30 Great New Orleans Restaurants To Try This Year

July 21, 2022

The Louisiana city known as 'The Big Easy' is famous for its vibrant music scene, awesome nightlife and welcoming atmosphere. Located along the Mississippi River, New Orleans offers a melting pot of cultures with an eclectic mix of French, African and American influences decorating the city. This mixture of cultures blend to create the Creole cuisine which is unique to the area and New Orleans offers a phenomenal selection of restaurants and eateries.

GW Fins

GW Fins, New Orleans
Fried Snapper Breast with spicy green apple slaw and Vietnamese glaze at GW Fins, New Orleans

GW Fins sits in heart of the culinary capital of Louisiana and has a strong reputation as one of the country's foremost seafood restaurants. Since opening in 2001, co-owner and chef Tenney Flynn has been selecting the most pristine fish from across the globe to satisfy tastebuds and is known as the 'fishmonger czar of the South'. The philosophy of GW Fins is described as 'nature creates the menu' with the restaurant offering seasonal ingredients to complement flawless seafood at its prime. GW Fins print a new menu every afternoon so there is always a new texture to try and an exciting flavour to taste.

Brennan's

Brennans, New Orleans
Oysters J'aime with creole tomato gravy and cornbread crumble at Brennans, New Orleans

This French Quarter fine dining establishment offers an elegant service alongside an impeccable, seasonally-inspired Creole menu. Brennan's is a popular breakfast haunt for both locals and tourists but the menu is beautiful at all times of day. The restaurant is well-known for being the home of the world-famous 'Bananas Foster', a rich and creamy dessert which is flambeed tableside.

Poke Loa

Poke Loa
The New Orleans eatery serves up the freshest cuts of fish with daily deliveries and in-house preparation

The locally-owned family business Poke Loa was the very first poke restaurant in Louisiana. The New Orleans eatery serves up the freshest cuts of fish with daily deliveries and in-house preparation. All recipes, sauces and juices are original and created in-store with four signature options to select alongside fully customisable bowls on the menu. Poke Loa offer their super fresh bowls in five locations across New Orleans and serve deliciousness every time.

Napoleon House

Napoleon House, New Orleans
The sister restaurant to Brennan's, Napoleon House famously offers The Pimms Cup and Muffuletta

The home of Napoleon House is a 200-year-old landmark which was offered to Napoleon as a refuge during his exile. Whilst Napoleon never made it, the name stuck and over time, Napoleon House has become one of the most famous bars in America and is a popular haunt for artists and writers. The sister restaurant to Brennan's, Napoleon House famously offers The Pimms Cup and Muffuletta, the quintessential New Orleans sandwich.

Ted's Frostop

Ted's Frostop, New Orleans
Ted's Frostop is home to the famous Lot-O Burger which is served fresh and offers big flavour

Classic comfort food is served up a treat at Ted's Frostop with famous dishes scattered across the menu of American diner options. Ted's Frostop is home to the famous Lot-O Burger which is served fresh and offers big flavour as well as Ted's famous root beer floats. The retro diner features an iconic exterior which stays true to its sixties roots.

Picnic Provisions and Whiskey

Picnic Provisions, New Orleans
Picnic Provisions offers everything from fried chicken and crawfish to incredible desserts

Picnic is derived from the French word 'pique-nique' which means a meal together in an idyllic spot and with the city's French influences, Picnic Provisions and Whiskey is well located in New Orleans. Whilst the restaurant does offer table service, Picnic is most-famous for off-site dining, taking the restaurant's exquisite dishes to your own idyllic picnic spot, plus, they also provide a delivery option! Offering everything from fried chicken and crawfish to incredible desserts, Picnic Provisions and Whiskey offer a menu which will be the highlight of your picnic.

SoBou

Sobou, New Orleans
The amazing duck and sweet potato beignets From Sobou, New Orleans

Located South of Bourbon Street in the French Quarter, SoBou is a modern Creole restaurant offering small plates inspired by the street food of the city and is listed within the top ten restaurants in New Orleans. The restaurant also offers a vibrant selection of cocktails and wine to complement their dishes describing their menu as 'the food is centre stage with cocktails stage left and wine stage right'.

Bourbon House

Bourbon House, New Orleans
Bourbon House is the premier oyster bar and seafood restaurant in the city

Bourbon House in New Orleans is all about local seafood and is the premier oyster bar and seafood restaurant in the city. The menu consists of authentic dishes that are completely fresh, local and seasonal so if it's not in season, it won't be on the menu. Alongside the seafood selections, Bourbon House also offers an incredible Creole menu and the restaurants famed bourbon milk punch.

Morrow's

Morrow's New Orleans
Morrow's is an exciting cosmopolitan restaurant located in the historic Faubourg Marigny neighbourhood of New Orleans

Opened in April 2018, Morrow's is an exciting cosmopolitan restaurant located in the historic Faubourg Marigny neighbourhood of New Orleans. The restaurant's mother-son duo serves classic New Orlean's cuisine alongside authentic Korean dishes and the restaurant has quickly become a local hotspot. Morrow's offers an abundance of seafood dishes, exquisite fried chicken and mouthwatering Korean BBQ.

