Food in New Orleans is serious business. Every corner buzzes with flavor, history, and soul, from neighborhood po’boy shops to fine dining legends in the French Quarter.

If you want to find the best places to eat in New Orleans, you don’t have to search far—local favorites and world-famous restaurants welcome visitors with open arms.

This guide sifts through the city’s top picks so you can taste the most memorable dishes New Orleans has to offer.

Best Food and Drinks in New Orleans

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Classic New Orleans Restaurants

New Orleans is famous for food that balances tradition and bold flavor.

Some restaurants stand out year after year, earning their spot among the best places to eat in New Orleans for locals and travelers alike.

These legendary spots blend charm, history, and deep Louisiana roots in every bite.

Commander’s Palace: Rich History and Creole Excellence

Bright blue with tall white trim, Commander’s Palace sits in the heart of the Garden District.

This iconic spot opened its doors in 1893 and has served generations of New Orleanians and visitors ever since.

What makes Commander’s Palace special? It combines Southern hospitality with creative Creole cooking.

The menu celebrates Louisiana ingredients: turtle soup, pecan-crusted Gulf fish, and bread pudding soufflé stand out as must-try dishes.

Standards like Jazz Brunch and weekday lunch specials make it a top pick for a true Crescent City experience.

Commander’s Palace is also a launchpad for talented chefs, including Emeril Lagasse and Tory McPhail.

Its blend of history, style, and memories make it one of the best places to eat in New Orleans when you want the full, classic treatment.

Antoine’s Restaurant: Legendary Cuisine Since 1840

Step inside Antoine’s Restaurant, and you’ll feel the weight of New Orleans history.

Open since 1840, this French Quarter restaurant has seen generations pass through its grand dining rooms.

Its walls hold stories from Mardi Gras royalty, celebrities, and presidents.

Antoine’s is known for perfecting French-Creole classics like:

• Oysters Rockefeller (invented here)

• Pompano en Papillote

• Eggs Sardou

• Shrimp Remoulade

The décor and attentive service add to its old-world charm.

Private dining rooms are named for Carnival krewes, and the main dining hall is filled with light and echoes of jazz.

Eating at Antoine’s means tasting recipes passed down for over 180 years—all in a setting that feels like a time capsule of New Orleans elegance.

Galatoire’s: Where Lively Tradition Meets Authentic Flavor

Galatoire’s is where locals celebrate birthdays, seal business deals, or linger over a Friday lunch.

On Bourbon Street since 1905, this spot is as beloved as it is boisterous.

Don’t be surprised if you find yourself in a dining room that feels like a lively family reunion.

The menu bundles together French-Creole comfort dishes, prepared the way they’ve always been:

• Crabmeat Maison

• Shrimp Creole

• Duck à l’Orange

• Café Brûlot

Galatoire’s leans into tradition, right down to the jacket requirement for dinner.

There’s a dress code, a loyal crowd, and servers who remember your favorite dessert.

This combination makes it legendary—not just as a restaurant, but as a piece of New Orleans eating culture itself.

Dining here is about good food and even better company.

For anyone wanting to experience the best places to eat in New Orleans, Galatoire’s remains a classic worth dressing up for.

Where Locals Eat: Authentic Neighborhood Spots

Looking for the best places to eat in New Orleans isn't just about white tablecloths and famous addresses.

The real flavor often lives in the heart of the city, tucked into family-run diners and lively corner joints.

These authentic neighborhood spots give you a seat at the local table.

Here’s where New Orleanians themselves go for unforgettable flavors and welcoming vibes.

Willie Mae’s Restaurant: Known for Delicious Famous Fried Chicken

Since the 1950s, Willie Mae’s Restaurant has been the go-to spot for fried chicken in New Orleans.

This cozy Treme restaurant draws crowds from across the country, but it’s the lunchtime line of locals that proves its legend.

Expect chicken with a shatteringly crisp crust and juicy, well-seasoned meat—a gold standard that’s earned national awards and plenty of local respect.

The sides here are simple and comforting: think buttery cornbread, creamy red beans, and tangy coleslaw.

