Crispy fried shrimp po' boy sandwich with lettuce, tomato, onion, served with a side of rice and beans in a blue bowl.

Where Y'at Magazine's 2026 Fall Restaurant Guide

06:00 September 23, 2026
By: Staff

 [Randy Schmidt]

Best Restaurants in New Orleans


Arabi

[Randy Schmidt]

Kitchen Table Café is a casual café known for its fresh and locally sourced ingredients. With seasonal and limited time offers, the restaurant's menu changes with the seasons, always serving their freshest and finest dishes. Their coconut shrimp bisque is a fan favorite, lathered in pompano almondine and onion butter rice. Diners also love Kitchen Table Café's tamales. 7005 St. Claude Ave., (504) 301-2285, facebook.com/kitchentablearabi


CBD/Warehouse District

[Randy Schmidt]

Anita's Grill has been around for more than 100 years. The restaurant has faced many challenges in its history, shutting down after Katrina and during the pandemic, but now continues to rise to be one of New Orleans' must-visits. Stop by and be sure to sample one of their famous staples, such as the shrimp & grits and fried catfish. 833 Howard Ave., (504) 354-8979, anitasgrillnola.com

[Provided by Blue Bayou Restaurant and Oyster Bar]

Blue Bayou Restaurant and Oyster Bar brings Louisiana flavors to Canal Street with fresh seafood and Southern classics. Start with Blue Bayou's famous chargrilled oysters or Mardi Gras pasta before ordering a Category 5 Hurricane or Canal Street Old Fashion. Their bayou-inspired interior, complete with Spanish moss and a 30-foot faux oak tree, adds to the experience. 717 Canal St., (504) 291-3788, bluebayourestaurantnola.com

Grilled seafood platter with shrimp, crab, roasted potatoes, arugula, cherry tomatoes, and lemon wedges on a plate.
[Randy Schmidt]

Briquette is a unique establishment with its signature open kitchen and 18-foot seafood display. Their fish are cooked with fine flavored oils over their red-hot briquettes. The open bar and community tables make this elevated experience feel like a casual get-together. The extensive menu features coastal dishes such as snapper Pontchartrain and Louisiana redfish on the half shell. 701 S. Peters St., (504) 547‑6330, briquette-nola.com

[Randy Schmidt]

Commons Club is a contemporary restaurant, inside Virgin Hotels New Orleans, where bold interiors and vibrant artwork create a stylish setting for diners. The kitchen puts a fresh spin on Southern cuisine with dishes that highlight Gulf seafood and seasonal ingredients, while the bar serves inventive cocktails. A delicious option includes roasted chicken with crispy confit potatoes. 550 Baronne St., (833) 791-7700, virginhotels.com

Seafood platter with crab claws, oysters on ice, dipping sauces, lemon wedges, and seafood salads in bowls.
[Randy Schmidt]

Delacroix, right by Spanish Plaza, serves refined Louisiana cuisine in an elegant dining room overlooking the Mississippi River. Warm wood finishes and expansive windows across the establishment give the space a timeless feel. Be sure to try their duck gumbo before enjoying their classic New Orleans daube of beef & cavatelli or their massive seafood plateau. 1 Poydras St. Spc. 1005, (504) 655-9002, delacroixrestaurant.com

[Randy Schmidt]

Desi Vega's Steakhouse is a one-of-a-kind steakhouse known for their elegant atmosphere and top-tier service. The restaurant offers a 100% USDA Prime steakhouse experience in New Orleans. The establishment has also been awarded the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence in 2022, 2023, and 2024. Make a reservation today and be sure to order their cowboy steak. 628 St. Charles Ave., (504) 523-7600, desivegasteaks.com

[Randy Schmidt]

