African
Bennachin Restaurant serves West African food in a warm, cozy space in the Quarter. Brick walls, low-set furniture, and colorful paintings surround guests while they sample coconut rice, fried plantains, and sauteed lamb or baked chicken. Bennachin offers lots of options for vegetarians, and most of the entrees can be served without meat. 1212 Royal St., 504-522-1230, bennachinrestaurant.com
American
The Audubon Clubhouse Café serves lunch and brunch on a veranda overlooking the famous Audubon Park and Golf Course. The menu offers traditional American dishes with a Southern influence, like boudin and Gulf shrimp. Additionally, the café has a wide variety of omelets, salads, and sandwiches. They also offer a buffet-style brunch on Sundays. 6500 Magazine St., 504-212-5282, audubonnatureinstitute.org/clubhouse-cafe
Bayou Hot Wings will be your new go-to for all things chicken wings. It's a Tulane hot spot located on South Claiborne, lined with a handful of barstools inside and an array of picnic tables outside. Customers can get their wings batter-fried and pick from 12 different glazes. Be sure to sample the dipping sauces, which are made in-house. 6221 S. Claiborne Ave., 504-662-9933, BayouHotWings.com
Crescent City Steakhouse is a New Orleans staple. This classic steakhouse has been around for over 85 years. Start with shrimp cocktail or onion rings to share, and try the strip sirloin or the filet wrapped in bacon as an entree. Choose a side from an extensive à la carte list, and top it all off with the bread pudding in brandy sauce. 1001 N. Broad St., 504-821-3271, crescentcitysteaks.com
Daisy Dukes is a 24-hour diner that serves Southern staples and Cajun classics. Fan-favorites include the country-fried steak, shrimp and grits, and alligator omelet. Wash it all down with Daisy Dukes's award-winning Bloody Mary. They offer an early-bird special, but if you miss it, don't worry-breakfast is served all day. Multiple Locations, daisydukesrestaurant.com
Gattuso's Neighborhood Restaurant and Bar serves everything from steaks, seafood, and burgers to po-boys and clubs. Guests dine around picnic tables on a large outdoor patio. Gattuso's has 14 beers on tap, Tuesday trivia nights, and live music on both Friday and Saturday evenings. 435 Huey P. Long Ave., Gretna, 504-368-1114, gattusos.net
Lakeview Harbor is a family-friendly restaurant that offers classics like po-boys, juicy burgers, build-your-own pizzas, and sizzling steak entrees in a pub setting. In addition to hearty meals, Lakeview Harbor also has an extensive cocktail list. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner in a nautical atmosphere with friendly service. 8550 Pontchartrain Blvd., 504-486-4887, lakeviewharbor.us
Liberty Cheesesteaks is your best option for Philly-style cheesesteaks here in New Orleans. "The Wiz" is a classic cheesesteak filled with New York strip and topped with colby jack and cheddar cheeses. The "Buffalo Chick" adds a New Orleans twist by adding crab-boil seasoning. They recently moved a couple places down Freret and now have more sitting room, as well as a license to sell beer. 5041 Freret St., 504-875-4447, LibertyCheesesteaks.com
Melba's is a popular neighborhood po-boy shop just beyond the French Quarter. They are open 24 hours and serve every kind of standard po-boy, as well as platters of ribs, catfish, shrimp, and chicken. Melba's also offers an extensive list of sides, including gumbo, jambalaya, red beans, cornbread, grits, green beans, and mac and cheese. 1525 Elysian Fields Ave., 504-267-7765, melbas.com
Picnic Provisions & Whiskey brings soulful Southern "picnic" fare and cocktails to its customers. Whether you order the Cajun potato salad, ooey gooey grilled cheese sandwich, or crawfish boil hot fried chicken basket, their familiar menu conjures up that feeling of enjoying a classic picnic in a sunny field that you simply can't pass up. Plus, they will deliver your own picnic. 741 State St., 504-266-2810, nolapicnic.com
