PEAKLIFE
28-Aug-2026
It is time to start planning a getaway filled with food, culture, celebration, and more in New Orleans.
New Orleans is currently in the middle of summer and gearing up for fall, with events like COOLinary New Orleans and Museum Month, as well as Southern Decadence and NOLAXNOLA.
COOLinary New Orleans- Cuisine is an integral part of the history, fabric, and culture of New Orleans. Each summer, restaurants across the city take part in the annual culinary tradition known as "COOLinary New Orleans." Some of New Orleans’ finest dining establishments participate by offering specially curated prix-fixe menus at unbeatable prices. 2026 marks the 22nd anniversary of COOLinary New Orleans, as the city enters another year of culinary excellence.
What to Expect at COOLinary New Orleans- This year, more than 140 Restaurants have joined, including 37 first-time participants, offering authentic dining experiences with pre-fixed 2-course lunch menus at $28 or less and three-course brunch and dinner menus priced at $58 or less all throughout August. The event offers both locals and tourists an amazing opportunity to try some of the city’s best restaurants at the best values of the year.
Top Participating Restaurants- COOLinary offers an unmatched opportunity to experience the city's world-renowned dining scene, discover new restaurants, and enjoy exceptional value at some of the best tables in town.
Antoine's Restaurant- Antoine's is New Orleans oldest restaurant, located in the heart of the French Quarter, offering traditional French Creole fare as well as updated classics in the beautiful and historic restaurant setting.
Arnaud's Restaurant- Classic Creole cuisine with a charming French Quarter ambience and featuring the traditional nostalgic main dining room or the lively jazz bistro with a strolling jazz trio, Arnaud’s is a must-visit. Experience the unique Mardi Gras museum and James Beard-winning French 75 Bar.
Caption: French 75 Bar, Credit- Zack Smith Photography & NewOrleans.com
Commander's Palace Restaurant- The quintessential New Orleans dining experience and recognised with James Beard awards for food and service, and Wine Spectator's Grand Award, this place comes with the Brennan family's brand of Southern hospitality.
Caption: Commander's Palace, Credit- Paul Broussard & NewOrleans.com
Dahla- Delectable Thai cuisine and outstanding cocktails are offered at this warm and welcoming location that provides an upscale vibe with a friendly and attentive service.
Gabrielle Restaurant- Family-owned and operated since 1992, Chef Greg Sonnier, a 2004 James Beard finalist, serves Louisiana Cajun and Creole-inspired cuisine at this fine dining neighbourhood restaurant.
Caption: Gabrielle Restaurant, Credit- Justen Williams, 343 Media, NewOrleans.com
Galatoire's- Founded in 1905, this legendary restaurant started with recipes and traditions brought from France by Jean Galatoire. Remaining consistent for more than a century, Galatoire’s original menu and ambience are still present today.
Caption: Galatoires, Credit- Todd Coleman & NewOrleans.com
Mister Mao Restaurant- Mister Mao is a tropical roadhouse with a quirky, eclectic, and unapologetically inauthentic vibe, serving up locally sourced, global flavours through refined small plates.
Napoleon House- A 200-year-old landmark that's as casual and unique as its French Quarter surroundings, Napoleon House serves classic New Orleans cuisine, including the best muffulettas in town, and Pimm's cups.
Caption: Napoleon House, Credit- Zack Smith Photography & NewOrleans.com
Taj Mahal Indian Cuisine- Taj Mahal is New Orleans first Indian restaurant, opened in 1982, and found its present home on Metairie Road in 1989. They have been serving classic Indian cuisine for over 40 years.
Nirvana Indian Cuisine- Experience the rich flavours of Indian cuisine at the vegetarian-friendly Nirvana, for a casual dinner or special night out.
The Elysian Bar- Located in the city’s Marigny neighbourhood within a renovated rectory, church and courtyard of Hotel Peter & Paul, The Elysian Bar is a beautiful public space, bar and restaurant for those who are looking to have an exceptional dining experience. The familiar yet elevated menu paired with a completely domestic wine list and a large menu of aperitivo and classic cocktails invite guests in for the perfect meal.
Union Ramen- The ramen boom is real, and Union Ramen offers their own interpretation of this popular Japanese cuisine, uniting Asian and New Orleans flavours. Enjoy bowls of tori or miso ramen, plus small plates and cocktails.
New Orleans Museum Month- Another integral part of the city’s annual summer celebrations is New Orleans Museum Month, also celebrating its 22nd year in 2026, which encourages everyone to get out and explore the city and its many renowned museums. This year, from August 1-31, individuals with active membership at any of the 30 participating museums are granted free admission, including one guest, to all other participating museums.
Back this year after its addition in 2025, the Museum Passport encourages everyone to visit multiple museums, track their visits, collect stickers, and engage with the museum for a chance to win prizes. Some notable participating museums and landmarks include The Cabildo, Longue Vue House and Gardens, The National WWII Museum, Sazerac House, New Orleans Museum of Art, New Orleans Jazz Museum, New Orleans African American Museum, and Louisiana Children's Museum, among many others.
Caption: Longue Vue House and Gardens, Credit- Rebecca Todd & NewOrleans.com
The Best Culinary and Art Crossover Summer Deal- What better way to take part in COOLinary, Museum Month and a special summer hotel promotion than booking your trip to New Orleans by August 31 and travelling by September 30? When you book 2 or more nights, you will get a $100 gift card, which can then be used for New Orleans COOLinary deals.
More to Anticipate- Celebrations continue into September and October with two other major events gracing New Orleans.
Southern Decadence- Spend the Labor Day weekend in New Orleans for Southern Decadence, a festival celebrating the LGBTQ+ community and showcasing the city’s unmatched flair for pageantry, parades, costumes, street parties, concerts, club events, music, and dance. This year, Southern Decadence takes place between September 3 and 7.
Caption: Southern Decadence, Credit- Paul Broussard & NewOrleans.com
NOLAXNOLA- Taking place from September 24 to October 4, this year’s 6th anniversary of NOLAxXNOLA is set to be an unforgettable celebration of New Orleans music. Building on the success of previous years, including many sold-out performances, the festival will once again promote New Orleans’ deep inventory of music options, live comedy and concerts, and showcase the many talented musicians that comprise the musical landscape of the city within the city’s historic music venues. This year’s event will again feature hundreds of musical performances at more than 40 venues over 11 days.
For more information, visit NewOrleans.com
Cover Image Caption: New Orleans Museum of Art, Credit- Zack Smith Photography & NewOrleans.com