Domenica, translating to "Sunday" in Italian, prioritizes delivering leisurely and abundant meals, all carefully prepared with local ingredients. The restaurant has created modern classics, pairing deeply-rooted Italian tradition with a New Orleans palate. Their pasta and Napolitano-style pizzas are hand-made daily and are recommended with their delicious wine or crafty cocktails. Order the radiatori or the 16 oz. prime ribeye. 123 Baronne St., (504) 648-6020, domenicarestaurant.com

Plate of gourmet steak with steaming rosemary garnish and glass of red wine on white tablecloth by brick wall
[Randy Schmidt]

Galliano is a rustic establishment where Chef Ricky Cheramie creates traditional homestyle Cajun dishes with his own contemporary twists. With a goal to take taste buds straight to the bayou, Galliano stacks flavors with local seafood and dishes such as their braised short ribs. The restaurant promises a true southern Louisiana dining experience with their Cajun cuisine and homey-feeling interior. 200 Julia St., (504) 218-5753, gallianorestaurant.com

[Randy Schmidt]

Legacy Kitchen's Craft Tavern offers an industrial tavern atmosphere with a great craft beer selection and delicious food. The menu is a balanced blend of small and large plates, along with classic American tavern fare and Southern-style comfort food. The tavern has a wide variety of memorable dishes such as their crawfish bread and chicken clemenceau. 700 Tchoupitoulas St. #3612, (504) 613-2350, legacykitchen.com

[Randy Schmidt]

Legacy Kitchen's Tacklebox is similar to Craft Tavern but with more of a focus on seafood dishes including the redfish St. Charles. Their locally sourced seafood are top-notch with their fried tacklebox platter featuring their unique crawfish hushpuppies and several other seafood items. The interior makes it a lively spot with a classic Gulf Coast feel. 817 Common St., (504) 827-1651, legacykitchen.com

Fresh oysters on ice served with lemon wedges and dipping sauces in a metal tray, labeled by type and origin.
[Randy Schmidt]

Luke is a Crescent City treasure located in the center of the CBD. With a vibrant interior, the restaurant is a Creole-inspired brasserie with a welcoming and energetic atmosphere. The menu includes primarily locally sourced ingredients and seasonal farmers' market offerings. Fan favorites include their raw oysters and the shrimp en cocotte served with roasted jalapeño cheese grits. 333 St. Charles Ave., 504 378-2840, lukeneworleans.com

Breakfast croissant sandwich with egg, cheese, greens, and ham served on a black plate with a latte on wooden table.
[Randy Schmidt]

Lyons Corner is here to satisfy diners with renowned brunch menu items such as the Lyons Benedict, served on a freshly baked toasted croissant with Chisesi ham, poached egg, and Crystal hollandaise. The restaurant offers a casual dining experience welcoming locals and visitors alike. Stop by to try the Crescent City croissant with pork belly. 537 Gravier St., (504) 576-9721, lyonscornernola.com

Crispy fried chicken topped with mixed green salad and grated cheese served on a rustic plate with white wine and cutlery.
[Randy Schmidt]

Meril is a contemporary American restaurant located in the heart of the Warehouse District. With influences from around the world, Meril's menu mixes traditional American cuisine with different countries' flavor profiles, creating various unique, carefully curated dishes. The spirited dining experience offers memorable dishes for any meal, including their Gulf shrimp and pork dumplings and fried parmesan chicken salad. 424 Girod St., (504) 526-3745, bemeril.com

[Randy Schmidt]

Mother's Restaurant brings authentic Southern comfort to their loyal customers. Known for their po-boys, breakfast dishes, and baked ham, the restaurant is a great attraction for both locals and visitors. Their traditional flavors and dishes are why people love Mother's. It is where you go for a true Louisianian meal such as delicious crawfish étouffée and some great tasting cheesy grits. 401 Poydras St., (504) 523-9656, mothersrestaurant.net

[Randy Schmidt]

