Best Places to Eat in New Orleans
No matter what you're in the mood to eat, the choices for amazing food are endless in the Big Easy. Read on to discover the perfect spot for your next meal in this list of best New Orleans' restaurants.
American
Boulevard American Bistro serves incredible American and wood-fired grilled dishes in Metairie, Elmwood, and Covington from their scratch kitchen while providing great service. Enjoy tasty appetizers including deviled eggs and amazing entrees such as the Hawaiian ribeye. Multiple Locations, boulevardbistro.com
Boutique de Vampyre's Apothecary caters to both mortals and the vampires that live among us. The restaurant uses fresh ingredients from its own garden and offers daily tarot card readings. Their whole food and drink menu is "to die for." 725 St. Peter St., 504-766-8179, vampireapothecary.com
Crescent City Steaks, Louisiana's oldest family-owned steakhouse, has been serving some of New Orleans' finest steaks and seafood for four generations. The restaurant's steaks, which are sizzled in butter, are to die for. Their additional seafood menu featuring lobster tail is also amazing. 1001 N. Broad St., 504-821-3271, crescentcitysteaks.com
Daisy Dukes has six locations across the New Orleans area. They are known for their delicious Cajun, Southern, and breakfast dishes served until late night. Don't forget one of their award-winning Cajun Bloody Mary. Multiple Locations, daisydukesrestaurant.com
Flamingo A-Go-Go is the place to "flamingle," no matter the occasion. They have the largest courtyard in the Warehouse District. The bottomless option can't be beat. Try Flamingo's flatbreads and entrees, including the jerk tacos. 869 Magazine St., 504-577-2202, flamingonola.com
Gattuso's Neighborhood Restaurant, one of Old Gretna's best neighborhood hangout spots, has a mix of American bar food and traditional New Orleans dishes.They've been voted the best bar in the West Bank multiple times—so try their rum punch and whiskey sour. 435 Huey P. Long Ave., Gretna, 504-368-1114, gattusos.net
Houmas House & Gardens has three restaurants ranging from casual sit-down spots to fine white tablecloth dining. While Dixie Café offers breakfast, lunch, and buffets, the Carriage House and Latil's Landing are more upscale at part of the South's oldest and most beautiful estates. 401336 LA-942, Darrow, 225-473-9380, houmashouse.com
Legacy Kitchen Steak + Chop is perfect for anyone looking for a steakhouse on the Westbank. While the whole menu is mouthwatering, the restaurant's signature steaks include filets, ribeyes, and a massive tomahawk steak. 91 Westbank Expy #51, Gretna, 504-513-2606, legacykitchen.com
Luke combines elements of Franco-German brasseries with New Orleans flavors. Check out the restaurant's famous raw bar, which offers Gulf oysters, jumbo shrimp, Maine lobster, and more. If you're not in a steak mood, go for their burger bar or fried seafood platter. 333 St Charles Ave., 504-378-2840, lukeneworleans.com
New Orleans Vampire Cafe offers a menu with creative American dishes including seared duck breast, blackened alligator, and lamb stew. Order the Dracula burger, a blood bag cocktail, and the Blood Orange Creme Brûlée for a truly spooky dinner. 801 Royal St., 504-581-0801, nolavampirecafe.com
Nola Steak, located in Boomtown Casino & Hotel, is perfect for anyone who wants a good steak after playing the slots. The restaurant serves a variety of meat cuts and entrees such as blackened redfish. Try out their Sunday brunch with great food and mimosa specials. 4132 Peters Rd., Harvey,
504-805-5596, boomtownneworleans.com
Spudly's Super Spuds is a must visit for anyone who loves creatively-made baked potatoes. At Spudly's, a baked potato is a meal. They've had 40 years of experience to perfect their many different potato dishes, burgers, and sandwiches.