Please U Restaurant has been pleasing locals since 1946 with their Louisiana-inspired diner menu and mom-and-pop charm. Visit this popular joint and enjoy all-day breakfast or try one of their traditional New Orleans hot plates, featuring staples, such as red beans and rice and Southern fried chicken, to get your NOLA fix. 1751 Saint Charles Ave, 504-525-9131, pleaseunola.com
Spudly's Super Spuds is a restaurant on a unique mission to offer diners "a meal in a baked potato." Pick from potatoes loaded with cheese, bacon, sour cream and chives, or even crabmeat, shrimp, turkey, and roast beef. They also serve soups and salads, burgers, sandwiches, and a variety of appetizers to share. 2609 Harvard Ave, 504-455-3250, Spudlys.com
The Duke specializes in the best of American comfort food, offering a tantalizing array of homemade burgers, hearty pasta dishes, and fried desserts. Try classics like the Epic Burger or the fettucine alfredo, and finish it off by indulging in your choice of fried sweets, like Oreos and Zebra Cakes. You certainly won't leave hungry, but be prepared to loosen your belt by a few notches after visiting The Duke. 2740 Severn Ave, Metairie, 504-353-4227, thedukerestaurant.com
Vitascope Hall inside the Hyatt Regency Hotel is a sophisticated spot to lounge around while enjoying drinks, snacks, and sports on one of many big-screen TVs. Vitascope Hall serves fresh Louisiana seafood and sushi, along with an array of options that include burgers, pizzas, sandwiches, soups, and salads. 601 Loyola Ave, 504-613-3983, neworleans.hyatt.com/en/hotel/dining/vitascopehall.html
Voodoo BBQ serves expertly prepared platters of ribs, pulled pork, jerk chicken, and Cajun sausage. They offer an extensive list of side dishes, including coleslaw, baked beans, mac and cheese, gumbo, red beans, and potato salad, and, of course, there's bread pudding for dessert. All of Voodoo's meats are dry-rubbed and slow-smoked. You won't go hungry here. Multiple Locations, 504-522-4647, VoodooBBQ.com
Willie Mae's Scotch House has been serving classic soul food since 1957. This culinary institution has won a James Beard Award and was recognized by the Food Network and the Travel Channel as the home of "America's Best Fried Chicken." Operated by the great-grandaughter of the original Ms. Willie Mae, this is the place to go to satisfy your fried chicken cravings. Multiple locations, 504-822-9503, WillieMaesNola.com
WOW Café DoubleTree is located in Hilton Hotel near the French Quarter, WOW Café is a chain that serves burgers, wraps, and more. They offer an extensive menu with everything from wings and tenders and lettuce wraps to soups, salads, and seafood. In addition, an entire section of the menu is devoted to handhelds, like chicken quesadillas, Santa Fe tacos, and po-boys. Above all, WOW Café is casual, quick, and easy. 300 Canal St., 504-212-3250 wowamericaneats.com/doubletree
Asian
Bao and Noodle is a cute, casual Chinese restaurant in the Marigny. They serve delicious appetizers and noodle entrees, such as steamed buns, pan-fried scallion pancakes, beef soup with rice noodles, duck smoked with jasmine tea, and slow-cooked pork shank. They offer free delivery to the Bywater and Marigny. 2266 Saint Claude Ave., 504-272-0004, baoandnoodle.com
Green Tea is a Chinese restaurant that aims to serve good, healthy food at a reasonable price. They have a big and varied menu, and they offer a lunch special for $7.50 or a combo plate , which includes an entree, a side, and an appetizer or a soup, for $9.50. Be sure to try the fried dumplings, the wonton soup, or the lemon chicken. 3001 Napoleon Ave., 504-899-8005, www.greenteanola.com
Kyoto 2 serves big portions of fresh sushi in a strip mall close to the AMC Elmwood movie theater. They also offer bento boxes, tempura, soups and salads, and noodles. The BBQ salmon, soft-shell crab tempura, yakisoba noodles, and stuffed mushrooms are especially excellent. 5608 Citrus Blvd., 504-818-0228
Mikimoto has an extensive menu of sushi, soups and salads, appetizers, and rice and noodle dishes. The beef tataki, wasabi mussels, and tuna steak are all standouts. For dessert, try the mochi, cheesecake, or tempura fried ice cream. They offer free delivery to most areas in Mid-City, Uptown, Lakeview, Old Metairie, and the CBD. 3301 S. Carrollton Ave., 504-488-1881, mikimotosushi.com