Restaurant August is a Creole restaurant offering dishes inspired by French-Creole cuisine with the chef's own creative twist. Their 19th century interior turns the elevated meal into a unique dining experience with antique mirrors and mahogany paneling. They even offer a Chef's Tasting Menu and a Four-Course Menu, offering delicious dishes such as flounder Pontchartrain. 301 Tchoupitoulas St., (504) 299-9777, restaurantaugust.com

Gourmet rack of lamb with crispy topping and sauce served on a white plate with cocktail on table.
[Randy Schmidt]

Restaurant Rebirth offers Cajun and Creole cuisine straight from the farm to the table, even squeezing their own sugar cane. Their nationally complimented chef creates true food for the soul with local ingredients. Their diverse dinner menu offers favorites such as blackened scallops and double-cut Cheshire pork chop, along with a custom vegetarian option with seasonal vegetables. 857 Fulton St., (504) 522-6863, restaurantrebirth.com

[Randy Schmidt]

Willa Jean is a restaurant beloved for their freshly baked goods and comforting Southern fare. A breakfast and brunch spot, Willa Jean offers mouthwatering pastries and entrees such as the hangover bowl and the WJ breakfast, featuring eggs, biscuits, cheesy grits, bacon, and sausage. The interior is crowded with windows and beautiful art, contributing to the ambience of the restaurant. 611 O'Keefe Ave., (504) 509-7334, willajean.com

[Randy Schmidt]

Willie Mae's NOLA is a full-service restaurant that was initially a bar opened in 1957 in the Tremé neighborhood. Recently voted America's Best Fried Chicken, Willie Mae's NOLA offers a wide range of American and Creole dishes, each one tastier than the next. If you can't decide on something, order the Taste of New Orleans for chicken, catfish, and shrimp. 898 Baronne St., (504) 354-8194, williemaesnola.com


French Quarter

[Randy Schmidt]

3rd Block Depot prioritizes options for everyone from drinks to seasonal specials. The restaurant puts their own spin on Cajun/Creole cuisine. They offer Louisiana classics with a twist, such as the Gulf shrimp ceviche and Cajun gumbo. The restaurant maintains southern Louisianian tastes with local ingredients, often sourced from the city's farmer's markets. Order the braised short rib. 310 Chartres St., (504) 552-4095, 3rdblockdepot.com

[Randy Schmidt]

Crescent City Brewhouse is the Quarter's only microbrewery and is a favorite for locals and visitors. With live jazz from local musicians, this establishment is welcoming to all diners. A 17-barrel brewery, the restaurant incorporates traditional values and modern technology to offer the best local craft beers along with delicious dishes such as the Decatur burger. 527 Decatur St., (504) 522‑0571, crescentcitybrewhouse.com

[Randy Schmidt]

Desire Oyster Bar is located on the world-famous Bourbon Street, ready to serve anyone who takes a seat. With an elevated diner-style interior and open oyster bar, the restaurant sets itself apart from other restaurants located on Bourbon Street. Their authentic seafood and other dishes, such as the fried oysters herbsaint and the Bienville wedge salad, are always great. 300 Bourbon St., (504) 553-2281, sonesta.com

[Randy Schmidt]

House of Blues New Orleans is a restaurant, bar, and concert venue, inviting guests to listen to various artists while enjoying a hearty meal. Diners praise their generous portions and their Voodoo Garden open courtyard. Popular menu items include the baby back ribs and fried green tomatoes. Stop by on Sundays for their gospel brunch. 225 Decatur St., (504) 310-4999, neworleans.houseofblues.com

[Randy Schmidt]

New Orleans Creole Cookery is a famous Creole restaurant, honoring every Louisiana cooking tradition in the book. Their Taste of New Orleans sample plate is a popular choice for first-timers, featuring shrimp Creole, red beans and rice, crawfish étouffée, and jambalaya. Diners enjoy their fountain and courtyard for outdoor dining, as well as their pecan crusted redfish. 510 Toulouse St., (504) 524-9632, neworleanscreolecookery.com

[Randy Schmidt]

