New Orleans is a culinary destination for foodies for its bounty and heritage. With the seafood of the Gulf of Mexico, paired with influences of the French, Spanish, Creole and Southern, travelers experience flavors unique to New Orleans. Hospitality is celebrated in New Orleans and dinner is an event. Diners come to dinner for a culinary journey. Here are the top places to eat in New Orleans.
23 Top Places to Eat in New Orleans
Brennan’s
Cafe du Monde
Cafe Beignet
Croissant D’Or Patisserie
French Truck Coffee
Red Slipper Cafe
Stanley of New Orleans
Wakin’ Bakin’
Dat Dogs
Johnny’s Poboys
Verti Marte
Acme Oyster House
Arnaud’s Restuarant
Antoine’s Restaurant
Brennan’s
Cochon Restaurant
Dickie Brennan’s Steakhouse
GW Fin’s
Arnaud’s French 75
Carousel Bar and Lounge
Hermes Bar at Antoine’s
Old Absinthe House
Sazerac Bar
The Culinary Scene in New Orleans
Thanks to a son who works in the culinary industry in New Orleans, I sampled many of the city’s top restaurants. It is a foodie destination to rival New York City. Diners are immersed in their meals, and the waitstaff is attentive and willingly shares their favorites since they are typically foodies, too.
With that, diners dress for dinner in business casual at a minimum, and men often wear jackets to dinner. Most women wear a dress or dressy slacks. New Orleans is a family town, so you will see family groups out and eating together, even at fine dining restaurants.
A plan is a must when dining in New Orleans. Reservations are a must to get tables at desired times in the French Quarter, sometimes weeks out. Brunch is popular, and again, reservations are needed for the best tables. Residents also celebrate at New Orleans restaurants.
Best Breakfast and Beignets
Brennan’s
A staple for a generation, Brennan’s anchors the French Quarter in New Orleans with its pink facade on Royal St. Behind its doors, diners enter an elevated dining and bar area with a courtyard beyond. This is where you have a special brunch celebration or in town to impress.
Its breakfast is legendary. If it’s your first visit, then I recommend the Artisanal Eggs Benedict or the Eggs Hussarde, there are several options on the menu. The Seafood Gumbo and the Turtle Soup are also both excellent.
Its a getaway so start with a Bloody Mary or Mimosa. Save room for a breakfast dessert, like the Bananas Foster.. The service is top-notch and the Bananas Foster are made tableside with a flaming flourish.
Brennan’s might be one of the most famous restaurants in New Orleans. Its diners range from locals out celebrating a milestone to travelers, including traveling families.
Located at 417 Royal St. Open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Reservations are a must any time of day.
Cafe du Monde
Cafe du Monde is a must for New Orleans. Skip the to-go line and get a table. Remember to tip your server.
Cafe du Monde still features the same menu, and I opt for the iced coffee in the summer. Remember, cash is king at Cafe du Monde.
Located at 800 Decatur St., New Orleans. Open daily at 7:15 a.m. and closes at 11 p.m. Sunday to Thursday and midnight on Friday and Saturday. There are several locations across New Orleans, though I like the original.
Cafe Beignet
Cafe Beignet is the place for a beignet place with a larger menu. The locations are scenic, and the beignets are authentic.
Located at 334 Royal St., 311 Bourbon St., 600 Decatur St. and 622 Canal St. Locations open daily between 7 and 8 a.m. and close as the sun sets.
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Croissant D’Or Patisserie
Off the tourist track, I found this place when my son lived in New Orleans for a semester. It offers an authentic French flair and the pastries to match.
The menu offers cooked egg dishes and quiches. For lunch, there are salads and sandwiches. Save room for dessert, as there is an array.
Located at 617 Ursulines Ave., New Orleans. Open Monday, Wednesday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
French Truck Coffee
This CBD (Central Business District) coffee stop needs to expand into the French Quarter. During one trip, I visited the Canal Street location several times for an afternoon summertime pick-me-up.
The coffee was great, though I was enamored with the small ice in their iced drinks. Several New Orleans restaurants, like Rudy Slipper Cafe, serve its coffee.
French Truck Coffee serves a variety of barista-made coffees and teas. Diners can also purchase baked goods, including the Almond Croissant.