Cafe Beignet

Beignets are a famous powdered sugar treat which are traditional and popular throughout New Orleans but Cafe Beignet serves up the best. Cafe Beignet offers four locations throughout the French Quarter and is most popular for serving up the official doughnut of Louisiana. Alongside their classic beignets, Cafe Beignet also serves up a brilliant menu of omelettes and sandwiches as well as the popular New Orlean's dish, gumbo.

Crepes a la Cart

Crepes a la Cart, New Orleans
Crepes a la Cart is a crepe kitchen which serves over 50 varieties of both sweet and savoury options

As the name suggests, Crepes a la Cart is a crepe kitchen which serves over 50 varieties of both sweet and savoury options. Crepe a la Cart is said to be New Orleans' favourite food truck and they pride themselves on filling their crepes more generously than any crepe on the streets of Paris. Crepes are prepared fresh in front of you and you get to watch their magnificent creation from start to finish.

Barcadia New Orleans

Arcadia, New Orleans
The broccoli & avocado bowl at Arcadia, New Orleans

If you're looking to find your inner child and dine at a fun restaurant, Barcadia is the spot for you. With a relaxed vibe, 80's arcade games and life-size Jenga, Barcadia offers a super cool environment as well as an award-winning menu. Full of gourmet burgers and tasty appetisers, Barcadia's menu is complemented with 44 craft beers on tap and the popular frose.

Vessel

Vessel

Normally when you think about eating in a church, you might picture bread, wine, and maybe some fish. But Vessel breaks all the rules and serves local delicacies such as crawfish croquettes, BLT’s, and red wine braised short rib.

All of the ingredients are locally sourced, so you’ll only taste the freshest food no matter what you order off the menu. Vessel also specializes in cocktails and has won awards for its delicious concoctions. Make sure to treat yourself to one before you head off for the night.

Gris-Gris

Gris-Gris

You’ve got a tough choice to make when you walk into Gris-Gris. The first floor features a chef’s table where you’re close to the kitchen and will get spoiled with a taste of the South that no other restaurant can replicate.

Alternatively, you can head upstairs to the bar and outdoor seating area. It’s a little more of a casual atmosphere where you can let your hair down. But you’re still in for a treat with the delightful meals on the menu.

Gabrielle Restaurant

Gabrielle Restaurant

Gabrielle has been serving locals and visitors of New Orleans since the 90s. The family business has won many awards for their cajun cooking and has people lining up out the door to get a taste of their famous slow-roasted duck.

But that’s not the only meal that has its diner’s mouth-watering. The New Orleans style barbeque shrimp pie is out of this world, and the peppermint Patti is the perfect way to cap off a dining experience here.

Paladar 511

Paladar 511

Choosing something from the menu at Paladar 511 is tough. You can opt to share some plates with your other guests, such as the little gem lettuces, beef carpaccio, or grilled asparagus. You’ll have a great night and a fantastic meal.

But then your eyes will look down at the larger plates you can order for yourself. It’s hard to ignore the seared red snapper, blue crab agnolotti, or one of their incredible pizzas. No matter what you decide to order, your tastebuds will thank you.

Justine

Justine

Located in the historic French Quarter, Justine brings a taste of France while indulging in the amazing culture of New Orleans. You’re spoiled for choice in relation to dining experiences. You can relax in the café, dine in the luscious outdoor area, or sit inside and breathe in the smells coming from the kitchen.

The menu is just as diverse. You can snack on a blue remoulade or get a lobster bisque to go. The desserts are also divine. You can’t go wrong with the St. Germain crème brulee or the chocolate mousse bombe.

La Petite Grocery Restaurant and Bar

La Petite Grocery Restaurant and Bar

You’re not going to be heading to this grocery store for supplies. You’ll be coming here for some of the most unique dishes ever to have been served on a plate not just in New Orleans but the world.

The turtle Bolognese is a meal to be experienced and is a favorite among the locals. The shellfish stew is just as fantastic and features gulf shrimp, blue crab, and littleneck clams. They also have a happy hour including many delicious cocktails that will definitely put a smile on your face.

Ralph’s on the Park

Ralph’s on the Park

If you’re feeling peckish and want a stunning view of the City Park, then Ralph’s is the place to be. All of their ingredients come fresh to them from local farms. Even the seafood comes straight off the boat and into their kitchen.

It’s what Ralph’s on the Park does with the ingredients that make this special. From the smoked salmon toast to the sauteed speckled trout, they’ll place a plate in front of you that tastes as good as it smells.

Oxlot 9

Oxlot 9

While,Oxlot 9 is a 45 minute drive from New Orleans, it’s well worth a trip over to Covington if you’re staying in town for a few days. You can find Oxlot 9 on the ground floor of the Southern Hotel. The seasonal menu is designed to include simple dishes so that the chefs can bring out the flavors of the ingredients they source.