New Orleans Vampire Café is an eerie restaurant inspired by local folklore and urban legends. They offer blood bag cocktails and vampire-themed wines. The atmosphere is similar to that of Dracula's isolated castle with a dark color palette and spooky atmosphere. Their Dracula and vampire burgers, as well as their shrimp & grits, have been fan favorites over the years. 801 Royal St., (504) 581-0801, nolavampirecafe.com

[Randy Schmidt]

Orleans Grapevine Wine Bar and Bistro is located in an over 200-year old building, the home of the first Creole restaurant in the city. The interior has kept its historical character, giving diners a blast into the past. Some of the menu highlights include the lamb chops, swordfish, and surf and turf filet, along with their extensive wine list. 720 Orleans Ave., (504) 523-1930, orleansgrapevine.com

[Randy Schmidt]

The Rib Room is a steakhouse in the Omni Royal Hotel with classic fare in a space that's good for people watching. The elegant yet welcoming atmosphere sets the tone for this elevated dining experience. They also offer jazz brunches every Sunday with live musicians each week. Enjoy their prime rib or try their pickled fried green tomato po-boy. 621 St. Louis St., (504) 529-7045, ribroomneworleans.com

[Randy Schmidt]

Vampire Apothecary is a fine restaurant that offers craft cocktails and tarot readings. The dim lighting and mystical elements, coupled with custom fang fittings and tarot card readers, make for a highly memorable night in the Quarter. Diners praise the lobster and crab-stuffed portobello, the roasted pork tenderloin, and the Frangria served in blood bags. 725 St. Peter St., (504) 766-8179, vampireapothecary.com


Garden District

[Randy Schmidt]

Please U Restaurant is a casual spot for Louisiana "hot plates" and all-day breakfast including the two egg breakfast and the pancake breakfast. The atmosphere is fun and quirky with a diner-like interior and a staff excited to serve their customers. Their muffulettas, which come with a house-made olive salad, have become a hit in recent years. 1751 St. Charles Ave., (504) 525-9131, pleaseunola.com


Gentilly

[Randy Schmidt]

Thai'd Up is an Isaan Thai restaurant delivering exceptional dining experiences with skilled staff and a delicious, unique cuisine. Their dining room makes for a cozy atmosphere and homey meal. The restaurant offers great portions from fresh ingredients, creating highly praised meals such as their delicious drunken noodles and the special spicy basil with chicken. Multiple Locations, thaidup.co


Jefferson

[Randy Schmidt]

Rivershack Tavern is one of the best restaurants in town, offering delicious meals and live music. This roadside bar is known for its interior and the famous "bar legs" barstools. Here, diners can enjoy classic Creole cuisine such as the seafood platter, creative takes such as the buffalo mushroom po-boy, and lots of different beers to choose from. 3449 River Rd., (504) 834-4938, rivershacktavern.com


Lakeview

Close-up of a bacon cheeseburger with lettuce, red onion, pickles, melted cheese, and a toasted bun.
[Randy Schmidt]

JB's Fuel Dock is a pizza joint with unique rotating specials and delicious entree options. Their dockside property allows for a memorable view overlooking Lake Pontchartrain. A landmark for both boaters and locals, the dock has also served as a convenience store, fueling station, and boat yard. Their menu offers a wide range of food including JB's classic burger. 128 S. Roadway St., (504) 510-2260, jbsfueldock.com

[Randy Schmidt]

Lakeview Harbor is home to the original Lakeview hamburger and memorable Maine lobster. Their friendly service and generous portions make for a great casual meal with the family or friends. The interior offers a classic, laid-back neighborhood bar atmosphere. While their entire menu is amazing, a standout favorite for many customers is their Texas BBQ burger. 8550 Pontchartrain Blvd., (504) 486‑4887, lakeviewharbor.us

[Randy Schmidt]

