American
Boulevard American Bistro serves classic American dishes and offers top notch service. With multiple locations this restaurant has delicious starters, salads, sandwiches, and entrees that will appeal to every appetite. Try their pan-seared crab cakes, made with jumbo lump crab meat and served with fries and coleslaw. Multiple Locations, (504) 889-2301, boulevardbistro.com
Crescent City Steakhouse takes steak to a new level by serving the tastiest sizzling buttery steaks that don't disappoint. This old-fashioned steakhouse has served the same recipe for four generations. They also have hearty options such as lobster tails, gratin, and Krasna's creole cream cheesecake. The filet mignon is one of the best things on the menu. 1001 N. Broad St., (504) 821-3271, crescentcitysteaks.com
Daisy Duke's is the best stop for some of the best Southern cooking, all for a good price. They serve breakfast all day and also serve lunch and dinner options such as po-boys, gumbo, and red beans and rice. Don't forget to pair an award-winning Cajun Bloody Mary when you order their delight breakfast sandwich. Multiple Locations, daisydukesrestaurant.com
Gattuso's Neighborhood Restaurant, Bar, and Catering serves New Orleans' favorites in Gretna's historic district. There is a happy hour daily from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. with half-price drink and appetizer specials. Gattuso's most famous dish is the firecracker shrimp salad, complete with fresh spinach, red onions, heirloom tomatoes, firecracker sauce, and cheese. 435 Huey P Long Ave., Gretna, (504) 368-1114, gattusos.net
Houmas House, one of the South's most senior plantation estates, hosts five restaurants: Latil's Landing Restaurant, Café Burnside, the Carriage House Restaurant, the Wine "Cellars" of Houmas House, and Sunday Brunch. Each restaurant offers fresh farm-to-table Louisiana cuisine. Be sure to try their Louisiana ribs and turtle soup. 40136 LA-942, Darrow, (225) 473-9380, houmashouse.com
JB's Fuel Dock serves up mouth-watering pizzas, rotating specials, and a daily menu to satisfy guests' appetites. Located on the waterfront, JB's Fuel Dock's open kitchen and bar layout is the perfect opportunity for intimate staff and customer interactions. Guests can meet new friends over cocktails or just take in the pleasant waterfront scene, while enjoying their tasty supreme pizza. 126 S. Roadway St., (504) 510-2260, jbsfueldock.com
Jimmy J's, with its technicolor restaurant front and warm hospitality, is "N'awlins' funkiest lil' café." This restaurant boasts unique breakfasts, scrumptious desserts, catering for your next party, and amazing signature cocktails. Be sure to order their Black Angus burger or oyster po-boy if you're not in the mood for breakfast. There's something for every appetite here! 115 Chartres St., (504) 309-9360, jimmyjscafe.com
Legacy Kitchen's Steak + Chop offers delicious sandwiches, southern comfort food, salads, and prime steaks and chops, with a strong emphasis on cocktail and wine service. Guests should sample Legacy Kitchen's 22-ounce cowboy bone-in ribeye, which arrives seasoned with butter and parsley love—it comes with a loaded baked potato, too. 91 Westbank Expressway #5, Gretna, (504) 513-2606, legacykitchen.com
Luke is in New Orleans' Central Business District and is a Creole-influenced brasserie. A vibrant ambiance includes a raw bar providing fresh seafood and oysters from the Gulf of Mexico along with other tasty dishes. Be sure to try their truffle glazed roast chicken, served with baby lima beans, confit tomato, bacon, and truffle jus. 333 St. Charles Ave., (504) 378-2840, lukeneworleans.com
Lakeview Harbor has been serving burgers, po-boys, and typhoon cocktails for the past 30 years. Lakeview Harbor also hosts lively events on holidays such as National Daiquiri Day, National Scotch Day, National Chicken Wing Day, and National IPA Day. Their juicy cheeseburger is the perfect thing to enjoy while you're there. 8550 Pontchartrain Blvd., (504) 486-4887, lakeviewharbor.us