2609 Harvard Ave., Metairie, 504-455-3250, spudlys.com
The Steakhouse at Harrah's is where New Orleans flavors and steakhouse classics meet in an elegant dining experience. The restaurant offers flame-grilled filet mignon and ribeye, decadent seafood, and an award-winning wine menu. 8
Canal St., 504-533-6111, caesars.com
Voodoo Chicken and Daiquiris has three locations all across the French Quarter. Enjoy the restaurant's signature deep-fried chicken, Natchitoches pies, po-boys, gumbo, and giant refreshing fresh fruit daiquiris at their walk up bar. Multiple Locations, voodoochickenanddaiquirisnola.com
Asian
Asia brings together both classic Vietnamese and Chinese dishes in the Harvey's Boomtown Casino & Hotel. Try their flavorful pho, sweet and sour chicken, crab rangoons, shaking beef, tofu vegetables, and more—all at a good price. 4132 Peters Rd., Harvey, 504-366-7711, boomtownneworleans.com
Mikimoto in Mid-City has some of the freshest and most inventive sushi in town. Their signature rolls such as the lobster tempura and Mikimoto special, are always a hit, but their chicken udon and Mai Thais are just as great of a choice. 3301 S. Carrollton Ave., 504-488-1881, mikimotosushi.com
TD Seafood & Pho House serves deliciously authentic Vietnamese cuisine and spicy boiled seafood. This casual eatery on the Westbank features varieties of pho and an inhouse speciality: crawfish boiled with garlic butter or Khong sauce. 1028 Manhattan Blvd, (504) 302-1727, tdseafoodphohouse.com
Bars with Great Food
Alto Rooftop Bar provides immaculate service and views of New Orleans from atop of the Ace Hotel. Take a dip in the pool or cool off with craft cocktails in the sun. Small bites include chicken wings, a caprese panini, and andouille en croûte. 600 Carondelet St., 504-900-1180, acehotel.com
Bar Marilou is a beautiful French-style bar on the side of the Maison de la Luz hotel. Enjoy the enchanting atmosphere while indulging in delicate appetizers and creative cocktails such as the Oaxacan with the devil. 544 Carondelet St., 504-814-7711, barmarilou.com
Buffa's Bar & Restaurant is a classic New Orleans-style bar that offers a mix of Cajun/Creole dishes and American classics that's been perfecting their cocktails and cuisine since 1939. Check out their schedule as they host live music performances every Wednesday through Monday. 1001 Esplanade Ave., 504-949-0038, buffasbar.com
JB's Fuel Dock is the perfect place to eat pizza and take in the views overlooking Lake Pontchartrain. There are many salads and Neapolitan pizzas to choose from such as the garlic and red pepper or the three cheese Italian. 126 S. Roadway St., 504-510-2260, jbsfueldock.com
Le Bon Temps Roule is one of the best neighborhood bars in Uptown. The variety of delicious burgers and sandwiches, plus the signature Bloody Marys can't be beat. The live music and late-night grub makes it a fan favorite. 4801 Magazine St., 504-897-3448, lbtrnola.com
Peacock Room is an elegant cocktail bar perfect for a romantic date night. Located in the Kimpton Hotel Fontenot, it offers tasty bites such as blue cheese stuffed dates and prosciutto. Check out their live music and nightly specials. 501 Tchoupitoulas St., 504-324-3073, peacockroomnola.com
Tracey's Original Irish Channel Bar is the place to be during St. Patrick's Day or any other day. This popular sports bar has more than 20 television screens and hundreds of beer selections in addition to their delicious seafood options including crawfish galore. 2604 Magazine St., 504-897-5413, traceysnola.com
The Jimani is the place to be during any big sporting event as it's been one of New Orlean's favorite sports bars for 40 years. The French Quarter bar, open seven days a week, serves beer and Jell-O shots plus burgers, po-boys, pizza, and Chicago-style hot dogs. 141 Chartres St., 504-524-0493, thejimani.com
The Marsh Room Patio Bar and Grill is one of Metairie's newest and funkiest spots for live music and entertainment, sports, and good food. Menu items include steaks, sandwiches, quesadillas, marsh fries, and Southwest chicken eggrolls. 4740 Rye St., Metairie, 504-571-5733, facebook.com/marshroom