Sala NOLA is a fantastic restaurant located in New Orleans' historic West End neighborhood. With a belief that a restaurant is about more than the food, this restaurant makes a meal a memory with family and friends. Entrees offer a mix between local and coastal Italian flavors, with menu items such as the chicken panné linguine. 124 Lake Marina Dr., (504) 513-2670, salanola.com

[Randy Schmidt]

The Blue Crab Restaurant & Bar is an oyster bar and restaurant looking over Lake Pontchartrain. Locally owned and operated, the establishment serves only the finest and freshest seafood with specialty meals such as the whole stuffed flounder and Basin BBQ shrimp & grits. The interior is casual with nautical art and massive windows to overlook the lake. 7900 Lakeshore Dr., (504) 284-2898, thebluecrabnola.com


Marigny/Bywater

[Randy Schmidt]

Bamboula's is famous for its live music all day, every day. The heartbeat of Frenchmen Street, Bamboula's has lots of room and seating with intriguing architectural details. Reviews highlight their jambalaya and their Gulf oysters on the menu, which is full of delicious New Orleans classics. Their jazz and blues music is the perfect match for a Creole meal. 516 Frenchmen St., (504) 451-7306, bamboulasmusic.com


Metairie

[Randy Schmidt]

Chef Ron's Gumbo Stop serves award-winning gumbo with only the freshest ingredients. The home of the original stuffed gumbo, this establishment offers all kinds of New Orleans classics. Try the chicken Jefferson topped with crawfish and shrimp cream sauce. The interior has a funky, fun vibe with art covering the walls and with diner seating. 2309 N. Causeway Blvd., (504) 835-2022, gumbostop.com

[Randy Schmidt]

Moe's Original BBQ is a Metairie favorite for some authentic Alabama barbeque. The restaurant prepares everything in-house daily with fresh ingredients. Along with their barbeque, Moe's offers a range of seafood, Southern sweets, and flavorful desserts such as their banana pudding or the Mississippi mud pie. Their family platter is a must for big groups. 1101 N. Causeway Blvd., (504) 407-3533, moesoriginalbbq.com

Elegant afternoon tea setup with tiered tray of desserts and sandwiches, fine china, and floral decorations on marble table.
[Randy Schmidt]

Prince Tea House offers the finest tea in Greater New Orleans, imported straight from France. Along with their tea collection, the tea house, which fuses Asian and European influences, provides afternoon tea snacks and desserts, in addition to freshly made waffles. The interior is peaceful and elegant, and their wide range of desserts from macaroons to cheesecake are unforgettable. 3012 N. Arnoult Rd. Ste. B, (504) 330-0360, princetealhousenola.com

[Randy Schmidt]

Short Stop Poboys has been an essential choice for po-boys for more than half a century. The inside has an old-school grocery store feel and an open kitchen for customers to watch their sandwiches be made. Short Stop offers various types of po-boys, such as shrimp po-boys, along with traditional side dishes including gumbo and jambalaya. 119 Transcontinental Dr., (504) 885-4572, shortstoppoboysno.com

[Randy Schmidt]

Spudly's Super Spuds is a casual family-run restaurant known for its meals served in baked potatoes. They offer an extensive range of baked potatoes, from their pizza spud with pepperoni to their Wisconsin spud, made with cheddar, mozzarella, Swiss, sour cream, bacon bits, and chives. No matter what potato you order, you'll be having a good meal. 2609 Harvard Ave., (504) 455-3250, spudlys.com

Plate of crispy fried soft shell crab with sweet potato fries, dipping sauce, and a lemon wedge on wooden table.
[Randy Schmidt]

The Galley Seafood is one of the best spots in Greater New Orleans for seafood. From crawfish and oysters to crabs, they have your seafood needs covered. In addition, the restaurant offers frog legs, fried green tomatoes, white beans and rice, and plenty more from their extensive menu. Be sure to try their crawfish Monica with fried catfish. 2535 Metairie Rd., (504) 832-0955

