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August
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...
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Clancy’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...
- Fried chicken and side. Courtesy CoquetteRead More
Coquette
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...
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Emeril’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...
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Gautreau’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...
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Herbsaint
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...
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La 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.
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La 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...
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Lilette
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...
- Fried oysters at Mr. B's Bistro, Courtesy Mr. B's Bistro, New OrleansRead More
Mr. 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...
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Muriel’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 More
N7
This neighborhood restaurant and wine bar, founded by filmmaker Aaron Walker and chef Yuki Yamaguchi, specializes in French cuisine with Japanese flare.
- Photo by Casey Joiner, courtesy Paladar 511Read More
Paladar 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.
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Patois
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.
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R’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...
- Photo by Gabrielle Geiselman, courtesy SabaRead More
Saba
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.
- Photo by Rush Jagoe, courtesy Sylvain'sRead More
Sylvain
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.
New Orleans

Although New Orleans is known for its heavy-handed cocktail culture, food is the real art form for locals. The robust restaurant scene is as diverse as the city itself, offering a mix of old, new, Creole, French, Cajun and American cuisines, which creates a distinctly unique culinary scene. Most restaurants fall under the category of “local cuisine,” which can be anything from fried oyster po’boys at Domilise’s to duck breast with creamy seared brussel sprouts at Boucherie, finished off with a moonshine root beer float at Cochon. While the majority of eateries are family-friendly, those with kids should be sure to stop at cult favorite Café du Monde for a beignet.