The Garage is a great place to have a good time in the French Quarter located just steps off of Bourbon street. The night club hosts live music events, sells CBD and massive "fish bowls," in addition to their menu of tasty New Orleans dishes. 810 Conti St., thegaragemusicclub.com
Stumpy's Hatchet House is a place where you can gather with friends and enjoy hatchet throwing for any occasion. When you're done tossing, you can try some snacks and bites including nachos, pizza, hot dogs, popcorn, and more. 1200 Poydras St., 504-577-2937, stumpyshh.com/neworleansla
Café
Cafe Amelie is perfect for your next date night with their comfortable, yet elegant, environment, as well as beautifully prepared meals, wines, and craft cocktails. Offering a unique twist on Louisiana classics, their shrimp and grits, muffalettas, and gumbo, are all stellar options. Their courtyard is also a lovely spot to enjoy their daily brunch. 900 Royal Street, www.cafeamelie.com
Carmo is a New Orleans-based tropical restaurant committed to feeding great food to vegans and omnivores alike. The exquisite combination of flavors makes healthy eating easy. Start off with the pão de quejo and then try one of the restaurant's salads such as the Burmese tea leaf. 527 Julia St., 504-875-4132, cafecarmo.com
Jimmy J's Café is a funky French Quarter café beloved by tourists and locals alike. With its one-of-a-kind breakfast dishes such as the beignet sticks and Cochon eggs Benedict, to their house Bloody Mary's, you'll no doubt enjoy an outstanding brunch. Multiple Locations, 504-309-9360, jimmyjscafe.com
The Vintage is a cozy café where customers can relax and indulge in beignets, bubbles, and bites. They have flatbreads, pressed sandwiches, and many other small dishes such as alligator poppers, yet the beignets are the particular favorite. 3121 Magazine St., 504-324-7144, thevintagenola.com
Willa Jean is a great place to go to in the Warehouse District for coffee, baked goods, and biscuits. Some of Willa Jean's food items include BBQ shrimp toast, biscuits with jam, gravy, or fried chicken with Tabasco honey. 611 O'Keefe Ave., 504-509-7334, willajean.com
French
Café Degas, located in the Faubourg St. John, is one of New Orleans' most romantic restaurants. The cafe specializes in incredibly made French dishes—also offering weekend brunch in their charming atmosphere. With steak frites and beautiful wine, there's something for everyone. 3127 Esplanade Ave., 504-945-5635, cafedegas.com
King Brasserie + Bar is an elegant restaurant located in the Kimpton Hotel Fontenot with an extensive wine menu and unique small plates, as well as dinner options. Be sure to try the grilled octopus with bacon, sweet potato, and vadouvan. 521 Tchoupitoulas St., 504-324-3000, kingbrasserieandbar.com
Italian
A Tavola Restaurant & Wine Bar is a lively spot in Metairie featuring modern Italian cuisine. They have a vast wine list, delectable cheese and meats, and Neapolitan-style pizzas. Catch their weekly specials and happy hour, which offers discounted drinks and small plates. 3413 Veterans Blvd., 504-577-2235, atavo.la
Domenica is a great place to go to in New Orleans for traditional Italian cuisine. Pick from customizable charcuterie boards and wines at this elegant spot. Their amazing Neapolitan-style pizzas come with different toppings such as clams, prosciutto, smoked pork, and meatballs. 123 Baronne St., 504-648-6020, domenicarestaurant.com
Italian Pie has been whipping up delectable American Italian food since 1992. The Uptown restaurant makes some of your favorite Italian dishes, including gourmet calzones, salads, oven-baked sandwiches, and pasta plates such as lasagnas and ravioli. Multiple Locations, italianpie.com
Josephine Estelle mixes Italian recipes with southern flavors and is open for breakfast, lunch, brunch, and dinner. The restaurant is helmed by James Beard Award-nominated chefs Michael Hudman and Andy Ticer and features beautifully selected wines and cocktails. 600 Carondelet St., 504-930-3070, josephineestelle.com
