The 13 Best Restaurants to Visit in Walking Distance to Wanderfest

Kaylee Giacomini

I am lucky to live in the heart of New Orleans surrounded by nightlife, culture, and of course - food. This year, Wanderfest is welcoming thousands of female travelers to New Orleans to explore the city and meet up with like minded expats. I’m a major foodie, and have plenty of restaurant recommendations to share within walking distance of the festival hub. Check out some of my top picks ranging from quaint brunch spots to extravagant dinner experiences.

Pêche Seafood Grill, Saint John, Antoine's Restaurant, Cane and Table, Gumbo Shop, The Court of Two Sisters, Copper Vine, Pythian Market, Restaurant R'evolution, BEARCAT CBD, Cochon Restaurant, Sofia, W.I.N.O.

  • Pêche Seafood Grill in New Orleans, United States

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      Peche is a seafood restaurant with flavors and stylings originating in South America, Spain, and the Gulf Coast. The establishment is well recognized and has acquired numerous accolades from consistently being ranked in the top 10 restaurants in the city to the head chef receiving a James Beard Award in 2014. While here, you must try one of their seafood dishes. Order from their raw bar, the smoked fish dip, and their most famous option - the whole grilled fish for the table.

  • Saint John in New Orleans, United States

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      Saint John is the newest foodie destination in the French Quarter. Eric Cook is the establishment’s celebrity chef. He has appeared on Gordon Ramsay’s show Uncharted, Top Chef New Orleans, Off the Menu, and After Hours with Daniel Boulud. Grab a seat at the chef’s table to watch all of the food be cooked in front of you or grab a spot in their second floor dining room. You’re in for a treat here, so try a few courses. Start with the roasted garlic caesar, sample the smothered turkey necks (I promise!), and end the evening with the Creole Beef Daube. All portions are huge so come hungry and bring a friend.

  • Antoine's Restaurant in New Orleans, United States

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    • kaylee

      If this is your first time visiting the city, Antoine’s is a must. Antoine’s is the oldest family-run restaurant in the United States and the entire interior is a leap back in time. Some of the recipes that they use haven’t changed in over 200 years, such as their original oyster rockefeller. The restaurant is currently on to their fifth generation of familial ownership and pays homage to the original Antoine in each dish that they create.

  • Cane and Table in New Orleans, United States

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      Cane & Table has a seasonally driven menu with flavors from the Caribbean and Cuba - executive chef Alfredo Nogueria’s heritage. Their food is outstanding, and the bar is so exceptional that the New York Times wrote a glowing review on their cocktails inspired by the 20th century. The menu varies, but some of the best dishes to try this spring include empanadas, Caribbean Bouillabaisse, and tostones. Bonus: they have a decadent brunch menu.

  • Gumbo Shop in New Orleans, United States

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      Gumbo Shop is a longtime favorite of mine. This hole-in-the-wall French Quarter restaurant almost always has a line, but the wait is worth it for authentic Cajun and Creole dishes well beyond gumbo. They have some of the best jambalaya I’ve ever had, outstanding Po’Boys, and a surprisingly delicious rotating vegetarian dish for anyone with a plant based diet. Order a pitcher of Abita Amber beer and enjoy this authentic must try.

  • The Court of Two Sisters in New Orleans, United States

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    • kaylee

      Court of Two Sisters is another longtime favorite of mine. Grab a courtyard table if weather permits and go for their three course chef curated menu. This establishment is traditional in all aspects. The menu showcases classic, upscale Louisiana fare and the entire atmosphere emphasizes old school southern hospitality from dishes made tableside to attentive and professional service. If you’re going for a theatrical dining experience, start the night with the Caesar salad and save room for bananas foster, both made tableside.

  • Copper Vine in New Orleans, United States

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    • kaylee

      Copper Vine is a wine bar with an intimate courtyard in the heart of the CBD. Order a flight of wine featuring three tastings from their tap and enjoy the delicious food menu for brunch, lunch, or dinner. Start off with the crawfish beignets and truffle fries, order one of their filling dinner salads, and try their fresh pasta dishes such as the mushroom cream or chicken piccata. Reservations are recommended.

  • Pythian Market in New Orleans, United States

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    • kaylee

      Pythian Market is my favorite food hall in New Orleans, and is conveniently located about a fifteen minute walk from the Spanish Plaza. They have almost ten different rotating food vendors, a full bar, and plenty of work space for those who need a moment to document their time in New Orleans. Last time I visited I enjoyed a Poke Bowl from Kai, and resident eatery 14 Parishes arguably serves some of the best Caribbean dishes in the city.

  • Restaurant R'evolution in New Orleans, United States

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    • kaylee

      Restaurant R’Evolution is the best establishment in the city for seriously adventurous foodies. Make a reservation in advance and enjoy this dining destination. They use a cross-cultural fusion of flavors and cooking methods to attain their sophisticated menu. Their dishes are modern and imaginative, but pay homage to the cajun traditions that this city is known for. Chef choices are highlighted on the menu, and I recommend following them.

  • BEARCAT CBD in New Orleans, United States

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    • kaylee

      Bearcat is a brunch spot in the warehouse district that is accommodating to vegan, gluten free, and allergen free diets. Grab a spot in their sunny courtyard and indulge in their flavorful menu. Start with an Irish coffee, and if you’re with a crowd order a serving of crab dip. It’s phenomenal. As for main course options, try the vegan breakfast potatoes, the Coyoun daddy biscuit, or one of their hearty burritos. Always go with the potatoes as your side - they’re the best I’ve ever had.

  • Cochon Restaurant in New Orleans, United States

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    • kaylee

      Cochon intermingles traditional Southern and Cajun cooking styles that pay homage to the executive chef’s country roots. This establishment specializes in anything and everything meat. Try their chicken and andouille sausage gumbo, the rabbit and dumplings, or their fresh pork that comes in daily from a local Louisiana farmer. They also make an amazing smoked oyster on the half shell.

  • Sofia in New Orleans, United States

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    • kaylee

      Sofia is a higher end Italian restaurant in the heart of the CBD. They have amazing dishes throughout the day, but do a remarkable and non-traditional weekend brunch. The establishment trades out typical mimosas for bottomless aperol spritz and offers a curated selection of classic breakfast options with an Italian spin. Try their eggs in purgatory, ricotta pancakes, or creamy shrimp and polenta. They also offer traditional dinner fare along with their brunch menu; you can never go wrong with pizza and pasta.

  • W.I.N.O. in New Orleans, United States

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    • kaylee

      WINO, or the Wine Institute of New Orleans is an oasis for all wine lovers. They have almost 30 rotating wines and whiskeys on tap for tastings, flights, or indulging in the entire bottle. Try one of their curated flights or make your own. They have a limited menu, but delicious options that go perfectly with a wine pairing. They do an amazing cheese board and their warm goat cheese with pimento jelly is also to die for.