New Orleans Vampire Café is inspired by the phantom, charming, and lavish cuisine found in the heart of the French Quarter. This café is eager for all to have a bite at their restaurant and feast on their exquisite dishes, including their grilled portobello served with tofu, baby chou, watermelon radish, and flavored with mushroom broth. 801 Royal St., (504) 581-0801, nolavampirecafe.com
Nola Steak, located in Boomtown Casino, is the perfect place to take a break from the blackjack tables. Whether you want to stop in for some onion rings and a beer or a glass of red wine and their 18-ounce cowboy steak, Nola Steak has you covered. Open Thursday through Saturday for dinner and Sunday for brunch, this place is a winner. 4132 Peters Road, (504) 366-7711, boomtownneworleans.com
Spudly's has served locals for over 40 years, providing "a meal in a baked potato." It was opened by a brother and sister duo, and, to this day, delivers potatoes, burgers, salads, and po-boys in a modest, no-fuss setting. Treat yourself to the "shrimply put potato," which comes with shrimp, cheese sauce, cheese, and chives. 2609 Harvard Ave., (504) 455-3250, spudlys.com
The Ruby Slipper has over ten locations across the Gulf South and provides a cozy environment and an expansive cocktail menu for all-day brunch. The Ruby Slipper uses local, fresh ingredients. If you're seeking homey, delicious, brunch fare, look no further. Try the Ruby Benny when you go—you won't be sorry. Multiple Locations, therubyslippercafe.net
Ugly Dog Saloon offers the Warehouse District's best barbeque, serving the neighborhood tasty classics with a Creole twist for nearly 25 years. Complete with a bar and barbeque platters you just can't beat, here's the spot to satisfy your cravings while watching a game. Try the Lafitte pig, which includes pulled pork and Canadian bacon. 401 Andrew Higgins Blvd., (504) 569-8459, theuglydogsaloon.com
Asian
Asia, in the Boomtown Casino, serves Chinese and Vietnamese options, including pork potstickers, rice noodle soup, and General Tso's chicken. Stop by Fridays through Sundays from 4:00 p.m. to midnight for special items, such as fried rice, sweet and sour chicken, tofu vegetables or shaking beef—tasty beef tenderloin in black pepper sauce. 4132 Peters Rd., Harvey, (504) 366-7711, boomtownneworleans.com
Cho Thai will make you feel like you're walking through the streets of Thailand. Chef Jimmy Cho's menu consists of dishes from his mom's kitchen and his travels. Enjoy ka pao chicken, shrimp pad Thai, seafood green curry, shrimp dumplings, and mango and sticky rice in a bright, upbeat setting. 3218 Magazine St., (504) 381- 4264, chothairestaurant.com
Mikimoto has been known as the premier destination for authentic Japanese fare in New Orleans for the past 20 years. Guests can expect delicious sushi rolls and quick customer service in a cozy environment. Some unique rolls on their menu include the "Geaux Saints maki roll" and the "Sex in the City roll." 3301 S. Carrollton Ave., (504) 488-1881, mikimotosushi.com
Thai'd Up offers modern Thai street food right in the Fairgrounds area. This new restaurant offers dishes made from recipes of the owners' friends and family in Thailand and includes homemade beef jerky, roti in curry dipping sauce, and butter-Thai shrimp. There are so many delicious dishes, it'll be hard to pick just one! 1839 Gentilly Blvd, (504) 354-8202, thaidupla.com
Bars With Great Food
Alto Rooftop Bar is the best hangout for swimming, drinking, and eating, even if you aren't staying at the Ace Hotel. Enjoy pizza, chicken wings, lettuce wraps, and other poolside fare. There's a bar that whips up refreshing craft beers, wine, and delicious cocktails. Be sure to come during happy hour for specialty drinks and try their tasty lettuce wrap. 600 Carondelet St., (504) 900-1180, acehotel.com
