The best restaurants in New Orleans

The crown jewel of the Brennan food empire, this landmark Garden District restaurant has been a beacon of fine dining since 1880. There’s no resting on laurels here, though: Chefs Paul Prudhomme, Emeril Lagasse, Jaime Shannon, Tory McPhail and Meg Bickford have nurtured the Creole menu while making their own marks. The iconic Victorian mansion is the perfect setting for an intimate meal, large celebration or relaxed 25-cent martini lunch. Turtle soup is a must; the bread pudding soufflé provides an excellent finish and everything in between will impress.

This century-old Victorian cottage tucked away in the Riverbend is home to some of the best modern Creole fare in the city. Chef Frank Brigtsen updates classic dishes in a straightforward way with delicious results. Perfect after enjoying a stroll through the surrounding neighborhood, it’s an excellent option for sampling New Orleans cooking in an intimate, friendly setting that feels like a friend’s home. Each dish—from the shrimp rémoulade to the trout meuniere—is made with care and full of flavor.

Fresh fish is the star at this French Quarter fine dining establishment. Entrées change daily to reflect the best catch. Whatever the preparation—wood-grilled, parmesan-crusted, blackened—the flavors of the fish shine through. Appetizers like lobster dumplings and New Orleans-style barbecue shrimp are constants. Try not to fill up on the delectable biscuits and cross your fingers that the “Scalibut”—a deliciously unique halibut/scallop combo—is on the menu, as well as other innovative dishes like dry-aged fish or the "Seacuterie" plate.

Chef Donald Link’s restaurant group is heavy on the James Beard awards, bestowed upon loads of chefs that have passed through his flagship restaurant. This Central Business District favorite is consistently packed with a mix of the after-work business crowd, local families and tourists. Local farmers and fishermen are well represented on the seasonal menu that combines French, Southern and rustic Italian influences. Daily lunch and dinner specials always impress alongside standards like house-made spaghetti with a poached farm egg or duck confit with dirty rice, all enhanced by an eclectic wine list.

Chef Alon Shaya serves contemporary Israeli cuisine with a dedication to ingredients, technique and staff wellbeing. The bright, airy Uptown restaurant provides a warm setting to enjoy shareable dishes like Shaya’s grandmother’s lutenitsa, local tomato ezme, harissa roasted chicken and hummus topped with blue crab. The pita, served fresh from the wood-burning oven, is simply heavenly. Creative cocktails and a wine list that includes Slovenian and Israeli selections are perfect complements.

New Orleans has plenty of restaurants serving the classics, but Gris-Gris takes them to new heights, with updates that are more than just trendy twists on the original. An oyster BLT comes with smoked pork belly, tomato jam, arugula and sugar cane vinegar. Chef Eric Cook’s mom’s recipe for chicken and dumplings is also a hit. The setting—downstairs has an open kitchen and counter seating, upstairs has a dining room and bar and outdoor balcony seating with views of lower Magazine Street—has helped establish Gris-Gris as a go-to spot for neighborhood regulars and special occasion diners. Check out Gris-Gris to Go-Go next door for take-home versions of the hits.

The late chef Leah Chase was an icon for her culinary contributions and role in the Civil Rights Movement, whose leaders often gathered at her restaurant. You’ll still feel the  powerful history here while dining on some of the best Creole cuisine around in a lively, convivial atmosphere. It's no wonder notable guests include everyone from Ray Charles and Quincy Jones to President Obama and Beyoncé. From hearty red beans or shrimp Clemenceau to gumbo and crispy fried chicken, a meal at Dooky Chase’s fills the belly and the soul.

Chef Justin Devillier has been creatively enhancing New Orleans classics on Magazine Street for more than a decade. Refined but lively, La Petite Grocery is where to go for a bit of edge alongside the familiar: Beignets are stuffed with blue crab and finished with malt vinegar; the gumbo features collard greens and chicken confit; and turtle Bolognese is served with bucatini and a fried soft boiled egg. The LPG Cheeseburger, with house-made pickles, onion marmalade, aioli and gruyere on a brioche bun, is another crowd favorite. Chef Devillier has recently expanded his talents with Justine, but this Uptown spot remains his signature offering.

