17 Best Places for a Birthday in New Orleans Dinner in 2024
Are you searching for ideas for the best restaurants for a birthday in New Orleans? Don’t stress yourself out by trying to put together a birthday party celebration at home on your own. The best restaurants in New Orleans offer ambiance, banquet rooms, intimate settings and incredible cuisine. You don’t even have to decorate, clean up afterwards or worry about where everyone is going to park.
Meet up with a small group or make it an extravagant celebration with culinary selections like oysters Rockefeller, jambalaya, gumbo and other Cajun and Creole cuisine. You can even switch up the traditional birthday cake for Crescent City sweets like beignets, pralines and bananas Foster. To help with planning, we’ve collected some ideas for the perfect dinner for a birthday in New Orleans, whether it’s for a friend, a family member or yourself.
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17 Best Places for a Birthday Dinner in New Orleans
1. Felix’s Restaurant & Oyster Bar
Felix’s Restaurant & Oyster Bar drew fame in the 1940s as one of the first places to serve fresh-shucked oysters at the bar.
The Vibe
With a long bar top, cozy table seating and a casual atmosphere, dining at this French Quarter restaurant is one of our favorite New Orleans birthday ideas.
What to Order
From Rockefeller to half-shell or char-grilled Gulf Coast, oysters are the way to go at Felix’s. The menu also features Dungeness crab, shrimp scampi and New Orleans shrimp and grits. You can even get a NOLA-favorite po’ boy with oysters.
Felix’s Restaurant & Oyster Bar | 739 Iberville St., New Orleans, LA 70130 | $$
2. New Orleans Creole Cookery
The New Orleans Creole Cookery merges traditional New Orleans cuisine with a fresh and modern aesthetic for a unique birthday dinner in New Orleans.
The Vibe
Upscale dining, a courtyard patio, wrought-iron accents and live jazz music make this a fun spot for a birthday in New Orleans. Best of all, there’s space for up to, and possibly over, 20 guests.
What to Order
Get ready to enjoy traditional Creole cuisine such as pecan-crusted redfish, vegetarian jambalaya, crawfish étouffée and gumbo prepared three different ways.
New Orleans Creole Cookery | 510 Toulouse St., New Orleans, LA 70130 | $$
3. Commander’s Palace
Commander’s Palace, the famous blue building on Washington Avenue, has been serving the best food in New Orleans since 1880. It’s open for lunch, dinner and jazz brunch.
The Vibe
Chandeliers and linen tablecloths decorate the elegant space, which includes private dining areas, making it perfect for a sophisticated birthday in New Orleans.
What to Order
Commander’s features classic Creole recipes like gumbo, redfish “haute Creole,” Louisianna wild white shrimp, chargrilled tasso and cast-ironed seared Gulf fish. Don’t forget a Creole bread pudding soufflé or a Southern-style pecan pie for a delicious birthday in New Orleans dessert.
Commander’s Palace | 1403 Washington Ave., New Orleans, LA 70130 | $$$
4. Central City BBQ
While still somewhat considered one of the new restaurants in New Orleans, this spot is now a local favorite. Notably, Central City BBQ features several areas for private groups celebrating a birthday in New Orleans.
The Vibe
The cool and casual ambiance at Central City is the perfect place for a relaxed birthday in New Orleans.
What to Order
Award-winning wood-smoked barbecue is available in a wide array of selections, including pulled pork, USDA prime brisket, rib tips and full racks.
Central City BBQ | 1201 S. Rampart St., New Orleans, LA 70113 | $
5. Arnaud’s
Meet at the upscale Arnaud’s, serving the Big Easy since 1918, for a birthday jazz brunch or glamorous dinner celebration.
The Vibe
Elegant indoor private dining rooms, complete with crystal chandeliers and luxurious wallpaper, and outdoor balcony space are available for a birthday in New Orleans at Arnaud’s.
What to Order
The menu features shellfish selections such as shrimp Creole, crawfish in a brandy sauce and crab cakes with a white remoulade sauce as well as several fish dishes prepared with Louisianna crabmeat, almonds and butter sauce or the famous Creole meunière sauce.
