Destination
Type of Restaurant
Type of Meal
Editors Pick
Read MoreAlma Cafe
After tackling the difficult task of opening during the pandemic, Alma has become a community staple, serving modern Honduran cuisine for brunch and lunch, alongside delicious cocktails.
Read MoreAntoine’s Restaurant
Antoine’s Restaurant has been a mainstay on the New Orleans dining scene for over 150 years. Opened in 1840 by Antoine Alciatore, the restaurant has survived multiple wars, hurricanes, prohibition and the Great Depression, and it still serves up admirable...
Read MoreArnauds
Old Louisiana elegance at its best, Arnauds serves classic Creole food in beautiful turn of the century dining rooms. Located in the heart of the French Quarter, this restaurant is the largest and most renowned in the entire city.
Read MoreAugust
One of celebrity chef John Besh’s beloved restaurants, August focuses on local ingredients and French culinary traditions. The historic 19th century building incorporates grand details such as a wood paneled bar and dining room with massive crystal chandeliers. There are...
Read MoreBacchanal
Once a wine shop, Bacchanal morphed into a neighborhood hangout and then a hot spot for good music and food after Hurricane Katrina. Imagine a friend’s casual backyard garden party with excellent wine and joyous jazz, and you have a...
Read MoreBittersweet Confections
This charming neighborhood sweet shop is known for its waffle pancakes and cupcakes. Chocolates and wedding cakes are made on site.
Read MoreBoucherie
Boucherie started as a late-night food revolution in a purple food truck (often parked outside famed music hall Tipitina’s) but quickly became one of the best quality fine dining (but bargain) restaurants in the city. Located far away from the...
Read MoreBrennan’s
First appearing on the New Orleans dining scene in 1946, Brennan’s has since become a staid classic and is known for inventing Bananas Foster. Moving from its original location on Bourbon Street in 1956, Brennan’s now occupies a stunning, two-story...
Read MoreCafé du Monde
Café du Monde is a New Orleans institution famous for beignets, fried sweet doughnuts dusted with powdered sugar. Succumb to the unofficial tourist headquarters, where you can indulge in warm beignets from early morning breakfast all through the day and...
Read MoreCarousel Bar
Locals and tourists alike have imbibed cocktails at the rotating Carousel Bar since its installation in 1949 at the Hotel Monteleone. The bar is as historic as it is beautiful, and definitely worth a visit.
Read MoreCasamento’s
Founded in 1919, Casamento’s is a beloved New Orleans institution known for its seafood, particularly oysters, crabcakes and seafood gumbo. The son and grandson of the original founder still run the restaurant and generations of New Orleans natives consider meals...
Photo by Christian Horan, courtesy Four SeasonsRead MoreChandelier Bar
This glamorous bar off the lobby of the Four Seasons infuses the vibrant and rich culture of New Orleans into every cocktail. And as the name suggests, the dramatic crystal chandelier over the bar is certainly a statement piece. Chandelier...
Read MoreClancy’s
Clancy’s is classic old-school New Orleans, serving delicious Creole dishes in a chic and quaint setting. It is popular with locals and travelers alike, and has a well-curated wine list. Primarily a dinner spot, Clancy’s is only open for lunch...
Courtesy CochonRead MoreCochon
While the multitude of pork dishes (cured, smoked, pressed etc.) served up at Cochon, are irresistible, they by no means reflect the wide array of nouveau-Cajun food served here. James Beard–winner Stephen Stryjewski has transformed this Warehouse District restaurant into...
Read MoreCommander’s Palace
This iconic New Orleans restaurant is housed in an aqua blue-and-white striped Victorian mansion in the Garden District. Opened in 1880, Commander’s Palace has gone through many renovations and many famous chefs (Emeril, anyone?) but has remained a timeless dining...
Fried chicken and side. Courtesy CoquetteRead MoreCoquette
In a lovely historic building on Magazine Street, Coquette is one of New Orleans’ most gracious dining venues. The restaurant was part of the wave of eateries to open after Hurricane Katrina and thereby started a foodie revival. The dining...
Read MoreDomilise’s Po-Boy & Bar
A bit rough around the edges, this uptown sandwich shop nevertheless serves some of the best po-boys in the city. Po-Boys are traditional sub sandwiches with various (usually fried) fillings, served atop New Orleans famous French bread. First-time visitors should...
Read MoreEmeril’s
Nestled in renovated pharmacy warehouse in the cool Warehouse District, Emeril's is the crown jewel in Chef Emeril Lagasse’s empire. Serving “New New Orleans” food, guests can enjoy watching chefs work in the bustling open kitchen while sipping vintages from the massive...
Read MoreGalatoire’s Restaurant
The epitome of an old-style New Orleans bistro, Galatoire’s remains a favorite amongst locals and tourists. While the lines outside may seem daunting, once inside you will be treated to a boisterous crowd of friendly waiters and diners eager to...
Read MoreGautreau’s
One of the best restaurants in New Orleans, Gautreau’s has been recognized by Food & Wine and the James Beard foundation as a hothouse for great young chefs. Set in an elegant house on Soniat Street, the restaurant is known...
Read MoreHansen’s Sno-Bliz
Named an American Classic by the James Beard Foundation, Hansen’s Sno-Bliz is truly a New Orleans institution. Founded in 1939 by Ernest and Mary Hansen, locals of all generations flock to this dessert shop where lines regularly reach out the...
