With Tulane University’s Family Weekend fast approaching, students may wonder how to give their parents a taste of NOLA — and there is no better way to do so than a dining experience. Here are my top four restaurants to be at this Family Weekend for delicious flavors, fun ambiance and impressive menus. 

1. La Petite Grocery

For an elegant and delicious twist on traditional New Orleans cuisine in the Uptown area, La Petite Grocery is the place to be. From the moment you walk into La Petite Grocery, the warm yellow walls and darkly stained wood create an ambiance that is comforting and elegant. The interior is the embodiment of classic New Orleans, and it is hard not to fall in love with the unique bar and velvet red curtains.  

The seasonal menu is evergrowing, as head chef Justin Devillier experiments with different ingredients to create new and exciting dishes; still, the allure of the classic appetizer, the Blue Crab Beignet, wins many over. Served with a side of malt crab aioli, the golden-brown pastry is made savory with a delightful explosion of crab in the middle. The real stars of the show, however, are the entrées. You may be drawn to the Turtle Bolognese, Devillier’s take on the New Orleans classic turtle soup. The dish comes with tagliatelle, sherry, parsley and a fried soft-boiled egg. You also cannot go wrong with the rich LPG Cheeseburger, served with a heap of perfectly seasoned fries. 

From its strong cocktail menu to the flavorful food and homey interior, La Petite Grocery is a refined NOLA dining experience from when you arrive to the moment you leave. 

2. Mother’s 

If you are looking for classic New Orleanian Po’boys, Mother’s is the stop for you. One of the most iconic restaurants in the city, Mother’s has been serving comfort food for breakfast, lunch and dinner Downtown since 1938.  

The first sign of a good meal is a line, which Mother’s has, often stretched around the block. Patrons of Mother’s come for an efficient and delicious meal, so do not expect a dress code. The interior is old, the seats are vinyl and a kitchen counter wraps around nearly the whole restaurant.  

Mother’s is known for its “Debris” Po’boy, a sandwich that was invented when a customer asked for the parts of the roast beef that fell into the gravy to be put into a sandwich. The result: a beautifully messy, melt-in-your-mouth sandwich with the perfect crunch from the iceberg lettuce.   

Perhaps some fish may strike your fancy — and you cannot go wrong with the Gulf shrimp Po’boy. Served fried or grilled, the Gulf shrimp Po’boy has the perfect amount of seasoning, which complements the salty taste of the fresh shrimp, the mayo and crunchy pickles served on it. Though these two are fan favorites, anything on the menu will satisfy that Creole craving, from crispy fried catfish to decadent gumbo. With inexpensive pricing and delicious flavors, you really cannot go wrong with Mother’s. 

3. Tito’s Ceviche & Pisco

Tito’s Ceviche & Pisco is one of the most underrated spots in the Uptown area for fresh ceviche, meat, rice and other tasty Peruvian dishes. It is a perfect blend of creative and daring dishes that leaves patrons wanting more. 

A casual yet intimate restaurant, the interior of Tito’s is charming. Accented with traditional artwork, plants and white tablecloths, it is like stepping into a little slice of South America. There is a strong sense of commitment among the attentive staff to create the best experience possible. 

The food, simply put, is divine. Their octopus ceviche is a standout; served with squid ink, yuzu, aji amarillo and leche de tigre, the flavor is layered and complex but does not overpower the freshness of the octopus. For more of a sushi-like taste, try the tiradito nikkei. Sashimi-grade tuna and avocado pair perfectly with tangy lime and sesame to create an explosion of Japanese-inspired flavors. And do not forget about the yuca fries: Cassava transforms into a golden fry that is dense, mildly sweet and slightly earthy. They also have an expansive drinks menu, with interesting creations from a lychee martini to a blueberry thyme and ginger concoction. Depending on what you order, it may be a little pricey, but I can guarantee that you will have an incredible dining experience no matter what. 

4. Birdy’s Behind the Bower

Last but certainly not least is a spot known for a delicious and stylish brunch — Birdy’s Behind the Bower. Serving Southern/American breakfast, Birdy’s has an expansive menu for all family members and plenty of spots for photo ops. 

Birdy’s boasts plenty of seating options, whether you want to dine inside their chic indoor area or outside on their large outdoor patio. The general feel is very trendy, with lots of fake plants, aesthetic neon signs and white brick walls complimenting the dark wood on the exterior tables. The dress code has a slightly elevated feel, and Birdy’s would be an excellent spot for some family photos. Reservations are highly recommended, as the restaurant is always busy. 

The menu is expansive: It offers everything from a fried chicken biscuit, served with crunchy and tender fried chicken and a flaky biscuit, to avocado toast, topped with flavorful seasonings and made complete by perfectly toasted bread. Every time I’ve been to Birdy’s, I have ordered the cured salmon toast, which has never disappointed. A piece of bread layered with salty lox, fluffy whipped cream cheese, crunchy red onion and fresh dill, this dish offers lox and bagel lovers a new take on the popular breakfast food. If a sweeter breakfast option strikes you, try the pain perdu, a fun play on the classic French toast. 

Birdy’s also offers a variety of coffee and teas, as well as alcoholic beverages. Many tables can be seen indulging in the bottomless mimosa, which is $22 a person. If you aren’t feeling like a mimosa, the lavender latte was a surprisingly delicious pair with my toast. Birdy’s Behind the Bower is trendy, fun and delicious — a dining experience you do not want to pass up.