Arnaud’s | 813 Bienville St., New Orleans, LA 70112 | $$$
6. Antoine’s Restaurant
Dating to 1840, Antoine’s Restaurant holds honors as the oldest family-operated restaurant in the U.S. It’s still operated by a fifth-generation family member of the original owner, Antoine Alciatore.
The Vibe
Business casual attire works well in this elegant eatery. Private dining areas are available for large groups celebrating a birthday in New Orleans.
What to Order
Antoine’s is the birthplace of the classic oysters Rockefeller menu item. If oysters aren’t your thing, try the chicken Rochambeau with béarnaise, shrimp Creole or grilled lamb chops with mint jus and asparagus.
Antoine’s Restaurant | 713 St Louie St., New Orleans, LA 70130 | $$$
7. Muriel’s Jackson Square
Overlooking the iconic Jackson Square, Muriel’s Jackson Square offers a taste of history. The 18th-century structure was once home to Jean Baptiste Destrehan, a high-ranking French official.
The Vibe
Muriel’s features candlelight and several bars and dining areas throughout the Victorian setting. Choose the Séance Lounge for a fun and possibly haunted birthday in New Orleans.
What to Order
Order specialties like shrimp étouffée, wood-grilled barbecue shrimp or the filet mignon.
Muriel’s Jackson Square | 801 Chartres St., New Orleans, LA 70116 | $$
8. Brennan’s Restaurant
Open since 1946, Brennan’s Restaurant mixes Spanish and French influences into its innovative menu. There are several private dining areas, including a courtyard, a wine room and a bar area. The restaurant has room for 12 to 160 guests for a low-key or more festive birthday in New Orleans.
The Vibe
Decked out in pink and green, with pastels and antiques throughout, Brennan’s features cozy booths and table seating.
What to Order
Order Gulf fish amandine, poached lobster or roasted scallops with andouille vinaigrette for a special birthday dish. End your meal with the fiery finish of Brennan’s famous flambéed bananas Foster.
Brennan’s Restaurant | 417 Royal St., New Orleans, LA 70130 | $$$
9. Emeril’s Brasserie
Located at Harrah’s, Emeril’s Brasserie features the French and Creole flavors of esteemed chef Emeril Lagasse. There’s a brasserie-inspired dining area, bar seating and an outdoor terrace.
The Vibe
Open and inviting, Emeril’s offers a warm and cozy vibe for a birthday in New Orleans with your partner or a close group of friends.
What to Order
Choose from decadent favorites like herb-roasted king salmon, lobster pot pie, pan-fried trout meunière with fondant potatoes or spaghetti bordelaise with Gulf shrimp.
Emeril’s Brasserie | 228 Poydras St., New Orleans, LA 70130 | $$$
10. Carousel Bar & Lounge
Located at the Hotel Monteleone, the Carousel Bar & Lounge has been open and rotating since 1949. It’s a lovely spot for a small group to enjoy live music, bar bites and New Orleans drinks.
The Vibe
This elegant venue features a carousel-style bar with 25 seats that actually rotates (every 15 minutes or so) for a fun and unique birthday in New Orleans.
What to Order
Order a round of fried cheese ravioli with pomodoro sauce, blue crab and corn beignets or an artisan charcuterie tray to enjoy with one of many unique cocktails.
Carousel Bar & Lounge | 214 Royal St., New Orleans, LA 70130 | $$
11. Bywater American Bistro
The Bywater American Bistro is a neighborhood favorite, offering a Caribbean influence for your birthday in New Orleans.
The Vibe
Bywater features a cozy neighborhood bistro vibe with a large bar, brick walls and comfort food-style dishes.
What to Order
The menu offers selections like wagyu beef lasagna, eggplant Parmesan and roasted chicken with andouille sausage. For a delicious birthday in New Orleans treat, don’t miss the chocolate ganache or grilled pound cake with Champagne crème anglaise.
Bywater American Bistro | 2900 Chartres St., New Orleans, LA 70117 | $$$
12. Sofia
For an Italian birthday in New Orleans, look no further than Sofia and its homemade pasta, Italian wines and wood-fired pizza. This romantic yet laid-back spot is also ideal if you’re looking for date ideas in New Orleans around your partner’s birthday.