Located at 700 Canal St. Open Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. – 6 p.m., (Saturday and Sunday at 8 a.m.).
Red Slipper Cafe
With six locations in New Orleans and one in Baton Rouge, Red Slipper Cafe is a favorite. Known for its buttermilk biscuits, it features a wide breakfast menu.
Its Bennies are specialties, and the French Toast is another signature item. However, diners will also find omelettes, sandwiches and salads. Several breakfast cocktails are available to make it a boozy breakfast.
Located at 204 Decatur St. Open daily at 7 a.m. – 2 p.m. (3 p.m. on weekends).
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Stanley of New Orleans
You can’t beat the view; it overlooks the St. Louis Cathedral. This is the stop for an excellent breakfast. I sampled the Eggs Benedict, and it was excellent.
The Bloody Mary was also top-notch. New Orleans cooks and chefs know how to make their Mother Sauces, like Hollandaise.
Located at 547 Saint Ann St., New Orleans. Open Thursday to Monday from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (2:30 on Thursday and Monday).
Wakin’ Bakin’
A bright breakfast and brunch spot features bacon, French Truck Coffee drinks, sourdough toast, pancakes and biscuits. A southern favorite, Wakin’ Bakin’ stirs up creamy grits, a must.
Located at 900 Dumainse St. Open Wednesday to Monday from 7 a.m. – 2 p.m. (closed Monday).
Best Places for Lunch in New Orleans
Brunch oozes into mid-afternoon in New Orleans on the weekend. In not crunching, then I recommend you have a poboy while in NoLA.
Dat Dogs
I am not a hot dog person unless they get rave reviews, then I’m game. Located off Frenchman Street, Dat Dogs caters to discerning hot doggers.
I sampled the Jimmy’s Chicago Dog and it did not disappoint. It boasted lots of sweet relish, sport peppers and onions over a Vienna wiener with celery salt. I also ordered its fries, a seasoned and battered version. You can customize a dog and there’s a kids menu.
Located at 601 Frenchmen St., New Orleans. Open daily from 11 a.m. to midnight (3 a.m. on weekends).
Johnny’s Poboys
This place is the real deal, and don’t get in line unless you have cash. It’s tiny, about 10 tables tops. But you can get your order to go.
Johnny’s Poboys has been feeding folks since 1950. During my numerous visits, I’ve had Fried Oyster Poboys and Fried Shrimp Poboys. It also offers breakfast poboys too. The gumbo and red beans and rice were both satisfying.
Located at 511 St Louis St. Open Thursday to Sunday from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Verti Marte
Central Grocery and Deli is still shuttered. I’m not a fan of the set-up selling out of the liquor store next door, so skip it.
On my latest trip, I took Anthony Bourdain’s advice (RIP) and ventured into Verti Marte. This hole-in-the-wall bodega has a food counter in the back.
The Verti Marte muffuletta was just what I needed. It was tender, sesame-topped bread spread with olives and heavy helpings of salami and provolone. I said yes to it toasted, which enhanced the flavors.
The Verti Marte food counter serves many other sandwiches, such as po-boys and chicken and sausage gumbo, along with desserts. The market portion offers many beverages, from the usuals to local beer.
Located at 1201 Royal St. Open 24 hours a day.
Where to Eat Dinner in New Orleans
If New Orleans seems like a place where people eat all the time, you might be right. Food, cooking and entertaining are big in New Orleans. After years of visiting, here are some of the best places to eat in New Orleans.
Acme Oyster House
This regional restaurant started in the French Quarter in 1910. The first location was destroyed by fire in 1924, and Acme Oyster House set up shop at the Iberville location soon after.
After driving in from Texas, I usually stop here for a plate of fried seafood, most likely oysters. I like the atmosphere and the fact I don’t have to have a reservation, especially if I sit at the bar.
The menu offers all the New Orleans classics, like a couple of gumbos, fried shrimp platters, jambalaya and more. The po-boys are one of my favorites.
Located at 724 Iberville St., New Orleans. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Reservations recommended.
Arnaud’s Restuarant
Another fine-dining creole restaurant in the French Quarter, Arnaud’s, opened its doors in 1918. In keeping with a tradition of hospitality, diners enjoy a head waiter and an assistant during their meals.
