Believe it or not, there was a time when crawfish was not so
well loved in New Orleans. Crawfish and other Cajun foods slowly worked their
way into the city's culinary scene over decades. It took a long time to
convince the city folk that that these dishes from the Acadians in the
countryside were actually amazing. The exiled Acadian settlers brought their
food traditions to Louisiana beginning in the mid-1700s, and their unique cuisine
has became a worldwide sensation.
There are so many places to get great and authentic Cajun
food right here in New Orleans. There's no need to head down I10 to Cajun Country to get the true flavor of their food.
Where to Get Cajun Food in New Orleans
1. Copeland's
Multiple Locations
copelandsofneworleans.com
One of Louisiana's most popular Cajun restaurants, Copeland's New Orleans consistently has a long wait-list to dine at their delicious restaurants! Known for their fresh seafood, flavorful dishes, and home-style cooking, you won't be disappointed after a visit to Copeland's.
Try their iconic Cajun Gumbo Ya Ya (serving it up since 1983), Crawfish Fettuccine, or Chicken and Waffles for some heart-warming and fantastically filling food. They know their cookin' over at Copeland's, so next time you've got a family dinner or even a date night, stop by to try some of their Cajun delicacies.
2. Cochon
930 Tchoupitoulas St., (504) 588-2123
cochonrestaurant.com
Locally-renowned and skilled chef Donald Link works with locally-sourced produce, seafood, and more to ensure that their dishes are top-tier. Dedicated to creating authentic Cajun cuisine, Cochon puts care and effort into creating a wonderful dining experience for anyone that walks through the door.
Situated in rustic, yet classy, renovated warehouse in New Orleans, the dining environment is friendly and perfect for a group. Their menu is carefully crafted and offers a delicious selection, from fried boudin to Louisiana cochon with creamy grits. Serving up Cajun classics with a refined twist, try Cochon and you won't be disappointed!
3. Jacques-Imo's
8324 Oak St., (504) 861-0886
jacques-imos.com
Founder Jacques Leonardi fell in love with the city of New Orleans and learned to cook traditional "Nawlins" food during his time working at K-Paul's Louisiana Kitchen. In love with the cuisine and culture, Leonardi opened Jacques-Imo's in 1996 and it has been one of the most popular restaurants in New Orleans ever since!
Known for their Shrimp and Alligator Sausage Cheesecake, they serve up plenty of classic and non-classic Cajun dishes. From Cajun Bouillabaisse to Fried Rabbit Tenderloin, there's always something delicious going on at Jacques-Imo's. Only open Wednesday through Saturday, call ahead to get a reservation or head in early to ensure you can actually get a table at this busy spot!
4. Bobby Hebert's Cajun Cannon Restaurant & Bar
4101 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, (504) 324-6841
bobbyheberts.com
For those who don't know, Bobby Hebert was a quarterback for the New Orleans Saints, and he currently does sportscasting on WWL-AMFM. His Metairie restaurant combines his love of sports with his love of Louisiana food. The Cajun Cannon Redfish is topped with crawfish mushroom cream sauce and served with mashed potatoes.
Cajun Cannon also has a "skinny" menu for lower calorie meals and a gluten-free menu in addition to the big all-day menu. Some very adventurous souls will want to tackle the Cannon Burger Challenge. Eat a seven-patty, seven-cheese, seven-topping burger in the allotted time and you won't have to pay for it!
5. New Orleans Creole Cookery
508 Toulouse St., (504) 524-9632
neworleanscreolecookery.com
It may have Creole in the name, but this French Quarter Cookery actually has a lot of Cajun flavor. Just get some Gator Bites or Jambalaya to find that out. For the entrees, you'll see Creole and Cajun fare side by side on the menu. There's redfish available in several ways: Redfish Almondine, Redfish Courtbouillon, Redfish Pontchartrain, Pecan-Crusted Redfish, and Blackened Redfish.
If you prefer your fish fried, check out
the fried seafood platters: Bayou Catfish, Louisiana Oysters, Gulf Shrimp, and
more. The New Orleans Bread Pudding is a great topper to all this rich
Louisiana food.
6. Creole House Restaurant & Oyster Bar
509 Canal St., (504) 323-2109
creolehouserestaurant.com
Creole House serves Creole and Cajun classics and contemporary dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Stop by in the morning for the Bayou Bowl: two eggs your way served over crawfish cakes and Cajun potatoes, topped with crawfish cream sauce and green onions. You'll want a Blackened Bloody Mary to go with it: Absolut Peppar Vodka, ancho reyes chili liqueur, Zing Zang mix, and Tabasco Hot Sauce.
Come back for dinner where you can continue
your Cajun meal with Blackened Chicken Jambalaya, Cajun Alfredo, or Jambalaya
Pasta. Those in the know get the Blackened Redfish, which is powered with Cajun
seasoning and served with steamed veggies.
7. Original Pierre Maspero's
440 Chartres St., (504) 524-8990
originalpierremasperos.com
Pierre Maspero's is a great place for visitors and locals alike. The breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus are perfect to get you ready to have a great time in the French Quarter whether you're having a quick meal or having a very long one with a table full of friends.
More than just a bite, the Fried Alligator
appetizer here is served in strips that can be dipped in a side of Gator Sauce.
The Blackened Gulf Shrimp Alfredo Pasta is a perfect marriage of Cajun culture
and Italian decadence. The Seafood Pot Pie is great for those who just can't
decide because it has Gulf shrimp and blue crab inside the steaming hot pot
pie.
8. Vacherie
827 Toulouse St., (504) 207-4532
vacherierestaurant.com
Vacherie has a little bit of everything: a big dinner menu, coffee shop selections, and happy hour specials. As far as Cajun food, you will be pleased to see items like Boudin Balls with remoulade sauce, Grilled Andouille Sausage Bites, and Chicken and Andouille Gumbo. The Vacherie Sampler comes with all of the above plus Red Beans and Rice.
If you have some time between 4 and 6 p.m., come on over for happy hour. Some of the best dishes in the house are deeply discounted. We're talking about Sliders of the Day with fries, Cajun Mac N' Cheese, Loaded Fries, and Chicken Waffle with spicy honey.
9. Nonno's Cajun Cuisine & Pastries
2517 Bayou Rd., (504) 766-7965
nonnoscajuncuisineandpastries.com
When you stop into Nonno's it feels as though you're stepping into a classic, Cajun grandma's house! With the delicious smell of Cajun spices and dishes, your mouth will water the second you step foot in this restaurant. Serving up all the classics like Po-Boys, Catfish, and Charbroiled Oysters, you are sure to leave feeling full and satisfied.
Try out Nonno's for some good Cajun cooking, or head on over for a good breakfast or brunch with friends! They serve breakfast from 6 a.m. until 2 p.m. on weekdays and from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. on weekends.
10. Evangeline
329 Decatur St., (504) 373-4852
evangelineneworleans.com
Evangeline boasts of some of the best authentic Cajun food available in the French Quarter. The menu is bursting with delicious and flavorful Cajun specialties like Acadia Crawfish & Grits, Cajun Country Gumbo, and Fried Alligator.
Many diners start off with the fried alligator, fried green tomatoes, or crab cakes. All three of these dishes have quintessential Cajun flavors and are served with delicious remoulade sauce. Have the Alligator Creole for you entrée: alligator meat is simmered in stewed tomatoes with Cajun trinity and spices.
The Best Cajun Restaurants in NOLA
Spicy, hearty, and delicious, Cajun food is a New Orleans' delicacy that can't be replicated anywhere else. Enjoy it most authentically at these restaurants and prepare your tastebuds to go on the journey of a lifetime!