Miyako, located on St. Charles Avenue just outside of the CBD, is popular for its hibachi and sushi. They have a wide range of sushi and sashimi and unique options like the Cajun crawfish tacos with cucumber and avocado or their deep-fried sushi rolls. At dinner, all the main dishes are served with soup, salad, noodles, and a hibachi shrimp appetizer. 1403 St. Charles Ave., 504-410-9997, miyakonola.com
Origami on Freret serves Japanese cuisine that blends traditional and modern cooking styles in a stylish indoor space with an outdoor wraparound porch. Their sushi is delicious and beautifully presented, and they serve a variety of yakisoba and udon options, dinner entrees, and lunch specials. For dessert, try the banana tempura or the fried cheesecake. 5130 Freret St., 504-899-6532, origaminola.com
Bars with Great Food
Backspace Bar and Kitchen serves great food late into the night in the Quarter. They've got creative cocktails, a good selection of wine and beers, and diverse options, like sliders, poutine, burgers or, wings. Plus they have sandwiches: BLTs, roastbeef, chicken caprese, roasted vegetable, and Cuban-to suit almost any craving. 139 Chartres St., 504-322-2245, backspacenola.com
Buffa's Bar and Restaurant is a 24/7 casual bar located on the border of the Quarter, offering pub grub, such as burgers, wings, and specialty sandwiches. Perhaps their claim to fame is the extensive breakfast menu offered all day and all night. Stop by Buffa's for jazz brunch or to enjoy live music. 1001 Esplanade Ave., 504-949,0038, buffasbar.com
Carnaval Lounge is a bar located on St. Claude Avenue, featuring New Orleans's most popular Latin bands. The bar's restaurant, Cozinha de Carnaval, serves traditional Brazilian street food starting at 5:00 p.m. every day. Menu staples include grilled meats and vegetables, pastéis (traditional Brazilian savory pastries), and beans and rice. 2227 St. Claude Ave., 504-265-8855, carnavalloungue.com
Copper Vine Wine Bar & Restaurant serves brunch, lunch, and dinner in a modern space full of lush greenery in Downtown New Orleans. The lunch and dinner menus offer an array of appetizers, like jumbo lump crab deviled eggs and duck-fat fries, and hearty main courses, such as herb-roasted mushroom pasta and Gulf fish bouillabaisse. 1001 Poydras St., 504-208-9535, coppervinewine.com
DMac's Bar and Grill is a neighborhood hot spot located in Mid-City that offers burgers and bites, live music, and Sunday brunch. DMac's offers pub-food favorites, like taco pizza, as well as burgers, barbeque, and sandwiches. Additionally, there are low-carb options, such as fresh salads and wraps. 542 "Jeff Davis" Parkway, 504-304-5757, dmacsbarandgrill.com
Fulton Alley is a gaming parlour and bowling alley that doubles as a bar in the happening Warehouse District. Fulton Alley offers Southern-American-influenced snacks and shared plates, such as sliders, fried okra, and Southwest eggrolls, as well as sweets. The menu is an eclectic mix of Southern classics, street food, and pub favorites. 600 Fulton St., 504-208-5569, fultonalley.com
The Jimani has been New Orleans locals' late-night haunt for food, drinks, and sporting events since 1971. The beloved sports bar has multiple TVs, over 100 beers on tap, and a jukebox. They serve pub grub, like wings, jalapeno poppers, mozzarella sticks, fried crawfish balls, and nachos, until the wee hours of the night. 141 Chartres St., 504-524-0493, thejimani.com
Mimi's in the Marigny is a two-level bar on Royal Street that offers an array of tapas and beers. Chef Heathcliffe Hailey is best known for using fresh herbs and produce grown right here in Louisiana. His farm-to-table approach is what makes the tapas at Mimi's so darn good. A vegetarian tapas menu is available as well. 2601 Royal St., 504-872-9868, mimismarigny.com
Orleans Grapevine is a quaint French bistro that offers authentic French cuisine, over 65 wines and champagnes by the glass, and more than 375 wines by the bottle. Enjoy petit fare like saffron mussels or shrimp remoulade to start, followed by a main course of either Grapevine Chicken or stuffed flounder. Just a four-minute walk from Jackson Square, this place is a must-visit the next time you're in the Quarter. 720 Orleans Ave., 504-523-1930, orleansgrapevine.com
