Churches and Cathedrals in New Orleans

"Most tourists recognize the St. Louis Cathedral's triple spires as the main symbol of the French Quarter. Many have taken photos of the gleaming white facade against a clear blue sky, from across picturesque Jackson Square. Relatively few, though, have stepped inside the Cathedral – the oldest continuously active one in the US – to view its surprising interior; the stained glass windows depicting the saintly life of France's King Louis IX, the glorious murals and statuary beckoning the visitor back nearly 300 years to its founding."

"The longest continually active Roman Catholic church in the United States stands proud on the city side of Jackson Square. Dedicated to Louis IX of France (1214-1270), St. Louis Cathedral dates from 1789, although there was a church at this spot as early as 1718. The current cream-coloured Spanish Colonial building was reconstructed in 1850, and most of the architecture is from that time."

"A few blocks from the French Quarter, St. Augustine has been the gravity center of the Tremé neighborhood since the 1840s. New Orleans’ large and vibrant community of free people of color was involved in the church from its beginnings. Often called “Creoles of color,” these property owners, artisans, businesspeople and professionals were several generations removed from slavery and sometimes were slave owners themselves."

"St. Augustine Catholic Church is the oldest African-American Catholic parish in the nation. It is located on Saint Claude Avenue near the French Quarter on the site of the old Claude Tremé plantation. The church is the location of the annual Jazz Mass that is held in conjunction with the Satchmo Festival, which pays homage to Louis Armstrong."

"If you’re down in the CBD or headed toward the French Quarter, one small church lies hidden on Rampart Street. Peering through the doors, you see a rather simple sanctuary and some of the homeless asleep on the pews. The real beauty is to either side of the altar: the shrines to St. Jude and Our Lady of Guadalupe."

"Built in 1851 by the Jesuits, this breathtaking, Moorish-inspired structure melds Islamic architecture with Christian and Jewish symbolism (including hundreds of Stars of David). Massive bronze doors, soaring Arabesque arches, stunning stained glass (featuring 18 stations of the cross), cast-iron pews and columns are among the church’s many architectural highlights. Of special note is the towering cupola, the marble statue of Mary (originally carved for Marie Amélie, queen of Louis Philippe of France, during the mid 1800s) located above the onion-domed high altar and two Venetian-glass mosaic shrines at the rear of the sanctuary."

"The gist: The restaurant has been around since 1899, but chef and co-owner Alfred Singleton has breathed new life into Cafe Sbisa’s Creole menu after partnering with local businessman Craig Napoli. The food: Dig into New Orleans classics like crawfish beignets, crab cakes, shrimp and grits, barbecue shrimp, and delectable trout Eugene. They recently reopened after a pandemic-fueled hibernation, so swing by ASAP for dinner or Sunday brunch."

"The reopening of Cafe Sbisa, the century-old brasserie on Decatur Street, is big news on lots of fronts. Closed for a year during the pandemic, it reopened in March, a tribute to chef/co-owner Albert Singleton's grit and vision. The place is an atmospheric stunner, with original wood, intimate balcony and patio dining and a staircase that harks back to a golden age."

"Originally opened in 1899, this classic French-Creole restaurant opened again under Dickie Brennan's talented alum Alfred Singleton, who is chef and partner. Cafe Sbisa’s menu is old-school compared to many of the restaurants currently opening in the city, and the crab cakes are some of the best in town. Dinner, brunch, and small plates."

"This nearly 100-year old restaurant was scooped up by Creole Cuisine Restaurant Concepts, a huge local restaurant group that dusted it off and gave it a good polishing in a million dollar renovation in 2013. The restaurant is white tablecloth, but the dress code is casual, so diners in flip flops and shorts sip wine at tables next to those in ties and jackets. Have drinks at Broussard’s swanky Empire Bar and dine in the lush courtyard if the weather permits."

"Less than a block away from the wild spirits of Bourbon Street, Broussard’s provides the older, classic depiction of New Orleans eating. Their patio overlooks a lush, tropical courtyard that remains as elegant as it was in the restaurant’s founding in 1920. With the newer influence of chef Neal Swidler, manager Chris Ycaza, and bartender Paul Gustings, Broussard’s is sure to remain a French Quarter staple for years to come."

"Old-school New Orleans cuisine in a beautiful, updated space. Enjoy the classics like Gulf fish with crabmeat and lemon butter, filet mignon, shrimp Creole, and hanger steak with marchand de vin sauce. White chocolate bread pudding seals the deal."

"Place St. Charles, 201 St. Charles Ave., (504) 287-0877; www.terrazu.net. A Terrazu Scoop salad features chicken, tuna or shrimp salad over mixed greens, red onion, tomato and cucumber."

"Since its launch in Baton Rouge, Raising Cane’s has grown a household name, and the sauce is the thing of legends. Now, Nation’s Restaurant News named the chicken finger masters the fastest-growing chain in the nation for 2017. Check them out at any of their numerous locations across the city."

"Located in New Orleans, we serve only the highest quality chicken finger meals. It's our ONE LOVE. Our crew makes it happen, our culture makes it unique, and the community makes it all worthwhile."

"A Caniac combo includes six fried chicken tenders, tangy Cane’s sauce, french fries, Texas toast, coleslaw and a large drink."

"If a few days of fried seafood and rich Creole sauces is wreaking havoc on your constitution, head to The Green Fork in the Lower Garden District, a stone's throw from Seed, another healthful eatery. The Green Fork specializes in fresh juices amped up with the likes of bee pollen and hemp protein, all designed to do a body good. Nibble on healthy snack options like kale chips hummus and chick pea salad."

"833 Howard Ave., (504) 299-8792; G’s Kitchen Spot, Balcony Bar, 3201 Magazine St., (504) 894-8888; 4840 Bienville St., (504) 483-6464; www.gspizzas.com. A Bienville Supreme pie includes pepperoni, Italian sausage, ground beef, mushrooms, onion, bell pepper, black olives, mozzarella and tomato sauce."

"After exploring the Mid-City cemeteries, stop by G's Pizza to refuel. This funky little spot is tucked away on Bienville (there are two other NOLA locations, too), and they serve delicious pizza, pasta, salads, and sandwiches. I love their NOLA Green Roots Pizza!"

"Uptown/CBDBoth locations of this breakfast/lunch/coffee shop/restaurant divide their menus into “Good Cat” and “Bad Cat.” Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free items are on the “Good Cat” menu, but definitely keep reading down the page for impossibly delicious vegan queso and Buffalo cauliflower in the small plates menu. Breakfast is served all day and if you’re in the mood for a classic lunch, try the vegan grilled cheese with gazpacho."

"The Bearcat Cafe located in the Uptown District is consistently busy and well-known for their good food and high quality ingredients. Our favorite on the menu is the Crab Daddy Biscuit which involves a soft-shell crab on a biscuit served with a sunny egg and cajun gravy. You might be waiting a while for a table but there is a reason why people are willing to wait for the food here."

"This Uptown-based sit down cafe offers the best of both worlds with its good and bad cat menus. While both equally delicious and freshly prepared, the good cat menu offers full flavor with no regret. Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free menu items such as pancakes, tofu scrambles, black bean sausage, ranchero and much more."