In New Orleans, food is more than a pastime. It is part of our identity. Each August, COOLinary New Orleans, hosted by New Orleans & Company, gives locals and visitors a chance to enjoy the city’s top restaurants with special prix fixe menus. From August 1 to 31, two-course lunches come in under $30, while three-course dinners or brunches are under $60.
Many of our picks this year are along Magazine Street, one of the city’s most vibrant dining corridors. Kirsten Early and Rebecca Long, who create our Magazine Street Beat newsletter, are always tracking the newest menus and neighborhood favorites. Kirsten calls La Petite Grocery’s apps and fish the best in town, while Rebecca is finally heading to Baru Bistro & Tapas, a spot that has been on her list for ages. She says the churrasco on their COOLinary menu looks incredible and this feels like the perfect excuse to go.
Stephanie Boyd is also sticking to Magazine Street, excited for Osteria Lupo and La Petite Grocery. Marianna Pergola has her sights on Avo for its ambience and tiramisu.
Outside of Magazine Street, Shannon Corrigan is starting at Manolito, calling their Arroz con Pollo a must and naming the cocktails as the best in New Orleans. Kirsten is also stopping by Café Degas for brunch, Costera for the tuna appetizer, and GW Fins, where she says she loves everything on the menu. Sandra Corrigan’s perfect summer evening is three apps and a glass of wine at Ralph’s on the Park.
From Uptown classics to French Quarter hideaways, COOLinary makes it easy to revisit favorites or try something new without the splurge.
Explore the full list of participating restaurants and subscribe to Magazine Street Beat for monthly updates on restaurants, retail, and more.