Buffa's is unofficially known as "the best place you've never been." Since 1939, Buffa's has been a no-frills establishment delivering classic American and Cajun cuisine, cocktails, and live music. Thinking about going? Think no further, and stop by for a Reuben with corned beef and sauerkraut. 1001 Esplanade Ave., (504) 949-0038, buffasbar.com
Down the Hatch Bar and Grill offers pub fare in a casual, lively bar setting situated in the Garden District. Down the Hatch also features a comfortable outdoor bar and patio seating. Guests should be sure to sample the alligator po-boy, fried catfish platter, or the Texan burger with caramelized onions, which is a real treat. 1921 Sophie Wright Pl., (504) 522-0909, downthehatchnola.com
JINX Bar & Grill offers good food and entertainment right in the heart of the Quarter. Come for brunch, happy hour, or a comedy show. They have shareable plates like JINX wings or pig pen poppers along with tasty sandwiches and burgers, such as the big kahuna, made with pepper jack, pineapple, and bacon. 91 French Market Place, (504) 510-2797, jinxnola.com
Ernst Café is a historic saloon located in the center of the Warehouse District. Ernst Café serves delicious New Orleans cuisine alongside a lengthy beer list in a space that makes guests feel like they have stepped back to 1902. The café is blocks away from the French Quarter and serves one of the best bowls of gumbo in town. 600 S. Peters St., (504) 525-8544, ernstcafe.com
Le Bon Temps Roule has been played by the likes of the Soul Rebels Brass Band, Kermit Ruffins, and Anders Osborne. It is a neighborhood bar, located Uptown, with local live music and late-night food. This bar is also known for being open 24/7, having fantastic Bloody Marys, and a pimento bacon burger that can't be beat. 4801 Magazine St., (504)-897-3448, lbtrnola.com
Peacock Room, an upscale cocktail bar, serves luxury spirits with an eccentric interior design and shareable plates with live music. While the Peacock Room is known for its creatively-made cocktails, their peacock burger made with fried shallots, American cheese, and served with truffle fries and a secret sauce is not one to miss. 501 Tchoupitoulas St., (504) 324-3073, peacockroomnola.com
Rivershack Tavern, on River Road, is a live music club, a sports bar, and a neighborhood tavern combined into one charming venue. Featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, this restaurant serves up great dishes each day to their loyal customers. Try their grits and grillades veal tenderloin for a real treat. 3449 River Rd., (504) 834-4938, rivershacktavern.com
Stumpy's Hatchet House offers you a space to blow off some steam and bond with your coworkers or is a fun spot for a bachelorette party. Stumpy's Hatchet House provides a controlled, safe environment for guests to throw hatchets at targets while snacking on hot dogs, popcorn, or nachos. 1200 Poydras St., (504) 577-2937, stumpyshh.com/neworleansla
The Garage is a great spot to enjoy live music, hot DJ's, and great food. Located just steps off Bourbon Street, it is a spacious place that regularly features open mic time, local bands, and has lots of room to dance. The Garage is a great spot to hit up after a big Saints win, and the food will satisfy any appetite—be sure to try their Cajun gumbo. 810 Conti St., thegaragemusicclub.com
The Jimani offers upwards of 100 beers, trivia, a jukebox, pub cuisine, and several TVs. Guests can start off with an appetizer such as fried pickle spears or broccoli bites, and continue with a classic entree like Nikki's ooey gooey grilled cheese, Mama's chicken club, or their classic hangover burger. 141 Chartres St., (504) 524-0493, thejimani.com
Tracey's Original Irish Channel Bar is a hub of good eats and great times on Magazine Street as well as an Irish Channel flagship bar. With multiple TVs and plenty of cold beer on tap, Tracey's is one of the city's best sports bars. Settle in with an oyster po-boy to catch the game, meet up with friends, or simply enjoy the vibes of this neighborhood hangout. 2604 Magazine St., (504) 897-5413, traceysnola.com
Café
