While there are so many things that New Orleans is known for — including a particularly vibrant jazz music scene, the best beignets this side of the Atlantic, and for celebrating Tuesday in a truly fabulous fashion once a year — the city also boasts a brunch scene like no other.
Welcome to brunch in New Orleans.
We promise you — brunch will never be the same after a visit to NOLA.
Peacock Room at Kimpton Hotel Fontenot has a particularly stellar brunch scene. (Photo Credit: @hotelfontenot)
Chef Samuel Peery, Executive Chef at Kimpton Hotel Fontenot says it best: “Like many other things, New Orleans does brunch unlike any other city — it’s vibrant and indulgent and something you plan your whole day around. There are boozy brunches, drag and jazz brunches, and brunches where the menu is a thing of beauty, packed with a craveable blend of French, Creole, and Cajun flavors.”
Chef Peery has crafted the brunch menus at King Brasserie and Peacock Room to deliver a truly New Orleans-worthy experience, both in flavor and ambiance. These decadent brunches will leave you reminiscing about them every time a friend asks “Hey, want to go to brunch?” And you’ll sigh before agreeing, because no brunch compares to a NOLA brunch.
Chef Peery has put together his favorite NOLA brunch picks.
We’ve put together a sampling of the best brunches in New Orleans — and if you can’t make it to The Big Easy anytime soon, don’t worry; we’ve pulled our favorite brunch recipes (including a few cocktails, because brunch without cocktails is just breakfast) that you can make right at home.
Brunch at King Brasserie & Bar
King Brasserie is best known for combining fresh, local ingredients with the brightest flavors of the French Riviera, making for a distinctly unique, modern French brasserie right in the heart of Louisiana.
In addition to a weekday brunch, King Brasserie & Bar hosts a special Queen’s Brunch every Saturday and Sunday that includes a beverage menu inspired by female distillers and wine makers, along with a 3-course Queen’s Tasting in addition to the à la carte menu.
Welcome to King Brasserie & Bar. (Photo Credit: @hotelfontenot)
Chef Peery notes that “Brunch at King brings plenty of options, from Crawfish Beignets and Croque Madame to Buttermilk Biscuits & Black Pepper Gravy and Quinoa Cassoulet with crushed avocado, arugula, mushroom confit, tomato, and sweet pepper coulis. For cocktails, we have King’s Bloody Mary with our house mix, the Provence Punch with rosé, orange vodka, blackberry, and lemon, and much more.”
Pastry Chef Lanna Talley is particularly proud of the Quiche Lorraine, which she says “is a great example of French and southern cuisine coming together.” Also, don’t sleep on Chef Lanna’s famous buttermilk biscuits — which are made fresh daily — and make the perfect southern start to the day.
Chef Lanna Talley’s buttermilk biscuits are particularly noteworthy. (Photo Credit: @hotelfontenot)
Looking to make your own New Orleans-inspired brunch? We’ve got the recipes for King’s Quiche Lorraine and the Chicken Sausage Gravy that tops Chef Lanna’s beloved biscuits.
Brunch at Peacock Room
Peacock Room emulates the feel of a bejeweled French salon from the 19th century, complete with rich textures, moody vibes, and, yes — peacocks and great brunch. This treasured spot is loved by both locals and visitors alike, and is particularly well known for its array of specialty craft cocktails often enjoyed amidst the backdrop of live music.
Welcome to Peacock Room. (Photo Credit: @hotelfontenot)
Every Saturday and Sunday, birds of a feather brunch together at Peacock Room, which Chef Peery says “is its own unique experience. Guests of the gorgeous and ornate dining room and bar can come and have an amazing time solo, with a friend — or even better, with a group — and experience menu items like the Peacock Brunch Tower with Caviar & Potato Cakes, Summer Truffle Deviled Eggs, Petite Quiche Lorraine, Crispy Gulf Oysters, Salt & Pepper Shrimp, Pimento Cheese & Cracklins, Shaved Prosciutto, and Chef Lanna’s famous Buttermilk Biscuits.”
As Peacock Room is known for its cocktail scene, you know there are going to be fabulous brunch cocktails, including the refreshingly boozy Pineapple Express made with Absolut Elyx, Pimms, Tepache, strawberry, lemon, and Cava — a punch bowl worthy of a group of eight. And don’t sleep on the mimosa service either, which supplies a bottle of Cava and a flight of juice options.
Birds of a feather flock together for the brunch scene at Peacock Room. (Photo Credit: @hotelfontenot)
Whether brunching alone or with friends, you will leave satisfied. (Photo Credit: @hotelfontenot)
Looking to make your own NOLA-inspired brunch cocktails? We’ve got the recipes for two cocktails that are the restaurant’s Pride of the Flock, as well as the aforementioned Pineapple Express party punch bowl. (Don’t worry, we won’t tell if you make the punch bowl on a regular Tuesday night. New Orleans loves Tuesdays, remember?)
Where to stay: Kimpton Hotel Fontenot
