The best restaurants in New Orleans

What is it: This century-old Victorian cottage tucked away in the Riverbend is home to some of the best modern Creole fare in the city.

Why we love it: Frank Brigtsen learned from the best—Chef Paul Prudhomme—and has refined his talents over decades at his namesake restaurant. Chef Brigtsen updates classic Creole 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.

Time Out tip: His Cajun-style gumbo is dark and rich—one of the best—but don’t miss the shrimp or crawfish calas, a fried rice fritter that was once traditional New Orleans street food, introduced by enslaved people from West Africa.

What is it: This fine dining establishment in the French Quarter is all about fresh seafood and innovative preparations.

Why we love it: Entrées change daily to reflect the best catch, and Chef Michael Nelson works with dozens of trusted local purveyors to source his seafood, even local spearfish divers who deliver their morning 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.

Time Out tip: Fans of dry-aged steak should definitely try the dry-aged tuna or swordfish when available. Chef Nelson has set the gold standard for dry-aging fish, and his handiwork might make you look at seafood in a whole new way.

What is it: The crown jewel of the Brennan food empire, this landmark Garden District restaurant has been a beacon of fine dining since 1880.

Why we love it: This grand dame has been a Garden District landmark for decades. The iconic lineage of chefs, from Paul Prudhomme, Emeril Lagasse, Jamie Shannon, Tory McPhail and now Meg Bickford has nurtured the Creole menu while making their own marks. With its turquoise and white-striped awning, the iconic Victorian mansion is the perfect setting for an intimate meal or a large celebration. Must-orders include turtle soup, pecan-crusted fish and bread pudding soufflé for dessert. Other highlights include shrimp and tasso Henican, remoulade roasted shrimp and candied jalapeno-stuffed quail. Jazz Brunch on Saturdays and Sundays is an always festive option for kicking the weekend up a notch.

Time Out tip: Partake in a beloved lunchtime tradition. Enjoy 25 cent martinis with the purchase of an entree. Lunch (and the martini special) is available on Thursdays and Fridays. Afterwards, take a stroll around the Garden District to digest.

What is it: Chef Donald Link’s flagship restaurant in the CBD serves upscale French-Southern fare with a view of historic St. Charles Avenue.

Why we love it: Chef Donald Link’s restaurant group boasts multiple James Beard awards, with accolades bestowed upon numerous chefs who 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. Area 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.

Time Out tip: The cornmeal fried oysters have been on the menu since the restaurant opened 25 years ago—a sure sign that you should try it.

What is it: Refined but spirited, La Petite Grocery is where to go for a bit of edge alongside familiar classics.

Why we love it: Chef Justin Devillier has been creatively enhancing New Orleans cuisine on Magazine Street for more than a decade. You’ll find the classics, but with something a little extra. Beignets are stuffed with blue crab and finished with malt vinegar; the shrimp and grits features shiitake mushrooms, smoked bacon and thyme; and turtle Bolognese is served with tagliatelle and a fried soft boiled egg. The LPG Cheeseburger, with house-made pickles, onion marmalade, aioli and gruyere on a brioche bun, is a crowd favorite.

Time Out tip: La Petite Grocery is a great spot for lunch, with an upscale-casual vibe that makes a midday meal here special. Stop in this little oasis while strolling the shops and art galleries on Magazine Street.

What is it: Chef Eric Cook’s Magazine Street restaurant is a lively gathering spot for refined Southern cuisine.

Why we love it: 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. Take, for example, the oyster BLT: it comes with smoked pork belly, tomato jam, arugula and sugar cane vinegar. Chef Cook’s mom’s recipe for chicken and dumplings—with hand-pulled chicken, roasted carrots, fresh herbs and homemade dumplings—has been a hit from the start, and the cast-iron seared fish and shrimp showcases the best of Gulf seafood. The downstairs has an open kitchen and counter seating, while upstairs has a dining room and bar and outdoor balcony seating with prime views of lower Magazine Street.