Cafe Amelie boasts aromantic courtyard in addition to a delicious menu with dishes ranging from cochon poutine to black truffle pasta primavera. Cafe Amelie continues to deliver premier service and is best known for its braised beef short ribs, which are served over sour cream mash, baby carrots, roasted parsnips, and red wine demi-glaze. 900 Royal St., (504) 412-8065, cafeamelie.com
Carmo offers you the chance to taste the tropical flavors of Southeast Asia, West Africa, South America, the Caribbean, and the Gulf Coast. They have a selection of fresh, wholesome meals that'll satisfy vegans, vegetarians, and omnivores alike. Feeling adventurous? Try the Peruvian-style tiradito fish, topped with yellow chili peppers, yuzu sauce, and canchita. 527 Julia St., (504) 875-4132, cafecarmo.com
Le Chat Noir is an upscale restaurant offering a fresh take on New Orleans cuisine. Le Chat Noir serves delicious small plates such as anchovies + focaccia and stuffed quail alongside large plates featuring pork chop and little neck clams. They boast an impressive drink menu and some of the best raw oysters in town. The agnolotti with scallops and oysters is not to be missed. 715 St. Charles Ave., (504) 381-0045, lechatnoirnola.com
The Vintage on Magazine Street is perfect for any occasions: coffee, brunch, happy hour, or wine night. With its Instagram-worthy interior and cute swath of outdoor seating, there's no better place to pass the hours, catch up with a friend, or simply take in all this restaurant has to offer. Be sure to try their fancy beignet flight while you're at it. 3121 Magazine St., (504) 324-7144, thevintagenola.com
Willa Jean is New Orleans' quintessential Southern café—with all the charm and tasty treats you could ask for. Located in the Central Business District, this chic spot is an enclave of cool coziness amongst the busy backdrop of the city. Favorites are the griddled banana bread and the fried chicken sandwich, with spicy pickles on a Hawaiian roll. 611 O'Keefe Ave., (504) 509-7334, willajean.com
French
Bar Marilou is nestled in a cute library near the Maison de la Luz. The bar is a quiet little nook away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Their drink menu includes wine, beer, and spirits, but they also have signature cocktails including the blind serpent and Tokyo record. You can't leave without trying their moules and frites. 544 Carondelet St., (504) 814-7711, barmarilou.com
Café Normandie pays homage to French culture post-WWII, with cuisine inspired from French recipes. Located in the Higgins Hotel, their menu has options such as eggs benedict, breaded Kurobuta pork chops, and signature flat breads. The café is not too far from the museum, so be sure to stop by if you eat there for lunch. 1000 Magazine St., (504) 528-1941, higginshotelnola.com
Italian
Domenica, located in the Roosevelt New Orleans, is the perfect spot for a wonderful date night. Choose from the restaurant's extensive wine list and soak in the cozy atmosphere. All pizzas and pastas are unique and delicious. Enjoy some of the restaurant's mouth-watering antipasti including grilled octopus, roasted cauliflower, and definitely try their tagliatelle. 123 Baronne St., (504) 648-6020, domenicarestaurant.com
Josephine Estelle's Southern-inspired Italian food is as delicious as the space itself is beautiful. The talented chefs emphasize homemade pastas, seasonal ingredients, and trusty recipes that have been passed down through generations. Some stand-out dishes include ricotta mousse with foie gras tortellini, maque choux, and speck-corn brodo. 600 Carondelet St., (504) 930-3070, josephineestelle.com
Mosca's has served delicious Louisiana Creole Italian fare in family-style portions for the last 60 years. Guests can enjoy Italian classics such as spaghetti and meatballs, or sample one of Mosca's infamous specialties such as the shrimp Mosca, which features shrimp in-shell seared with white wine and Italian seasonings. 4137 US-90 West, Westwego, (504) 436-8950, moscasrestaurant.com