Grilled steak with herbs on white plate, creamy spinach side dish, glass of red wine on white tablecloth.
[Randy Schmidt]

Vacca Steakhouse is perfect for a special date night over in Metairie. You can't go wrong with any of their prime cuts including center cut filet, New York strip, cowboy ribeye, and more. In addition to steak, the restaurant offers special dishes including Chilean sea bass, veal chop, and whiskey glazed salmon. They also offer seasonal food specials. 3524 Severn Ave., (504) 318-3808, vaccasteakhouse.com


Mid-City

[Randy Schmidt]

Crescent City Steaks is a family-owned steakhouse serving the finest USDA Prime beef. The restaurant invented their own "New Orleans-style" steaks by sizzling them in butter. Always crowded with people, make a reservation and order their delicious porterhouse steak. End the meal with the Z pie, an ice cream pie with caramel and chocolate sauce. 1001 N. Broad St, (504) 821‑3271, crescentcitysteaks.com

[Randy Schmidt]

Mandina's Restaurant offers seafood and Creole-Italian cuisine in an establishment that was originally a grocery store in 1898. The atmosphere is lively with a crowded, old school bar. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, ready to recommend their favorites. Visit on Thursday and enjoy their bruccialone special, which is rolled and stuffed veal with shell macaroni. 3800 Canal St., (504) 482-9179, mandinasrestaurant.com

Plate of assorted sashimi including tuna, salmon, octopus, and wasabi on a ceramic dish with garnish.
[Randy Schmidt]

Mikimoto Restaurant offers freshly made authentic Japanese food with a New Orleans twist. Their Crescent City roll is especially popular, and their fresh sashimi platter is also worth a try. The restaurant has an open sushi bar with ambient lighting, along with a drive-thru, one of the only Japanese restaurants with one in the city. 3301 S. Carrollton Ave., (504) 488-1881, mikimotosushi.com

[Randy Schmidt]

Mona's Cafe has offered authentic Middle Eastern cuisine for decades with high quality, fresh ingredients. The restaurant started in 1987 as a small bakery, then quickly expanded into the local favorite that it is today. Their fresh pita bread and homemade baklava are popular menu items, along with the hummus with lamb and Mona's mezze. 3901 Banks St., (504) 482-7743, facebook.com/monasnola

[Randy Schmidt]

Neyow's Creole Café serves authentic Creole cuisine from their seasoned crab claws to their seafood platter. Their po-boys, including the seafood combo and the Philly cheesesteak, are very popular. The restaurant has an energetic atmosphere with personable staff and jazz-themed decor, topped with upbeat music. If you're out on a date, consider ordering Neyow's extravaganza dinner for two. 3332 Bienville St., (504) 827‑5474, neyows.com

Po Boy sandwich with fried shrimp, roast beef, lettuce, and tomato on French bread with shrimp spilling out.
[Randy Schmidt]

Parkway Bakery and Tavern opened in 1911 and quickly became an icon within the city. Their bar is active and crowded, while the restaurant serves delicious po-boys and more. The restaurant serves over 1,000 diners a day on average, so be in that number and order the surf & turf po-boy with the Big Easy Old Fashioned. 538 Hagan Ave., (504) 482-3047, parkwaypoorboys.com


Multiple Locations

[Randy Schmidt]

Bearcat Cafe is a sit down café with fresh breakfast and lunch options. The menu has two interesting sections: Good Cat, for lighter fare options, and Bad Cat, for those looking for a heartier meal. They offer vegetarian, vegan, paleo, and gluten free options along with other menu items, including pancakes, brisket, eggs, and more. Multiple Locations, bearcatcafe.com

[Randy Schmidt]

Daisy Dukes Restaurant is a restaurant whose goal is to fully encapsulate NOLA's soul while offering classic Southern comfort food. What started as a small lunch spot quickly grew in size, adding multiple locations. Try their half shrimp po-boy with a cup of gumbo or their shrimp & grits. They even offer merchandise and their Bloody Mary mix in-store and online. Multiple Locations, daisydukesrestaurant.com

