Overrated Spots

Domenica is by no means a lousy restaurant, as it is mentioned in my dinner recommendations. However, it was significantly better 4 years ago. I went a couple of months back, and while I could tell the pasta was homemade, the reason I could tell was that the chef was lazy and put a giant clump of pasta ends in the bowl to boil. A combination of little things that culminate in a less than excellent experience. As I said, many people still swear by it, and it can be challenging to get a reservation.

One of my least favorite restaurants in New Orleans. People rave about it, but I really can’t stand it. Growing up in Southern California, I have always had specific expectations for what Mexican food should be. There are standards for the bare minimum. La Casita makes Chipotle seem authentic. I could count the number of people that I know that have vomited AT dinner on two hands. If that isn’t enough, their salsa is far too salty, and margaritas are watered down. Don’t bother rushing to their happy hour because you are better off buying a bottle of tequila on your own. 

A Carribean taco place. Long wait but ends up being pretty decent for groups. Their nachos are delicious, but they should use better cheese. Plenty of taco choices; however, a lot of times, they come out cold. The drinks are delicious and will definitely quench your thirst. People swear by this place, and it is a fun place for a party, but you can do better at more authentic places.

In all fairness, this place isn’t awful. People really love it, but as I am allowed to shit on Mexican restaurants being from California, my New York friends feel the same liberty on this one. The bagels are simply not up to par with what they grew up with. Separate and apart, they are often randomly closed, especially when you really need a bagel. 

Another overpriced Mexican restaurant that does not live up to the hype. Any place where you have to pay for chips and salsa is already a racket. Guacamole and queso are a whopping $10 each. Neither of condiment is the best I have ever had. Having gone a few times, I have left disappointed each time. 

Bad sushi for too expensive of a price. People who say they like this place probably don’t know what they are talking about and you should reevaluate them as a person. 

A French Quarter tourist trap. It is famous for its eclectic drink menu and its longevity. Service is horrible, and the waiters are creepy. The food is very underwhelming as well. I went because I had a gift card, and I probably should have had the card exchanged for cash. 

Decent for happy hour, but the food itself is average. Luke has some rockstar dishes but overall nothing to brag about. German-Creole cuisine makes for an exciting combination of food.

One of the many old-time restaurants that your grandparents tell you they went to when they partied in New Orleans in their youth. Unfortunately, like your grandparents’ sense of fashion, the food hasn’t been reinvented either. On top of that, I was served an undercooked piece of pork, and they only credited us $13. At least give us the payment in desserts.

A new Greek restaurant in CBD. We tried a variety of dishes, but unfortunately for Rockrose, there are significantly better options for hummus in the city, most of which are cheaper. The restaurant is pretty, and they serve a blue drink that raises eyebrows, but overall it was a subpar experience. I hope they can sort some shit out and improve the restaurant as a whole. It also may have been an off night. If anything, try the Greek salad and the chicken. That being said, Rockrose is located in the International House Hotel, which has a Banksy collection of art. 

A lot of people have been raving about this new Italian eatery for some time now. The restaurant is located in the CBD/Warehouse District area and sports a stylish yet homey feel. Maybe I ordered the wrong things, but nothing I tried was outstanding. There are better places for pasta in New Orleans and even in this general neighborhood of New Orleans. I do recommend the meatballs and the ricotta. To its credit, the restaurant serves large parties very well because it is owned by the same company as Barcadia.