Rivershack Tavern has been serving up Cajun pub grub for years. Located on River Road adjacent to the Mississippi River, this funky roadhouse offers "shack-a-tizers" like alligator sausage and fried green tomatoes, po-boys, deli sandwiches, burgers, salads, and more. Enjoy a bite to eat while listening to live music by the levee. 3449 River Rd., 504-834-4938, rivershacktavern.com
Shamrock Bar and Grill is all about games and grub. Take advantage of ping-pong tables, pool tables, darts, and more, so you can challenge your friends at the city's largest neighborhood bar. If you tire of winning, the dance floor is happennin', too. The menu boasts bar snacks: mozerella sticks, buffalo tenders, burgers, fries, and the like. 4133 S. Carrollton Ave., 504-301-0938, shamrockparty.com
Tracey's Irish Bar and Restaurant, located in the Garden District, is a low-key Irish pub that offers a variety of beer and po-boys, as well as sports on TV and pool. In addition to their array of po-boys, Tracey's menu has a selection of specialty sandwiches like no other. Whether you try the corned beef on rye sandwich with potato salad or a classic muffaletta, you can't go wrong. 2604 Magazine St., 504-897-5413 traceynola.com
Ole Saint is located in the Wyndham Hotel in the French Quarter and is the place to go for Cajun-Creole fare and Southern coastal cuisine. The restaurant is partially owned by legendary New Orleans Saints running back Deuce McAllister. The most popular items on the menu include the Crab Maison BLT, catfish, and the Southern-style pork chop. Ole Saint has over 50 beers on tap. 132 Royal St., 504-309-4797 olesaint.com
Cafés
Bearcat Cafe's quirky breakfast and lunch menu has something for everyone. Obey your inner "good cat" with the café's healthier options, like chia pudding or the tofu scramble, or indulge in the decadent "bad cat" menu, with hearty choices like brisket hash or chai pancakes. Check out their new CBD location for fantastic cocktails to go with your heavenly brunch. Multiple Locations, 504-309-9011 bearcatcafe.com
Café 615 (Home of Da Wabbit) has been a local favorite since its beginnings as a retro drive-in in 1948. Having been voted "Best Restaurant-Westbank" by Where Y'at readers, Café 615 has a classic American menu and feel-good charm that will be sure to keep you smiling. Call them for all your catering needs, including boiled crawfish. 615 Kepler St., Gretna, 504-365-1225, Cafe615.com
Café Amelie serves a contemporary menu full of Louisiana classics in one of the French Quarter's most beautiful courtyards. Enjoy options like chicken and andouille jambalaya pasta while taking in the elegant design of the lush courtyard, or opt for something lighter, such as the beet and goat cheese salad, in the café's indoor area, on those days when you need a break from the NOLA heat. 912 Royal St., 504-412-8965, CafeAmelie.com
Caffe! Caffe! Is the perfect spot to enjoy a delicious meal without breaking your diet. Choose from a variety of refreshing salads, wraps, and Eat Fit NOLA options to keep you fueled throughout the day. And when you want to indulge, feel free to end your meal with a selection from their impressive assortment of heavenly baked goods. Multiple Locations, 504-885-4845 CaffeCaffe.com
Carmo introduces guests to the tropical flavors of the world, offering everything from Japanese-inspired shima sashimi to Cuban-infused ceviche made with fresh Gulf tuna. This casual and friendly spot has something for everyone, from vegans to meat-eaters, and is committed to providing customers with the freshest ingredients in an environmentally sustainable way. 527 Julia St., 504-875-4132, CafeCarmo.com
Compère Lapin's menu is as playful as its name. Fusing together Caribbean, Creole, Italian, and French flavors, this restaurant has no shortage of creatively mouth watering options. Try favorites, such as the curried goat and the conch croquettes, and don't miss out on the equally inventive drink menu. 535 Tchoupitoulas St., 504-599-2119, CompereLapin.com