Nephew's Ristorante is a testament to Frank Catalanotto's family and its long history of cooking Creole and Sicilian food for New Orleans. They have fantastic cuisine and excellent customer service. Some notable dishes on the menu include the fresh mussels, clams, Louisiana gulf shrimp, with white wine, garlic, fresh basil, and fresh tomatoes. 4445 W. Metairie Ave., Metairie, (504) 533-9998, nephewsristorante.com
Pascal's Manale is a family business that has been in the making since the early 1900's. This restaurant is known for many dishes including its stand-up raw oyster bar and traditional Italian cuisine. However, they are famous for the perfection of their BBQ shrimp that brings visitors from all around the world. 1838 Napoleon Ave., (504) 895-4877, pascalsmanale.com
Pizza Domenica offers friendly service, relaxation, and upscale pizza, antipasti, and craft entrees anytime you dine with them. Cooking pizzas in their oven that was custom made and shipped all the way from Italy, they have innovative flavors and an inventive spin on American pizza. Their Calabrese pizza is one of their best. Multiple Locations, pizzadomenica.com
Tavolino offers some of the West Bank's best casual Italian dining in addition to an adults-only lounge in the back of the restaurant. Tavolino's specialty is the Behrman Highway pizza, which features Vietnamese caramel, jalapenos, fresh herbs, nuoc cham, carrots, radishes, and citrus braised pork belly. 141 Delaronde St., (504) 605-3365, tavolinonola.com
Venezia, since 1957 has been serving New Orleans some of the best classic Italian in town. While pizza is the house specialty—as advertised by the iconic sign hanging above the door—there isn't a bad choice on the menu. Our personal favorite is the restaurant's to-die-for veal Pontchartrain. 134 N. Carrollton Ave, (504) 488-7991, venezianeworleans.net
Mexican
Empanola serves up delicious South American empanadas. Empanola opened in 2017 and has since delivered Louisiana-inspired, Latin-influenced empanadas to New Orleans residents. They also cater to local parties, formal events, weddings, and brunches. Their empanadas are not to be missed. Multiple Locations, empanolaempanadas.com
Felipe's Mexican Taqueria offers fast, casual, authentic Mexican food at three different locations in New Orleans. Their mission is "to throw our neighborhood a party every day." For individuals in search of fast, delicious tacos, a dynamic atmosphere, or key-lime margaritas, Felipe's is the perfect spot. Be sure to try their carnitas tacos. Multiple Locations, felipestaqueria.com
Juan's Flying Burrito is the funkiest taqueria this side of the Mississippi River. No matter which location you go to, you'll find some of the most unique burritos in all of New Orleans. Favorites include the "flying burrito," the "gutter punk," and the "jerk chicken." Juan's tacos are incredible as well, such as the banh mi tacos with pickled carrots and daikon. Multiple Locations, juansflyingburrito.com
Mr. Tequila is a New Orleans favorite known for putting a Tex-Mex twist on authentic Mexican fare. Guests keep coming back for more of Mr. Tequila's delicious tacos and margaritas. A popular option is the 88-ounce margarita which guests (hopefully) share among themselves. Be sure to try the black and gold burrito while you're there. 5018 Freret St., (504) 766-9660, mrtequilanola.com
Middle Eastern
Gita Pita offers fast-paced, fan-favorite food. With all the best in terms of shawarma, falafel, and pita, this new spot is sure to have you coming back again. The best part? You can order online off GrubHub, go in for pick-up, or stop by for take-out and enjoy your Gita Pita from anywhere in the city. 2530 Canal St, (504) 766-6519, facebook.com/GitaPitaCanal
Lebanon's Café offers sumptuous dishes ranging from rich, homemade hummus, to kabobs, to chicken shawarma. Feel free to bring your own beer or wine and enjoy no corkage fee. Lebanon's is best known for its rosemary lamb chops, consisting of chargrilled lamb chops soaked in rosemary and served atop grilled vegetables. 1500 S. Carrollton Ave., (504) 862-6200, lebanonscafe.com
