Discover the Best Restaurants in New Orleans

New Orleans, known for its vibrant culture, rich history, and unparalleled cuisine, is a city where food is integral to life. The culinary scene in this city is a melting pot of flavors, traditions, and influences, making it a true paradise for food lovers. From traditional Creole and Cajun dishes to modern interpretations of classic recipes, the restaurants in New Orleans offer a unique dining experience that reflects the city’s diverse heritage. These top restaurants in New Orleans exemplify the city’s best.

1. Contents

   • 1 Restaurants in New Orleans: Commander’s Palace
   • 2 Dooky Chase’s Restaurant
   • 3 Shaya
   • 4 Peche Seafood Grill
   • 5 Galatoire’s
   • 6 Herbsaint
   • 7 Antoine’s Restaurant
   • 8 Brennan’s
   • 9 Restaurant August
   • 10 Arnaud’s Restaurant
   • 11 Café du Monde
   • 12 GW Fins
   • 13 Willie Mae’s Scotch House
   • 14 Emeril’s New Orleans
   • 15 Conclusion

   Restaurants in New Orleans: Commander’s Palace

Nestled in the heart of the Garden District, Commander’s Palace is a quintessential New Orleans dining experience. Since 1893, this historic restaurant has been a beacon of fine dining. Everyone knows it for its faultless service and graceful atmosphere.

Commander’s Palace has earned multiple James Beard Awards, thanks to its commitment to culinary excellence. The restaurant’s menu celebrates Creole cuisine, featuring turtle soup, pecan-crusted Gulf fish, and the iconic bread pudding soufflé.

It is also renowned for its jazz brunch. As you relax to eat, you are pampered with jazz music. A glass of cocktail is another must-taste, along with your starter and dessert. A meal at Commander’s Palace is not just about the food; it’s about being part of a New Orleans tradition that has welcomed locals and visitors for over a century.

Address: 1403 Washington Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130, United States

Phone: +1 504-899-8221

2. Cochon

For those craving a taste of authentic Cajun cuisine, Cochon is the place to be. It is located in the Warehouse District and is renowned as one of the finest restaurants in New Orleans. This restaurant is the brainchild of Chefs Donald Link and Stephen Stryjewski, who have created a menu that honors the rustic flavors of rural Louisiana.

Cochon is well-known for using locally sourced ingredients and dedication to preserving traditional cooking methods. Dishes like wood-fired oysters, smoked pork ribs, and fried alligators are just a few highlights. Try their pork with grits; it is creamy and delicious.

The casual, welcoming atmosphere of Cochon makes it a favorite among locals and tourists looking to experience the heart and soul of Cajun cooking.

Address: 930 Tchoupitoulas St Ste A, New Orleans, LA 70130, United States

Phone: +1 504-588-2123

3. Dooky Chase’s Restaurant

A cornerstone of New Orleans’ cultural and culinary landscape, Dooky Chase’s Restaurant has served soul food and Creole classics since 1941. It is called the “Queen of Creole Cuisine” for a reason. This Treme institution has been a gathering place for civil rights leaders, musicians, and food enthusiasts.

The menu features beloved dishes such as gumbo, fried chicken, and shrimp Clemenceau. The restaurant’s walls are adorned with a good African American art collection, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Dining at Dooky Chase’s is not just about savoring delicious food; it’s about being part of a rich history that continues to shape New Orleans’ culinary identity. When in town for authentic dishes, this is a superb place to be. It promises a historic, chilled-out experience.

Address: 2301 Orleans Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119, United States

Phone: +1 504-821-0600

4. Shaya

Shaya offers a unique dining experience that brings modern Israeli cuisine flavors to New Orleans’s heart. As one of the top restaurants in New Orleans, it was opened by Chef Alon Shaya in 2015 and has quickly become a favorite. People know it better for its innovative dishes and vibrant atmosphere.

The menu is a fusion of traditional Middle Eastern flavors and locally sourced ingredients. Hence, you will find dishes like hummus with lamb ragù, wood-fired pita, and shakshouka. Everything is house-made and worth your visit. Ensure to take it down with a glass of red wine.

The restaurant’s contemporary design and relaxed ambiance make it a perfect spot for a casual yet memorable meal. Shaya has earned numerous accolades, including the James Beard Award for Best New Restaurant. This cements its place as a standout in New Orleans’ diverse culinary scene. You will definitely return.

Address: 4213 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115, United States

Phone: +1 504-891-4213

5. Peche Seafood Grill

For seafood lovers, Peche Seafood Grill is a must-visit destination in New Orleans. Located in the Warehouse District, this restaurant offers a fresh and innovative approach to seafood. The cooking techniques of South America and the Gulf Coast inspire everything.

