If you’re wondering where to eat in New Orleans, you might get overwhelmed by the sheer number of options in the Big Easy. A foodie’s paradise, New Orleans has over 1400 restaurants featuring all types of cuisine, from local favorites like classic Creole to standard American fare and authentic international cuisine.
In this guide, we’ll get your mouth watering with some of the best restaurants in New Orleans – ones we always recommend to our guests. You can’t go wrong with any of these restaurants, many of which can be found within walking distance or a short ride from your New Orleans vacation rental.
Dooky Chase’s Restaurant
Address: 2301 Orleans Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119
Website: dookychaserestaurants.com
A historic Creole restaurant known for its gumbo z’herbes and rich cultural heritage, Dooky Chase’s has long been a meeting place for music and entertainment, civil rights, and culture in New Orleans.
When you dine at Dooky Chase’s, you’ll be in good company, as they’ve had the pleasure of serving President George W. Bush, President Barack Obama, Hank Aaron, Ernest Gaines, Quincy Jones, and a host of others.
Located in Treme, this family-owned and operated restaurant is open for lunch (Tuesday – Friday) and dinner (Friday and Saturday), serving po’boys, red beans and rice, gumbo, shrimp creole and delectable dinner entrees like Chicken Creole and Stuffed Shrimp.
Reservations are highly recommended.
Commander’s Palace
Address: 1403 Washington Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130
Website: commanderspalace.com
Located in the Garden District, steps from the St. Charles streetcar line, Commander’s Palace is an upscale Creole restaurant offering classic dishes in a refined and extravagant setting. Steeped in history, this New Orleans landmark has been open since 1880, and has won its fair share of James Beard Awards. It’s no wonder Commander’s Palace is regularly rated as the top restaurant in New Orleans.
Today, Chef Meg Bickford serves up Modern New Orleans cooking mixed with Haute Creole, sourcing local ingredients from within 100 miles of their back door. Whether you’re dining inside under a chandelier or outdoors on the patio, you’ll enjoy dishes like hickory smoked cauliflower, escargot, and Meyer Lemon Poached Redfish.
To experience Commander’s Palace, book a reservation in advance and adhere to their strict dress code of business attire. Once you’re dressed in your finest and ready for your reservation, Commander’s Palace offers complimentary valet parking.
Café du Monde
Address: 800 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116
Website: https://shop.cafedumonde.com/
No visit to New Orleans is complete without a visit to one of NOLA’s most iconic spots. Located in the Shops of the Colonnade in the French Quarter, Café du Monde is famous for its beignets and café au lait.
The open-air coffee shop in the French Market is a New Orleans tradition, established in 1862. The cafe on Decatur is open 7:15 AM – 12 AM Friday and Saturday and 7:15 AM – 11 PM Sunday – Thursday, so you can grab your coffee and beignets at almost any time during your stay in New Orleans.
While the original location is the most famous, there are now ten Café du Monde locations, including the New Orleans Riverwalk, Lakeside Shopping Center, and in City Park.
Coop’s Place
Address: 1109 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116
Website: https://www.coopsplace.net/
If you’re looking for a casual eatery offering authentic Creole cuisine, Coop’s Place may be just the ticket. Located in the French Quarter on Decatur Street, it’s a great stop while you’re out exploring. House specialties include seafood gumbo, rabbit and sausage jambalaya, and Cajun fried chicken.
Coop’s Place doesn’t accept reservations, so you can stop in any time for a casual meal (open daily except Wednesdays). Just note that you must be 21 to enter, so it’s not a place to visit with the kids.
Willie Mae’s Scotch House
Address: 2401 St Ann St., New Orleans, LA 70119
Website: http://www.williemaesscotchhouse.com/
Famous for its fried chicken, this James Beard Award winner has been a local favorite for decades. Originally established in the fifties as a bar in the Treme neighborhood, Willie Mae’s ultimately moved to its present location in Mid-City, where it became a full-service restaurant.