The welcoming, no-nonsense atmosphere puts all the attention on the plate.

Why do people keep coming back?

• Light, super-crunchy fried chicken

• Old-school sides full of soul

• An unpretentious setting where everyone feels like family

Willie Mae’s fits anyone wanting to eat like a true New Orleanian. You can taste decades of pride in every bite.

Cochon Butcher: Modern Cajun Influence, Sandwiches, and Casual Vibe

Step into Cochon Butcher in the Warehouse District and you’ll catch a lively mix of locals enjoying bold, modern Cajun eats.

Bright, industrial décor and an easygoing vibe pair with a meat-loving menu that makes this place hard to forget.

Here, house-cured meats and artisanal sandwiches take center stage.

The muffaletta is packed with spiced meats and olive salad, while the pork belly sandwich grabs attention with smoky flavor and crisp texture.

Grab a bar seat to watch chefs in action or relax at a communal table with friends.

Fans love Cochon Butcher for:

• Sandwiches stacked with house-made meats

• Rotating sausage specials and creative sides

• Laid-back setting perfect for lunch or a casual bite

It’s a spot where you can snack, linger, and explore flavors at your own pace—all while soaking in the energy of a modern New Orleans.

High Hat Café: Neighborhood Feel and Southern Comfort Food Favorites

High Hat Café sits on Freret Street and feels like a gathering place for the neighborhood.

It’s not flashy, but every dish radiates Southern comfort and local spirit.

Walk in and you’ll find a relaxed dining room, friendly staff, and a menu full of Gulf Coast staples.

Fried catfish, hush puppies, and chicken and sausage gumbo top the list of favorites. Save room for pie—it’s worth it.

What brings guests back again and again?

• Fresh, crispy seafood and smoky BBQ plates

• Homemade desserts with a Southern twist

• Warm, comfortable setting where families and friends gather

High Hat is easy to love, especially if you want local flavor without any fuss. This is the type of place people visit every week, drawn in by honest food and a big-hearted welcome.

These three neighborhood gems offer a taste of the real New Orleans—unfiltered, full of life, and always memorable. When building your list of the best places to eat in New Orleans, don’t skip these tried-and-true local favorites.

Best Seafood Experiences in New Orleans

Nothing captures the spirit of New Orleans quite like the city’s seafood.

Fresh Gulf oysters, platters of shrimp, and inventive takes on classic dishes all have a place at the local table.

Visitors searching for the best places to eat in New Orleans will find seafood options packed with flavor and history.

Whether you’re slurping oysters at a lively bar or savoring a fried shrimp po’boy in a vintage café, each spot brings its own style.

Here’s where to enjoy the freshest and most unforgettable seafood in the city.

Acme Oyster House: Iconic Oysters and a Lively Atmosphere

Acme Oyster House stands as a rite of passage for seafood fans.

Just steps from Bourbon Street, this buzzing local legend is famous for oysters served up shucked-to-order and loaded with flavor.

Sit at the marble counter to watch skilled shuckers work at lightning speed.

Top picks at Acme Oyster House:

• Raw Gulf oysters—ice-cold, briny, and impossibly fresh

• Chargrilled oysters, bubbling under a blanket of garlic butter and cheese

• Fried seafood platters stacked with shrimp, oysters, and catfish

The atmosphere buzzes with energy, especially during peak hours.

You’ll see everyone from hungry tourists to locals grabbing a quick dozen. Staff keep things fun and friendly, cracking jokes and slinging trays of perfectly crisp fries.

If you're after the best places to eat in New Orleans for an authentic, high-energy seafood fix, Acme belongs on your list.

Casamento’s Restaurant: The Legendary Oyster Loaf & Vintage Charm

Step inside Casamento’s Restaurant on Magazine Street and you’ll feel like you’re traveling back in time.

This family-owned spot has been an Uptown favorite since 1919.

The first thing you'll notice is the white-tiled maze of the dining room—a detail unchanged for generations.

