Best of Guide: New Orleans Appetizers
Crab? Shrimp? Oyster? New Orleans has an app for that. While the French name for appetizers–hors d’oeuvres–literally means, “outside of the masterpiece,” here in New Orleans every course is a masterpiece. if you can pass up an appetizer from our world-famous chefs, than you’re better than we are. Here are some not to be missed.
Tiradito Nikkei Ceviche from Tito’s Ceviche & Pisco Peruvian Cuisine
There are dozens of great ways to start your meal at Tito’s but the Tiradito Nikkei is at the top of our list. Made with sashimi grade tuna, lime, avocado, soy and sesame, it’s only the best ceviche we’ve ever had. Pair it with a Pisco Sour and you’ll be in heaven.
Drunken Halloumi from Byblos
We’ve tried to order another app at Byblos, but once you’ve had the Drunken Halloumi you can’t go back. How can something as simple as tomatoes, cheese, extra virgin olive oil, and garlic be so good? You’re just going to have to take our word for it: it is! Photo credit: Bybos Instagram
Gator Tail Bites from Mambo's
Don’t let anyone tell you gator tastes like chicken because it’s way better. This app from Mambo’s is marinated white meat gator tail served fried or blackened with delicious remoulade sauce. It’s best enjoyed on the rooftop.
Crawfish Bread from Landry's
You don’t have to wait for Jazz Fest to feast on Crawfish Bread. As apps go, the Crawfish Bread at Landry’s overlooking the Mississippi River is just the best one on the planet, as far as we’re concerned. Make your carbs count!
Tuna Poke at Pelican Club
Everything at the Pelican Club looks as good as it tastes and their Tuna Poke made with onions, avocado crema and mango and served with tortilla chips is no exception. Exchange Alley is one of the most picturesque spots in the French Quarter. Take a seat outside and enjoy a memorable evening.
Hot Blue Crab Dip from Porter & Luke’s
We’ve never met a crab dip we didn’t like but this one we love! This Old Metairie restaurant is known for this app, featuring fresh Louisiana crabmeat baked in a decadent parmesan cream served with warm crostinis. Tell ‘em you heard about it on NewOrleansRestaurants.com.
Fried Crawfish Pies from Felix’s
Me, oh, my, we love our crawfish hand pies in New Orleans and the ones on the menu at Felix’s are good inside and out. They’re perfectly seasoned and the crust is just right. You can enjoy them at both the French Quarter and Lakefront restaurants.
Oysters Rizzuto
The lovely Lakeview neighborhood of New Orleans is home to Rizzuto’s Ristorante & Chop House. Our favorite app there is Oysters Rizzuto–and inspired combination of freshly shucked oysters, lemon, breadcrumbs, pecorino Romano and oregano. If you’re not from here, this is something to write home about.
Shrimp and Tasso Corndogs from 3rd Block Depot Restaurant + Bar
This isn’t like any corndog you had at the parish fair, dawlin’! Made with a crispy cornmeal crust, hot sauce aioli, and sticky pepper jelly, the Shrimp and Tasso Corndogs at 3rd Block Depot Restaurant + Bar definitely belong in our Best of Guide: Appetizers.