Shaya features a mélange of Israeli classics with Southern flavors and contemporary culinary techniques while also incorporating locally-sourced ingredients. Shaya's dishes are reminiscent of flavors from North Africa, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Greece, and Turkey. Don't leave without trying the fried chicken hummus. 4123 Magazine St., (504) 891-4213, shayarestaurant.com
New Orleans Cuisine
Annunciation serves up a menu of classic and contemporary Creole and Cajun dishes and is located in a rehabilitated turn-of-the-century warehouse, where Executive Chef Milton Prudence serves his guest sumptuous dishes like Annunciation's famous grilled lamb chops that come with garlic mashed potatoes, green beans, and lamb sauce. 1016 Annunciation St., (504) 568-0245, annunciationrestaurant.com
Apolline is located in a beautifully renovated double shotgun cottage on Magazine Street. Guests will appreciate an impressive menu with dishes ranging from roasted gulf fish couvillion to paneed veal medallions in addition to an expansive menu of wine and cocktails. For a real treat, try their seared diver scallops. 4729 Magazine St., (504) 894-8881, apollinerestaurant.com
Chef Ron's Gumbo Stop's award-winning gumbo with crawfish, shrimp, crabmeat, and okra is a Louisiana gumbo not to be missed. You can also enjoy exceptional cups of mumbo gumbo that include fried oysters, potato salad, and Louisiana-fried catfish. Don't want gumbo? They've also got Creole-Cajun classics including jambalaya, red beans and rice, and crawfish étouffée. 2309 N. Causeway Blvd., Metairie, (504) 835-2022, gumbostop.com
Common Interest is located in the Hotel Indigo, right on the edge of the French Quarter and has delicious dishes that reflect New Orleans' rich culture. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, they offer Nola favorites such as shrimp and grits, gumbo, jambalaya, as well as classics like steak n' frites. 705 Common St., (504) 595-5605, commoninterestnola.com
Crescent City Brewhouse is known as the French Quarter's sole microbrewery and the number one stop for local beer, music, and good vibes. Sit down, relax, and listen to live jazz performances by local musicians while you feast on creative cuisine and house-made beers. Try their "brewtails," a cocktail that puts a twist on brewed beer, or their rich shrimp and grits. 527 Decatur St., (504) 522-0571, crescentcitybrewhouse.com
Desire Oyster Bar, in the Royal Sonesta New Orleans hotel, offers some of the best seafood in the city. Their oysters are top notch and can be ordered on the half shell, chargrilled, and even as a chargrilled Rockefeller. You won't soon forget these oysters. They also have great apps like the Louisiana crab cakes and Cajun fried alligator. 300 Bourbon St., (504) 553-2281, sonesta.com
Evangeline provides a taste of seasonal, fresh cuisine sourced from local fishermen and markets. They serve a wide selection of unique, flavorful microbrews ranging from light beers to dark stout. They are most known for their original crawfish and grits dish, which features crawfish sautéed in garlic with onion, green pepper, and mushrooms delivered over a bowl of Creole grits. 329 Decatur St., (504) 373-4852, evangelineneworleans.com
House of Blues is a blues and rock-themed restaurant featuring southern fare such as jambalaya and po-boys and live music events. HOB fans are awaiting the return of their legendary Sunday Gospel Brunch. Until then, make a dinner reservation before the big show and receive special entry. The voodoo shrimp here is especially delicious. 225 Decatur St., (504) 310-4999, houseofblues.com
Kingfish is a French Quarter restaurant specializing in contemporary southern fare. Enjoy dishes like their Louisiana crab cake, fried green tomatoes and shrimp remoulade, or New Orleans barbecue scallop fettuccine. Have a craft cocktail like their Blueberry Hill or Bonnabel and a bite while sitting in a beautiful vintage-feel setting. 337 Chartres St., (504) 598-5005, kingfishneworleans.com
