Dining in New Orleans During COVID-19

Oysters served at St. James Hotel

There is no doubt that life in New Orleans looks a bit different these days thanks to COVID-19, but the city's love affair with incredible food has endured. While some local restaurant icons, like K-Paul's, have decided to close their doors, other famous eateries are still cooking up irresistible cuisine so you can celebrate special moments or just enjoy a fantastic meal.

The annual food extravaganza known as COOLinary is kicking off again, with roughly 50popular local restaurants participating in the event from August 1 to September 13. Among the establishments offering special menus and prices in honor of the annual summer food spectacular, there are quite a few that feature fabulous experiences ranging from low-key bites to fine-dining at its grandest.

Although eating out isn't quite the same as it was just a few months ago, these restaurants make it possible to still enjoy a delightful meal. Many of them offer options for dine-in, take-out, or delivery, so you can choose the dining experience that is the most comfortable for you. All of the restaurants are implementing special protocols to ensure the utmost safety and well-being of all of their employees and guests. Plus, all businesses ask their patrons to please mask up, NOLA.

Get ready to take advantage of some unbeatable prices and mouth-watering dishes during the New Orleans COOLinary 2020 event at these top-notch restaurants:

GW Fins -- This French Quarter seafood icon sources fresh coastal produce from around the world, creating an ever-changing menu filled with delectable dishes. The establishment has been serving patrons for almost 20 years, and Chef Tenney-Flynn has been nationally-recognized as an expert on Gulf seafood. Gw Fins is currently open for dine-in, take-out, and delivery and is committed to creating a safe dining experience for its guests. You can find more details about the special menus and prices this restaurant is offering for COOLinary here. (Note: The menu changes daily depending on the freshest available fish of the day).

Tommy’s Cuisine -- Classic and romantic are two words that best describe the ambiance of Tommy’s Cuisine, located in the Arts and Warehouse District of New Orleans. Treat your taste buds to incredible authentic Italian dishes and French Creole fare as you sip on wine from the newly extended wine list. Currently, you can purchase bottles of wine for 50% off to enjoy with your meal. 

Tommy’s offers dine-in (at limited capacity and no more than 10 people at a table) and to-go options and delivery through Door Dash. You can learn more about how the establishment is looking out for the well-being of its guests and employees here. You can find more details about the special menus and prices this restaurant is offering for COOLinary here

Haiku Sushi and Bar -- Down Magazine Street, in the heart of the lovely Garden District, treat yourself to authentic and incredible Japanese cuisine at Haiku Sushi. You can enjoy dishes made from the freshest ingredients as you relax in a laid-back, casual atmosphere. Choose from a wide selection of popular sushi rolls, or try some unique rolls created by former guests! The restaurant is open for dine-in and has extended their hours during COVID, but it is advisable to call before you go to verify current hours. Haiku also offers online ordering for easy pick-up if you would prefer to enjoy your meal to-go. You can find more details
about the special menus and prices, this restaurant is offering for COOLinary here.

Atchafalaya Restaurant -- Nestled in uptown NOLA in the Garden District, you’ll find the award-winning Atchafalaya restaurant, showcasing irresistible Cajun cuisine that serves up a true taste of the Big Easy. The restaurant is open for dine-in and take-out, but it is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. You can find more details about the special menus and prices this restaurant is offering for COOLinary here.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion like an anniversary or birthday, want to have a romantic dinner for two, or just have a casual meal with friends, each of these restaurants provides a perfect backdrop for an unforgettable experience. Make your meal even more memorable by staying with us in the elegant St. James Hotel, located in the heart of New Orleans. We can’t wait to see you!