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Photograph: Gabrielle Geiselman-Milone


THE 33 BEST RESTAURANTS IN NEW ORLEANS

From century-old classics to fresh local seafood, you'll find it all in NOLA

Written by Gerrish LopezMonday April 17 2023
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Shall we let you in on a little secret? New Orleans is as cool as they say it
is. Its thriving music scene lends itself to a whole load of great bars and live
music venues, and each of its neighborhoods offers something a little different
to the next. But the best representation of this fabulous melting pot of a city
is, of course, the food. 

Here, you’ll find local seafood, Creole cuisine, African and Caribbean influence
and rustic Italian. This is the culinary capital of the South, and no two meals
you taste here will be comparable. Restaurants here honor the classics and add
twists with modern techniques and flavors. Ready to discover NOLA’s food scene?
Read on for the best restaurants in New Orleans right now. 



RECOMMENDED:
🍸 The best bars in New Orleans
🍩 The best beignets in New Orleans
🍳 The best brunch in New Orleans
📍 The best things to do in New Orleans
🏨 The best hotels in New Orleans

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NEW ORLEANS RESTAURANTS


Photograph: Sara Essex Bradley


1. COMMANDER’S PALACE

The crown jewel of the Brennan food empire, this landmark Garden District
restaurant has been a beacon of fine dining since 1880. There’s no resting on
laurels here, though: Chefs Paul Prudhomme, Emeril Lagasse, Jaime Shannon, Tory
McPhail and now Meg Bickford have nurtured the Creole menu while making their
own marks. The iconic Victorian mansion is the perfect setting for an intimate
meal, large celebration or relaxed 25-cent martini lunch. Turtle soup is a must,
the bread pudding soufflé provides an excellent finish and everything in between
will impress.

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Photograph: Courtesy Herbsaint


2. HERBSAINT

Chef Donald Link’s restaurant group is heavy on the James Beard awards, bestowed
upon loads of chefs that have passed through his flagship restaurant. This
Central Business District favorite is consistently packed with a mix of the
after-work business crowd, local families and tourists. Local farmers and
fishermen are well represented on the seasonal menu that combines French,
Southern and rustic Italian influences. Daily lunch and dinner specials always
impress alongside standards like house-made spaghetti with a poached farm egg or
duck confit with dirty rice, all enhanced by an eclectic wine list.

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Photograph: Shutterstock


3. BRIGTSEN’S

This century-old Victorian cottage tucked away in the Riverbend is home to some
of the best modern Creole fare in the city. Chef Frank Brigtsen updates classic
dishes in a straightforward way with delicious results. Perfect after enjoying a
stroll through the surrounding neighborhood, it’s an excellent option for
sampling New Orleans cooking in an intimate, friendly setting that feels like a
friend’s home. Each dish—from the rabbit gumbo and maque choux to shrimp
rémoulade and trout meuniere—is made with care and full of flavor.

Read more

Photograph: Courtesy Coquette


4. COQUETTE

This Garden District gem has the vibe of a neighborhood bistro but the menu of a
forward-thinking, adventurous kitchen. The small list changes regularly to
reflect what’s fresh and local, as well as what creative twists chefs Kristen
Essig and Michael Stoltzfus have come up with. Entrées have included black drum
in vegetable sauce with fennel sausage and Mexican street corn-style okra and
red snapper with butter beans. Can't decide? The five-course blind tasting
option is always full of surprises.

book online
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Photograph: Courtesy Cochon


5. COCHON

This bright, welcoming spot from Donald Link and Stephen Stryjewski elevates the
boucherie and the flavors of Cajun country with refined takes on boudin,
andouille and head cheese. Pork, seafood and produce are locally sourced and
prepared in-house. The cocktail list includes flights of moonshine to get you
prepped for rabbit and dumplings, cochon with cracklings, “fisherman’s style”
whole Gulf fish or smoked short rib with chanterelles. The setting—anchored by
heavy wood tables—is rustic yet contemporary, reflective of its Warehouse
District location. Stop next door at Cochon Butcher to take home a few meaty
treats.