Time Out tip: Loved your meal? Stop in Gris-Gris to Go-Go next door for to-go versions of some of the hits, plus other goodies including Chef Cook’s new cookbook.

What is it: Chef Alon Shaya serves contemporary Israeli cuisine with a dedication to ingredients, technique and staff wellbeing at his Uptown spot on Magazine Street.

Why we love it: The bright, airy restaurant provides a warm setting to enjoy shareable dishes like Shaya’s grandmother’s lutenitsa, muhammara, harissa roasted chicken and hummus topped with blue crab. The pita, served fresh from the wood-burning oven, is as divine as the hummus, and you’ll want to order a refill or three. Creative cocktails and a wine list that includes Slovenian and Israeli selections are perfect complements. Saba offers special menus during Hanukkah and Passover, with cheeky cocktails named after Jewish pop-culture icons.

Time Out tip: The menu is so delightful that you might have a hard time choosing what to order. If you bring a party of eight or more, you can opt for the Feed Me menu that highlights all the menu faves for everyone to try.

What is it: This legendary Tremé restaurant is renowned for its Creole cuisine, and has served as a meeting place for civil rights leaders as well as a cultural hub.

Why we love it: The late 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, welcoming 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.

Time Out tip: Take some time to admire the art on the walls—the restaurant served as the first art gallery for black artists in New Orleans.

What is it: This family-owned, casual neighborhood joint in Bayou St. John is a top choice for classic, overstuffed po-boys.

Why we love it: These po'boys aren’t just sandwiches, they’re legendary meals. The best French bread is stuffed with everything from golden-fried shrimp to slow-cooked roast beef dripping with debris. Parkway has been at it since 1911, so you’re getting a taste of history with every bite. It's no frills, no fuss and just plain good eating, especially with an ice-cold beer or Barq's on the side. It's grown in popularity over the years, but the friendly staff still cares for the locals and welcomes tourists like family. Whether you’re grabbing a po’boy to go or enjoying a leisurely lunch (or maybe watching a game on the big TVs outside), you’ll leave happy and certainly not hungry.

Time Out tip: Go all in with the Surf & Turf po’boy for the best of both worlds—roast beef and fried shrimp. Even vegetarians can indulge with the under-the-radar Italian Caprese po’boy, and don’t sleep on the house-made banana pudding.

What is it: This elegant French Quarter stalwart offers an old-world fine dining experience with classic Creole fare.

Why we love it: Brennan’s is a must-visit for anyone who loves indulgence, history and a touch of Southern charm. It's also the birthplace of Bananas Foster, the famed dessert that's flambeed tableside. Breakfast service is legendary, featuring iconic dishes like eggs Hussarde and eggs Sardou. The pastel-pink facade and lush courtyard make for the perfect NOLA backdrop, and the chandeliers, white-tablecloth service and lengthy history make Brennan's a timeless New Orleans tradition where every meal feels like a celebration.

Time Out tip: Say hello to the resident turtles in the courtyard, named for the “mother sauces” and other sauces that complete a New Orleans menu. Each April you can attend the “Slowest Second Line on Earth” as the restaurant hosts a tiny turtle parade in their honor.

What is it: This no-frills, family-run Tremé restaurant is all about serving up soul-satisfying Creole cuisine with a side of Southern hospitality.

Why we love it: Run by a third generation of the Baquet family, Li’l Dizzy’s is a go-to spot for all the local faves done right: crispy fried chicken, rich gumbo, creamy mac and cheese, buttery cornbread, hot sausage po’boys and more. It’s a local institution, and is usually packed with both regulars and visitors. Open for lunch only, these hot plates will fill you up for the whole day, especially if you finish up with some sinful bread pudding. 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.

Time Out tip: The daily specials will make you want to go back again and again, from red beans and rice on Mondays to smothered pork chops on Saturdays.