Mosca's Restaurant is one of the best-known Italian restaurants in Greater New Orleans and has been serving rustic Italian fare since 1946. All of the restaurant's entrees are served family-style from traditional spaghetti and meatballs to their Oysters Mosca. 4137 US-90 W., Westwego, 504-436-8950, moscasrestaurant.com
PIZZA Domenica is a fun and stylish pizzeria including a full bar with locations Uptown, Mid-City, and in Lakeview. The restaurant's Margherita, lamb agrodolce, white, and tutto de carne pizzas are perfect for sharing with friends. Multiple Locations, pizzadomenica.com
Venezia has been one of New Orleans' go-to Italian restaurants since 1957. You'll be impressed by any of their traditional Italian dishes or craft a customized pizza with a large variety of toppings including anchovies, veal, crawfish, feta, crabmeat, and more. 134 N. Carrollton Ave., 504-488-7991, venezianeworleans.com
Latin
Alma Cafe is an award-winning Honduran restaurant in the Bywater. Alma serves breakfast all day, offering great dishes such as Pollo Chuco and avocado toast. While craft cocktails are available, you can never go wrong with Alma's mimosas or Bloody Mary's. 800 Louisa St, New Orleans, www.eatalmanola.com
Empanola is the place to be for delicious and authentic South American empanadas. Head to either Magazine Street or Freret Street and experience the restaurant's beef Argentina, spinach and artichoke, or chicken Peruvian empanada. Multiple Locations, empanolaempanadas.com
Tito's Ceviche & Pisco, located on Magazine Street and St. Charles Avenue, brings the unique cuisine of Peru to the Big Easy. Expand your palate by trying a selection of ceviche dishes with delicious seafood such as Gulf shrimp and Gulf fish. Multiple Locations, titoscevichepisco.com
Mexican
El Gato Negro is a local, yet authentic, Mexican kitchen featuring fare from founder Juan Contreras' family recipe book, including fajitas, burritos and tacos galore, and their extensive selection of signature drinks including their famous margaritas. Multiple Locations, (504) 525-9752, elgatonegro.com
Felipe's Mexican Taqueria has three locations around New Orleans. Walk up to the counter to grab a margarita and customize your own tacos, burritos, nachos, salads, quesadillas, and more with extra beans, rice, and salsas to enjoy. Multiple Locations, felipestaqueria.com
Juan's Flying Burrito has been serving its Creole-influenced Mexican food to New Orleanians for over 25 years. While their extensive menu includes plenty of mouth-watering options, their burritos, such as the gutter punk and the al pastor, are massive and delicious. Multiple locations, juansflyingburrito.com
Mr. Tequila's menu includes authentic Mexican dishes along with Tex-Mex classics. Enjoy mouth-watering plates such as loco rice, the chimichanga plate, and the house speciality carne asada. Wash it all down with one of their jumbo margaritas. 5018 Freret St., 504-766-9660, mrtequilanola.com
Mucho Mas offers delicious and creative Mexican food in Uptown. Treat yourself to meals from their weekend brunch, weekday lunch specials, and dinner. Try a hearty dish including BBQ birria tacos or shrimp empanadas and enjoy a cocktail such as a classic margarita or Mexican martini. 8201 Oak St, www.muchomasnola.com
Tacos Del Cartel has some of the best tacos that can be found in all of Metairie. The casual atmosphere and killer craft cocktail menu make it a perfect spot for a casual meal, happy hour, or weekend brunch. Try the brisket tacos or tofu tostada. 2901 David Dr., Metairie, 504-381-5063, tacosdelcartel.com
Middle Eastern
Gita Pita offers delicious Middle Eastern fare on both Canal and Baronne Streets. The restaurant's pita wraps and bowls are filled to the brim with different selections such as shawarma, gyro, and falafel. Indulge in a side of Greek fries as well. Multiple Locations, facebook.com/GitaPitaCanal