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Photograph: Randy Schmidt


6. GRIS-GRIS

New Orleans has plenty of restaurants serving the classics, but Gris-Gris takes
them to new heights, with updates that are more than just trendy twists on the
original. An oyster BLT comes with smoked pork belly, tomato jam, arugula and
sugar cane vinegar, while the standout duck breast—topped with local molasses
and a sugarcane demi-glace—is served with a roasted sweet potato and pecan
casserole. Chef Eric Cook’s mom’s recipe for chicken and dumplings is a hit as
well. The setting—downstairs has an open kitchen and counter seating, upstairs
has a dining room and bar as well as outdoor balcony seating with views of lower
Magazine Street—has helped establish Gris-Gris as a go-to spot for neighborhood
regulars as well as special occasion diners. 

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Photograph: Gabrielle Geiselman-Milone


7. SABA

Chef Alon Shaya serves contemporary Israeli cuisine with a dedication to
ingredients, technique and staff wellbeing. The bright, airy Uptown restaurant
provides a warm setting in which to enjoy shareable dishes like Shaya’s
grandmother’s lutenitsa, local tomato ezme, harissa roasted chicken and hummus
topped with blue crab. The pita, served fresh from the wood-burning oven, is
simply heavenly. Creative cocktails and a wine list that includes Slovenian and
Israeli selections are perfect complements.

Read more
book online

Photograph: Shutterstock


8. LA PETITE GROCERY

Chef Justin Devillier has been creatively enhancing New Orleans classics on
Magazine Street for more than a decade. Refined but lively, La Petite Grocery is
where to go for a bit of edge alongside the familiar: Beignets are stuffed with
blue crab and finished with malt vinegar; the gumbo features tasso and chicken
confit; and turtle Bolognese is served with bucatini and a fried soft boiled
egg. The LPG Cheeseburger, with house-made pickles, onion marmalade, aioli and
gruyere on a brioche bun, is another crowd favorite. Chef Devillier has expanded
his talents, most recently with Justine, but this Uptown spot remains his
signature offering.

Read more
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Photograph: Courtesy GW Fins


9. GW FINS

Fresh fish is the star at this French Quarter fine dining establishment. As an
avid fisherman, chef Tenney Flynn is meticulous when it comes to choosing the
freshest product from his sources, and his entrées change daily to reflect the
best catch. Whatever the preparation—wood-grilled, parmesan crusted,
blackened—the flavors of the fish shine through. Appetizers like lobster
dumplings and New Orleans-style barbecue shrimp are constants. Try not to fill
up on the delectable biscuits and cross your fingers that the “Scalibut”—a
deliciously unique halibut/scallop combo—is on the menu.

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10. FRITAI

Traditional Hatian cuisine and spirits are not out of place in this
Caribbean-influenced city. Fritai has made a splash since opening in Treme, and
has become a destination for flavorful, authentic Haitian specialties. Start
with a cocktail featuring clairin, then dig in to specialties like the fritai
sandwich featuring pulled pork between two fried plantains with avocado, mango
sauce and pikliz, citrusy grilled shrimp or a mirliton salad with grilled carrot
and candied plantain. The bright flavors will transport you straight to Haiti on
an exciting culinary journey.

book online
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Photograph: StarChefs/Compere Lapin


11. COMPÈRE LAPIN

Chef Nina Compton has made her mark on New Orleans since opening Compere Lapin
in the Old 77 Hotel & Chandlery in 2015. Mixing the flavors of her Caribbean
homeland of Saint Lucia with classic New Orleans cuisine, her menu has received
consistent raves. The setting—with its exposed brick and wooden beams—is both
intimate and buzzy. The excellent cocktail program kicks things off, followed by
must-try conversation starters like spiced pig ears and conch croquettes. The
goat curry, set atop sweet potato gnocchi, is a star entrée, and seasonal
updates bring exciting new flavors to palates. Following the success of Compere
Lapin, chef Compton opened Bywater American Bistro, which has also proven to be
a hit.