There’s the lobster roll that comes on a fresh brioche with white remoulade. Or you can dine on the jumbo crab cake that has a side of roasted cream corn. With the Southern Hotel upstairs, you won’t have to travel far for a nightcap after eating out at this fantastic spot.

Station 6

Station 6

The chefs at Station 6 adore seafood. Their menu is full of delicious delights featuring all of the wonders of the ocean. They also have some of the best oysters that have ever been shucked.

Non-fish lovers can grab a salad, grilled lamb burger, or the fried chicken sandwich. But this is really a place for fans of fish, salmon, and other creatures that live in the water.

Toups Meatery

Toups Meatery

This is a place for the carnivores. The Toups family have been natives of Louisiana for over 300 years, and they have been handing down recipes for generations. Every slab of meat that lives in their kitchen is treated with respect and used to create magnificent meals that melt in your mouth.

The slow-cooked lamb neck is a favorite among the locals, as are the confit chicken thighs. Don’t forget to order yourself a cocktail pitcher. It’s the only way to complement your meal and keep you cool in the hot New Orleans sun.

Sofia

Sofia

The energy on the streets of New Orleans is unlike anything else in the world. Sometimes when you walk into a restaurant, that feeling can change. But it doesn’t when you step inside Sofia.

This family restaurant aims to bring the high-energy vibe you experience while roaming NOLA. It also serves some of the best Italian cuisines in the city with its perfectly curated menu. Everything is homemade, fresh, and delicious.

Saba

Saba

If you’re looking for a taste of the middle east while traveling through New Orleans, then Saba can provide the flavors you’re looking for. Using seafood, meats, and produce from the local area, the chefs transform this to deliver a meal that pays homage to the owner’s heritage.

The wood-fired pita bread is baked in front of your eyes, and you get to not only enjoy the sight but indulge in the smells. Saba’s menu is constantly evolving as well, so next time you visit, you might get the honor of experiencing an entirely different menu.

Elysian Seafood

Elysian Seafood

The great thing about seafood is that it features a broad range of flavors. Elysian Seafood recognizes this and aims to personalize the experience to your tastebuds. If you’re into shellfish, then they have fresh oysters and crab that will satisfy your cravings. They also offer a delectable mahi sandwich if you prefer fresh fish.

However, no matter what your seafood preference is, you need to try the Louisiana crab cakes. They taste like they’ve been cooked by gods, with every bite melting in your mouth.

Brigtsen’s

Brigtsen’s

You could eat a Brigten’s every single day during your stay in New Orleans, and you’ll end up trying something completely different. That’s because the menu changes daily, and no dishes are alike.

Using local ingredients for their creations, Brightsen’s combines classic Louisiana cooking methods with Arcadian techniques. The results are some of the most original meals that have ever been plated. It’s a must-try if you’re in the area.

Deanie’s Seafood

Deanie’s Seafood

For over 50 years, Deanie’s Seafood has been the place to go for broiled, boiled, or fried seafood. They’ve even won multiple awards for their dishes and have been named the best place for crawfish numerous times.

Feel free to dine in and enjoy some of their mouth-watering seafood or take it away while you explore the wonders of New Orleans. No matter how you choose to eat at Deanie’s Seafood, you’re only getting the best the city has to offer.

Mopho

Mopho

Two waiters and a chef were sitting in a bar when they came up with the idea for Mopho. While it sounds like the opening line from a brilliant joke, it’s the real reason why this venue exists and serves some of the best pho meals in New Orleans.

Not only is it a great place to dine on some authentic pho cuisine, but it’s also a fun place to hang out. The outdoor area is casual yet inviting, and the indoor space is lively during any hour of the day. They also serve some of the best cocktails in the area that are a must-try.

Clancy’s

Clancy’s

Clancy’s has a rich history in New Orleans. You can tell as soon as you walk inside the restaurant. It has a vintage vibe that makes you feel like you’ve traveled back in time.

Even the handwritten menus make it seem as though nothing has changed since the first day it opened. But after one bite of your meal, you’ll be glad that nothing has been altered. It tastes like they’ve been using the same methods and techniques since the beginning, which is why it’s so perfect.

Felix’s

Felix's New Orleans

There’s only one place to go for oysters in New Orleans, and that’s Felix’s. Grab a stool at the bar or dine out on the deck with the freshest oysters in the city.

They spend no time in a warehouse. The oysters come directly from the boats, to the restaurant, and into your belly. It’s one of the reasons why it’s been a favorite for locals and tourists for over 70 years.

Sweet Vegan Soul Food

Sweet Vegan Soul Food

From the look of this list, you might think you need to adore seafood or meats to have a good meal in New Orleans. But Sweet Vegan Soul Food caters to those who prefer a plant-based diet.

They provide a vegan, organic, soy-free, and dairy-cuisine that features all the same spicy smells as other establishments around the city. You’ll even get to experience many of the same flavors, just without the meat. It’s a fantastic place to eat at no matter if you’re a carnivore or a vegan. You’re going to get good food regardless.

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