The tradition of the Reveillon dinner (pronounced REH-vēe-ŏn) began with French colonists during the mid 1800's. In French, the word “reveillon” means “awakening.” In preparation for Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, the Creoles would fast all day and then would return home and feast on big, family meals. Still celebrated today, the Reveillon tradition is most commonly celebrated by local families and/or friends in the French Quarter's old and storied restaurants. However, visitors to New Orleans can also savor the same memorable Reveillon dinner experiences at restaurants all over town. During the entire month of December, celebrate Reveillon with prix-fixe menus at New Orleans restaurants that consist of seasonal flavors and holiday dishes. Check out our top spots for Reveillon dinners.
Commander’s Palace
The iconic Uptown restaurant is a favorite among holiday diners with its whopping eight course Reveillon dinner. The menu includes Gulf flounder with spicy caviar, shrimp, crab and oysters with French-pressed shellfish broth, a small cocktail, croque madame with egg and escargot, rabbit confit, wild boar cochon de lait with liquefied hog’s head cheese, and a house-made chocolate “Hubig’s” pie. Optional wine pairing per person is available for an additional cost. $110
Arnaud's (photo via Facebook)
Arnaud’s
This French Quarter restaurant has defined New Orleans fine dining for the past 100 years and counting. Staying true to its Creole roots, the fourth-generation owners continue to carry on the traditions we have all come to know and love. Meal includes Arnaud’s award-winning shrimp remoulade, choice of entrees like flank steak with whipped goat cheese and pimento grits, and chocolate absinthe trifle to bring the meal to sweet end. $49
Galatoire's
Another iconic French Quarter Creole restaurant, Galatoire's Reveillon menu is decidedly classic French Creole. For example, this year's four-course menu includes a sauteéd drum with saffron sauce and a rouille, along with prime examples of classic French-inspired dishes, such as the lobster bisque, made in a traditional French style; a grilled petite filet with Marchand de Vin, creamed spinach and crispy bacon; and fried fish cakes with a spicy bechamel sauce. $49
Restaurant August
Chef John Besh's CBD restaurant is a popular and unique spot offering a contemporary Reveillon dinner. The menu begins with the restaurant's popular Foie Gras appetizer and includes turtle soup, Good Egg-farmed Brouillé au Truffle, petite filet of beef and chocolate ganache with brown sugar, peppermint, and milk. The wine list includes an impressive 250 bottles. $97
Tableau
Located on picturesque Jackson Square at Le Petit Theatre, Tableau is Dickie Brennan’s newest restaurant. The culinary team led by Chef John Martin, showcases regional ingredients and classic French Creole dishes with a modern approach. Menu starts with choice of gulf oyster stew or turtle soup, bleu cheese salad or Tableau salad, choice of Turkey Trio with smoked turkey neck rillettes, pan sautéed turkey breast, herb rubbed turkey thigh or grilled gulf Pompano with Gulf Shrimp. $48
If you will be in New Orleans this holiday season, click below to discover more New Orleans Christmas traditions!
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