Read more
book online

Photograph: Courtesy Pêche


12. PÊCHE SEAFOOD GRILL

 * Restaurants
 * Seafood
 * Warehouse District
 * price 3 of 4

Donald Link’s seafood-focused restaurant features fresh, local seafood (of
course) much of it cooked on a wood-fired grill. Boisterous and always packed,
Pêche is a great place for group dining. Small plates like smoked tuna dip and
beer-battered fish sticks are shareable, as is the delicious whole grilled fish.
The grill is put to good use for tuna, chicken, lamb and steak dishes. Sides and
accoutrements reflect local heritage, from field peas and okra to white beans
and greens. But seafood is the star, and you’ll find it fresh and delectably
prepared by chef Ryan Prewitt here in the Warehouse District.

Read more
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Photograph: Courtesy Brennan's/Chris Granger


13. BRENNAN’S

In recent years, this French Quarter stalwart underwent a change in ownership, a
glamorous renovation and a chef replacement that has brought its shine back.
Still an elegant, old-world fine dining experience with excellent service, the
restaurant now offers a seasonally-inspired menu of classic Creole fare.
Breakfast at Brennan’s is a must for both locals and tourists, and you can’t
miss the Bananas Foster—invented here—that still gets flambéed tableside.

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14. GABRIELLE

Gabrielle was a long-time favorite for a night out amongst locals before it was
wiped out by the floods that followed Katrina. Twelve years later, chefs Greg
and Mary Sonnier made their triumphant return with their Cajun and Creole
influences intact. The storied slow-roasted duck with orange-sherry sauce shares
menu space with equally impressive dishes like a dark roux smoked quail gumbo,
barbecue shrimp pie and seared Gulf fish served with jumbo crab cake. The cozy,
classy dining room is welcoming and sets the stage for an experience that feels
fresh yet like an old friend, even for those who didn’t know it originally.

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15. BYWATER AMERICAN BISTRO

Despite its Industrial space, Bywater American Bistro is a welcoming
neighborhood restaurant. Chef Nina Compton’s second spot builds on the Caribbean
flavors of her famed Compère Lapin. From hogs head boudin and jerk chicken with
semolina dumplings to rabbit curry and roasted Gulf fish with poblano coconut
crema, the eclectic menu continually surprises. Cocktails range from classic to
adventurous, and the extensive wine list contains some unique picks for perfect
pairing.

Read more
book online

Photograph: Chris Granger


16. BAYONA

This historic French Quarter cottage, with its lovely courtyard and intimate
dining space, is a go-to spot for romantic dinners and special occasions. Opened
by chef Susan Spicer in 1990, Bayona has risen to institution status alongside
the city’s other grande dames. Her first—and best—restaurant features a changing
menu of Mediterranean-influenced Southern dishes. Regularly appearing on the
menu are signatures like veal sweetbreads, oyster gratin, sautéed redfish and
peppered lamb. The creamy garlic soup—while perhaps not the best choice on date
night—is also a must-try.

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book online
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17. CHEMIN À LA MER

Chef Donald Link has created another winner with his French Creole restaurant in
the Four Seasons Hotel. Before you get to the food, you’ll be impressed by the
panoramic views of the Mississippi river. The river, along with the Gulf of
Mexico, is celebrated via a menu featuring delicate crab and oyster dishes,
rustic pâtès, expertly-prepared fish and rich meat dishes. The wine list is long
and worth exploring on its own, with the help of knowledgeable sommeliers. The
service and setting make this hotel restaurant a destination for a special meal.

Read more
book online


18. DOOKY CHASE’S

The loss of chef Leah Chase left a hole in the heart of New Orleans cuisine. She
was an icon, both for her culinary contributions and her role in the Civil
Rights Movement, whose leaders often gathered at her restaurant. You’ll
experience history while dining on some of the best Creole cuisine around here.
From hearty red beans or shrimp Clemenceau to gumbo and crispy fried chicken, a
meal at Dooky Chase’s fills both the belly and the soul. For a sampling of menu
highlights, try the lunch buffet. Call to make reservations.

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Photograph: Courtesy Galatoire’s


19. GALATOIRE’S

While the Quarter is home to some newer, award-winning restaurants, dining at
one of New Orleans’ historic fine dining institutions is a must. Galatoire’s
offers a glimpse into the city’s unique dining culture: most of the waiters,
dressed in tuxedos, are locals who have worked at the restaurant for decades,
and many high society folks are longtime regulars. The bright walls,
black-and-white tile, and white tablecloths make for a refined but celebratory
atmosphere. Dine on shrimp rémoulade, trout almondine and other New Orleans
classics for a memorable experience.