Haydel's Bake Shop is your one-stop shop for delicately decorated, delicious cakes and pastries. Their specialties include French almond croissants, marble swirl cheesecake, and, of course, king cakes. Owned by three generations of the Haydel family, this bakery started out as a 24-hour window-service shop and has grown to a well-established bakery. 3117 Magazine St., 504-267-3165, haydelsbakery.com
Jimmy J's Café is known for its all-day breakfast with lots of choices, including scrambles, omelets, Eggs Benedicts, breakfast sandwiches, pancakes, and French toast. They also serve po-boys, burgers, hot plates, soups, and salads, all in a cute and cozy space in the French Quarter. There are plenty of sides à la carte and a kids menu, if you've got youngsters in tow. 115 Chartres St., 504-309-9360, JimmyJsCafe.com
Liberty's Kitchen believes in both serving delicious food and helping the community. The casual café dishes out tasty classics, like BBQ shrimp and their signature black-bean burger, all while training local young people to achieve their dreams through the common connection of food. Come in for breakfast, lunch, or coffee on weekdays, for a meal you can truly feel good about. 300 North Broad St, 504-822-4011, libertyskitchen.org/broadstreetcafe
NOLA Caye is a new Carribean hot spot taking New Orleans by storm. Enjoy menu highlights, including crispy shrimp tacos or grilled mahi with black bean-mango salsa, and satisfy your sweet tooth with classics like banana cream pie and tres leches cake. Wash it all down with one of the café's tropical cocktails to really get a taste of the island life. 898 Baronne St, 504-302-1302, nolacaye.com
Petite Amelie, the extension of the beloved Café Amelie, provides all of the quality of Amelie's cuisine without any of the wait. Specializing in "cuisine rapide," this charming spot is the perfect place to grab a juice, salad, or sandwich for a quick bite to eat. You can also shop at the daily marketplace, which sells olives, cheeses, pastries, and freshly prepared sides and entrees. 900 Royal St., 504-412-8065, cafeamelie.com/petite-amelie
Surrey's Cafe & Juice Bar combines deliciously creative breakfast and lunch fare with a quirky atmosphere to give diners a truly delightful experience. Try the shrimp and grits or Bananas Foster French toast, and wash it all down with one of Surrey's famous freshly squeezed orange juices. Surrey's also makes their own delicious bagels. Multiple Locations, 504-524-3828, surreysnola.com
Cru by Chef Marlon Alexander is located in the heart of the Marigny and offers Southern-Creole fare and bottomless drinks in a quaint courtyard setting. Cru is open for dinner daily and offers an eclectic Saturday and Sunday drag brunch. The weekend brunch menu is chock full of classics, like Eggs Benedict and challah bread French toast, while the dinner menu boasts a selection of small plates, salads, sandwiches, seafood, and more. 535 Franklin Ave., 504-266-2856 crunola.com
French
Café Degas is a French bistro located on Esplanade Avenue in Mid-City, and it currently holds the title of "Best French Restaurant in New Orleans." This hidden gem offers authentic French cuisine day and night. Their extensive breakfast, lunch, dinner, and brunch menus offer an array of dishes that'll make you feel like you're in France. 3127 Esplanade Ave., 504-945-5635, cafedegas.com
Italian
Andrea's Restaurant is the place to go for a classic Italian dining experience. Head chef Andrea Apuzzo masterfully serves up a wide variety of decadent dishes from his native Northern Italy that are sure to show you why Andrea's has won countless national awards for the past 30 years. 3100 19th St., Metairie, 504-834-8583, andreasrestaurant.com
Dab's Bistro is Chef Duke Locicero's fresh take on an Italian-Creole fusion bistro, with culinary influences from around the world. Order classics like spaghetti and meatballs and Eggplant Locicero, or if you're in a rush, stop by for the $16 express lunch special that ensures you get the best-quality food without any of the wait. 3401 N. Hullen St., Metairie, 504-581-8511, dabsbistro.com