With traditional interiors, guests stay for hours, enjoying their meals. I recommend its Shrimp Arnaud with a tangy Creole sauce (so popular it’s available in the grocery store). Another popular appetizer is the Crabmeat Prentiss with local crab. Oysters Bienville is another signature dish.
Its entrees are fish-focused, including a catch of the day, a Pompano and a Pontchartrain. Diners will also find quail, duck and Cornish game hen on the menu, along with veal and beef options. Its Souffle Potatoes are another stand-out.
To accompany dessert, order the Cafe Brulot. It is prepared tableside with orange and lemon rinds, cinnamon, cloves and Orange Curacao and flambeed with brandy to finish.
Located at 813 Bienville St., New Orleans. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 5:30 to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Reservations recommended and a dress code is enforced. No jeans or Tshirts for men, and jackets are preferred.
Antoine’s Restaurant
As New Orleans’ oldest restaurant, it opened in 1840, and the fifth generation of Antoine Alciatore still operates the icon. It is the birthplace of Oysters Rockefeller.
I visited Antoine’s Restaurant to celebrate my birthday. I started with the Oysters Rockefeller, followed by its Seafood Gumbo. Then I choose its Shrimp Creole for my entree.
I finished off my meal with a baked Alaska and a French 75 cocktail. It was a glorious way to celebrate a birthday in one of my favorite cities.
Located at 713 St Louis St., New Orleans. For dinner, it’s open Monday to Saturday from 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday brunch are from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Lunch is served Monday to Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Reservations are a must.
Brennan’s
More than a breakfast and brunch spot, Brennan’s the French Quarter has been a culinary destination since 1946. It is one of the original Creole restaurants in the French Quarter. Behind its doors, diners enter an elevated dining and bar area with a courtyard beyond.
The venerable restaurant has weathered hurricanes and sweltering summers with the grace of a Southern lady. At times, its menu and interiors might feel dated to some younger clients, yet its menu offers the Creole and Cajun classics that define New Orleans cuisine.
For dinner, its Oyster J’Aime is excellent with a crunchy topping and tender oysters inside. Another appetizer is its Knife Cut Steak Tartar. With full disclosure, my middle kiddo worked at Brennan’s for a few months as part of his culinary school education.
You can’t go wrong with seafood, its Gulf Fish Almandine offers a fresher taste of this classic dish. The Blackened Red Fish is another classic Louisiana seafood dish.
Brennan’s might be one of the most famous restaurants in New Orleans. Its diners range from locals celebrating a milestone to travelers, including traveling families. It offers a kids menu too.
Located at 417 Royal St. Open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Reservations are a must for any time of day.
Cochon Restaurant
For fine dining meets Southern classics experience, Cochon in the Wharehouse District is the place to sip and sample. With a neon sign out front, the dining room is thoroughly modern and features a bar with a collection of southern-inspired craft cocktails along with beer in both bottles and draft. Cochon also features an extensive wine list with a selection by the glass as well as by the bottle.
With its small plates menu, diners can savor classics like fried alligator (our waiter said it had been on the menu for close to 20 years). Alternatively, fried boudin is another Southern food staple on the Boucherie menu.
Its menu offers classics like Rabbit and Dumplings, expertly cooked. Each was toasted on the top and baked through with a hint of gooey goodness where it hits the filling. This was not an easy task since most dumplings I’ve tried are woefully undercooked.
The Smoked Beef Short Ribs were fork tender and flavorful. I sampled Cochon’s Chicken and Andouille sausage gumbo with a roux so dark it looked like pine tree bark. Worth noting, the gumbo was on the thinner side, elevating the low country classic into a fine dining soup.
Reservations are a must for dinner. If your reservation isn’t early in the evening, chances are the best desserts will be 86’d for the night.
Located at 930 Tchoupitoulas St. in the Wharehouse District. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Cochon was one of Anthony Bourdain’s recommendations.
Dickie Brennan’s Steakhouse
New Orleans is all about family, and a handful of top culinary families are in the city. One is the Brennan family, whose patriarch, Owen Brennan, started the family business.
Dickie Brennan opened his steakhouse in 1998. The main dining room is sunken under the steak level and the epitome of masculine space.
