It's no secret that we love to eat down here in the Big Easy. And seafood is our specialty. While you may find yourself with a tray full of crawfish every so often, there is one fish in New Orleans that locals just can't seem to get enough of—regardless of the time of day.
That's right. We're talking about catfish. Whether it's baked, blackened, sauteed, poached, or fried, we'll eat it all.
Top 10 Places to get Catfish in New Orleans
1. Middendorf's
Multiple Locations, https://middendorfsrestaurant.com
Middendorf's is the best spot for catfish in New Orleans—especially when you're on the hunt for thin fried catfish, as they call itself "The Home of the Original Thin Fried Catfish." At Middendorf's not only can you get their specialty, but also thick fried catfish, broiled catfish, and a whole fried catfish to devour. Middendorf's also has tons of boiled seafood and platters to enjoy (with your catfish).
2. Barrow's
Multiple Locations, https://barrowscatfish.com
Barrow's is quite the treat for any seafood lover, and a dream for any catfish lover. Their signature dish is there catfish, and their seafood platters. The staff always strives to ensure you not only have fantastic food, but a fantastic time. Whether it's a casual lunch, a celebration, or happy hour, you'll feel at home at Barrow's. Their catfish comes with a side and side salad, and is available with different preparation. They also have catfish platters with shrimp or oysters.
3. Katie's
3701 Iberville St., https://katiesinmidcity.com
Katie's is a lovely, homey family-owned and operated restaurant with spectacular cuisine. They specialize in all things seafood—and we think that their catfish is especially awesome. Katie's has many options for catfish with their seafood platters. They also serve their Catfish Meuniere, which is fried catfish over fries smothered in worchestshire, butter & lemon reduction. If you're interested in catfish for lunch, go for the gourmet catfish po-boy.
4. Mahony's
Multiple Locations, https://mahonyspoboys.com
With a Magazine and French Quarter location and great food, its easy to see where their popularity comes from. Mahony's combines traditional New Orleans cuisine with their own twist to create great flavor. While we enjoy their variety of po-boys, we seriously appreciate their catfish options. Their fried catfish po-boy comes with a cornmeal crusted Louisiana catfish filet, and their blackened catfish po-boy which includes blackened catfish filet with seafood jambalaya, braised collards and jalapeno corn bread. I'll have one of each, please!
5. Original Pierre Maspero's
440 Charters St., https://originalpierremasperos.com
The Original Pierre Maspero's is a favorite for both locals and tourists alike for casual dining in the French Quarter. The atmosphere is both cozy and historic. Their fresh-caught Louisiana catfish is fried to perfection with their house blend seafood seasoning, and is served with french fries, hush puppies, French bread, and tartar and cocktail sauces. They also have an awesome variety of po-boys and Louisiana favorites like jambalaya, red beans and rice, and gumbo.
6. Mandina's
3800 Canal St., https://mandinasrestaurant.com
Mandina's is known by many for serving excellent Italian and seafood homestyle cooking. The restaurant is historic and homey, within its pink housed walls. They serve up tons of seafood platters yet their fried catfish and grilled catfish platter with boiled potatoes and string beans are our personal favorites. Their catfish po-boy is also a standout option. They also have other great seafood such as crawfish cakes, boiled crab, and more.
7. Briquette
701 Peters St., https://www.briquette-nola.com
Briquette is located in the Warehouse district in a spacious beautiful building that was made back in the 1800s. Briquette's is happy to show off their 18 foot seafood display, and serve drinks from their extensive wine list and creative craft cocktail options. They serve classic seafood dishes with a contemporary twist. Their New Orleans Catfish platter is to die for—with crispy fried Des Allemands catfish, rosemary fries, purple fennel slaw, and house tartar sauce.
8. Mother's
401 Poydras St., https://mothersrestaurant.net
While Mother's may be famous for the "world's best baked ham," they certainly make some fantastic catfish. They serve up a variety of seafood platters, including catfish. Their fried or grilled catfish po-boys won't disappoint either. Fried catfish with French fries for lunch? Yes please. Stop by the world famous Mother's restaurant for any meal of the day.
9. Desire Oyster Bar
300 Bourbon St., https://www.sonesta.com
Desire Oyster Bar in the Royal Sonesta has great food, and they sure do know their oysters. Start off with their fabulous "Smoke Yo' Mama" Oysters, which come with garlic French oysters and buffalo tossed oysters with bleu cheese crumbles & dressing. You can get a fantastic fried catfish platter, but if that's not enough for you, try out the "Big Fried Cash" plate with breaded shrimp, oysters, catfish, fries, and corn fritters. Their blackened catfish with tasso cheese grits and southern greens is another great option for catfish lovers.
10. Lil' Dizzy's Cafe
1500 Esplanade Ave, https://lildizzyscafe.net
As they like to say, Lil' Dizzy's Cafe's food is always hot and straight from the pot. The Creole-Southern traditional cuisine is fresh and bursting with flavor. And while their specialty might be their fried chicken, their catfish is just as delicious. Their fried catfish po-boy, as well as with their fried seafood platters, will have you coming back for more.
What's Not to Love about Catfish?
Catfish is just too good—and there are so many ways to try it. However, if you're just a Cajun food lover overall, there are plenty of places to try all your favorite Cajun dishes—catfish included! If your thing is po-boys, we got your back as well. Whatever your seafood of choice may be, we know it'll be great.