Josephine Estelle is the award-winning osteria located in the swanky Ace Hotel. Run by two James Beard Award-nominated chefs, this Italian eatery serves Southern-Italian fare with a fresh take on comfort food at an affordable price. Soak up the classic romantic ambiance of the dining room with a glass of wine and enjoy crowd-pleasers like the scallops and short ribs. 600 Carondelet St., 504-930-3070, josephineestelle.com
Mosca's embodies the familiar, feel-good atmosphere of Italian home-cooking that we all know and love. This family-centered spot has been serving generous portions of some of Italy's most beloved dishes since 1946, solidifying its status as a neighborhood staple. Be sure to go to Mosca's with a large group, as you will want to order everything on the menu! 4137 US-90, Westwego, 504-436-8950, moscasrestaurant.com
Pascal's Manale has gained world-wide fame for being the creator of the original BBQ shrimp, but this restaurant's value goes far beyond seafood. With a menu full of Italian classics, Pascal's truly has something for everyone. Try their veal marsala or parmigiana and make sure to take advantage of the award-winning raw oyster bar. 1838 Napoleon Ave., 504-895-4877, pascalsmanale.com
PIZZA Domenica offers specialty gourmet pizzas with an impressive menu of toppings, along with a variety of antipasti, salad, and desserts. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, complete with an open kitchen and a well-stocked bar that features a wide selection of beers and craft cocktails. Multiple Locations, 504-301-4978, pizzadomenica.com
Red Gravy brings a whole new meaning to "family-run," offering a menu entirely based off of recipes handed down from Italian grandmothers, aunts, and mothers. This breakfast and lunch spot has everything from classic Italian pastries to carbonara. For northerners who need their fix in the Big Easy, order the NYC bagel or NJ Taylor Ham Sandwich for a taste of home. 125 Camp St, 504-561-8844, redgravycafe.com
Tavolino is a cozy Italian restaurant located in Algiers Point. Bring the whole family and enjoy a selection of authentic, thin-crust pizzas, bruschetta fries, and fried stuffed olives, or head back to the adults-only lounge for a romantic glass of wine or hand-crafted cocktail. 141 Delaronde St., Algiers, 504-605-3365 Venezia, located in Mid-City, has been serving hearty Italian dishes since 1957. Venezia is the place to go for authentic Italian cuisine. Famous for their friendly staff and extensive menu, Venezia is the perfect spot to bring the whole family. Don't miss out on favorites like the eggplant parmigiana and muffaletta. 134 N. Carrollton Ave., 504-488-7991 Venezianeworleans.com
Mexican
Carreta's Grill has been bringing locals authentic Mexican food for over 20 years. Their menu is full of Mexican classics, including burritos, enchiladas, and quesadillas, alongside exciting new options, like the creamy avocado fries served with house chipotle sauce. Don't forget to check out their assortment of "world-famous" margaritas. Multiple Locations, CarretasGrillRestaurant.com
Chilango's Bar and Grill promises that you will come hungry and leave happy. Experience delicious Mexican cuisine at this colorful, vibrant joint that has been serving up some of the city's best Mexican food since 2006. Enjoy $1 tacos and house tequila shots on Taco Tuesdays, or stop by Friday or Saturday nights for tacos and drinks to start the night with friends. 1506 S. Carrollton, 504-766-9949, facebook.com/chilangosbarngrill
Luna Libre specializes in "Ark-La-Tex" Mexican cuisine, highlighting a unique blend of flavors that stems from these regionas. The homey environment is just as wonderfully eclectic as the menu, which features homemade carnitas, enchiladas verde, and chicken tinga. Bring the whole crew along and enjoy your meal in the family- and pet-friendly garden. 3600 St. Claude Ave., 504-237-1284 facebook.com/lunalibrenola
Middle-Eastern