The chefs have created a menu highlighting the best local seafood like whole grilled fish, smoked tuna dip, and crab claws. The meals are cooked over an open-wood fire.

The Peche casual, industrial-chic setting provides the perfect backdrop for a sophisticated and unpretentious meal. Peche has received numerous accolades, including the James Beard Award for Best New Restaurant. It continues to be a favorite among locals and visitors. If you want to send your taste buds wild, it is a place to be. Visit with your family and friends to escape from the hustle and bustle of Bourbon Street.

Address: 800 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130, United States

Phone: +1 504-522-1744

See also: Restaurants in Breckenridge

6. Galatoire’s

Located on Bourbon Street in the French Quarter, Galatoire’s has been a New Orleans institution since 1905. Stepping into Galatoire’s is like stepping back in time, with its classic French-Creole menu and old-world charm.

The restaurant is famous for its long-standing traditions, including its strict dress code and no-reservations policy for the main dining room. This often results in lively queues of patrons waiting to get a taste of the culinary delights inside. It also makes the atmosphere less formal.

Signature dishes include shrimp remoulade, crabmeat Yvonne, and the famed Galatoire Goute, a sampler of their finest appetizers. Galatoire’s is where history and culinary excellence converge, offering a quintessential New Orleans dining experience.

Address: 209 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70130, United States

Phone: +1 504-525-2021

7. Herbsaint

Herbsaint, located on St. Charles Avenue, is among the must-visit restaurants in New Orleans. It is a testament to the innovative spirit of the city’s dining scene.

Opened by Chef Donald Link, the eatery combines Southern and French cuisine with a modern twist. Its menu also changes seasonally, reflecting the freshest local ingredients.

Standout dishes include the house-made spaghetti with guanciale and fried-poached farm egg, Louisiana shrimp and fish ceviche, and the duck leg confit. The warm, inviting atmosphere and a carefully curated wine list make this spot an excellent choice for casual and special occasion dining.

Its blend of creativity and tradition ensures a memorable meal every time. Don’t forget to request Sazerac, a great drink that completes your visit. The staff is also attentive, but not intrusive.

Address: 701 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130, United States

Phone: +1 504-524-4114

Discover incredible restaurants in Denver

8. Antoine’s Restaurant

As the oldest family-run restaurant in the United States, Antoine’s has been a cornerstone of New Orleans dining since 1840. It is another banger found in the French Quarter.

Antoine’s offers an expansive menu of French-Creole cuisine in a setting that exudes historic grandeur. The restaurant is divided into numerous themed dining rooms, each with its unique character and history.

Signature dishes include Oysters Rockefeller, invented at Antoine’s, Pompano en Papillote, and Chateaubriand. Their Hermes Bar boasts cocktails, beers, and wines.

Dining at Antoine’s is not just about the food. It is about experiencing a piece of New Orleans history. The dining experience is lighter and more casual. This makes it a must-visit for anyone exploring the city’s culinary heritage. They offer private dining and a la carte options. The servers are also known to be attentive and courteous.

Address: 713 St Louis St, New Orleans, LA 70130, United States
Phone: +1 504-581-4422

Check out these restaurants in Kaneohe Hawaii

9. Brennan’s

Renowned for its opulent breakfast and classic Creole cuisine, Brennan’s on Royal Street is a landmark in the French Quarter. Opened in 1946, it is famous for its elegant dining rooms and lush courtyard, making it one of the top restaurants in New Orleans.

It also provides a picturesque setting for a memorable meal. The restaurant’s legendary breakfast includes dishes like Eggs Hussarde and Bananas Foster; the latter was invented here. The dinner menu features timeless Creole dishes such as turtle soup, Gulf shrimp, and rabbit Kiki.

With its impeccable service and dedication to culinary excellence, Brennan’s remains a beloved New Orleans institution where every meal feels like a celebration. The décor is one reason you should come.

Address: 417 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70130, United States
Phone: +1 504-525-9711

10. Restaurant August

Situated in a historic 19th-century French-Creole building in the Central Business District, Restaurant August is the flagship restaurant of acclaimed chef John Besh. The restaurant offers a sophisticated dining experience focusing on contemporary French cuisine infused with Southern flavors.

The menu showcases crab and truffle gnocchi, foie gras three ways, and slow-cooked rabbit. The elegant, refined atmosphere is complemented by an extensive wine list and impeccable service.

