Best Restaurants for Dessert in New Orleans | Top 10 Sweetest Places

Don't you just love that moment when you're having dinner at a restaurant and the server asks if you're ready for dessert? Maybe you're too full, and maybe you're too concerned about calories, but you throw your worries to the wind and get one anyway. That moment is so much fun. Who says you can't have a little sweet treat at the end of such a decadent meal?

The restaurants listed here all serve up lovely desserts like so many restaurants in New Orleans do. However, there's something exceptional about these places. And it's not like king cake where you have to wait for a certain time of year to enjoy it. Whether it's a romantic atmosphere or very different ingredients, these desserts are truly the best in the city.

10 Places Get Great Desserts in New Orleans

1. Commander's Palace

1403 Washington Ave., (504) 899-8221

commanderspalace.com

Under the direction of head chef Meg Bickford, the legendary Commander's Palace is still bringing in throngs of diners from near and far. Many visitors feel that no meal is complete here without a dessert. The Creole Bread Pudding Souffle is perfect for your big celebration as it is finished at your table in a spectacular fashion.

If you don't need the big show, there are many delicious desserts to choose from. Maybe try the Summer Blueberry Coffee Cake Cobbler with with spiced streusel and Creole cream cheese ice cream? The Southern-Style Pecan a la Mode is a sugarcane-infused custard pie with roasted local pecans.

2. Emeril's

800 Tchoupitoulas St., (504) 528-9393

emerilsrestaurant.com

In late 2022, Emeril's transformed from a traditional restaurant to a tasting menu-only restaurant. Instead of getting a menu and ordering a la carte items, you enjoy a multi-course tasting menu, which includes a dessert that is absolutely amazing.

While the items in the menu are subject change, you can go over to Emeril's now and enjoy their Banana Cream Pie with caramel. After you've had your tasty meal, head over to The Wine Bar at Emeril's and order one of their craft cocktails to end your perfect dining experience.

3. Willa Jean

611 O'Keefe Ave., (504) 509-7334

willajean.com

Willa Jean is known for many dishes, but their warm chocolate chip cookie is their most famous menu item. It was lovingly and painstakingly crafted by Chef Kelly Fields, who has since departed the restaurant. The chocolate chip cookie stayed on the menu, and it comes with a glass of milk and a little bit of cookie dough.

Also on the Sweet Stuff section of the menu is a Banana Puddin' Cup with whipped cream and Nilla Wafers. For something more tropical, try the Southern Coconut Cake with vanilla pudding and toasted coconut flakes.

4. Herbsaint Bar & Restaurant

701 St. Charles Ave., (504) 524-4114

herbsaint.com

From cake to tarts to ice cream to pies, Herbsaint has a dessert for every palette. While Herbsaint's dinner menu only has a few soups and salads, small plates, and main courses to choose from, the dessert menu has more items than most restaurants. You can even find an artisanal cheese plate on it if you prefer something very savory. Each dessert item has a wine pairing suggestion to enhance the flavors of the confection.

The Banana Brown Butter Tart is drizzled with Fleur de Sel Caramel. Maybe you'll order the Fried Apple Hand Pies with vanilla ice cream and graham cracker cookie streusel? No matter what you choose, you'll be making the correct choice.

5. Antoine's

713 St. Louis St., (504) 581-4422

antoines.com

Antoine's Restaurant in New Orleans is a renowned establishment known for its classic Creole cuisine. In addition to its savory dishes, the restaurant also offers a delectable selection of desserts that are not to be missed. Out of all the mouthwatering choices, there is one desert that stands out as the "best" at Antoine's Restaurant: the Baked Alaska.

The Baked Alaska is the house speciality and is a vanilla ice cream core surrounded by a pound cake shell, meringue crust, and hot fudge sauce. Make sure to also order Antoine's Pecan Bread Pudding, which is made with Leidenheimer French bread.

6. Josephine Estelle

600 Carondelet St., (504) 930-3070

josephineestelle.com

Josephine Estelle has a delectable dessert option that everyone needs to try: the Citrus and Vanilla Panna Cotta. This creamy and smooth Italian dessert is infused with the refreshing flavors of citrus and the sweet aroma of vanilla. The combination of these two flavors creates a delightful and indulgent treat for anyone with a sweet tooth.

If you're looking for a dessert that is both light and satisfying, the Citrus and Vanilla Panna Cotta at Josephine Estelle is the perfect choice. While you're there, make sure to also order the Peanut Butter Budino so that you can take it home and enjoy it later. Visit Josephine Estelle and treat yourself to these delightful desserts with a cup of coffee.

7. Cafe Degas

3127 Esplanade Ave., (504) 945-5635

cafedegas.com

For some of the best French food in New Orleans, look no further than Cafe Degas, which is located not too far from the Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots. With delicious options like French onion soup and escargot, you'll think you're dining in a quaint shop right outside of Paris.

The Apple Frangipane Tart at Cafe Degas is a sight to behold. The pastry crust is thin, flaky and perfectly baked. Go for Cafe Degas' weekend brunch and order the Gaufre Belge, which is a waffle topped with white chocolate, berries, and whipped cream.

8. Lilette

3637 Magazine St., (504) 895-1636

liletterestaurant.com

After having a filling and satisfying dinner at this beautiful Garden District restaurant, your eyes will wander towards the delicious dessert menu. There you'll find a bevy of delicacies that are difficult to ignore, even for the most health-conscious among us. For those people, keep it light with some sorbet.

For everyone else, Chocolate Pistachio Tart with burnt orange and caramel pistachio ice cream is a must have. The Quenelles of Goat Cheese Crème Fraîche, which comes with poached pear, pistachio, and lavender honey, is also a wise choice. No matter what you get, you will be satisfied.

9. Galatoire's

209 Bourbon St., (504) 525-2021

galatoires.com

Galatoire's has been feeding hungry locals and curious visitors for an historically long time, and it seems to be getting better and better all the time. In addition to the big menu of decades-old delicacies, the dessert menu is something that has been written about, talked about, and dreamed about due to the beautiful dishes it promotes.

The Bread Pudding is some of the best in the city and comes drizzled in banana praline sauce. You've never had a Sweet Potato Cheesecake before, and you may want try it out here. Also take a look at the Black Bottom Pecan Pie with a stout whiskey caramel sauce and whipped cream.

10. Apolline

4729 Magazine St., (504) 894-8881

apollinerestaurant.com

The adorable little Magazine Street cottage can feel both cozy and warm and lively when the seats are full of friendly eaters. When you're finished with your Gulf Shrimp & Grits or your Crispy Confit Chicken, take a peek at the dessert menu. It may only have a few dishes to choose from, but you are bound to find something you'll love.

The Brioche Bread Pudding is served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and topped with pecans and praline sauce. The Flourless Chocolate Cake has crème anglaise, macerated berries, and a dose of powered sugar.

Where To Go For Dessert in New Orleans

No one can resist these delightful, classic New Orleans desserts! If you really can't fit one more bite in your stomach, you can always take it home and have it for breakfast the next day. It will be just as tasty and will put you in a great mood for the rest of the day.

Chocolate, fruit, coffee, and crunch; these desserts have the best of every flavor. What's your favorite New Orleans dessert?