Discover the Best Restaurants in New Orleans

Looking for the ultimate dining experience in the heart of Louisiana? Look no further than New Orleans, home to some of the best restaurants in America. From classic Cajun cuisine to modern fusion dishes, this vibrant city has something for every taste bud. With so many options to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start. That’s why we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to the best restaurants in New Orleans, so you can eat your way through this culinary mecca with confidence.

Indulge in Classic Cajun Cuisine 🍤

No trip to New Orleans is complete without trying some classic Cajun dishes. Head to Acme Oyster House for their legendary oysters Rockefeller, or stop by Cochon Butcher for slow-roasted pork and fresh boudin. For a classic New Orleans brunch, don’t miss the beignets and café au lait at Café du Monde.

1. Acme Oyster House – Legendary Oysters Rockefeller 🦪

Acme Oyster House has been serving up fresh Gulf oysters since 1910. Their signature dish, oysters Rockefeller, features plump oysters baked with butter, spinach, and breadcrumbs. The result is a savory and satisfying dish that’s a must-try for seafood lovers.

2. Cochon Butcher – Slow-Roasted Pork and Fresh Boudin 🐖

Cochon Butcher is a casual eatery that specializes in house-made charcuterie and Southern comfort food. The star of the menu is the slow-roasted pork, which is juicy, tender, and packed with flavor. Don’t forget to try the fresh boudin, a traditional Cajun sausage made with rice, pork, and spices.

3. Café du Monde – Classic Beignets and Café au Lait ☕️

Café du Monde is a New Orleans institution, known for its fluffy beignets and strong café au lait. The café is open 24/7, so you can satisfy your sweet tooth anytime you like. Be sure to bring cash, as they don’t accept credit cards.

Try Modern Fusion Dishes 🍽️

If you’re looking for something a little more contemporary, New Orleans has plenty of restaurants that put a modern spin on classic dishes. Head to Brennan’s for their famous bananas Foster, or check out Compère Lapin for Caribbean-inspired cuisine.

4. Brennan’s – Famous Bananas Foster 🍌

Brennan’s is a historic restaurant in the French Quarter that’s been around since 1946. Their famous bananas Foster is a must-try, featuring bananas flambéed with rum, brown sugar, and cinnamon. The dish is finished with vanilla ice cream and a sprinkle of pecans.

5. Compère Lapin – Caribbean-Inspired Cuisine 🏝️

Compère Lapin is a modern restaurant that fuses Caribbean and Southern flavors. Chef Nina Compton’s dishes are inventive and flavorful, with highlights like curried goat with sweet potato gnocchi and grilled octopus with jerk aioli.

Vegetarian and Vegan Options 🥦

Just because you’re a vegetarian or vegan doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the culinary delights of New Orleans. Many of the city’s top restaurants offer plant-based options that are just as delicious as their meaty counterparts. Try Seed for vegan comfort food, or Shaya for Middle Eastern cuisine.

6. Seed – Vegan Comfort Food 🌱

Seed is a vegan restaurant that specializes in comfort food classics like mac and cheese, buffalo cauliflower wings, and vegan po’boys. Their desserts, like the chocolate silk pie and the apple crisp, are also not to be missed.

7. Shaya – Middle Eastern Cuisine 🍽️

Shaya is a modern Israeli restaurant that offers plenty of vegetarian and vegan options. Their hummus, made with freshly cooked chickpeas and tahini, is a standout dish, as are the roasted carrots with date syrup and the crispy Brussels sprouts with harissa vinaigrette.

Seafood Galore 🦞

Being situated on the Gulf of Mexico means that New Orleans is ripe with fresh seafood. Whether you’re in the mood for raw oysters or grilled shrimp, you’ll find plenty of options to satisfy your seafood cravings. Head to GW Fins for the freshest catch of the day, or check out Peche for their wood-fired oysters.

8. GW Fins – Freshest Catch of the Day 🐟

GW Fins is a seafood-focused restaurant that sources their fish directly from local fishermen. The menu changes daily based on what’s in season, but you can always count on their signature dish, the lobster dumplings with shiitake mushrooms and edamame.

9. Peche – Wood-Fired Oysters 🦪

Peche is a casual seafood joint that’s known for their wood-fired oysters. The oysters are cooked over an open flame and served with garlic butter and chili flakes. The menu also features plenty of other seafood dishes, like grilled redfish and whole roasted Gulf snapper.

International Flavors 🌎

New Orleans may be known for its Cajun cuisine, but the city also offers plenty of international flavors. From Vietnamese pho to Italian pasta, you’ll find a diverse array of cuisines to explore. Head to Maypop for Asian-inspired dishes, or check out Avo for fresh Italian fare.

10. Maypop – Asian-Inspired Dishes 🍜

Maypop is a restaurant that combines Asian flavors with Southern ingredients. Their menu features dishes like spicy Korean fried chicken, crispy pork belly with Chinese five spice, and pho with oxtail and brisket.

11. Avo – Fresh Italian Fare 🍝

Avo is a modern Italian restaurant that focuses on fresh, seasonal ingredients. Their pasta dishes, like the squid ink tagliolini with shrimp and the agnolotti with butternut squash, are handmade daily. Be sure to try their house-made limoncello for a sweet finish.

Fine Dining 🍷

For a truly special meal, head to one of New Orleans’ many fine dining establishments. From white tablecloth service to tasting menus, these restaurants offer an unforgettable dining experience. Try Commander’s Palace for classic New Orleans fare, or check out August for contemporary French cuisine.

12. Commander’s Palace – Classic New Orleans Fare 🍤

Commander’s Palace is a legendary restaurant that’s been around since 1880. Their menu features classic New Orleans dishes like turtle soup and shrimp and grits, as well as more modern creations like the blue crab beignets. The restaurant also offers a $0.25 martini lunch special every weekday.

13. August – Contemporary French Cuisine 🇫🇷

August is a contemporary French restaurant that has earned multiple James Beard Awards. Chef John Besh’s dishes are elegant and refined, with highlights like the seared foie gras with blackberry gastrique and the beef short rib with pommes purée.

FAQs

Q1. What is New Orleans known for in terms of food?

A1. New Orleans is known for its rich and diverse culinary culture, with a focus on seafood, Creole cuisine, and Cajun dishes.

Q2. What is a must-try dish in New Orleans?

A2. Oysters Rockefeller, gumbo, and jambalaya are all classic New Orleans dishes that you won’t want to miss.

Q3. Where can I find the best beignets in the city?

A3. Café du Monde is the most famous spot for beignets in New Orleans, but many locals prefer the ones from Morning Call or Café Beignet.

Q4. What is the dress code for fine dining restaurants in New Orleans?

A4. While dress codes vary by restaurant, it’s generally a good idea to dress up a bit for fine dining establishments. Think business casual or cocktail attire.

Q5. Is New Orleans a good city for vegetarian and vegan dining?

A5. Yes! Many of the city’s top restaurants offer vegetarian and vegan options, and there are also several dedicated vegan restaurants.

Q6. When is the best time to visit New Orleans for foodies?

A6. Anytime is a good time to visit New Orleans for foodies, but some of the best food festivals take place in the spring and fall. The New Orleans Wine & Food Experience in May and the New Orleans Seafood Festival in September are both worth checking out.

Q7. What is the average price range for a meal in New Orleans?

A7. Prices can vary widely depending on the restaurant, but you can expect to pay around $20-