Live Your Best Lives
  1. Travel FAQs
  2. United States
  3. Louisiana (LA)
  4. New Orleans

First Night Dinner Options

We land at 5.50pm and need to get from the airport and check in to Sonder at the Vitascope…. I wouldn’t mind trying to have a dinner booked that’s really close to where we are staying as we won’t know our way around and might be like an 8pm dinner. Family of 5… any suggestions?

Sonder at the Vitascope is located in the Lower Garden District, a neighborhood with several excellent dinner options within a short walk or quick drive. Since you’ll be arriving around 5:50pm and checking in, an 8pm reservation is realistic. Here are some family-friendly and convenient options for dinner nearby:

  • Compère Lapin: Located in the Warehouse District, about a 5–10 minute drive. Known for Caribbean-influenced New Orleans cuisine. Reservations are recommended.
  • La Boulangerie: Casual spot with French bakery items, sandwiches, and small plates. Great for a lighter dinner or if kids prefer simpler options. Very close to the Lower Garden District.
  • District Donuts Sliders Brew: Fun casual spot with creative sliders, sandwiches, and donuts. Family-friendly and laid-back, located near the CBD/Lafayette area.
  • Cochon: Cajun Southern food, hearty and flavorful, located about 5 minutes by car. Great if the family wants authentic New Orleans cuisine without venturing too far.
  • Commander's Palace: Iconic New Orleans restaurant located in the Garden District itself. Reservations are essential, but it’s a great option for a memorable first night with family-friendly menu choices.

Tips for your first night:

  • Book reservations ahead for 8pm, especially for larger families.
  • Uber or Lyft is recommended if you don’t want to walk; most of these restaurants are within a 5–10 minute drive.
  • If you want a casual introduction to NOLA flavors, Cochon or Compère Lapin are excellent choices. For a lighter or quicker dinner, La Boulangerie or District Donuts work well.
  • Check each restaurant’s seating and parking policies, as availability can be limited on weekends or holidays.

In summary, for convenience, flavor, and family-friendly atmosphere, Cochon or Commander's Palace are top picks if you want a full New Orleans dining experience, while La Boulangerie and District Donuts offer casual, quick options close to your stay.

More New Orleans Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Garden
New
Lower Garden

Popular Destinations

Fengjian Water Village
Wenzhou Jingshan Park
Black Swan Resort
Kongtong Mountain National Geopark

Popular Travel Questions