Why DEVENEY Loves New Orleans: The Food
New Orleans is dominated by the restaurant and hospitality industries. We have some world-class chefs and plenty of traditional Cajun food to go around. Here is a short budget friendly list created by one of our very own DEVENEY associates.
Arabella Casa Di Pasta
It can be tough to find good food after an evening client event. Most options are some form of greasy diner food. Not Arabella! This small pasta restaurant manages to be both Star Wars themed and incredibly cozy. The dimly lit interior is lined with pieces from local artists -- a great conversation starter while you wait for your (generously portioned) dinner. Plus, the menu includes a build-your-own option; so, you won’t have to worry about not liking anything on the menu.
1000 Figs + Swirl Wine Bar & Market
Wow. 1000 Figs. Amazing. Hands down the best falafel in town (including the stuff you can get at some world-renowned restaurants Uptown). I’d recommend the falafel sandwich (only $6.50!) with some shareable sides like Brussel sprouts and fries. The restaurant itself is tiny, which adds to its ethereal Instagram-friendly air, but doesn’t make it the best place to linger and chat. Instead, after your meal, head next door to Swirl for a glass (or three) of wine.
Dat Dog + Piccola Gelateria
Dat Dog is easily a DEVENEY favorite. It’s cheap; it’s fun; it’s delicious. The hot dog chain is famous for its brightly colored buildings and outdoor seating. It’s very Instagrammable and makes a great place to watch a sports game or stop for a quick meal during a night out. The best part? The outdoor seating all but guarantees you’ll get to pet some dogs. The Freret location is my favorite because it’s far from the downtown crowds and close to Piccola Gelateria. Always, always take the stroll down Freret to Piccola. This ‘little gelateria’ serves the best gelato on this side of the Atlantic, and the proprietors treat everyone who walks through the door like family. I’m a super fan.
Saba
Ok, this one is somewhat touristy and not as budget-friendly as the other places on the list, but bear with me. Saba opened in May 2018 under the direction of five-time James Beard Award-winning executive chef Alon Shaya. While this restaurant can be full of tourists during big events like Mardi Gras, graduation week, and parent’s weekends at local universities, it’s always casual and intimate and doesn’t feel like a cookie-cutter tourist trap. The menu is made up of shareable plates of varying sizes that can cater to any and all dietary restrictions. You can’t go wrong with any of them -- trust me, I’ve actually had them all.
This list is just the tip of the iceberg. There are so many great restaurants to try in the city!
If, like me, you’re interested in the restaurant’s brand just as much as the food, check out DEVENEY’s work with restaurants like Meril.
Want to take it a step further and be a part of the ins-and-outs of marketing, advertising, and public relations in the restaurant industry? Contact us for information about any of our open positions for the opportunity of a lifetime working with some of the most well-known restaurants in New Orleans.
Arabella Casa Di Pasta
It can be tough to find good food after an evening client event. Most options are some form of greasy diner food. Not Arabella! This small pasta restaurant manages to be both Star Wars themed and incredibly cozy. The dimly lit interior is lined with pieces from local artists -- a great conversation starter while you wait for your (generously portioned) dinner. Plus, the menu includes a build-your-own option; so, you won’t have to worry about not liking anything on the menu.
1000 Figs + Swirl Wine Bar & Market
Wow. 1000 Figs. Amazing. Hands down the best falafel in town (including the stuff you can get at some world-renowned restaurants Uptown). I’d recommend the falafel sandwich (only $6.50!) with some shareable sides like Brussel sprouts and fries. The restaurant itself is tiny, which adds to its ethereal Instagram-friendly air, but doesn’t make it the best place to linger and chat. Instead, after your meal, head next door to Swirl for a glass (or three) of wine.
Dat Dog + Piccola Gelateria
Dat Dog is easily a DEVENEY favorite. It’s cheap; it’s fun; it’s delicious. The hot dog chain is famous for its brightly colored buildings and outdoor seating. It’s very Instagrammable and makes a great place to watch a sports game or stop for a quick meal during a night out. The best part? The outdoor seating all but guarantees you’ll get to pet some dogs. The Freret location is my favorite because it’s far from the downtown crowds and close to Piccola Gelateria. Always, always take the stroll down Freret to Piccola. This ‘little gelateria’ serves the best gelato on this side of the Atlantic, and the proprietors treat everyone who walks through the door like family. I’m a super fan.
Saba
Ok, this one is somewhat touristy and not as budget-friendly as the other places on the list, but bear with me. Saba opened in May 2018 under the direction of five-time James Beard Award-winning executive chef Alon Shaya. While this restaurant can be full of tourists during big events like Mardi Gras, graduation week, and parent’s weekends at local universities, it’s always casual and intimate and doesn’t feel like a cookie-cutter tourist trap. The menu is made up of shareable plates of varying sizes that can cater to any and all dietary restrictions. You can’t go wrong with any of them -- trust me, I’ve actually had them all.
This list is just the tip of the iceberg. There are so many great restaurants to try in the city!
If, like me, you’re interested in the restaurant’s brand just as much as the food, check out DEVENEY’s work with restaurants like Meril.
Want to take it a step further and be a part of the ins-and-outs of marketing, advertising, and public relations in the restaurant industry? Contact us for information about any of our open positions for the opportunity of a lifetime working with some of the most well-known restaurants in New Orleans.