Best Creole Restaurants in NOLA
Sometimes, you want the taste of home without the cooking part. Well, you're in luck. These restaurants are sure to help you out as they offer all the homestyle Creole favorites you know and love, and you don't have to prepare a thing!
Visit one of these NOLA restaurants to find out what food really means to us. Spoiler: a lot.
1. Neyow's Creole Café
3332 Bienville St., (504) 827-5474
neyows.com
Neyow's Creole Cafe is a fan favorite for no-frills, traditional Creole cooking. Located on historic Bienville Street, Neyow's dishes up all your homestyle favorites and offers a relaxed, neighborhood vibe. Menu items such as the Neyow's smokin' wings, popcorn shrimp salad, and crawfish balls are sure to have you coming back. Neyow's is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sundays.
2. Nice Guys NOLA
7910 Earhart Blvd., (504) 302-4204
niceguysnola.com
Nice Guys' approach to food is decidedly maximalist. More is always better at Nice Guys with unique, experimental options such as the praline chicken and waffles, "Earhart Attack" fries, "Ohh Lala" oysters, and drunken wings. The lively atmosphere and beyond delicious food make Nice Guys the perfect spot for any day of the week. The restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Sundays.
3. Lil' Dizzy's
1500 Esplanade Ave., (504) 766-8687
lildizzyscafe.net
Lil' Dizzy's is best known for their golden fried chicken, but they have become widely regarded throughout New Orleans for their delicious array of Creole cuisine. From Southern greens to bread pudding, Lil' Dizzy's is a New Orleans favorite for fresh and flavorful comfort food. Stay tuned on their website for their daily specials, as well! Lil' Dizzy's is open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
4. Willie Mae's
898 Baronne St., (504) 354-8194
williemaesnola.com
Family owned and nationally regarded for their fried chicken, Willie Mae's is an iconic New Orleans landmark. Located in the French Quarter, Willie Mae's sits at the heart of the city, bustling with demand for their renowned cuisine. Willie Mae's is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Brunch is also available from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
5. Dooky Chase's Restaurant
2301 Orleans Ave., (504) 821-0600
dookychaserestaurants.com
Since 1941, Dooky Chase's Restaurant has served the historic Tremé neighborhood. The restaurant grew from a small sandwich shop to a favored watering hole among locals, tourists, and the occasional celebrities and politicians. Among its esteemed guests have been President George W. Bush, President Barack Obama, Hank Aaron, Ernest Gaines, and Quincy Jones. Dooky Chase is open for lunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and for dinner from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays only.
6. New Orleans Creole Cookery
508 Toulouse St., (504) 372-6022
neworleanscreolecookery.com
The authentic Creole cuisine at New Orleans Creole Cookery is enough by itself to draw in guests, but how about if the building were haunted? Rumor has it that the ghosts of former couple Joseph Bapentier and Mary Wheaton, as well as Bapentier's mistress Angelique, still walk the halls of 510 Toulouse St., wreaking slight havoc as they do so. If the lights flicker or you feel a slight chill up your spine, say hello to the resident spirits and keep on enjoying your meal. New Orleans Creole Cookery is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
7. Evangeline
329 Decatur St., (504) 373-4852
evangelineneworleans.com
Evangeline sources their ingredients seasonally and locally. Guests can enjoy their experience knowing that their meal is supporting local fisherman and vendors and full of only the freshest fare. Evangeline also offers diners a cozy courtyard from which you can experience unparalleled views of the French Quarter. Evangeline's hours are 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Mondays, 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturdays, and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sundays.
8. Chef Ron's Gumbo Stop
2309 N. Causeway Blvd., Metairie, (504) 835-2022
gumbostop.com
Chef Ron's Gumbo Stop is a neighborhood favorite in Metairie and beyond. At Chef Ron's, you will find all the Creole classics, as well as innovative twists. Chef Ron is known for his "stuffed gumbo," the originals of which are the fried catfish, "Mumbo Gumbo," and the "Yumbo Gumbo." Chef Ron's is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
9. Coop's Place
1109 Decatur St., (504) 525-9053
coopsplace.net
Coop's Place has been dishing up authentic New Orleans food since 1983. A cozy hole-in-the-wall in the French Quarter, Coop's offers exactly what you'd expect of downtown NOLA: a traditional Creole menu, a lively atmosphere, and fair prices. Coop's does not take reservations and is a 21+ establishment. The restaurant is open from 11 a.m.to 10 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday and from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Coop's is closed on Wednesdays.
10. Antoine's Restaurant
713 St. Louis St., (504) 581-4422
antoines.com
Established in 1840, Antoine's is New Orleans' oldest restaurant. Famous for its unique and rich cuisine such as the Oysters Rockefeller, Antoine's has been integral in shaping the culinary landscape of New Orleans. For an elevated and intimate experience and to learn what New Orleans cooking is all about, visit Antoine's. The restaurant is open for dinner from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, for lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday and Friday, and for brunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. During Sunday brunch, there is a live jazz band.
Gumbo, Oysters, Crawfish...Oh My!
There's a reason that New Orleanians tend to be picky about food when they travel. Because nobody does it like us. If you're a local, you know. And hopefully you've found on this list a new place to try. And if you're a visitor? Well, you're in for a treat. Remember, you heard it here first.