Restaurant August is the perfect destination for those seeking an upscale dining experience highlighting the best of New Orleans’ culinary innovation and tradition. It is indeed an exceptional high-end dining. The only word that can describe it is excellence.

Address: 301 Tchoupitoulas St, New Orleans, LA 70130, United States

Phone: +1 504-299-9777

11. Arnaud’s Restaurant

Founded in 1918, Arnaud’s is a quintessential French-Creole restaurant in the heart of the French Quarter. Stepping into Arnaud’s is like entering a world of elegance and tradition. This makes it a must-visit when searching for the best restaurants in New Orleans.

The restaurant is renowned for its classic dishes such as Shrimp Arnaud, Crabmeat Ravigote, and the spectacular soufflé potatoes. Check out the wine list; you won’t know which to choose because everything is delectable. The Jazz Bistro offers a lively atmosphere with live Dixieland jazz, making it a perfect spot for a festive evening.

Arnaud’s also houses the Mardi Gras Museum, showcasing the city’s vibrant carnival history. With its rich heritage and dedication to culinary excellence, Arnaud’s offers a dining experience steeped in New Orleans tradition. The vibes are slightly informal and you will like it.

Address: 813 Bienville St, New Orleans, LA 70112, United States

Phone: +1 504-523-5433

12. Café du Monde

An iconic establishment since 1862, Café du Monde is synonymous with New Orleans. Located in the French Market, this café is world-famous for its beignets and café au lait.

Besides, it is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Café du Monde is a bustling hub of activity, offering a simple yet irresistible menu. The beignets, dusted with a generous amount of powdered sugar, are a must-try for anyone visiting the city.

Again, the café au lait, made with a blend of coffee and chicory, is the perfect accompaniment. While the menu is limited, the experience of sitting under the green-and-white striped awning and soaking in the lively atmosphere is quintessentially New Orleans. Not to forget, the staff is friendly and makes the dining experience worth it.

Address: 56 Dreyfous Dr, New Orleans, LA 70124, United States

Phone: +1 504-766-0250

Explore these top restaurants in Napa Valley

13. GW Fins

For a premier seafood dining experience, GW Fins in the French Quarter is a standout choice. The restaurant prides itself on serving the freshest seafood, sourced from local waters and worldwide.

Also, the menu changes daily to reflect the freshest catch, with signature dishes including Scalibut, Lobster Dumplings, and Swordfish Au Poivre. The elegant yet unpretentious setting, an extensive wine list, and impeccable service make GW Fins a favorite among locals and visitors.

It’s a place where culinary artistry and the finest seafood come together to create an unforgettable dining experience.

14. Willie Mae’s Scotch House

A true gem in the Treme neighborhood, Willie Mae’s Scotch House is legendary for its fried chicken. Established in 1957 by Willie Mae Seaton, the restaurant has received numerous accolades, including a James Beard Award for “America’s Classic Restaurant.”

The secret to their success lies in the perfectly seasoned, crispy fried chicken that has become the stuff of legend. The menu also features other soul food favorites such as red beans and rice, smothered pork chops, dark meat, and butter beans.

Despite its humble, unassuming setting, Willie Mae’s Scotch House delivers a dining experience that is both comforting and memorable. It feels authentic and relaxing here. They take phone orders on weekdays only and on weekends, it is first come, first served.

Besides, it is temporarily blocked.

Address: 2401 St Ann St., New Orleans, LA 70119, United States

15. Emeril’s New Orleans

Emeril’s New Orleans, located in the Warehouse District, is the flagship restaurant of celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse. Opened in 1990, this restaurant is a pioneer in the city’s contemporary dining scene, blending New Orleans flavors with modern culinary techniques.

The menu features barbecued shrimp, Andouille-crusted drum, and banana cream pie. The open kitchen design adds a dynamic element to the dining experience, allowing guests to watch the chefs in action.

With its vibrant atmosphere, innovative menu, and exceptional service, Emeril’s New Orleans continues to be a cornerstone of the city’s culinary landscape, showcasing the bold flavors and creativity that define modern New Orleans cuisine.

Address: 800 Tchoupitoulas St, New Orleans, LA 70130, United States

Phone: +1 504-528-9393

Read also: Best restaurants in Covina California

Conclusion

This city invites exploration through its diverse and vibrant food scene. These fifteen restaurants in New Orleans each contribute to the rich flavors and traditions that make the city a culinary destination like no other. Whether you’re seeking the timeless elegance of historic establishments or the innovative flair of contemporary dining, New Orleans offers experiences that celebrate its unique gastronomic heritage. You can’t beat the experience here.