Whether it’s their renowned fried chicken ( recognized by the Food Network and the Travel Channel as “America’s Best Fried Chicken”) or their mouthwatering sides like butter beans and cornbread, the Southern comfort food at Willie Mae’s is honestly just delicious.
Insider Tip: As of December 2024, the original Willie Mae’s location is temporarily closed while repairs are made following a fire. But if you’re visiting NOLA anytime soon, you’re in luck, because Willie Mae’s just opened a brand-new location downtown at 898 Baronne Street (in addition to their third location in Los Angeles).
Antoine’s Restaurant
Address: 713 St Louis St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Website: antoines.com
One of the oldest family-run restaurants in the U.S., Antoine’s Restaurant is owned and operated by fifth-generation relatives of the original owner. Known for its French-Creole cuisine and impeccable service, this elegant restaurant offers an exquisite fine dining experience.
Dine on Oysters Rockefeller (Antoine’s is the birthplace of the dish), Eggs Sardou, or Pommes de Terre Souffles along with a seasonal menu and cocktails during Antoine’s dinner, lunch, or brunch. During lunch and brunch, they also offer the option of bottomless mimosas or Champagne, a delightful addition to your meal.
You can make reservations online, so be sure to book in advance to ensure you get a table during your stay.
Galatoire’s
Address: 209 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Website: galatoires.com
If you’re strolling along Bourbon Street in search of a higher-end establishment for dinner, Galatoire’s is the one you’re looking for. A French Quarter institution serving classic Creole dishes in an elegant atmosphere, it’s won multiple awards including Best Restaurant by the James Beard Foundation.
Once you leave the bustle of Bourbon Street and step through the doors of Galatoire’s, you’ll find a relaxed atmosphere worthy of any celebration – or just a delicious lunch or dinner. Indulge in a Sazerac, a NOLA drink staple, alongside your crab Yvonne, shrimp etouffée, or seasonal selection of fresh fish.
Reservations are recommended and business casual attire is required.
Cochon
Address: 930 Tchoupitoulas St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Website: cochonrestaurant.com
Offering modern takes on Cajun and Southern dishes in a rustic-chic setting, Cochon has been a favorite spot in the Big Easy since its opening in 2006. Chef Donald Link uses locally sourced ingredients and traditional cooking methods to create authentic flavors that pay tribute to the Cajun Southern dishes he grew up with.
When you dine here, you’ll find an elevated take on classic dishes like fried boudin, alligator, and catfish, plus comforting sides like macaroni and cheese casserole, creamy grits, and bacon braised green beans. Since Cochon works with local farmers and fishermen, their menu varies based on what’s seasonally available. But no matter what you choose from the menu, it’ll be delicious.
You might find space at the bar, the chef’s counter, or the patio if you walk in, but make a reservation online to ensure there’s a table for you.
Emeril’s New Orleans
Address: 800 Tchoupitoulas St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Website: emerilsrestaurant.com
Celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse’s acclaimed flagship restaurant, Emeril’s Restaurant offers an elegant dining experience in NOLA’s Warehouse District. The seasonally revolving menu features contemporary Creole cuisine rooted in Chef Emeril’s signature bold flavors and natural, sustainable ingredients.
Emeril’s serves a chef’s tasting menu nightly (except Monday), as well as a classic New Orleans Friday Lunch. You’ll enjoy indulgent dishes like smoked salmon cheesecake, black truffle linguine, trout almondine, and duck.
You’ll want to get all dolled up for this meal – it’s business casual and jackets are recommended. For a more relaxed dress code, you can snag a table at the Wine Bar. Reservations are recommended.
Brennan’s
Address: 417 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Website: brennansneworleans.com
One of thirteen restaurants owned by the well-regarded Brennan family, this quintessential New Orleans restaurant in the heart of the French Quarter is renowned for its upscale Creole menu, award-winning wine cellar, and incredible breakfast, including their famous Eggs Hussarde, a spin on the classic Eggs Benedict. Bubbles at Brennan’s is also popular – a happy hour special on Champagne and bubbly cocktails, plus bar snacks and a Champagne sabering in the courtyard at 5 PM on Fridays.