[Randy Schmidt]

Deanie's Seafood Restaurant originated in Bucktown and has been serving great seafood for over 60 years. With all of their food made from scratch, Deanie's serves what reviewers note as consistently excellent food. The atmosphere is casual with a neighborhood feel. Their menu items include BBQ shrimp and a seafood gumbo with fresh shrimp, crab, and okra. Multiple Locations, deanies.com

[Randy Schmidt]

Drago's Seafood Restaurant started in 1933 and is famous for originating NOLA's popular chargrilled oysters. The restaurant provides a familial feel, being owned by Tommy Cvitanovich and Klara Cvitanovich greeting guests everyday at Drago's Metairie location. Aside from the oysters, diners' can also enjoy other menu highlights including the crab Mediterranean salad and redfish almandine. Multiple Locations, dragosrestaurant.com

[Randy Schmidt]

Jamaican Jerk House is homegrown and is a standout for their authentic Jamaican food. Diners praise their oxtails and beef ribs, noted as juicy and tender with outstanding flavor. Their meals offer generous portions, with combo plates such as their oxtail and jerk plate. The interior provides a bright and welcoming space for a friendly atmosphere in NOLA and Metairie. Multiple Locations, jamaicanjerkhouse.com

[Randy Schmidt]

Loretta's Authentic Pralines is a popular business offering lots of sweet treats in the French Market and in their brick-and-mortar. Their praline beignets have become a local favorite along with the burger beignets and crabmeat beignets. Their traditional pralines have also been celebrated for their true Creole flavor, which captures classic, sweet New Orleans tradition. Multiple Locations, lorettaspralines.com

Close-up of a thin-crust pizza topped with slices of ham and sprinkled with crushed pistachios.
[Randy Schmidt]

Pizza Domenica is the perfect spot for a dinner with family and friends with a light-hearted and lively atmosphere. Their specialty gourmet pizzas—such as their mortadella with ricotta, hot honey, pistachios, basil, and red onions—are not their only beloved menu items. Diners also love their spaghetti carbonara, their wood roasted wings, and many other entree and appetizer dishes. Multiple Locations, pizzadomenica.com

[Randy Schmidt]

Tacos & Beer is a lively, casual restaurant with an open bar and authentic Mexican food. Their frozen margaritas are always a fantastic choice, along with their birria tacos and spicy Mexican burger. The restaurant is perfect for Taco Tuesday crowds and for hanging out with close friends. Their bright and colorful decor adds to the lively atmosphere for diners. Multiple Locations, facebook.com/tacosneworleans

[Randy Schmidt]

Venezia Restaurant first opened at their original location in 1957, there to make diners feel at home with their family-friendly atmosphere and homey interior. Customers are met with all smiles by the staff, ready to help with menu selections. The restaurant is known for its varied pizzas, six oz. filet, and house specialty pasta dishes including the marsala and parmigiana. Multiple Locations, venezianeworleans.com

[Provided by Voodoo Chicken & Daiquiris ]

Voodoo Chicken & Daiquiris combines crispy fried chicken with New Orleans favorites and refreshing frozen drinks. Dig into fried chicken, a shrimp po-boy, or red beans & rice before cooling down with one of the restaurant's fresh fruit daiquiris. With four French Quarter and Downtown locations, Voodoo is also an easy stop for a quick meal or late-night bite. Multiple Locations, voodoochickenanddaiquirisnola.com


Tremé

[Randy Schmidt]

Li'l Dizzy's Cafe is a Creole-soul restaurant offering food made from the heart. Customers praise their soul food and Creole cuisine, highlighting dishes such as their seafood gumbo and soft shell crab. Reviewers frequently call their catfish Jourdain a must-order. The interior offers a friendly, family-oriented atmosphere where staff and diners often greet new arrivals in unison. 1500 Esplanade Ave., (504) 766-8687, lildizzyscafe.net