What is it: Atchafalaya is where rustic charm meets refined Louisiana cuisine. Tucked away in the Irish Channel, this beloved neighborhood restaurant is a favorite for both celebratory dinners and buzzy brunches.

Why we love it: The menu here leans into regional flavors with dishes like shrimp and grits, fried green tomatoes and seasonal gumbo, all crafted with a creative touch. Brunch is always lively, thanks in no small part to the build-your-own Bloody Mary bar. Whether you're in the mood for a decadent crab cake Benedict or a bananas foster waffle, the combination of warm hospitality and soulful cooking makes every visit memorable. Dinners are just as enticing, offering a cozy-yet-upscale setting for savoring modern Louisiana classics.

Time Out tip: Brunch is definitely a thing here, so make reservations. But you're in luck as it's offered five days a week (Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays), with live music on weekends.

What is it: The Link Restaurant Group’s convivial, seafood-centric destination features fresh, local fish and a flaming wood-fired grill.

Why we love it: Pêche’s fire-driven approach makes it a standout. Dig in to whole grilled fish with crispy skin; jumbo shrimp with greens, coconut and sticky rice; and a smoked tuna dip that’s become a local legend. The grill gives everything a smoky depth, turning simple ingredients into knockout dishes. Much of the menu lends itself to sharing, from the fish sticks with Urban South beer batter or the fried oysters with arugula, pickled papaya and kimchi to the shrimp toast with pickles or divine fried bread.

Time Out tip: The vibe is boisterous, and can be loud, but the food here is meant for a party. Get it started with an inventive cocktail from the bar: the regularly-changing menu features the likes of the Ponchatoula smash with bourbon, local strawberries and basil or the Charred Catalan with gin, blanco vermouth and smoked olive.

What is it: Compère Lapin is a vibrant fusion of Caribbean, Creole and French influences, helmed by award-winning chef Nina Compton.

Why we love it: Housed inside the Old 77 Hotel & Chandlery, this restaurant balances bold flavors with a warm, stylish setting of exposed brick and wooden beams. Compton’s menu is full of conversation-starting dishes, from spiced pig ears to conch croquettes. The goat curry, served over pillowy sweet potato gnocchi, is a must-order, but the ever-evolving seasonal offerings ensure there’s always something new to try. The stellar cocktail program, welcoming bar area and bustling yet intimate atmosphere round out the experience.

Time Out tip: After your meal, be sure to check out the hotel's art gallery. The ever-rotating displays of local art are expertly curated by local art consultants Where Y'Art Works.

What is it: Located in the Warehouse District, this lively spot celebrates nose-to-tail butchery with expertly-crafted Cajun specialties like boudin, andouille, head cheese and more.

Why we love it: At Cochon, chefs Donald Link and Stephen Stryjewski elevate the boucherie and the flavors of Acadiana with refined takes on Cajun favorites. The setting—anchored by heavy wood tables—is rustic yet contemporary and always lively. A creative cocktail menu sets the stage for hearty standout dishes like the cochon (slow-roasted pork with cracklings) or rabbit and dumplings. Seafood lovers are well-served too, with a wood-fired whole Gulf fish served "fisherman’s style."

Time Out tip: Stop next door at Cochon Butcher to take home house-made sausages, tasso, pâtés and some of the best sandwiches in town.

What is it: A New Orleans institution since 1990, Bayona offers an intimate dining experience in a charming French Quarter cottage.

Why we love it: Founded by legendary chef Susan Spicer, the restaurant blends Mediterranean influences with Southern flair. Bayona’s menu is ever-changing, but some classics never leave—like the fennel pepper-crusted lamb and the indulgent veal sweetbreads. The creamy garlic soup is another standout, though perhaps not the best pick for date night. With impeccable service and an ambiance that feels both elegant and relaxed, Bayona remains one of the city’s most treasured dining experiences.

Time Out tip: The lush courtyard makes Bayona a no-brainer for special occasions, so be sure to reserve a spot when the weather is nice.