Mandina's is a beloved casual restaurant also referred to as "the pink house" by members of the neighborhood. This New Orleans classic spot offers a blend of Cajun-Creole and Italian seafood, pastas, and steaks. Guests should arrive early to avoid the wait, and be sure to sample the gulf fish amandine. 3800 Canal St., (504) 482-9179, mandinasrestaurant.com
Melba's Old School Po-boys offers travelers a comfortable, friendly atmosphere to enjoy authentic cuisine. Also home to Wash World next door, Melba's serves up delicious New Orleans-style po-boys and chicken wings in addition to daiquiris, which can be purchased 24/7. Our favorite is their shrimp po-boy. 1525 Elysian Fields Ave., (504) 267-7765, melbas.com
Mother's Restaurant features classic New Orleans dishes that are worth the wait. Guests gather at the line, ordering delicious, authentic New Orleans fare including "the world's best ham" and fantastic homemade pies. Mother's is especially known for their po-boys, hot plates, and fried seafood dishes. 401 Poydras St., (504) 523-9656, mothersrestaurant.net
New Orleans Creole Cookery combines a traditional-style menu with a new-generation aesthetic and energy. Among their traditional Creole menu, find their most famous dish, a pecan crusted redfish, fried and topped with a Creole green beans and heirloom potatoes that is sure to leave your southern soul satiated. 508 Toulouse St., (504) 524-9632, neworleanscreolecookery.com
Neyow's Creole Café impresses its customers with their friendly servers, perfect southern-style dishes, and mouth-watering cocktails. While being an informal establishment, the flavors are anything but ordinary, especially their chargrilled oysters with shells filled to the brim with butter, cheese, and savory oysters. 3332 Bienville St., (504) 827-5472, neyows.com
Neyow's XL serves you not only a memorable experience, but authentic New Orleans cuisine, including fresh seafood and well-seasoned steaks. At this restaurant, you'll find an informed culinary staff and an atmosphere that will remind you of the unique cuisine New Orleans has to offer. Do yourself a favor and order the red snapper while you're there. 3336 Bienville St., (504) 503-1081, xl.neyows.com
Nice Guys Bar and Grill is a casual restaurant that serves delicious Creole and Cajun cuisine with their own nice twist. Owners Glenn and Allison Charles work together to make every dish served, tasty, and filling. Join them for brunch, lunch, or dinner and be sure to try their Lambo stuffed potato, featuring grilled lamb chops and barbeque shrimp. 7910 Earhart Blvd., (504) 302-2402, niceguysnola.com
Nonno's has authentic New Orleans dishes that serve love and flavor in each bite and in every interaction with the staff and locals. Now in a new location, their colorful exterior and cozy interior are reflected in the dishes that are served. Try their daily specials as well as their savory seafood egg rolls. 1940 Dauphine St., (504) 354-1364, nonnoscajuncuisineandpastries.com
Nola's Wings and Things provides comfort and community in every dish that they serve. Whether it is their wings, with over ten different preparations and flavors, or their traditional New Orleans dishes such as jumbo shrimp or homemade gumbo, every dish will be delicious. 7906 Earhart Blvd., (504) 435-8117, facebook.com/nolaswingsandthings
Orleans Grapevine is in an elegant French Quarter building that is known for its romantic courtyard dining. Try wines by the glass from their collection that is one of the most extensive in town. There are small plates and entrees to enjoy with your wine. Try their signature Cajun surf and turf for the best of both worlds. 720 Orleans St., (504) 523-1930, orleansgrapevine.com
Parkway Bakery & Tavern has been an iconic spot creating savory baked goods like fresh bread, donuts, and sweet rolls since 1911. Not only this, but their rendition of New Orleans' style po-boys with homemade roast beef and gravy has made them a must-go eatery for all. Their surf and turf po-boy is highly recommended. 538 Hagan Ave., (504) 482-3047, parkwaypoorboys.com
