Your Guide To Christmas In New Orleans: Réveillon Menus and Figgy Pudding
New Orleans doubles down on its dining scene when other cities shut down on Christmas Day. The historic Réveillon tradition—originally a late-night feast after Midnight Mass—has evolved into a month-long celebration of prix fixe holiday menus. This year, restaurants are extending that festive spirit to Christmas Day itself, offering everything from tableside-carved prime rib to figgy pudding.
Réveillon Tradition Gets a Christmas Day Twist
The Réveillon dinner dates back centuries, but today’s version makes celebration accessible without the midnight timing. Boulevard American Bistro serves a 4-course prix fixe menu throughout December for $75, then opens Christmas Day with a special Réveillon dinner.
Luke takes the upscale approach with its $81 Réveillon menu running December 1st through Christmas Eve, then continuing all day December 25th. These aren’t typical hotel buffets—they’re carefully crafted celebrations of New Orleans culinary culture.
King Brasserie & Bar features Louisiana Satsuma Lacquered Duck Leg paired with traditional figgy pudding for $65 per person, with an optional $35 beverage pairing. Chemin à la Mer goes theatrical with a 16-ounce slow-roasted prime rib carved tableside, complete with rich Bordelaise sauce and golden Yorkshire pudding.
From Thai Spice to Bourbon Bread Pudding
The variety stretches beyond Creole comfort food. Curio Bistro in the French Quarter offers a four-course experience for $55 that includes:
- Grilled Alligator Sausage
- Roasted Duck & Black-Eyed Pea Gumbo
- Crawfish Cavatappi Pasta
- Traditional New Orleans Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce
Good Catch | Thai Urban Bistro adds global flair to the Réveillon concept with Seared Gulf Shrimp Satay, Lobster Pad Thai, and Thai Spiced Pumpkin Pie through January 6th. For those preferring brunch timing, Couvant at The Eliza Jane hotel serves prime rib, roasted hen, and stuffed mirliton with gumbo for $58 per person.
Book Your Table Before the Rush
OpenTable currently shows 31 available restaurants, ranging from neighborhood spots like Hard Rock Cafe on Bourbon Street to upscale establishments like Doris Metropolitan. The smart play? Book now through restaurant websites or OpenTable before the Christmas week scramble begins.
New Orleans treats Christmas Day like any celebration worth having: with great food, festive atmosphere, and tables full of people choosing joy over dishes.