We recommend booking a reservation as soon as possible if you plan to visit, as reservations here can be hard to come by. Oh, and don’t forget to order a Bananas Foster – the original was actually invented at Brennan’s!
Jacques-Imo’s Café
Address: 8324 Oak St, New Orleans, LA 70118
Website: jacques-imos.com
A lively uptown spot known for its eclectic menu and vibrant atmosphere, Jacques-Imo’s Cafe is a favorite with locals and tourists alike. Serving a menu of the “finest real Nawlins food,” you’ll love their corn muffins, fried chicken, and stuffed catfish.
If you’re traveling with a group of five or more, they do take reservations up to one month in advance for larger parties, so make sure to secure a reservation if you don’t want a long wait. If you have a smaller party, you’ll have to brave the first-come, first-serve wait.
Southern Candymakers
Address: 334 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Website: southerncandymakers.com
Okay, this one’s not quite a restaurant. But we had to put it on our list as a great place to grab a bite! In the heart of the French Quarter, Southern Candymakers is a family-owned candy store specializing in authentic Southern candy, including Southern pralines. Their award-winning pralines, tortues, and toffees are made fresh daily by hand.
You’ll find them handing out fresh hot praline samples that’ll have you hooked and through the door to explore the rest of their delicious candies. If you miss them at their original French Quarter location, you can stop by their French Market location as well. Grab some candies to enjoy on your trip or take home as a gift for friends and family.
Mother’s Restaurant
Address: 401 Poydras St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Website: mothersrestaurant.net
After opening in 1938 and serving up po’boys to long lines of patrons, Mother’s Restaurant became a popular local hangout spot for the Marines during World War II. Ultimately five of the owners’ children joined the Marines.
A New Orleans staple known for its po’boys and traditional Southern dishes, Mother’s is a popular cafeteria-style spot where you can grab breakfast all day. They’re also revered for their baked ham, jambalaya, po’boys, gumbo, and fried chicken.
Bayona
Address: 430 Dauphine St, New Orleans, LA 70112
Website: bayona.com
If you’re looking for a romantic date night during your New Orleans visit, Bayona should be at the top of your list. Located in the French Quarter, Bayona is set in a cozy, historic Creole cottage with an enchanting courtyard. Whether outside in the courtyard or inside nestled within the fabric-covered walls, you’ll love the blend of fine dining with the comfortable, casual setting.
Known for innovative signature dishes created by award-winning Chef Susan Spicer, this charming spot is popular with both devoted regulars and newcomers. The global menu is inspired by dishes from Spain, Italy, and France, blended with flavors and spices from around the world. The menu changes daily, but you’ll find dishes like pan-seared scallops, duck breast, and braised rabbit.
Reservations are required to dine here – book a table online or over the phone up to 60 days in advance.
Shaya
Address: 4213 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115
Website: shayarestaurant.com
When you want a unique experience, head to the Garden District to the award-winning Shaya Restaurant. Serving modern Israeli and Lebanese cuisine with a New Orleans twist, Shaya aims to transport you to an exotic place with their fluffy hand-crafted pita bread baked to order in their wood-fired oven and their delicious dips, salads, and spreads.
Try the hummus, baba ganoush, falafel, or slow-cooked lamb shank – you won’t be disappointed. Shaya is open daily for lunch and dinner, and you can make a reservation online or even order takeout to enjoy in your vacation rental.
Saffron NOLA
Address: 4128 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115
Website: saffronnola.com
If you’re in the mood for Indian fare, head Uptown to Saffron. Serving elevated Indian fusion in a sophisticated, modern eatery, Saffron is loved by patrons for its wonderful service, delicious food, and excellent cocktail selection.
Start with the truffle naan or spiced burrata salad along with one of Saffron’s seasonal or classic cocktails, like the Monsoon on Magazine, New Money, or Vanilla Handcuffs. For entrees, Saffron offers a wide selection of vegetarian dishes as well as duck, pork, chicken, fish, lamb, and more.
You can make reservations online or order for takeout to enjoy at your vacation rental.
