Traditional New Orleans food is unlike any other kind of cuisine in America because its main influences stem from before the city was even part of the United States. The Big Easy's unique Creole cuisine takes elements from the main ethnic groups who resided in it during Louisiana's colonial times, thus blending French, Spanish, African, and Native American cooking techniques together to create something brand new.
Creole cuisine is truly one-of-a-kind
and perfectly encapsulates New Orleans' multiethnic heritage. Here are 10 great
NOLA restaurants to check out and experience the type of food the city is best known for.
10 Best Creole Restaurants in New Orleans
1. Neyow's Creole Café
3332 Bienville St., (504) 827-5474
neworleans.neyows.com
For homestyle comfort food, look no further than Neyow's Creole Café. Their extensive menu guarantees that even the most particular of guests can find something they'll enjoy. From BBQ to seafood to burgers to pasta, Neyow's has a little bit of everything, all made with Creole flair.
Great for family outings and parties, the portions at Neyow's are large and their dining area is more than adequate for a large number of diners. For a classic taste of New Orleans, order their chargrilled oysters or beloved dishes such as filé gumbo or red beans and rice. Check out their specials that change daily for dishes including stuffed pork chops and smothered okra.
2. Nice Guys NOLA
7910 Earhart Blvd., (504) 302-2404
niceguysnola.com
Nice Guys NOLA has made a name for itself with its trendy environment and mix of sports bar food and Creole flavors. For an extra unique experience, make reservations for their dinner and hookah service on Thursday through Saturday nights. Or, head over for brunch with a DJ and plenty of space to dance while you wait for your meal.
For a taste of Creole with a twist, order their Crawfish Jalapeño Bombs, their blackened salmon, crawfish mac and cheese, or their Nice Guys Seafood Nachos. While Nice Guys NOLA may not serve the most traditional Creole dishes, their food is as delicious as it looks.
3. Li'l Dizzy's Cafe
1500 Esplanade Ave., (504) 766-8687
lildizzyscafe.net
Li'l Dizzy's Cafe is a Creole-Soul food restaurant in the Tremé with fried chicken that can't be beat. This restaurant is beloved by visitors and locals alike for a good reason. Owned by the Baquet family who have long been involved in the restaurant industry, Li'l Dizzy's is dedicated to good food, good service, and a good atmosphere.
Along with their fried seafood and chicken, Li'l Dizzy's has daily specials like red beans and rice, Catfish Jourdain, smothered pork chops, and jambalaya. If you're looking for something to put your next get-together over the top, order catering from Li'l Dizzy's for fresh and delicious Creole food. While there, check out the many attractions and landmarks the Tremé has to offer.
4. Dooky Chase
2301 Orleans Ave., (504) 821-0600
dookychaserestaurants.com
Dooky Chase is a restaurant with a rich and important history. First opened in 1941, Dooky Chase's Restaurant has acted as a hub for Black musicians, activists, artists, and laborers to meet, discuss, and share their work. Possibly best known for Chef Leah Chase, this restaurant has become a valuable piece of New Orleans culture.
Dooky Chase's Restaurant has been unwaveringly popular and is the place to get authentic Creole cuisine with a dose of New Orleans history. While you can't go wrong with any of their menu items, their fried chicken and their red beans and rice are particularly raved about in reviews.
5. Commander's Palace
1403 Washington Ave., (504) 899-8221
commanderspalace.com
Commander's Palace is an iconic fine-dining restaurant that provides quality food and service in a lighthearted environment. Join them for jazz brunch on Saturdays and Sundays or get a 25 cent martini with a lunch entree on Thursdays and Fridays.
Their dishes combine modern cooking styles with Creole cuisine, creating meals like the turtle soup au sherry and the Cochon de Lait Eggs Benedict. This restaurant is a can't miss for foodies who love modern spins on traditional dishes.
6. New Orleans Creole Cookery
510 Toulouse St., (504) 524-9632
neworleanscreolecookery.com
New Orleans Creole Cookery has the typical lineup of Louisiana meals served at a beautiful (and possibly haunted) location. Ghost stories aside, New Orleans Creole Cookery has a great menu and a lovely courtyard where you can enjoy your meal.
For a little bit of everything, order their Taste of New Orleans which comes with jambalaya, crawfish étouffée, shrimp creole, and red beans and rice. Another highly recommended dish is their Redfish Ponchartrain, served with hollandaise sauce and crab meat.
7. Gumbo Shop
630 St. Peter St., (504) 525-1486, gumboshop.com
For a taste of Louisiana's famous dish, gumbo, Gumbo Shop has something for everyone. Seafood and okra, chicken andouille, and vegetable gumbo, along with dozens of other iconic Louisiana meals, are served there.
Other recommended dishes include their crawfish étouffée and their jambalaya. This is a great place for a familiar lunch or dinner with a few vegetarian options as well. Gumbo Shop also has a selection of Louisiana desserts like bread pudding with whiskey sauce and a praline sundae.
8. Olde Nola Cookery
205 Bourbon St., (504)525-4577
nolacookery.com
Olde Nola Cookery is open late and operates as a family-friendly restaurant on Bourbon, making it a great place to stop in when exploring the city. Whether this is your first or 15th visit to New Orleans, this restaurant will not disappoint.
Olde Nola Cookery has a variety of seafood options from their appetizers to their entrees. Order any of their familiar favorites including chicken and sausage gumbo, fried catfish, seafood gumbo, and fried shrimp po-boys.
9. Mambo's
411 Bourbon St., (504) 407-3717
mambosnola.com
Mambo's is a three-story Creole restaurant with the first rooftop bar on Bourbon Street. This restaurant is comfortable but still high-quality, serving authentic New Orleans cuisine.
A fan favorite menu item is their Louisiana Crab Cakes topped with a crawfish and mushroom cream sauce. Other dishes include Louisiana staples including red beans and rice, po-boys, and crawfish étouffée. Mambo's also has a selection of Louisiana-inspired specialty drinks like Bayou Sangria.
10. Creole House Restaurant and Oyster Bar
509 Canal St., (504) 323-2109
creolehouserestaurant.com
Located in the oldest existing building on Canal Street, Creole House is influenced by classics in more ways than one. While they do serve breakfast in the morning, Creole House is best known for its lunch and dinner options.
This restaurant is a great option for diners who want delicious oysters in a laid-back environment. Patrons can order either a dozen or half a dozen fresh Louisiana oysters, shucked to order. Order a half dozen of chargrilled oysters, topped with garlic butter and Parmesan cheese.
Great Creole Restaurants in the Crescent City
People from all over the world come to New Orleans just to
experience its food, and Creole cuisine is perhaps the best, and tastiest,
representation of the city. Its multicultural elements have helped it to stand
up on its own among the many diverse layers that make up American food. When
you think of gumbo, jambalaya, and red beans and rice, you think of New
Orleans. All of the Creole restaurants on this list offer a true taste of the city's
soul.