Read MoreHerbsaint
Herbsaint is a restaurant that pays homage to the spirit and history of New Orleans, with a modern look to the future. This local favorite is a comfortable, casually upscale eatery serving French-inspired cuisine with a Southern touch. The menu...
Photo by Christian Horan, courtesy Hot TinRead MoreHot Tin
Crowning the Pontchartrain Hotel, this rooftop bar pairs sweeping views of the Mississippi with elegant cocktails and champagne.
Read MoreLa Crêpe Nanou
Tucked away on a sleepy side street, the food is truly delicious at this cozy, romantic French bistro. Be sure to save room for the fantastic selection of dessert crèpes.
Read MoreLa Petite Grocery
This corner restaurant on Magazine Street in the Garden District is a local mainstay serving French-Creole food in a lovely, dimly-lit atmosphere. While the regular menu serves inventive cuisine using local ingredients, the daily specials are the real stars and...
Read MoreLilette
Head chef and James Beard Award–nominee John Harris serves up seasonal French and Italian-inspired fare in this bistro on Magazine Street. The menu offers a selection of straightforward and innovative dishes ranging from a raw brussel sprouts salad to roasted...
Read MoreMagasin Café
If you ever tire of the Creole/French fare typically found in the Big Easy, mosey on over to Magasin Café, where the hip clientele feasts on authentic, delicious Vietnamese food. Obsessed fans rave over the fresh banh mi and flavorful...
Photo by Paprika Studios, courtesy Mister MaoRead MoreMister Mao
Combining roadhouse style with a funky and fun vibe, Mister Mao serves a cultural mishmash of dishes (including hybrids of Mexican, Southeast Asian and Indian) with bold, unusual flavors and locally-sourced ingredients. The majority of the dishes are family portions...
Read MoreMother’s Restaurant
Founded in 1938, Mother’s occupies a historic brick building in the Central Business District. Most famous are the po’boys and ham sandwiches.
Fried oysters at Mr. B's Bistro, Courtesy Mr. B's Bistro, New OrleansRead MoreMr. B’s Bistro
New Orleans locals tend to avoid the tourist-packed streets of the historic French Quarter, but many will make an exception to dine at Mr. B’s Bistro, which commands a central location across from the picturesque Hotel Monteleone and its famed Carousel...
Read MoreMuriel’s Jackson Square
Muriel’s serves a gorgonzola prosciutto tart that is alone worth the visit (as is requesting a copy of the recipe). Muriel’s is a perfect spot for a long New Orleans lunch. The restaurant occupies an 18th-century mansion, whose inhabitants allegedly...
Courtesy La Jetee LLC / Aaron WalkerRead MoreN7
This neighborhood restaurant and wine bar, founded by filmmaker Aaron Walker and chef Yuki Yamaguchi, specializes in French cuisine with Japanese flare.
Read MoreNapoleon House
Built for a mayor of New Orleans in 1815, Napoleon House earned its name because it was offered as lodging for the French emperor. (He never did stay here, but the name stuck). While it has been a neighborhood gathering...
Photo by Casey Joiner, courtesy Paladar 511Read MorePaladar 511
A favorite of both locals and visitors, this warehouse-turned-Italian-restaurant has a relaxed but refined vibe. The specialities are pizzas and pastas, and the service is excellent. Popular for dinner, weekend brunch is also a highlight. Reservations are recommended.
Read MorePascal’s Manale
Founded by Frank Manale over 100 years ago, Pascale’s Manale is the self-described “creator of barbecue shrimp.” The restaurant remains no-frills and low-key and sports a unique Creole Italian menu.
Read MorePatois
Fresh ingredients abound at this in-demand Uptown restaurant. A true labor of love, chef Aaaron Burgau locally sources seasonal ingredients for a fresh take on classic French food.
Read MoreR’evolution
R’evolution reflects the evolving nature of New Orleans cuisine and offers a more contemporary take on the distinctive Creole/Cajun combination. The Louisiana pedigreed chef combined his heritage and skills with those of a more daring, modern toque with the vision...
Read MoreRock N’ Bowl
For families who want to hear great jazz music but also want to keep the kids entertained, Rock N’ Bowl is a great venue. While live musicians entertain, the kids can go bowling. The menu features pizza, chicken strips and...
Photo by Gabrielle Geiselman, courtesy SabaRead MoreSaba
This relaxed Middle Eastern restaurant (whose name means “grandfather” in Hebrew) serves locally-sourced family-style platters that burst with flavor. Saba also has outdoor seating and lounge that can be reserved for large groups.
Read MoreStanley’s
St. Louis Cathedral and downtown New Orleans provide a breathtaking backdrop to Chef Scott Boswell’s unique take on classic comfort food. Serving fresh Italian sodas and homemade ice cream, Stanley’s is best-known for their decadent, delicious all-day breakfast.
Photo by Rush Jagoe, courtesy Sylvain'sRead MoreSylvain
Housed in a former carriage house, this cool, funky eatery serves traditional Southern food and cocktails with a twist. Popular with locals, Sylvain is primarily a dinner and bar spot, but the kitchen also serves brunch Friday through Sunday.
Read MoreThe Gumbo Shop
Just behind Jackson Square on a quiet side street, the Gumbo Shop would be easy to miss, but locals and even national food critics know it to serve some of the best gumbo in town. The building, a 1795 structure,...
Courtesy ZasuRead MoreZasu
James Beard award-winning chef Sue Zemanick founded Zasu, which means “once again” in Slovak. She has poured her love for her Czech heritage into her seafood-based menu. The modern space is small and cozy, with a sleek design—though it can...