Lebanon's Cafe is one of NOLA's top Middle-Eastern spots. This beautifully decorated location's most popular dishes include kabobs, chicken shawarma, and rosemary lamb chops. Take advantage of their BYOB policy and finish off the evening with a decadent slice of baklava to get the most out of this well-known spot. 1500 South Carrollton Ave., 504-862-6200, lebanonscafe.com
New Orleans Restaurants
Antoine's Restaurant continues to live up to its reputation as one of the world's premier destinations for French-Creole dining. Feel the Old-World magic of New Orleans in the elegant dining rooms of the nation's oldest family-owned restaurant, and be sure to order the Oysters Rockefeller to taste this culinary favorite in its birthplace. 713 St Louis St., 504-581-4422, antoines.com
Chef Ron's Gumbo Stop has racked up an impressive number of culinary awards for good reason. The humble spot offers some of the best Louisiana comfort food in the city, with highlights including boudin balls, classic seafood gumbo, and crawfish étouffée. Customers should be sure to check out the New Orleans Favorites section of the menu. 2309 N. Causeway Blvd, 504-835-2022, GumboStop.com
The Columns Hotel serves award-winning food from their elegant front porch, offering visitors a memorable dining experience accompanied by charming views of St. Charles Avenue. Stop by for their breakfast and jazz brunch for some delicious New Orleans-style food, or experience their cult-favorite Happy Hour and see for yourself why this spot has been rated as one of America's top 100 bars. 3811 St. Charles Ave, 504-899-9308, TheColumns.com
Coterie NOLA Restaurant and Oyster Bar serves chargrilled oysters, blackened shrimp, crab and corn bisque, and crawfish étouffée, among other things. They have a standout dining room with a gleaming gold ceiling, wood floors, and brick walls. End the night with bread pudding soaked in brown sugar bourbon sauce. Feast like royalty and come back soon. 135 Decatur St., 504-529-8600, coterienola.com
Crescent City Brewhouse is the French Quarter's only microbrewery and a great restaurant to boot. Stop by to check out the beer selection, the courtyard, the live music, and the extensive menu built around modern twists on New Orleans classics. The boudin balls, Baked Oysters Three Ways, and the jambalaya risotto are all must-tries. 527 Decatur St., 504-522-0571, crescentcitybrewhouse.com
House of Blues Restaurant & Bar serves made-from-scratch Southern-inspired favorites in a recently renovated indoor/outdoor space complete with two bars and live music nightly. Don't miss their weekly crawfish boil in the Voodoo Garden every Friday, with great beer specials. 225 Decatur St., 504-310-4999, houseofblues.com/neworleans/restaurant
Laurel Oak is a brasserie and cocktail bar inspired by French and Southern cooking. They use seasonal and local produce to create their menu, which changes often but currently offers Gulf fish crudo, prime beef tartine, buttermilk fried chicken, and roasted red fish, with side options including cast-iron cornbread and braised collards. 535 Gravier St., 504-527-0006, laureloakrestaurant.com
Neyow's Creole Café has endless options for Southern-style comfort food and seafood, with appetizers ranging from file gumbo to crab claws and crawfish balls; pork chops, fried chicken, ribs, and seafood pastas for entrees; all sorts of po-boys and sandwiches; and side options like green beans, pasta salad, carrot souffle, red beans, and macaroni and cheese. 3332 Bienville St., 504-827-5474, neyows.com
New Orleans Creole Cookery has a chic French Quarter atmosphere and courtyard seating. Enjoy starters like gator bites and hush puppies, along with a range of entree options, including grilled duck and New York strip, fried or boiled seafood, pecan-crusted redfish, shrimp and grits, and red beans and rice. There's a creative cocktail menu and full bar, too. 508 Toulouse St., 504-524-9632, neworleanscreolecookery.com
Parran's Po-Boys & Restaurant serves delicious po-boys on French bread baked by John Gendusa Bakery, one of the original po-boy bakeries. Choose from prime rib, roast beef, pastrami, smoked sausage, fried shrimp, and catfish, and pair your po-boy with potato salad, fried pickles, or dirty fries, among other sides. They are open late on weekends. Multiple Locations, 504-875-4620, parranspoboys.com