The Vibe
Enjoy a cozy neighborhood interior with intimate seating, wrought iron trim and pop culture portraits and posters of Sophia Loren.
What to Order
Choose pizza with toppings like smoked Gouda, pecorino, San Marzano tomatoes, Italian sausage and garlic confit. The dessert menu offers zeppole, panna cotta, gelato, tiramisu and pistachio cake, making this a top birthday in New Orleans pick for those with a sweet tooth.
Sofia | 516 Julia St., New Orleans, LA 70130 | $$
13. Lola’s
Spanish and Creole cuisine come together at Lola’s for a terrific birthday in New Orleans. Inside and outside dining areas are available for birthdays in New Orleans with a good number of guests.
The Vibe
Lola’s features a fun and colorful vibe with bright artwork and table seating in an intimate setting.
What to Order
From tapas and paella to yellowfin tuna or roasted duck breast, it may be tough deciding what to order from this popular birthday in New Orleans eatery.
Lola’s | 3312 Esplanade Ave., New Orleans, LA 70119 | $$
14. Acme Oyster House
Go to Acme Oyster House for a fun French Quarter dining experience. There are private dining rooms for birthdays in New Orleans or dine in the bustle of the main restaurant.
The Vibe
The lively ambiance of Acme Oyster House makes it a terrific place for a celebratory birthday dinner in New Orleans, whether you have lots of guests or just a few close friends.
What to Order
With oysters in the name, you know there’s going to be a full selection of mollusks on the menu. You’ll also find traditional New Orleans cuisine like seafood gumbo, jambalaya and fried fish platters.
Acme Oyster House | 724 Iberville St., New Orleans, LA 70130 | $
15. La Boca Steakhouse
Argentinian La Boca Steakhouse makes a wonderful choice for a birthday in New Orleans if you’re more in the mood for steak than seafood and gumbo.
The Vibe
The low light, rustic exposed brick and dark wood create an intimate setting for an elegant birthday in New Orleans.
What to Order
Top menu choices include a 12-ounce American Kobe flank steak, a 10-ounce center cut filet mignon and a 12-ounce organic hanger steak.
La Boca Steakhouse | 870 Tchoupitoulas St., New Orleans, LA 70130 | $$$
16. Domenica
For homemade pasta, pizza and other Italian specialties, Domenica is the answer to where to eat for a birthday in New Orleans.
The Vibe
Domenica is open and airy with a modern vibe. It’s a terrific spot to gather for a birthday in New Orleans with family, friends or even colleagues.
What to Order
The eatery is famous for its thin-crust Neapolitan pizza, which features a wide array of toppings. You could also order traditional lasagna, spaghetti carbonara or rigatoni.
Domenica | 123 Baronne St., New Orleans, LA 70112 | $$
17. Palm and Pine
Palm and Pine features a menu that changes with the seasons. Private dining rooms can accommodate up to 21 guests for a festive birthday in New Orleans.
The Vibe
The eatery features an elegantly casual ambiance combined with tropical accents of light wood, bamboo and palm frond décor.
What to Order
Order savory items such as chicken-fried Texas quail, Texas barbecue shrimp or curry crab beignets to enjoy something a bit different. Since this is a birthday in New Orleans, don’t forget to save room for guava chocolate chess pie, caramel flan or a slice of cameo apple pecan cake.
Palm and Pine | 308 N. Rampart St., New Orleans, LA 70112 | $$$
How to Find the Best Restaurants in New Orleans
Another great way to discover the best restaurants in Crescent City is by booking food tours in New Orleans. You and your group will join an experienced local guide for fun and interactive sipping and sampling sessions.
Walk around iconic areas such as the French Quarter, the Garden District, Marigny and Uptown while checking out historic landmarks and world-famous bars, cafés and restaurants. Tours are a great way to celebrate birthdays in New Orleans and to find new restaurants to dine at and even other things to do in New Orleans.
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Whether you’re celebrating a birthday in New Orleans with a big bash, planning a small family get-together or seeking a casual soirée with a close group of friends, New Orleans takes the tradition of birthday dinners and parties up a whole other level. Consider some of these restaurants the next time you’re looking for New Orleans birthday ideas.
For even more ways to explore New Orleans and beyond, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
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