getting into the holiday spirit, there’s no better way to do it than with Reveillon. This tradition dates back to the early 19th century when New Orleanians would create extravagant meals to await them when they came home from midnight mass on Christmas Eve. These days, local restaurants offer multi-course pre-fixe menus all month long–and while many stick with the traditional format, you’ll also find more modern offerings as well.
For a classic Reveillon meal, we’re excited to check out Antoine’s for their stuffed trout roulade, and oyster and artichoke soup, and Restaurant R’Evolution for a whopping six courses, including turtle soup, wild boar meat pie, and boudin-stuffed quail.
For more contemporary options, we’ve got our eye on the brunch at Criollo with their poached eggs served with fried oysters and hazelnut-crusted triggerfish, and The Country Club in the Bywater where you’ll find shrimp and scallop crudo, and crispy pork rillettes with poached eggs and bourbon molasses.
You can also get into the giving season with some one-of-a-kind shopping for everyone on your list. This year, we’re hitting up the six-mile stretch of retail along Magazine Street, where you’ll find everything from clothing boutiques to antique stores and art galleries. All the shopping might leave you a bit peckish, so we recommend stopping in either Cupcake Collection or Sucre to treat yourself to a little midday indulgence.
And finally, it wouldn’t be the holidays in New Orleans without a trip out to City Park to see the glittering light display at Celebration in the Oaks. If you want to make a night of it, make a reservation at Ralph’s on the Park, located conveniently just steps from City Park. Fans of Spanish fare will love the romantic vibe at Lola’s. Or indulge in some more casual Creole cuisine and fried seafood platters at Neyow’s. Looking to end the night on a sweet note? Swing by Angelo Brocato’s for a cup of gelato or a cannoli.
Where to Eat in December
