KEY TAKEAWAYS: Commander’s Palace in New Orleans named a legendary Southern restaurant in 2026. Southern Living lists 32 must-visit iconic restaurants across the South. Restaurants combine culinary excellence with memorable atmospheres and hospitality. Notable chefs at Commander’s Palace i nclude Emeril Lagasse and Meg Bickford.   When it comes to a truly great restaurant, it’s never just about the food, but about the atmosphere and memories made. In the South, great food and comforting hospitality often go hand in hand, making restaurants in this region some of the best. In fact, to highlight the long-standing restaurants that make dining about more than just cuisine, Southern Living has released a list of the most legendary restaurants in the South. Lally Brennan (left front) and Ti Martin (left rear), proprietors of Commander’s Palace in New Orlean, toss a chef’s toque to Meg Bickford, the restaurant’s new executive chef. (Courtesy Commander’s Palace)Commanders Sept 2020 23 Crop Commander’s Palace in New Orleans Commander’s Palace in New Orleans is one of the most famous restaurants in the crescent city and was named on Southern Living’s list of the South’s most legendary restaurants in 2026. Commander’s Palace has been well-known since it’s opening in 1880, but really gained popularity after the Brennan family took over in 1974. This restaurant is known for its great chefs and fine Creole dining. The restaurant, with its iconic turquois building in the Garden District, is known for 25 cent martini lunches, as well as dishes like turtle soup and bread pudding soufflé. With its all-star culinary lineup, including Jamie Shannon, Tory McPhail, Emeril Lagasse and Executive Chef Meg Bickford, Commander’s Palace produced exceptional cuisine and warm hospitality. The most legendary restaurants in the South according to Southern Living The Olde Pink House in Savannah, Georgia The Old Mill and Restaurant in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee Bern’s Steak House in Tampa, Florida Columbia Restaurant in Tampa, Florida Angus Barn in Raleigh, North Carolina Joe’s Stone Crab in Miami Beach, Florida Mary Mac’s Tea Room in Atlanta, Georgia Poogan’s Porch in Charleston, South Carolina Wilkes Dining Room in Savannah, Georgia Bottega in Birmingham, Alabama The Bavarian Inn in Shepherdstown, West Virginia The Loveless Cafe in Nashville, Tennessee Commander’s Palace in New, Louisiana Captain Anderson’s in Panama City Beach, Florida Patti’s 1880’s Settlement in Grand Rivers, Kentucky Hyman’s Seafood in Charleston, South Carolina Michie Tavern in Charlottesville, Virginia The Smith House in Dahlonega, Georgia Crafted at Boone Tavern in Berea, Kentucky 82 Queen in Charleston, South Carolina The Bluebird Cafe in Nashville, Tennessee Sea Captain’s House in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina Blue Heaven in Key West, Florida The Pirate’s House in Savannah, Georgia Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina Hugo’s in Fayetteville, Arkansas The Bright Star Restaurant in Bessemer, Alabama Blue Bonnet Cafe in Marble Falls, Texas The Red Fox Inn Tavern in Middleburg, Virginia Jack Fry’s in Louisville, Kentucky City Grocery in Oxford, Mississippi Cattlemen’s Steakhouse in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Presley Bo Tyler is a reporter for the Louisiana Deep South Connect Team for USA Today. Find her on X @PresleyTyler02 and email at [email protected] This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Southern Living names this New Orleans restaurant most legendary Reporting by Presley Bo Tyler, Shreveport Times / Shreveport Times USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect ...read more read less