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book online

Photograph: Tammie Quintana Photography/ Courtesy Parkway Bakery and Tavern


20. PARKWAY BAKERY AND TAVERN

This family-owned, casual neighborhood joint is a top choice for classic,
overstuffed po-boys. It has grown in popularity but the friendly staff still
takes care of the locals and welcomes tourists like they’re family as well.
Shrimps are fried to perfection, roast beef is sufficiently messy and the Barq's
(and beer) is served icy cold. The oyster po-boy is a favorite, but only
available Mondays and Wednesdays. For a non-traditional po-boy option, try the
smoked alligator sausage or the Italian caprese. Grab a table outside and dig
into one of the best po-boys found anywhere.

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21. LI'L DIZZY'S CAFE

This Treme institution has weathered storms of all kinds and is still going
strong thanks to a third generation of the Baquet family. The soul food joint is
known for catfish and grits, gumbo, poboys, and fried chicken. Lunch specials
and the buffet draw regulars, and breakfasts are hearty and filling. The
laid-back atmosphere and walls decorated with memorabilia — of the Baquet
family, the city, and the New Orleans Saints — make you feel right at home.

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22. BARROW’S

This restaurant is temporarily closed

This gem may not be in its original location, but Barrow’s is still run by the
original Barrow family — a third-generation member — and the catfish is still a
local favorite. You’ll find some of the best fried catfish in town here. The
catfish features a light cornmeal batter and is even more delicious with a side
of the famed potato salad. Fried shrimp, crab claws, a selection of poboys, and
barbecue ribs are equally impressive.

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Photograph: Denny Culbert


23. TOUPS’ MEATERY

Chef Isaac Toups puts 300 years of Cajun family traditions on display at his
Mid-City restaurant, and meat is his chosen platform. His fine dining training
adds sophistication to rustic dishes like fried rabbit liver, pork rillettes and
daily sausages. The meatery board—a selection of house-made fresh and cured
meats and condiments—is a good snapshot of Toups’ skills. Entrées such as the
hot fried quail with smothered green beans are as impressive as the elegant lamb
neck with bucatini. Fear not, meat-averse: several small plates featuring local
veggies and seafood are just as delicious and satisfying as the rest of the
offerings.

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Book online

Photograph: Paul Broussard


24. ARNAUD'S

Located just off Bourbon Street, Arnaud’s has been a go-to destination for
classic Creole cuisine and traditional service since 1918. The historic
restaurant remains true to its traditions and courtesies, and the assortment of
dining rooms draw locals and visitors alike for special occasion dining. Start
with a pre-dinner cocktail at the award-winning French 75 Bar, then dive into
classics like soufflé potatoes and shrimp remoulade. Be sure to finish with a
flaming Café Brûlot and a visit upstairs to the free Germaine Cazenave Wells
Mardi Gras Museum, which features lavish Mardi Gras costumes, vintage
photographs, Carnival masks, and elaborate krewe invitations and party favors.

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book online
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Photograph: W. Rush Jagoe V


25. MAYPOP

As strange as it may seem, chef Michael Gullotta combines Asian, Italian and New
Orleans cuisines into one stunning menu. The native New Orleanian kicked off his
career by melding the flavors of Vietnam and Louisiana at his restaurant MoPho;
at Maypop, Gullotta goes even further. After starting with a bread course that
includes coconut butter and shellfish pepper jam, things get even more
interesting with options such as sweet corn Tom Yum with Gulf shrimp and Florida
clams, garganelli with blue crab and Thai sausage, and lamb shank in coconut
jus. The cocktails reflect Asian influences as well, many featuring ginger or
lemongrass.

Book online


26. SYLVAIN

Sylvain maintains its status as one of the coolest places in the city to dine.
This restaurant-bar hybrid is housed in a carriage house built in the late
1700s, just a block from Jackson Square. A trendy mix of locals and
out-of-towners rub shoulders while enjoying an assortment of modernized Southern
fare alongside locally-inspired cocktails. After drinks from the handsome bar,
go big with an order of Champagne and fries, or just stick with crowd favorites
like the house burger or pan-seared gulf fish.