Public Service pays homage to New Orleans's former utility and transportation provider, NOPSI, offering a range of dishes that honor the Gulf Coast's hard-working fishermen and farmers. Order fresh oysters from the raw bar or try the herb-roasted half chicken cooked over an open-flame rotisserie, all while enjoying the sophisticated yet welcoming space that is Public Service. 311 Baronne St., 504-962-6527, publicservicenola.com
Restaurant des Familles is built into an Acadian-style house on the bayou at the edge of Jean Lafitte National Historical Park, a 15-mile drive from Downtown New Orleans. They serve all the classics. Expect charbroiled oysters, boudin, crab-cake remoulade, glazed salmon, and BBQ shrimp, or be daring and try the alligator-stuffed mushrooms with sauce piquante. 7163 Barataria Blvd., Crown Point, 504-689-7834, desfamilles.com
Short Stop Poboys has been serving sandwiches in Metairie since 1966 and makes more than 30 different kinds of po-boys. They also feature some of the city's best seafood gumbo, and unlike many po-boy shops, they include jalapenos in their dressing. House favorites include the BBQ smoked sausage, soft-shell crab, and battered crawfish tails. 119 Transcontinental Drive, Metairie, 504-885-4572, shortstoppoboysno.com
Seafood
Briquette serves tasty coastal cuisine, putting contemporary twists on seafood classics like Faroe Island salmon, Louisiana redfish, and fresh butter-glazed scallops. Located in the renovated Rodd Brothers Molasses Refinery, Briquette offers a stunningly chic interior, complete with an open kitchen and impressive 18-foot seafood display. 701 S. Peters St., 504-302-7496, Briquette-Nola.com
Desire Oyster Bar provides some of the most authentic Cajun and Creole food you can find in the French Quarter. Take a seat at the raw bar and enjoy some fresh Gulf oysters, or try favorites like gumbo and po-boys underneath the restaurant's Broadway-style marquis. With great service and an unbeatable location on Bourbon Street, Desire is sure to please everyone. 300 Bourbon St., 504-586-0300, sonesta.com/louisiana/new-orleans/desire-oyster-bar
Felix's Restaurant & Oyster Bar represents one of the most beloved New Orleans institutions, having served locals fresh and delicious oysters since 1940. Whether you like your oysters raw, chargrilled, or fried, Felix's has something in store for you. Come in for lunch or dinner and experience firsthand the place that put the New Orleans oyster bar on the map. Multiple Locations, 504-304-4125, Felixs.com
Landry's Seafood has been a family favorite across Louisiana since 1947. Their fun-filled dining experience is centered around the mission of family, warmth, and exceptional seafood. Don't miss out on menu highlights, like the crescent city snapper and Crab-Stuffed Shrimp Enbrochette. 620 Decatur St, 504-581-9825, landrysseafood.com/location-french-quarter.asp
Seaworthy specializes in wild-caught and sustainably harvested North American seafood with a Southern twist. Choose from their assortment of delicious seafood entrees, such as the shrimp roll or bouillabaisse, and wash it all down with a selection from their extensive handcrafted cocktail menu. 630 Carondelet St., 504-930-3071, SeaworthyNola.com
Tito's Ceviche and Pisco brings a taste of Peru to the Big Easy in a cozy Uptown environment. Diners can take a seat in the elegant dining room or enjoy their meal on the lush sun-drenched terrace. Whether you're craving the fan-favorite ceviche or the perfectly grilled octopus, Tito's will take you on a global culinary journey you are sure to love. 5015 Magazine St., 504-267-7612, titoscevichepisco.com
Vegetarian
Max Well is a health-conscious café that serves soups, salads, and nutrient-rich bowls. The plant-based restaurant offers vegan and gluten-free foods, as well as cold-pressed juices. For lunch or dinner, try the Banh Mi or La Bonita Power Bowls, and choose from an array of protein-packed sides, like French green lentils or quinoa cranberry stuffing. 6101 Magazine St., 504-301-0510 maxwellneworleans.com