This French Quarter stalwart is still as glamorous and elegant after all these years. Offering an old-world fine dining experience with excellent service, the restaurant offers a seasonally-inspired menu of classic Creole fare. Breakfast at Brennan’s is a must for locals and tourists, and you can’t miss the Bananas Foster—invented here—that still gets flambéed tableside.

This bright, welcoming spot from Donald Link and Stephen Stryjewski elevates the boucherie and the flavors of Cajun country with refined takes on boudin, andouille and head cheese. Pork, seafood and produce are locally sourced and prepared in-house. The cocktail list includes flights of moonshine to get you prepped for rabbit and dumplings, cochon with cracklings and “fisherman’s style” whole Gulf fish. The setting—anchored by heavy wood tables—is rustic yet contemporary, reflective of its Warehouse District location. Stop next door at Cochon Butcher to take home a few meaty treats.

This Treme institution has weathered storms of all kinds and is still going strong thanks to a third generation of the Baquet family. The soul food joint is known for catfish and grits, gumbo, poboys and fried chicken. Lunch specials and the buffet draw regulars, and breakfasts are hearty and filling. The laid-back atmosphere and walls decorated with memorabilia—of the Baquet family, the city and the New Orleans Saints—make you feel right at home.

Donald Link’s seafood-focused restaurant features fresh, local seafood (of course), much of it cooked on a wood-fired grill. Boisterous and always packed, Pêche is a great place for group dining. Small plates like smoked tuna dip and beer-battered fish sticks are shareable, as is the delicious whole grilled fish. The grill is put to good use for tuna, chicken, lamb and steak dishes. Sides and accoutrements reflect local heritage, from roasted pumpkin to citrus glazed turnips with dill. 

This Garden District gem has the vibe of a neighborhood bistro but the menu of a forward-thinking, adventurous kitchen. The small list changes regularly to reflect what’s fresh and local and what creative twists chef Michael Stoltzfus has come up with. Entrées have included red snapper and charred leek to braised rabbit with sweet potato gnocchi and steak frites. The lovely bar is a great spot for a glass of wine and selections from the raw bar.

This historic French Quarter cottage, with its lovely courtyard and intimate dining space, is a go-to spot for romantic dinners and special occasions. Opened by chef Susan Spicer in 1990, Bayona has risen to institution status alongside the city’s other grande dames. Her first—and best—restaurant features a changing menu of Mediterranean-influenced Southern dishes. Regularly appearing on the menu are signatures like veal sweetbreads, Gulf fish of the day and peppered-crusted lamb. The creamy garlic soup—while perhaps not the best choice on date night—is also a must-try.

Traditional Haitian cuisine and spirits are not out of place in this Caribbean-influenced city. Fritai has made a splash since opening in Treme; it has become a destination for flavorful, authentic Haitian specialties. Start with a cocktail featuring clairin, then dig in to specialties like the fritai sandwich featuring pulled pork between two fried plantains with avocado, mango sauce and pikliz, citrusy grilled shrimp or a mirliton salad with grilled carrot and candied plantains. The bright flavors will transport you to Haiti on an exciting culinary journey.

Chef Nina Compton has made her mark on New Orleans since opening Compère Lapin in the Old 77 Hotel & Chandlery in 2015. Mixing the flavors of her Caribbean homeland of Saint Lucia with classic New Orleans cuisine, her menu has received consistent raves. The setting is intimate and buzzy with its exposed brick and wooden beams. The excellent cocktail program kicks things off, followed by must-try conversation starters like spiced pig ears and conch croquettes. The goat curry, set atop sweet potato gnocchi, is a star entrée, and seasonal updates bring exciting new flavors to palates.