For my meal, I choose the Petit Filet. The USDA Prime Strip is another top cut. Dickie Brennan’s Steakhouse offers sauces on the side. However, I enjoy a perfectly cooked steak on its own. Vegetables are additional. The wine list is extensive.
Located at 716 Iberville St., New Orleans. Open Monday to Saturday from 5 until the last diner leaves. Reservations are recommended. No jacket requirement for men.
GW Fin’s
Seafood is a constant on most menus in New Orleans. It is natural that you dine at a seafood restaurant while visiting.
The appetizers offer an Asian influence so find Panko-Crusted Calamari and a Fried Oysters with Bahn Mi Vegetables.
During my visit, I choose the Scalibut, a GW Fin’s signature dish with halibut and scallops. The #1 Louisana Yellow Fin Tuna is also another popular choice.
Located at 808 Bienville St., New Orleans. Open daily from 5 to 9:30 p.m. (10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday). Reservations are required.
Where to Have a Fancy Cocktail
If you are unaware, New Orleans is a party town. Bourbon Street is hopping, and a favorite with the younger crowd. I loved my time there when I visited in my 20s. I still walk down Bourbon Street however, it’s not my scene anymore.
Fear not, bill-paying adults and parents can still have fun in NoLA. There are plenty of bars that offer great ambiance and a space where you can hold a conversation.
Arnaud’s French 75
Classy cocktails are my obsession. French 75 at Arnaud’s is a must for cocktail lovers like myself. French 75 bar program was recognized by the James Beard Foundation for its excellence.
Inside its bar, I ordered its classic French 75, a classic cocktail. At Arnaud’s, it is made with Courvoisier VS, Moet & Chandon Brut, lemon juice and sugar. It is a delight.
The Arnaud’s French 75 bar serves sophisticated bar snacks. I ordered the Gougères, French cheese balls.
Located at 813 Rue Bienville St., New Orleans. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. There might be a wait for a table.
Carousel Bar and Lounge in Hotel Monteleone
This a bucket list bar stop for many. I have been several times and yet to snag a chair at the revolving bar. It is a circus-themed bar is a lively spot for adults with live music most nights.
So, you won’t find college kids with their yard-long daiquiris at the Carousel Bar. I ordered the Pink Fizz. Worth noting, the Carousel Bar and Lounge doesn’t make Ramos Ginn Fizz any longer.
Located at 214 Royal St., New Orleans. Open daily from 11 a.m. to midnight.
Hermes Bar at Antoine’s
I love this bar. It is sophisticated and cozy, and the bartenders and waitstaff genuinely love sharing the best they serve. During my visits (it is one of my favorite bars), I always order the La Vie en Rose French 75, accented with a dried rosebud. It is a seasonal drink, but I have ordered it at all times of the year. Hermes Bar also offers appetizers.
Located at 713 Saint Louis St., New Orleans. Open Monday, Thursday and Friday from 10:30 a.m. open until the last patron leaves. Tuesdays and Wednesdays, the bar opens at 4 p.m., and Sundays, it is open from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Old Absinthe House
Absinthe is a colorful liquor with a mystique that gives a bit of infamy. An anise-flavored liquor. In 1912, it was banned in the U.S. since supposedly induced madness. The traditional drink is ceremoniously served at the Old Absinthe House from a special decanter as the water and liquor melt a sugar cube.
Inside the Old Absinthe House, I found a bar that needs to be the setting of a novel. It dates back to 1806, and I loved the space. I might have loved the space more than the Absinthe cocktails we ordered. But I’m not a licorice lover.
Located at 240 Bourbon St., New Orleans. Open daily at 9 a.m. and stays open till 2 a.m. most nights, later on the weekend.
Sazerac Bar at the Roosevelt Hotel
I was on the hunt for a Ramos Gin Fizz. It is a frothy concoction of Old Tom Gin, lemon, lime, cream, orange flower water and egg whites. Created in 1888, Henry Ramos made the first one at the Imperial Cabinet Saloon.
The Sazerac Bar does offer it on its menu, and the indulgence costs $26. For my fancy cocktail-loving soul, it was worth the quest.
Located at 130 Roosevelt Way, New Orleans. Open Sunday to Thursday from noon to midnight, Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.
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