Dining in New Orleans During COVID-19

Close-up of Char grilled oysters served near La Galerie 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 50 popular 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:

The Bower -- This swank full-service restaurant in NOLA’s Garden District is proud to offer locally-sourced, fresh ingredients straight from Louisiana farms. Since the eatery strives to deliver only the freshest and healthiest options, the menu is ever-changing to accommodate what is in season. The inspiration for the menu springs from when New Orleans was founded and the Lower Garden District was an area reserved for vegetable gardens. 

The Bower is open for dine-in Tuesdays - Saturdays, and Happy Hour is from 4 to 6 pm. For take-out information, contact the restaurant directly at 504-582-9738. Note: The restaurant is closed on Sundays and Mondays and not offering COOLinary deals these days. A special COOLinary menu will be available beginning August 13th. You can find more details about the special menus and prices this restaurant is offering for COOLinary here.

The Commissary -- Located in the Garden District, this hip and fun market-eatery-combo serves up an eclectic mix of to-go specialty sandwiches, salads, and unique bites like Gator on a Stick. The Commissary is the latest addition to the Dickie Brennan & Co. family of restaurants, originally intended as a central place to create a wide array of desserts, soups, and other products for the company’s many establishments. After the start of the pandemic, the company decided to offer its amazing meals directly to the public. You can see more about how the Dickie Brennan Company is looking out for its staff and guests here. Choose to dine-in, simply order your meals online, or grab something to satisfy your cravings in the market. You can even pick up DIY meal kits to have everything you need at your fingertips to create your own tantalizing dishes at home!  There are some fantastic specials available for COOLinary; just make sure when you order your dinner, to pick it up by 3:30 pm! Note: The restaurant is closed on Sundays and Mondays and not offering COOLinary deals these days. You can find more details about the special menus and prices this restaurant is offering for COOLinary here.

Annunciation Restaurant -- Treat yourself and someone special to a fine-dining experience that delivers irresistible Creole cuisine in a beautifully restored turn-of-the-century brick warehouse. Located in the Warehouse District, the elegant, yet relaxed ambiance of the restaurant, complete with glowing candlelight, offers a welcome respite after a busy day. You can indulge in one-of-a-kind craft cocktails and fine wines as you explore an array of fresh seafood and contemporary Cajun and Creole fare.  Annunciation is open for dinner on select nights for dine-in or take-out. Note: The restaurant is closed on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays and not offering COOLinary deals these days. You can find more details about the special menus and prices this restaurant is offering for COOLinary here.

Coterie Restaurant and Oyster Bar -- There’s nothing that says New Orleans cuisine more than authentic Cajun and Creole fare, complete with an array of chargrilled, raw, and baked oysters! Located in the historic French Quarter, Coterie NOLA is La Galerie’s in-lobby restaurant and offers guests a classic New Orleans dining experience that includes popular dishes like Jambalaya, Crawfish Etoufee, and delicious Po-Boys.Coterie is currently open for dine-in with reduced hours that are subject to change, so you should call ahead to verify their hours. The restaurant is also offering take-out options. Note: The restaurant is open Monday through Sunday. 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 posh La Galerie Hotel. We can't wait to see you!