Bearcat Cafe
Address: 2521 Jena St, New Orleans, LA 70115
Website: bearcatcafe.com
A full-service sit-down cafe in Uptown, Bearcat Cafe puts a heavy emphasis on high-quality, fresh breakfast and lunch options. In addition to their eclectic comfort food items, which include a variety of vegetarian, vegan, paleo, and gluten-free options, they also serve artisanal coffee and bottled teas.
Cozy up indoors or outside, and select something from their Good Cat menu if you’re in the mood for lighter fare (think a farro bowl or seared scallops for lunch). Their Bad Cat menu is reserved for those looking for hearty, indulgent dishes (like a hot chicken sandwich or bison burger). If you’re there for breakfast, don’t forget to grab some of their biscuits to start – you won’t be sorry.
Surrey’s Cafe
Address: 1418 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Website: surreysnola.com
Eclectic, colorful, funky – that’s Surrey’s. Located in the Lower Garden District on historic Magazine Street, this casual cafe and juice bar serves American and Latin breakfast and lunch fare, plus fresh-squeezed juices. Surrey’s is actually the oldest organic juice bar in New Orleans.
For breakfast, enjoy items like crab meat omelette, bananas foster french toast, and biscuits with gravy. For lunch, it’s roasted veggie po’boys, carnitas, and house-smoked turkey sandwiches. All of their buttermilk biscuits, bagels, focaccia, and buns are made from scratch. Pair any menu item with fresh-squeezed, organic juices, which you can order solo or blend to make your own creation.
Paladar 511
Address: 511 Marigny St, New Orleans, LA 70117
Website: paladar511.com
A sleek neighborhood spot featuring housemade pastas, pizza, gulf seafood, and seasonal small plates, Paladar 511 is open nightly for dinner service and on Saturday and Sunday for brunch. The dinner menu features fresh pasta dishes and elevated pizzas, plus small plates like fried cauliflower, roasted acorn squash, and arancini. If you come for brunch, you’ll have a selection that includes lemon ricotta pancakes, huevos rancheros, and breakfast pizza – yum.
Paladar 511 takes reservations in their dining room for groups of six or less. If you’re partying with a large group, you can reserve their Private Mezzanine Table, where the entire balcony will be dedicated to your group for a family-style dinner party like no other.
Toups’ Meatery
Address: 845 N Carrollton Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119
Website: toupsmeatery.com
Located in Mid-City, Toups’ Meatery lives up to its name with a carnivore-friendly menu of Cajun dishes, like lamb neck, double-cut pork chop, wagyu steak, smoked duck, and venison loin. They also serve a cheese board, pickle plate (yep – an assortment of housemade pickles), and charcuterie board dubbed The Meatery Board, with a selection of house-made fresh and cured meats. Alongside your meal, you can enjoy cocktail pitchers, a full wine list, and more.
You can make a reservation to dine at this rustic space, inside or on the patio and indulge in dishes inspired by deep-rooted Louisiana family traditions.
Parkway Tavern
Address: 538 Hagan Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119
Website: parkwaypoorboys.com
In business since 1911, this longtime neighborhood hangout is an icon in New Orleans. Originally a bakeshop, the family-owned and operated spot put their delicious fresh bread to good use to transition to a tavern. Today they’re known for their classic-style po’ boys, gumbo, and rum-drenched bread pudding.
If you’re dining in, enjoy a craft cocktail along with your local seafood. The Frozen Porch Swing, Parkway Pimm’s Cup, and Mid-City Streetcar are all great options along with a full beer and wine menu. If you want to grab a bite to go, they have easy parking lot pickup.
Dine Like a Local in New Orleans
One of the best ways to experience New Orleans like a local is to dine at restaurants you know the locals recommend. Living and working New Orleans, our Book NOLA team has had plenty of opportunities to sample cuisine across the city, and we’re happy to recommend the restaurants featured in this guide.
Not in the mood for anything here? Check out one of our previous guides featuring NOLA for foodies,breakfast spots,Cajun food,po’boys,seafood,brunch, or beignets.