Please U Restaurant is cuisine influenced by local Greek entrepreneurs with over 40 years of cooking experience. It is a down-to-earth eatery, serving all-day breakfast and culinary excellence. This can be tasted in their famous red beans and rice, a tasty dish with creamy red beans, savory sausage, and perfectly cooked rice. 1751 St. Charles Ave., (504) 525-9131, pleaseunola.com
Short Stop Po Boy is a popular, well-loved restaurant serving up scrumptious po boys with delicious assorted sides such as chicken fries, stuffed artichokes, and Short Stop's signature gumbo. Guests come clambering back to sample either the chicken, sausage, and andouille gumbo, the seafood gumbo, and their roast beef po-boy keeps them coming back for more. 119 Transcontinental Dr., Metairie, (504) 885-4572, shortstoppoboysno.com
Trenasse is located inside the Intercontinental Hotel on St. Charles Avenue. With an extensive food menu including brunch, lunch, happy hour, and dinner, there's something on the menu for everyone, but we'd personally recommend the smokey braised short ribs. For lovers of sea fare, their oysters are also an always-perfect choice. 444 St. Charles Ave., (504) 680-7000, trenasse.com
Willie Mae's Scotch House embodies New Orleans cuisine. Mixing all kinds of flavors from the Crescent City, this fan-favorite spot has been serving up the city's best since 1957. You could never go wrong selecting from this southern menu, but you simply can't miss the fried chicken, butter beans, and macaroni and cheese from this best-of establishment. Multiple Locations, williemaesnola.com
Seafood
Blue Crab is a locally operated and owned eatery serving up fresh, delicious seafood to its guests. Guests can enjoy a cold beer, hot boiled crawfish, and crab with a view of the Pontchartrain to top off their experience. Do yourself a favor and order the shrimp and grits. Multiple Locations, thebluecrabnola.com
Briquette's contemporary dining room offers customers the chance to watch as seafood is grilled on red-hot briquettes and tossed in seasoning and flavor. First-timers should try the Snapper Pontchartrain with scallops and a glass of bubbly. Up for a challenge? Try the Louisiana redfish on the half shell—you won't believe your eyes. 701 S. Peters St., (504) 302-7496, briquette-nola.com
Felix's is a locally-owned restaurant and oyster bar that has attracted loyal fans since 1940. Felix's has locations in the French Quarter, Lakefront, and Mandeville. Their oysters are sourced from the best Louisiana oyster beds and are sent straight to restaurant locations for optimal freshness. They are best known for their fresh, top-tier charbroiled oysters. Multiple Locations, felixs.com
Legacy Kitchen's Tacklebox provides upscale casual Southern fare in the Renaissance Pere Marquette Hotel. Guests can start off their meal with alligator poppers or loaded pimento cheese, and continue their dining experience with an order of Tacklebox's famous chargrilled oysters that arrive in a garlic parmesan herb butter. 817 Common St., (504) 827-1651, legacykitchen.com
Seaworthy is set against the backdrop of a classic Creole cottage built in 1832, where guests can enjoy locally-sourced seafood as well as sustainably-gathered oysters. A great date spot, guests should be sure to try one of Seaworthy's signature dishes: mussels soaked in white wine and garnished with cilantro. 630 Carondelet St., (504) 930-3071, seaworthynola.com
Tito's Ceviche and Pisco is a Magazine Street staple bringing Peruvian flavor to the Big Easy food scene. With happy hour deals every weekday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., and a stellar Sunday brunch selection, Tito's Ceviche and Pisco can be your go-to restaurant every day. Our recommendation? The tasty stuffed avocado with seafood salad and the pisco sour cocktail. 5015 Magazine St., (504) 267-7612, titoscevichepisco.com