Lebanon's Café is one of the most popular Middle Eastern restaurants in New Orleans. Choose from a long list of authentic Lebanese appetizers, dips, and massive entreés including kabobs, falafel, shawarma, and rosemary lamb chops. This casual joint offers BYOB with no corkage fee. 1500 S. Carrollton Ave., 504-862-6200, lebanonscafe.com
Shaya is a James Beard Award-winning restaurant specializing in modern Israeli cuisine perfectly crafted by Chef Alon Shaya. Choose from delicious small plates and creative hummus dishes or go for larger options such as their steak or arayes. 4213 Magazine St., 504-891-4213, shayarestaurant.com
New Orleans Cuisine
Annunciation is a great restaurant to visit for special occasions as its housed in a magnificent turn of the century warehouse. Expect contemporary Cajun and Creole dishes including shrimp etouffee, fried oysters, and soft shell crab monica. 1016 Annunciation St., 504-568-0245, annunciationrestaurant.com
Apolline serves modern Louisiana cuisine in a cozy double shotgun cottage. Delicious dishes include the crawfish bisque, panéed veal medallions, jambalaya dumplings, and seared diver scallops. Their brunch served Tuesday-Sunday includes their housemade boudin. 4729 Magazine St., 504-894-8881, apollinerestaurant.com
Café Normandie in the Higgins Hotel serves both French and New Orleans cuisine through elevated dining experience. Mouth-watering entrees include the Cajun paella, oyster and pork belly tacos, steak frites, and the confit duck cassoulet. 1000 Magazine St., 504-528-1941, higginshotelnola.com
Chef Ron's Gumbo Stop has been serving incredible Louisiana cuisine in its unassuming location since 2012. Boudin balls, fried shrimp po-boys, and their award-winning gumbo in several tasty variations, as well as many other NOLA favorites are on the menu. 2309 N. Causeway Blvd., Metairie, 504-835-2022, gumbostop.com
Commons Club New Orleans, in the Virgin Hotel, provides customers with contemporary American dishes with southern sensibility such as crawfish hushpuppies or the roasted Gulf shrimp. Their high end cocktails and weekend brunch specials just can't be beat. 550 Baronne St., virginhotels.com
Crescent City Brewhouse is a charming microbrewery with great New Orleans food, oysters, live music, and even a courtyard. Try one of the restaurant's house beers, wines, or "brewtails," all of which incorporate the brewhouse's original beers. 527 Decatur St., 504-522-0571, crescentcitybrewhouse.com
Evangeline offers a beautiful French Quarter courtyard, craft beer, and delicious Louisiana cuisine using the best fresh ingredients. The menu features perfected Cajun dishes including alligator creole, southern-fried okra, and grilled redfish with crawfish pesto pasta. 329 Decatur St., 504-373-4852, evangelineneworleans.com
House of Blues New Orleans is the perfect place to enjoy yourself with everything from live music, gospel brunch, and tasty dishes. Dishes to enjoy include the fried chicken, baby back ribs, blackened salmon, and a range of tasty burgers. 225 Decatur St., 504-310-4999, houseofblues.com/neworleans
Lakeview Harbor is a terrific Lakeview restaurant that has been family-owned and operated for over 30 years. The expansive menu has steaks, seafood, po-boys, salads, the best burgers, and all kinds of appetizers. Check out their food truck too. 8550 Pontchartrain Blvd., 504-486-4887, lakeviewharbor.us
Lil' Dizzy's Cafe is a Tremé staple that serves up authentic Creole and classic Southern dishes such as seafood platters and catfish. Their rich, hearty gumbo and crawfish bisque are the best while their delicious po-boys will satisfy any appetite. 1500 Esplanade Ave., 504-766-8687, lildizzyscafe.net
Mandina's Restaurant has been family-owned and bringing great food to New Orleans since 1932. The menu is Creole Italian and has amazing dishes such as turtle soup au sherry, veal parmesan and spaghetti, and fried seafood plates. 3800 Canal St., 504-482-9179, mandinasrestaurant.com