Gabrielle was a long-time favorite for a night out amongst locals before it was wiped out by the floods that followed Katrina. More than a decade later, chefs Greg and Mary Sonnier returned triumphantly with their Cajun and Creole influences intact. The storied slow-roasted duck with orange-sherry sauce shares menu space with equally impressive dishes like seafood gumbo, barbecue shrimp pie and seared Gulf fish served with jumbo crab cake. The cozy, classy dining room is welcoming and sets the stage for an experience that feels fresh yet like an old friend, even for those who didn’t know it originally.

Here at Saffron, regional Indian classics are expertly prepared and enhanced by Louisiana ingredients and flavors: The oyster bed roast features caramelized onions and curry leaf and is served with naan; a curried seafood gumbo brings together cultures with tasty results; and Gulf shrimp doused in a tamarind-black pepper sauce. Don't miss the exceptional cocktails, with unexpected twists and flavors.

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This cozy little cottage in Mid City is, in fact, a culinary giant. James Beard Award-winning chef Sue Zemanick presents a consistently impressive menu featuring seasonal Gulf Coast ingredients. Offerings change regularly, but a few consistent menu items include heavenly potato pierogies with gruyere and grilled baby octopus with potatoes, olives, capers and red peppers.

This family-owned, casual neighborhood joint is a top choice for classic, overstuffed po-boys. It has grown in popularity, but the friendly staff still cares for the locals and welcomes tourists like family. Shrimp is fried to perfection, roast beef is sufficiently messy and the Barq's (and beer) is served icy cold. The oyster po-boy is a favorite, but it is only available Mondays and Wednesdays. For a non-traditional po-boy option, try the smoked alligator sausage or the Italian caprese. Grab a table outside and dig into one of the best po-boys found anywhere.

Paladar 511 in the Marigny is a sophisticated yet laid-back spot for Italian specialties, fresh pasta and wood-fired pizza. This airy, industrial-chic spot blends California and Italian influences with local flavors in its seasonal, ingredient-driven menu. A squid ink spaghetti with Calabrian chili butter and shrimp is a showstopper, but the pies steal said show with options like mascarpone and wild arugula, lamb sausage with roasted red pepper and tzatziki and roasted mushroom with leek and fontina. The open kitchen and communal vibe make it a great spot for both intimate dinners and lively group gatherings.

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After years of celebrated popups, James Beard nominee Serigne Mbaye now permanently hosts his Senegalese tasting menu dinners at his Uptown restaurant. The communal dining experience presents modern twists on traditional West African and Senegalese dishes, featuring Louisiana ingredients. The meal is a journey that explores the connection between Senegambia and New Orleans.

Located just off Bourbon Street, Arnaud’s has been a go-to destination for classic Creole cuisine and traditional service since 1918. The historic restaurant remains true to its traditions and courtesies, and the assortment of dining rooms draws locals and visitors alike for special occasion dining. Start with a pre-dinner cocktail at the award-winning French 75 Bar, then dive into classics like soufflé potatoes and shrimp remoulade. Be sure to finish with a flaming Café Brûlot and a visit upstairs to the free Germaine Cazenave Wells Mardi Gras Museum, which features lavish Mardi Gras costumes, vintage photographs, Carnival masks, elaborate krewe invitations and party favors.

Palm & Pine offers a laid-back yet vibrant dining experience, blending flavors from the American South, the Caribbean and Mexico. Explore bold, creative dishes in a cozy, eclectic setting. Expect spiced meats, fresh ceviches and inventive cocktails, all served with a playful twist. The staff brings a welcoming, upbeat energy that perfectly complements the adventurous menu. Whether you're popping in for a quick bite or a leisurely meal, it’s the perfect spot if you’re looking for something a little offbeat and full of flavor.

This funky, unpretentious lunch spot is redefining the sandwich game. Known for quirky takes on comfort food, Turkey and the Wolf packs flavor and attitude into every bite. From their legendary collard green melt to a playful twist on deviled eggs, expect nostalgia with an edgy, modern spin. The vibe is laid-back, artsy and full of character, with a deliciously unconventional menu to match.

