Just beyond the boundary of the French Quarter, extending all
the way to Poland Avenue, you'll find yourself in the vibrant Marigny and
Bywater neighborhoods. The Bywater/Maringy is where you'll find a lively nightlife scene, lots
of bars, quirky shops, and restaurants with cuisine that you cannot find elsewhere
in the city. Most of the restaurants are fairly young, so the menus are often
full of contemporary, innovative fare with influences from all over the globe.
Though there are numerous intriguing restaurants you'll want
to try out, these are the top of the crop in the historical Bywater and Marigny neighborhoods. Just pace
yourself so that you can check them all out. There will be something enticing
to you at each one.
10 Best Bywater and Marigny Restaurants
1. Alma Cafe
800 Louisa St., (504) 381-5877
eatalmanola.com
Alma Cafe in the Bywater boasts an impressive record of accomplishments and dishes from its Chef Melissa Araujo. The cuisine is geared towards Honduran food like Pollo Chuco and Baleadas. With a creation founded on the love and appreciation for Honduran food, as well as a chef that shares the same background, it's no wonder why the name Alma Cafe means "Soul" Cafe in Spanish.
Alma notably serves breakfast all day, including delicious breakfast tacos. Craft cocktails are available, but you can never go wrong with their famous mimosas or Bloody Marys. Head there today, and you will find something to like!
2. The Country Club
634 Louisa St., (504) 945-0742
thecountryclubneworleans.com
Don't be confused by the name of this popular spot, membership is not required. Located in the Bywater, the Country Club boasts a dynamic setting with a large pool that locals love to utilize during periods of hot weather (which is most of the time here).
The large plates here always keep the guests coming back. In addition to the growing popularity of other events like the drag brunch, guests can enjoy a variety of foods that will also fit their dietary needs. The Saffron Mussels is one of the most popular gluten-free dishes on the menu. Vegan options are also available with the Heart of Palm Ceviche—another good choice.
3. Paladar 511
511 Marigny St., (504) 509-6782
paladar511.com
At first glance, Paladar 511 appears to specialize in pizza, pasta, and sides, but the menu is truthfully much deeper than that. The restaurant, which only offers dinner seven days a week (and brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.), serves pizzas with distinct elevations in style and ingredients.
Popular options include a Lamb Merguez Sausage Pizza with garlic confit, roasted pepper, pine nuts, and tzatziki. Large plates include specialties like a Pork Saltimbocca with polenta, grilled broccolini, capers, and marsala jus.
4. The Joint
701 Mazant St., (504) 949-3232
alwayssmokin.com
If the South knows one thing, it's how to do good barbecue. The Joint is no exception. Since 2004, the Joint has smoked some of the best barbecue in the city over their one-of-a-kind smoking pit. From mouthwatering ribs to pulled-pork sandwiches and classic sides like cornbread, coleslaw, and mac n' cheese, the Joint is a great place to get your fixin' of BBQ!
A relaxed, laid-back, and delicious eatery, the Joint offers holiday specials—like a whole smoked Turkey or Brisket for Thanksgiving—and sweet whole pies including favorite like Pecan, Peanut Butter, and Key Lime. If you're looking for something hearty, filling, and satiating then the Joint is the spot for you!
5. Elizabeth's
601 Gallier St., (504) 944-9272
elizabethsrestaurantnola.com
Elizabeth's proudly boasts that their food is made from scratch. Even though it is located in the heart of New Orleans, this eatery likes to maintain a rural feel in their food and their décor. You can get great dishes like Fried Green Tomatoes, Basic Breakfast, and House-Smoked Chicken Salad on the weekdays when Elizabeth's is open from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
You can also visit on the weekends for the brunch service with hours from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Try the Bayou Breakfast with fried catfish and two eggs any style. Or maybe you'd prefer the Country Breakfast with smoked pork chops covered in country gravy and two eggs?
6. Jack Dempsy's
738 Poland Ave., (504) 943-9914
jackdempseys.net
Don't be surprised if you walk up to Jack Dempsey's and encounter a long wait. This Bywater institution has been around since 1980. The locals made it a tradition to come here for a lazy lunch on the weekdays or a big family-style dinner on weeknights. It's common to start your meal off with some oysters, either chargrilled or on the half-shell.
Though many people opt to get a po-boy, others prefer the fried seafood platters: shrimp, catfish, oysters, redfish, soft-shell crab, frog legs, and even fried crawfish. The Half & Half Platter lets you get some fried shrimp with your choice of another fried seafood.
7. Saint-Germain
3054 St. Claude Ave., (504) 218-8729
saintgermainnola.com
Saint Germain is more of an event than a restaurant. You are welcome to reserve a seat for a 10-course tasting menu that often includes direct interaction with the chef. Of course, the tasting menu changes as the chef sees fit and as ingredients are available. It is important to note that children are not allowed, but you are welcome to dress however you want for your meal.
If you really want to experience
Saint-Germain, but prefer a small-scale sample, the Garden Patio Wine Bar is
open from Wednesday through Saturday for wine, cocktails, and bar snacks. The bottles
are discounted on Wednesdays.
8. Bratz Y'all Bistro
617-B Piety St., (504) 301-3222
bratzyall.com
Experience an authentic German biergarten and bakery in New Orleans at Bratz Y'all Bistro. The name "Bratz" comes from the German word "bratwurst," a type of sausage popular in the country; and a biergarten is pretty much what it sounds like, a "beer garden" intended for socializing, drinks, and food, and is very popular in Germany.
The genuine nature of the spot comes from its creator, Sven Vorkauf, a native of Berlin who moved to New Orleans for its selection of food and culture. Other sandwiches including the Berliner and Nurnberger are variations of a pork sausage sandwich. If that doesn't suit your fancy, the menu also includes a selection of pints, pretzels, and schnitzels, too!
9. Pizza Delicious
617 Piety St., (504) 676-8482
pizzadelicious.com
Pizza Delicious is a popular Bywater pizza joint for young adults, families with children, and more. You can dine-in, pick-up, get it delivered on bike, or get it delivered in many places throughout the city. The reason this pizza is so well loved is because it's simple, it's quick, and it tastes great.
The New York-style pizza can be ordered as a traditional or specialty pizza (Margherita, Hawaiian, Vegan Arugula), or you can make it your own by adding any topping you want. Don't forget to order a side of garlic knots.
10. N7
1117 Montegut St.
n7nola.com
There's nothing quite like N7. It's a modern French bistro in the Bywater neighborhood, but it has a noticeable touch of Japanese cuisine. The building that houses the innovative restaurant was once a carriage stable turned into a tire shop. Now, it's a charming eatery with indoor seating and exquisite, garden-like outdoor seating.
N7's menu is focused on French cuisine with contemporary twists. Though the offerings can change from time to time, you are likely to find dishes like Coq au Riesling, Pork Kakuni, and house-made charcuterie plates. You have a choice of smoked mackerel, duck liver pate, baby octopus, and Chicken Galatine for the focus of your plate.
The Most Popular Restaurants in the Marigny & Bywater
Take a drive down St. Claude Avenue or Tchoupitoulas Street
to get to these great restaurants. You can see and do so much in Bywater and Marigny, and there's such a variety
of dining options that you would never get tired of exploring the culinary
scene. It's only set to get even more creative and delicious.
What's your favorite restaurant in the Bywater neighborhood or Marigny
neighborhood? Please let us know what we're missing out on!