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book online
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Photograph: Atchafalaya Restaurant


27. ATCHAFALAYA

Straddling the line between rustic and refined, Atchafalaya is often a
destination for a celebratory meal. The neighborhood restaurant offers a menu of
creative Louisiana fare that includes regional classics such as duck and
andouille gumbo, shrimp and grits, and stuffed quail. For good food and good
times, go the brunch route and indulge in the extensive Bloody Mary bar before
diving into a fried oyster Benedict or bananas Foster waffle.

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book online

Photograph: Shutterstock


28. IRENE’S CUISINE

For a taste of the Creole-Italian cuisine that makes New Orleans so unique,
follow the smell of garlic to Irene’s French Quarter home. The family-owned
restaurant has cooked classics like house-made pasta topped with soft shell crab
and a cream sauce, duck St. Philip, and lasagne Bolognese since 1992. Enjoying a
drink at the piano bar before your meal is still a great way to start. To
finish? Go for the bread pudding du jour.

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Photograph: Shutterstock


29. CASAMENTO’S RESTAURANT

For fresh, salty oysters served old-school style, seasonally-operated
Casamento’s is the place to venture out to. The white-and-green tiled walls and
formica tables are a real throwback, with legendary oyster shuckers doing their
thing behind the counter. Shucked-to-order Gulf oysters are the star of the
show, but the fried oyster loaf (served on thick white bread) and other fried
seafood platters are excellent options as well.

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Photograph: Sam Hanna


30. LUVI

Delicately prepared sashimi does not usually come to mind when discussing New
Orleans cuisine, but this tiny Uptown restaurant has created buzz and received
accolades since its 2018 opening. Chef Hao Gong worked for years at the popular
Sake Cafe, and he’s translated his skills into an innovative pan-Asian menu that
displays Japanese and Chinese influences. Raw dishes—salmon with Asian pear, soy
and basil seeds; tuna with dragon fruit and spicy soy—are super fresh and
innovative, while hot dishes—tofu with shiitakes, wood ear mushrooms and lily
flower; Gong’s mother’s pork-and-ginger dumplings—are creative and satisfying.
All food is as photogenic as the modern, colorful decor.

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book online
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31. COSTERA

Two alums of chef Donald Link’s culinary empire oversee this Uptown restaurant
inspired by the cuisine of coastal Spain. Studded with Louisiana influences, the
menu features plenty of seafood and bold flavors. Shareable small and large
plates range from the familiar (papas bravas, gambas al ajillo) to the inventive
(seared yellowfin tuna with marinated blood orange and crispy leeks, pork belly
a la plancha with apple, chili and walnut). The intriguing wine list includes a
good number of Iberian selections, and delightful cocktails and bar snacks are a
draw for happy hour.

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book online

Photograph: Ryan Hodgson-Rigsbee


32. SAFFRON

There are a few decent Indian restaurants around the city, but none can top
Saffron, which arrived on Magazine Street to much fanfare – quickly followed by
a 'best new restaurant' nomination from the James Beard Foundation. Regional
Indian classics are expertly prepared and enhanced by Louisiana ingredients and
flavors: The oyster bed roast features caramelized onions and curry leaf and is
served with naan; a curried seafood gumbo brings together cultures with tasty
results; and Gulf fish is crusted with Indian spices and served with korma sauce
and mango pickle. Finish with a chai and saffron-cardamom ice cream or mango
sorbet with candied ginger.

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book online
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33. TAN DINH

A large Vietnamese population and a string of restaurants primarily in New
Orleans East and the Westbank brings pho-lovers out of their familiar
boundaries. Tan Dinh, on the Westbank, is one of the best eateries of its kind,
delivering cheap eats and big flavors on a consistent basis. The extensive menu
truly has something for everyone: the pho and banh mi are bright and fresh, and
other Vietnamese classics are done exceptionally well. The informal, strip mall
setting makes it easy to kick back and try something new, like frog legs in
garlic butter, or stick to standout favorites like lemongrass chicken wings or
savory short ribs. It’s definitely worth the drive.

Read more
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