Uptown

Two tacos with meat and pineapple, green sauce, cheese cubes, rice with vegetables, plantains on colorful tablecloth
[Randy Schmidt]

El Pavo Real has been serving savory and traditional Mexican dishes for over 10 years now and is a go-to for great Mexican food in NOLA. Serving lunch and dinner Tuesday to Saturday and an early morning brunch on Sunday, the restaurant offers all of the classics, such as their chipotle coconut shrimp, el pastor tacos, and platanos with mole. 4401 S. Broad Ave., (504) 266-2022, elpavorealnola.com

Baked casserole dish with golden melted cheese served on foil, alongside a fresh garden salad on a wooden table.
[Randy Schmidt]

Lebanon's Cafe is famous for its authentic Lebanese food and cozy neighborhood atmosphere. They offer casual indoor seating alongside outdoor sidewalk tables. Lebanon's Cafe earns praise for its large portions and various menu items. The menu includes sauteed veggies, vegetarian stuffed grape leaves, and the combination kabob featuring chicken kabob, beef shish kabob, and lula kebob. 1500 S. Carrollton Ave., (504) 862-6200, lebanonscafe.com

[Randy Schmidt]

Shaya honors traditional cooking and modern Levantine cuisine with food and hospitality that transports diners to the Mediterranean. The restaurant bakes their famous pita in their wood-fired oven for diners. Their contemporary menu offers various types of hummus, such as the fried chicken hummus, along with other delicious meals such as Bakkafrost salmon and a falafel sandwich. 4213 Magazine St., (504) 891-4213, shayarestaurant.com

[Randy Schmidt]

Tal's Hummus has been a Magazine Street favorite for many years, serving Israeli food with a mix of classic and modern flavors. From their hummus made from scratch to delicious proteins including crispy chicken schnitzel, lamb kebabs, and ribeye steak, everything centers on freshness. The menu also features plenty of vegan and vegetarian options, plus a full bar. 4734 Magazine St., (504) 267-7357, talshummus.com

[Randy Schmidt]

The Vintage is a space for more than simply sharing a meal. The establishment offers an intimate atmosphere for people to come and relax and have a good time. Their award winning coffee can be paired with their hot, house made beignets. Their menu offers various more items such as the zoodle bowl with seared tuna. 3121 Magazine St., (504) 608-1008, thevintagenola.com


Violet

[Randy Schmidt]

Charlie's Restaurant offers a familiar, local atmosphere with a cozy dining room crowded with all kinds of ambiance. Diners frequently praise their large portions and good prices along with their range of menu items, all made from scratch. The classic gumbo and onion rings receive much love from customers, as well as their crazy crab pasta. 6129 E. St. Bernard Hwy., Violet, (504) 682-9057


Westbank

Grilled pork chop with herb sauce and loaded baked potato topped with cheese, bacon, and green onions on white plate.
[Randy Schmidt]

Legacy Kitchen's Steak + Chop blends an upscale restaurant with a casual and vibrant atmosphere. The interior features modern decor for a fine-cut steakhouse feel over in Gretna. Diners love their prime pork chop and baked potato along with their other dishes, such as the grilled Gulf shrimp tacos featuring avocado, mango, slaw, and cilantro sour cream. 91 Westbank Expy., Gretna, (504) 608-6082, legacykitchen.com

[Randy Schmidt]

Mosca's Restaurant has been serving only the best Creole-Italian classics with the same family-style methods for 80 years. Mosca's is no basic Italian restaurant. The menu offers truly delicious Italian dishes such as chicken a la grande, spaghetti bordelaise, chicken cacciatore, and the shrimp Mosca and oysters Mosca, featuring a special Mosca's seasoning and breadcrumbs. 4137 US-90, Westwego, (504) 436-8950, moscasrestaurant.com

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