While the Quarter is home to newer, award-winning restaurants, dining at one of New Orleans’ historic fine dining institutions is essential. Galatoire’s offers a glimpse into the city’s unique dining culture: most of the waiters, dressed in tuxedos, are locals who have worked at the restaurant for decades, and many high society folks are longtime regulars. The bright walls, black-and-white tile and white tablecloths create a refined but celebratory atmosphere. Dine on shrimp rémoulade, turtle soup and other New Orleans classics for a memorable experience.

Chef Isaac Toups displays 300 years of Cajun family traditions at his Mid-City restaurant, and meat is his chosen platform. His fine dining training adds sophistication to rustic dishes like fried rabbit liver, pork rillettes and daily sausages. The meatery board—a selection of house-made fresh and cured meats and condiments—is a good snapshot of Toups’ skills. Entrées like the smoked duck are as impressive as the elegant lamb neck with bucatini. Fear not, meat-averse: several small plates featuring local veggies and seafood are just as delicious and satisfying as the rest of the offerings.

Straddling the line between rustic and refined, Atchafalaya is often a destination for a celebratory meal. The neighborhood restaurant offers a menu of creative Louisiana fare that includes regional classics such as a seasonal gumbo, shrimp and grits and fried green tomatoes. For good food and good times, go the brunch route and indulge in the extensive Bloody Mary bar before diving into a crab cake Benedict or bananas foster waffle.

This eclectic Uptown gem serves up "unapologetically inauthentic" global street food with a cheeky twist. Led by chef Sophina Uong, the venue offers a lively atmosphere where adventurous eaters can dive into a rotating menu of dishes from around the world. With bold flavors, creative plating and a laid-back vibe, Mister Mao has all the trappings of a culinary party. From shareable small plates to boozy cocktails, you’ll spice up your dining routine with a little bit of edge.

For fresh, salty oysters served old-school style, seasonally-operated Casamento’s is the place to venture out to. The white-and-green tiled walls and formica tables are a real throwback, with legendary oyster shuckers doing their thing behind the counter. Shucked-to-order Gulf oysters are the star of the show, but the fried oyster loaf (served on thick white bread) and other fried seafood platters are excellent options as well.

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This contemporary Mexican restaurant in the Bywater is the latest from James Beard Award-nominated Ana Castro and her sister Lydia. The buzzy spot focuses on fresh seafood dishes that highlight the culinary traditions of Mexico's coastal regions. From the citrusy heat of aguachile and perfectly-charred grilled whole fish to handmade tortillas, smoky salsas and fresh ceviche, Acamaya delivers. The laid-back vibe makes it easy to take in the experience while you sip inventive cocktails or a cold michelada.

Delicately prepared sashimi does not usually come to mind when discussing New Orleans cuisine, but this tiny Uptown restaurant has created buzz and received accolades since its 2018 opening. Chef Hao Gong worked for years at the popular Sake Cafe, and he’s translated his skills into an innovative pan-Asian menu that displays Japanese and Chinese influences. Raw dishes—salmon with sesame-crusted banana; tuna with smoky soy—are super fresh and innovative, while hot dishes—barbecue eel; Dan Dan noodles with black bean—are creative and satisfying. All food is as photogenic as the modern, colorful decor.

A prominent Vietnamese population and a string of restaurants primarily in New Orleans East and the Westbank bring pho-lovers out of their familiar boundaries. On the Westbank, Tan Dinh is one of the best eateries of its kind, consistently delivering cheap eats and big flavors. The extensive menu truly has something for everyone: the pho and banh mi are bright and fresh, and other Vietnamese classics are done exceptionally well. The informal strip mall setting makes it easy to kick back and try something new, like frog legs in garlic butter, or stick to standout favorites like lemongrass chicken wings or savory short ribs. It’s definitely worth the drive.