Casamento’s is famous for the still-underrated oyster loaf—a crisp, buttery Louisiana-style po’boy thick with fried oysters and served on dense, house-made pan bread.

The simple, perfect combination keeps visitors and locals coming back.

What makes Casamento’s special:

• Crusty oyster loaf sandwiches overflowing with plump Gulf oysters

• Seasonal seafood gumbo made from scratch each day

• Old-school ambiance with vintage tiles and classic photos on the walls

You won’t find late-night hours or dinner service on Sundays. Casamento’s sticks to tradition, closing for the summer heat and keeping its seasonal schedule.

If you want some of the best classic seafood in New Orleans in a place that feels like home, this is the spot.

Seaworthy: A Modern Raw Bar Experience

Seaworthy brings a modern edge to the best places to eat in New Orleans for seafood lovers.

Set inside a restored 1800s townhouse beside the Ace Hotel, it charms with exposed brick interiors, candlelight, and a menu centered on sustainability.

The raw bar here is the main draw, showcasing oysters from both the Gulf and both coasts.

Try a mix—each variety has its own character, from sweet small Kumamotos to briny Gulf gems.

Seaworthy treats oysters with the respect they deserve, serving them cold, fresh, and perfectly presented.

But don’t stop at the raw bar. The dinner menu brings creative, seafood-centered dishes you won’t find elsewhere in the city:

• Chilled Gulf shrimp with avocado and citrus

• NOLA-style fish dishes topped with local greens

• Inventive snacks like soft-shell crab sliders

Drinks lean toward craft cocktails and crisp wines that pair well with seafood.

The vibe is cozy but energetic, drawing a younger crowd looking for something different. When you want a little style and a lot of flavor, Seaworthy answers the call.

These standout seafood experiences draw people from across the city and the country. If you want the best places to eat in New Orleans and crave something fresh from the sea, start with these favorites.

Can’t-Miss Brunch and Beignet Spots

Visitors searching for the best places to eat in New Orleans should carve out time for a classic brunch or a sweet beignet break.

Here in the Crescent City, breakfast isn’t just the first meal of the day—it’s a celebration.

These top picks promise memorable bites, bold flavors, and a linger-worthy sense of place.

Café du Monde: Legendary Beignets and Café au Lait

No trip to New Orleans feels complete without powdered sugar on your shirt from Café du Monde.

This open-air coffee stand in the French Quarter has served fresh beignets and chicory coffee since 1862.

You’ll spot its green-and-white awning from blocks away.

The menu stays blissfully simple:

• Beignets: Square, golden pillows dusted with mounds of powdered sugar. They arrive impossibly hot and fluffy.

• Café au Lait: New Orleans-style, served with half hot milk and half robust, dark-roasted coffee accented with chicory root.

You’ll see locals and tourists at all hours—some waking up, others ending their night.

The lively tables, sweet aroma, and parade of powdered faces create one of the city’s best people-watching experiences. For anyone building their list of the best places to eat in New Orleans, this stop is non-negotiable.

Ruby Slipper Café: Creative Brunch With a Local Touch

Ruby Slipper Café takes traditional Southern breakfast and adds its own playful twist.

With several locations across the city, this brunch hub draws both visitors and locals for lively crowds and hearty plates.

The menu reads like a love letter to breakfast:

• Sweet and savory benedicts (the Chicken St. Charles with fried chicken and house-made biscuits stands out)

• Fluffy pancakes and French toast loaded with toppings

• Shrimp and grits or breakfast tacos, each with a dash of Louisiana flavor

Vegetarian and gluten-free options get the same level of care.

The staff moves quick and keeps things upbeat, helping everyone feel right at home.

For anyone seeking the best places to eat in New Orleans with something for every brunch mood, Ruby Slipper is a top pick.

Bearcat Café: Where Healthy Meets Indulgence

Bearcat Café bridges the gap between your healthiest plans and your most decadent cravings.

There’s a “Good Cat” and a “Bad Cat” side to the menu, so you never have to choose between a virtuous or comfort-food breakfast.

