10 Best New Orleans Outdoor Dining Spots
Eating is a common pastime here in New Orleans. From jambalaya and crawfish étouffée to gumbo and po-boys, there is never a lack of taste when roaming this active city.
The food in NOLA isn't designed to just put something in our belly; it helps to build a community. With all the big personalities, sitting down at the table inside simply won't cut it. Take a look at some of the best outdoor dining spots in town.
1. Nice Guys Nola
7910 Earhart Blvd., 504-302-2402
niceguysnola.com
Serving atmosphere, music, and deliciousness, Nice Guys Nola checks all the boxes while offering food and flair, accompanied by stellar service that leaves people wanting more. Hosting a menu with stacked options featuring daily specials, brunch, and hand-made cocktails certainly garners a lot of attention.
Signature dishes such as Cajun lobster potato and crawfish macaroni are just one piece of the pie, as Nice Guys is also a hub for performances, events, parties, and more.
2. Café Amelie
900 Royal St., 504-412-8065
cafeamelie.com
Shrimp and grits, blackened catfish sandwich, and watermelon gazpacho soup are just a few of the mouthwatering options at Café Amelie. Named after the mother of the former Princess of Monaco, Café Amelie looks to serve up pageantry and fine dining.
Their courtyard features a beautiful fountain to view while guests dig in on some flavorful dishes, creating a heart-warming, maybe even romantic, feel under the New Orleans sky.
3. N7
1117 Montegut St.
n7nola.com
N7, a rather unique restaurant and wine bar, is a staple in the Bywater neighborhood. Many residents come for the food while others come for the experience, but all leave satisfied at the end of the day. The restaurant, specializing in French cuisine mixed with a Japanese touch, gives guests an interesting flavor.
Sitting in what was once a tire shop and a stable for carriages, N7 delivers an old-school feel for guests. It also offers handmade wine with a natural approach; they are free from pesticides, contain little to no sulfites, and use natural yeasts. The main menu also features a medley of sweet and spicy dishes from chicken sandwiches with spicy mayo to house-made charcuterie.
4. Dat Dog
Multiple Locations
datdog.com
Hot diggity dog! New Orleans is the only place in the world where this simple dish is elevated into an experience. That's right, turning the everyday hot dog into a masterpiece is not a problem for Dat Dog. Originating as a hot dog stand, Dat Dog has evolved into a multi-location hangout with creative dishes designed for the most unique palates.
Their gourmet sausages, either accompanied by a vast amount of toppings for customization or made-up in creative ways, leaves New Orleanians wanting more. However, the fun doesn't just end with hot dogs as the menu features burgers, chicken, loaded fries, and even vegan options.
5. Bacchanal Wine
600 Poland Ave., 504-948-9111
bacchanalwine.com
Leave the kids at home and take a trip to the heart of the Bywater. Almost set up like a "backyard party," Bacchanal Wine provides space and opportunity for adults to pause from the world. What started off as a little wine shop has transcended into something bigger: a hangout spot for grown-ups.
Bacchanal Sundays, a pop-up party to restore love in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, became widespread for its infectious energy, great atmosphere, and, most of all, good food. Now, Bacchanal Wine lives on and serves as a place for people to unwind with music, food, and friends. To keep things exciting, Bacchanal Wine changes the menu often and throws unique events to give guests a new experience every time they show up.
6. Broussard's
819 Conti St., 504-581-3866
broussards.com
Laughter? Check. Scenery? Check. Family? Check. Broussard's Restaurant and Courtyard has been tantalizing taste buds in New Orleans for over 100 years. Broussard's runs as a one-stop shop, serving up brunch, dinner, and cocktails. Sitting in the French Quarter, it offers guests the perfect combination of history and deliciousness.
Serving French-Creole dishes with endless options, there seems to be something for everyone. Whether it's the chocolate sin cake or the spiced pork belly, there is no shortage of food. A proponent of love, Broussard's hosts weddings and other private events with specialized options, prioritizing two important things: food and family.
7. Court of Two Sisters
613 Royal St., 504-522-7261
courtoftwosisters.com
When dining at the Court of Two Sisters, guests can expect to see sophistication, ambiance, and vibrancy. Delivering memories while also serving delicious food, there are a slew of options to plan a night out.
With the courtyard fixed with decor that mirrors classic French culture, it urges New Orleanians to gather together to either start something new or reminisce about the good times. While the menu for both brunch and dinner features signature dishes, another part of the experience at Court of Two Sisters includes live jazz music.
8. Orleans Grapevine
720 Orleans Ave., 504-523-1930
orleansgrapevine.com
Guests can take a blast to the past by having a meal at the Orleans Grapevine Wine Bar & Bistro. Orleans Grapevine creates the perfect environment to sip and savor while experiencing history, elegance, and fine dining. Serving up French cuisine with an ambiance resembling vintage New Orleans, guests can bask in the Southern-like atmosphere. Fish, pastas, salads, soups, and other Creole dishes live on the menu and are paired with a wine selection that relaxes the mind, body, and soul.
9. Bayona
430 Dauphine St., 504-525-4455
bayona.com
Bayona, known for creating savory and complex signature dishes, takes guests on a food trip that gives them exactly what they need. Innovative ideas in America's food capital pose no challenge for Bayona.
Utilizing only fresh, local ingredients leaves guests with a balanced yet flavorful taste. Offering a global menu with dishes inspired by countries such as Spain and Italy allows guests to enjoy cuisine from around the world, there by surprising guests with a culinary trip without even leaving the Big Easy.
10. Shaya
4213 Magazine St., 504-891-4213
shayarestaurant.com
Offering modern Israeli and Lebanese cuisine, Shaya Restaurant is a place built on creating experiences. Located in Uptown New Orleans, Shaya has a inventive take on its dishes but with a traditional twist. Taking the flavors of many regions, such as the Middle East, Turkey, and North Africa, and combining the food with a Southern flair provides guests with endless possibilities.
Their food is cooked in a wood-fired oven, giving it its beautiful look and taste. Hosting an environment perfect for parties, Shaya encourages its guests to come as a group to experience the menu and share amongst themselves. Nothing beats sharing great food with great people while beating that Louisiana heat.
Outdoor Dining in NOLA
With eating being the typical New Orleanian's favorite pastime, make sure to do it outside and take in the beautiful sights of the city. Become one with nature while trying something new or sticking to the classics. Whatever you do, make sure to eat with the ones who mean the most to you while under the NOLA sun.