Meril is a chic Chef Emeril Lagasse establishment offering a globally-inspired menu of small plates and shareable dishes as well as a full bar with craft cocktails. The wood-fired oysters, charcuterie board, and crispy Brussels sprouts are standout options. 424 Girod St., 504-526-3745, emerilsrestaurants.com
Mother's Restaurant has been a popular hangout for New Orleanians since 1938 with their classic dishes and all day breakfast. Beloved local dishes such as red beans and rice, seafood gumbo, crawfish etouffee, debris and jambalaya are all offered. 401 Poydras St., 504-523-9656, mothersrestaurant.net
Nice Guys Bar & Grill gives creative twists on classic cuisine, including popular choices such as drunken wings coated with alcohol-infused sauces and candy-coated praline wings. Quality food that you can taste. 7910 Earhart Blvd., 504-302-2404, niceguysbarandgrillnola.com
New Orleans Creole Cookery serves amazing and traditional Creole cuisine not too far from Jackson Square. Sit outside in the restaurant's beautiful courtyard and enjoy the pecan crusted redfish or the Chicken Pontalba. 510 Toulouse St. 504-524-9632, neworleanscreolecookery.com
Neyow's Creole Café is a popular Mid-City spot that serves up classic New Orleans dishes with a modern twist in an unforgettable atmosphere. Their fried catfish, shrimp and grits, and stuffed bell peppers are all delicious options. 3332 Bienville St., 504-827-5474, neyows.com
Neyow's XL is a fine dining establishment located right next to Neyow's Creole Café. In addition to authentic Creole dishes, the restaurant is known for its high quality steaks. Splurge on one of Neyow's XL hurricanes or check out their excellent brunch. 3336 Bienville St., 504-503-1081, xl.neyows.com
Orleans Grapevine Wine Bar & Bistro is a charming French Quarter wine bar that offers a selection of delicious small plates. The charcuterie board, cheese plate, and truffle fries are all popular appetizers, and their Creole Surf and Turf is cooked to perfection. 720 Orleans Ave., 504-523-1930, orleansgrapevine.com
Parkway Bakery & Tavern first opened its doors in 1911 and it has been a NOLA staple ever since. People from all over the country come to the shop for its extensive list of famous po-boy sandwiches from fried seafood to hot sausage. 538 Hagan Ave., 504-482-3047, parkwaypoorboys.com
Short Stop Poboys has been serving Metairie since 1966 and offers over 30 different kinds of po-boys from soft shell crab to their four meat special. Their debris-style roast beef is excellent, tender, and juicy every time. 119 Transcontinental Dr., Metairie 504-885-4572, shortstoppoboysno.com
Seafood
Bon Temps Boulet Seafood is a fun neighborhood eatery with friendly service and tasty Southern dishes. They are known best to customers for their spicy, boiled seafood including their $25 dollar all you can eat crawfish, and chargrilled oysters. 4701 Airline Dr., Metairie, 504-885-5003, bontempsboulets.com
Briquette has delectable modern and coastal meals such as snapper Pontchartrain, lamb shank, and Louisiana Redfish on the half shell. Located in the Warehouse District, Briquette features a unique open kitchen and full wine list. 701 S. Peters St., 504-302-7496, briquette-nola.com
Legacy Kitchen's Tacklebox is one of three restaurants that are under the ownership of Legacy Kitchen. Tacklebox has an oyster bar, and a mix of Southern and seafood dishes including shrimp and grits and catfish pecan. Their seafood towers and Southern comfort food options can't be beat.
817 Common St., 504-827-1651, legacykitchen.com
Middendorf's Restaurant is a Louisiana seafood institution and has been serving up their famous thin-fried catfish for over 80 years. Located on the shores of lakes Pontchartrain and Maurepas, the views are as impressive as the seafood options such as the crawfish cakes. Multiple Locations, middendorfsrestaurant.com
Seaworthy celebrates all things seafood and puts an emphasis on using locally-sourced fish and game as well as sustainably harvested oysters. Dishes including lobster cocktail, scallop crudo, fish and chips, red snapper ceviche, and charbroiled oysters are available. 630 Carondelet St., 504-930-3071, seaworthynola.com