Locals love it for their mix of:

• Wholesome bowls and seasonal salads

• Loaded breakfast sandwiches and Parmesan-crusted hashbrowns

• Creative lattes and house-baked goods

The space feels modern but welcoming, with a buzz that says you’re in the right place.

Bearcat’s roster of regulars and local fans proves it hits the sweet spot—balanced, relaxed, and always delicious.

For anyone tracking down the best places to eat in New Orleans, Bearcat is worth a morning detour.

Unique Modern Eats: New Orleans’ Contemporary Dining Scene

The best places to eat in New Orleans aren’t only about old-school Creole classics and hearty neighborhood joints.

The city’s culinary energy stays fresh thanks to a new wave of restaurants that add bold twists, global flair, and artful plating to every meal.

If you’re hungry for something current, these modern gems offer unforgettable experiences that reflect today’s New Orleans.

Shaya: Award-Winning Modern Israeli Cuisine and a Vibrant Setting

Shaya constantly lands on lists of the best places to eat in New Orleans, and for good reason.

This Uptown spot reinvents Israeli soul food with a Southern twist.

Chef Alon Shaya—himself a James Beard Award winner—puts the wood-fired oven at the heart of everything.

Here, the menu dazzles from the start:

• House-baked pita bread arrives puffy and warm, perfect for scooping up ultra-creamy hummus and smoky baba ganoush.

• Salads pop with herbs and pickled flavors, while lamb kebabs and shakshouka come fresh to the table.

• Brunch brings out inventive plates like eggs with whipped feta or sweet challah French toast.

The setting matches the energy: light, greenery, and inviting pops of color make it easy to settle in and linger over every bite.

Shaya is a modern must-visit for anyone looking beyond the usual New Orleans favorites and craving something completely original.

Coquette: Inventive Southern Dishes and Seasonal Menus

Set in a two-story Garden District corner building, Coquette blends Southern tradition with innovation—and nails it every time.

The kitchen here always cooks with the seasons, so no two visits ever feel quite the same.

What sets Coquette apart:

• Five-course tasting menus that surprise even frequent diners, with every dish rooted in local farms and Gulf seafood.

• Plates like Gulf fish with charred okra, or slow-roasted pork collar over smoked grits, nod to Southern comfort but showcase modern technique.

• Vegan and vegetarian options get the same level of care and flavor.

Service is relaxed, not stuffy. Exposed brick walls, pressed-tin ceilings, and candlelight create an ideal spot for a special night out or a lazy weekend lunch.

Coquette stays at the top of the best places to eat in New Orleans for anyone seeking inspired Southern cooking.

Peche Seafood Grill: Wood-Fired Seafood, Creative Dishes, Laid-Back Vibe

For seafood with a difference, Peche Seafood Grill in the Warehouse District is a clear standout.

This restaurant grabs your attention with open-fire cooking and a lively, energetic atmosphere.

Large tables invite group dinners and sharing.

What makes Peche shine:

• Whole fish roasted over wood fire, plus oysters and Gulf shrimp with punchy, bold flavors.

• Dishes like catfish with pickled greens or tuna salad with chilies and mint feel light and exciting, not heavy.

• Small plates—like spicy shrimp toast and fish sticks with tangy tartar—are perfect for sharing.

No white tablecloths here. Peche keeps things fun and approachable, with a bar crowd munching on seafood platters and casual diners enjoying fresh flavors.

For visitors who want the best places to eat in New Orleans that feel modern and easygoing, Peche lands near the top every time.

Conclusion

New Orleans dining is pure joy—bold, soulful, and always original.

Whether you crave old-school Creole, crispy fried chicken, a perfect oyster, or a brunch that goes long past noon, this city serves it up with heart.

Try famous landmarks, tucked-away neighborhood spots, and modern kitchens putting their own stamp on tradition.

Variety is what makes the best places to eat in New Orleans so special.

Have a favorite meal or hidden gem of your own?

Drop your recommendations below and help fellow food lovers build their best New Orleans food list.

Thanks for reading—happy eating, and may every bite capture the spirit of the Crescent City!