Réveillon Dinner in New Orleans

Royal Tours New Orleans • December 11, 2019

Réveillon Dinner in New Orleans

Over the past 30 years, the Réveillon dinner (pronounced ‘rĕ -vē -ŏn) has returned in popularity in New Orleans, reincarnating a centuries old tradition among the city’s French founders. What began as a family tradition enjoyed in the home following Christmas Eve Mass is now an extravaganza of excellent food and spirits offered by restaurants throughout New Orleans and available to anyone.

Derived from the French word for “awakening,” Reveillon originally was a meal served after midnight Mass on Christmas Eve. In preparation for Catholic service on Christmas Eve, many would fast all day and then feast on big, hearty meals following service.

With early New Orleans being predominately Catholic, nearly the entire community would participate in these ceremonies. Families would return from the late night service famished and set upon a feast prepared in advance and laid out on the table or sideboard at home.

A typical early Réveillon feast might look like a typical breakfast with egg dishes, breads and puddings, but could also include chicken and oyster gumbo, game pies, soups, souffles, turtle soup, and grillades of veal. Naturally, families would frequently follow these rich dishes with wines, brandy, lavish desserts, and coffee. It was not uncommon for the dinners to last to sunrise.

Over time, the Réveillon tradition began to fade. But, the 1990s saw the re-awakening of the “awakening” dinner. Now, the Réveillon dinner is usually a prix-fixe menu offered by numerous restaurants throughout New Orleans. And, the event takes place not just on Christmas Eve, but through most of December. The best part is, you don’t have to wait for the late night Mass to end to enjoy it.

Here is a list of some of our favorite Réveillon dinners being offered in the French Quarter and New Orleans.

Antoine’s – 713 St Louis St

Réveillon dinner wouldn’t be complete without an offering from the original French Creole restaurant in the French Quarter. This year, Antoine’s is offering several dishes including Escargot en Croute, Alligator Bisque, Glazed Duck, and Holiday Meringue Glacée au Chocolat. $49

Arnaud’s – 813 Bienville

The Réveillon dinner at Arnaud’s is something to experience. The three-course meal features Coquille St Jacques, Herb Crusted Black Drum, Duck Confit, and Chocolate Grand Marnier Crème Brûlée for $50.

Bistreaux at the Maison Dupuy – 1001 Toulouse St

We’ve always been a little partial to the Maison Dupuy Hotel, and their Bistreaux restaurant offers an enticing Réveillon menu featuring Crab Ravigote, Turtle Soup, Bronzed Lemonfish, and Tres Leches Cake for $54 or $80 with wine parings.

Broussard’s – 819 Conti

Broussard’s is nearing 100 years in operation which makes it one of the youngest of the classic French Quarter Creole restaurants. Enjoy a four-course meal featuring Port Poached Pear, Pork Rillette, Stuffed Duck Leg, Louisiana Oyster Fricassee, and Spiked Coffee Cake, among other tasty offerings for a generously priced $48.

Crescent City Brewhouse – 527 Decatur

Crescent City Brewhouse is most known for their crafted local brews, but they have a delicious Réveillon menu this year featuring Seafood and Andouille Gumbo, Baked Oysters, Redfish Noël, Christmas Duck, Creole Cream Cheesecake, and Bûche de Noël. Add their 4 beer sampler for a little lagniappe. $51

Galatoire’s – 209 Bourbon St

Would it be possible to get through Réveillon without at least one meal at Galatoire’s? This year’s offerings include Shrimp Remoulade, Turtle Soup, Fried Trout, Confit Duck Leg, Muscadine Sorbet, and Caramelized White Chocolate Pot de Crème. $45 - $60.

Muriel’s – 801 Chartres

One of our French Quarter favorites offers a mouthwatering “awakening” menu including Fried Oyster Chowder, Duck & Andouille Gumbo, Sweet Potato Gnocchi, Wood Grilled Venison, and Salted Caramel & Peanut Butter Torte. $55

NOLA Restaurant – 534 St Louis

Emeril’s NOLA Restaurant has a varied Réveillon menu with offerings including Citrus Poached Gulf Shrimp, Smoked Duck and Exotic Mushroom Gumbo, Andouille and Cornbread Stuffed Quail, Gulf Fish Court Bouillon, and Louisiana Satsuma Tart.

Restaurant R’Evolution - 777 Bienville

Restaurant R’Evolution is offering a small but well-selected Réveillon menu of Country Fried Veal Sweetbreads, Creole Bouillabaisse with andouille and Gulf seafood, Rabbit and Dumplings with Calabrian honey butter, and Café Brulot Crème Caramel for $85.

Tujague’s – 823 Decatur

As one of the oldest restaurants in New Orleans, Tujague’s brings its sense of history and tradition to a modern Réveillon dinner. Enjoy Shrimp & Tasso Vol-au-Vent, Lobster and Corn Bisque, Abita Amber BBQ Shrimp & Grits, Tournedos of Beef, Braised Colorado Lamb Shank, and Bananas Foster Bread Pudding. $54.

If you don’t mind a short walk out of the French Quarter, you can enjoy some of our other local favorites.

Domenica at The Roosevelt Hotel – 123 Baronne

The walk out of the French Quarter is worth it just for a view of the beautiful Roosevelt Hotel lobby. The Réveillon menu at Domenica will give you cause to stay for dinner. Treats include Louisiana Blue Crab, Truffle Gnocchi, Veal Ossobuco, and White Chocolate Tartufo. $60

Couvant at the Eliza Jane Hotel – 315 Magazine

Couvant always has a unique take on culinary matters, and their Réveillon menu is no different. Steak Tartare, Duck a l’Orange, and Bûche de Noël are among their tasty offerings. $69

If you are in New Orleans on vacation or visiting family for the holidays, a great way enjoy time with both friends and family is to join Royal Tours New Orleans for a private and personalized tour of the French Quarter. Our popular French Quarter History Tour is always a hit as is the French Quarter Haunted Ghost Tour. And, don't forget our kid friendly Family Fun French Quarter Experience.

You will have exclusive use of our resident tour guide for the duration of your tour. There is no better way to walk off a delicious Réveillon meal and gain insider secrets of the French Quarter and New Orleans than by joining Royal Tours for a private walking tour. Call us at 504-507-8333 or email us to book, and you'll see why people say being on tour with Royal Tours is like having a new best friend in the French Quarter.

Header image courtesy of Tujague's.

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