Where to Cook Your Catch in New Orleans for 2024 Reading Time: 5 minutes

The “Big Easy: is globally known for its music, vibrant nightlife, vivid architecture, and heart-warming festivals. The line-up of incredible things New Orleans has to offer doesn’t end here. Exquisite seafood and fishing are on that list, too. We’ll focus on these two and tell you how to combine them into a stellar New Orleans catch-and-cook experience.

A photo of several seafood dishes prepared in a traditional Louisiana Creole and Cajun cuisine style

There’s nothing tastier than a fish you caught, and having a professional prepare it just for you will make it even sweeter! So, in the following sections, we’ll share six restaurants that will transform your trophy fish into a mouth-watering meal. Without further ado, let’s see where you can cook your catch in New Orleans.

Hook and Cook Restaurants in New Orleans

Bourbon House

Address: 144 Bourbon Street

You’re sure to have a palate-awakening experience at whichever New Orleans restaurant you walk in. Bourbon House is most certainly one of those places. They specialize in mixing local flavors with freshly caught seafood. And that’s the only combo you need after a successful fishing trip.

A photo featuring one street sign with two street names – Bourbon Street and St. Louis Street in New Orleans in Louisiana in front of the Bourbon House restaurant that offers a catch and cook service

For everything to go smoothly, book a table at Bourbon House and inform them about your wish for a catch-and-cook meal at least 48 hours before your visit. Also, make sure the fish is cleaned and delivered to the restaurant no later than 3 p.m. on the day of your reservation. A three-meal course costs $50 per person and promises a memorable fine-eating experience. Needless to say, their signature drink – Bourbon Milk Punch – is a must, too.

GW Fins

Address: 808 Bienville Street

The next New Orleans catch-and-cook suggestion is your ticket to a once-in-a-lifetime dining experience. According to more than 4,000 guest reviews on Google, GW Fins is the ultimate seafood haven in New Orleans. This upscale restaurant is family-owned and prides itself on a daily-updated menu, an extensive wine list, high standards, and nationally recognized chefs.

A night view of a street dotted with colorful buildings, numerous restaurants (including an exclusive GW Fins catch and cook restaurant), bars, cafes, and neon signs in the French Quarter in New Orleans

What makes GW Fins particularly interesting is their cutting technique and sustainable seafood approach. Michael Nelson, Executive Chef and “Chopped Champion,” is the mastermind behind that method and every fish you’ll try here, including your prize catch, will be subject to this special treartment. To secure your spot, contact GW Fins well in advance and agree with them on how to go about your request.

Tableau

Address: 616 St. Peter Street

If a unique taste with scenic views ranks are what you’re looking for, then Tableau should be your go-to catch-and-cook spot in New Orleans. Situated in the heart of the historic French Quarter, this three-story townhouse boasts several seating arrangements, including an inner courtyard and a balcony with a view of Jackson Square.

A close-up of a fountain and water drops in Jackson Square, New Orleans with a red building blurred in the distance

Creole cuisine dominates the dishes here, and the meals are a perfect blend of tradition and innovation. The pleasure of eating your own catch skillfully prepared at Tableau comes at the price of $50 per person and covers three courses. You have to contact them ahead of time and follow the reservation instructions outlined on their catch and cook page.

Palace Café

Address: 605 Canal Street

Palace Café is a classic New Orleans eatery that’s found its home in the historic Werlein’s music building in the French Quarter. Ever since it was founded, Palace Café has been collecting local and national awards. This means there’s no shortage of superb service and delicious fresh seafood.

A photo of big square pavement blocks decorated smaller square blocks and a golden plate with the name of Canal Street in New Orleans, the street in which Palace Café catch and cook restaurant is situated

Since this is another Brennan and Co. restaurant, you can expect the same catch-and-cook approach as in Tableau and Bourbon House. Email Palace Café at least 72 hours prior to your visit, and don’t forget to bring your freshly-caught and cleaned fish by 3 p.m. that day. Then, just leave it up to them to amaze you. 

Carmo

Address: 527 Julia Street

It’s time for a change of scenery. So, we present you with a slightly different catch-and-cook spot in New Orleans. Meet Carmo, a tropical cafe and bar located in the urban Warehouse District. Carmo fits effortlessly in this thriving culture hub with its cosmopolitan feel, industrial interior design, and eclectic menu. 

An aerial view of New Orleans and its streets, buildings, and greenery as seen during sunset

Carmo’s food philosophy revolves around a healthy diet and multi-cultural influences on it. Their menu celebrates ingredients from all around the world. In other words, you can find anything from Japanese flash-cured fish to Burmese tea leaf salad and, of course, your freshly caught fish prepared Carmo-style. For more details on how to book a table and ask for the catch-and-cook service, reach out to the restaurant directly. 

Ye Olde College Inn

Address: 3000 S Carrollton Ave

We saved the best for last. Ye Olde College Inn is a true gem not to miss out on during your visit to New Orleans. With almost a century of existence well under its belt, Ye Olde College Inn is the epitome of history and tradition.

A blurred photo of people sitting indoor and waiting for their orders in a spacious room in an old restaurant in New Orleans

Ye Olde College Inn has withstood the test of time by being an affordable neighborhood restaurant for generations of New Orleanians. It’s also known for its farm-to-table approach and home-made meals. So, if you prefer that local feel to an upscale setting, Ye Olde Colledge Inn is tailored for you. Just make sure to contact them ahead of time and agree on how to go about getting your catch cooked.

Hook and Cook: Additional Information

Last but not least, there’s one more important piece of information to remember. All these restaurants are a part of the Catch and Cook program supported by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. This means that both guests and restaurants have to adhere to a set of rules that guarantee safety, quality, and top-notch service. It also means that you’ll have to fill in some paperwork before submitting your catch to be cooked. 

A photo of a typical building in the French Quarter in New Orleans featuring a unique architectural style of the region

The full list of documents and rules is available on the official Wildlife and Fisheries website and will also be provided by your restaurant during the reservation process. If you have any additional questions about your catch-and-cook service, don’t hesitate to consult with either of them directly.

Have you ever brought your catch to any of these restaurants? Do you have a New Orleans hook-and-cook eatery to recommend? Hit the comment button below and share your experience with us.

The post Where to Cook Your Catch in New Orleans for 2024 appeared first on FishingBooker Blog.

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