Last Updated on October 5, 2025 by admin
New Orleans – A Culinary Journey Through History and Flavors
More than a destination, New Orleans is a food lover’s paradise. The rich diversity of its historic cuisine, as well as the city’s culinary offerings, stems from a blend of Creole, Cajun, French, and African influences. Restaurants throughout the city, from the historic French Quarter to the lovely Garden District, showcase the different facets of the city’s storied past and multiple cultural influences. This guide highlights the 15 best restaurants in New Orleans, ranging from the famous to the hidden gems, for the first time and repeat attractions.
Why New Orleans is a Culinary Capital
New Orleans is famous throughout the United States and the world for the delicious French-Afro-Spanish Native American Cajun and Creole food. With a rich culinary tradition, the city’s Cajun and Creole cuisines continue to innovate and include dishes that celebrate the bold and spicy,​ and the rich,​ and local and seasonal ingredients. The city’s culture is soaked in food,​ and meals serve to combine the soul,​ history,​ and community of the city. From the iconic beignets to the famous gumbo,​ food is central to the culture of New Orleans. Dining in this city is a sensory experience. Culinary Capital of the United States
The culinary offerings in the French Quarter, Garden District, and Bywater neighborhoods are unrivaled, featuring diverse world-class restaurants and casual dining spots. New Orleans caters to every culinary need, whether it is to enjoy expensive fine dining, relax over a casual brunch, or indulge in a simple a casual feast on some seafood.
With that said, here are some of the best restaurants that exhibit the cuisine of New Orleans.
15 Best Restaurants in New Orleans
1. Commander’s Palace
- Type of Cuisine: Creole Fine Dining
- Location: Garden District
- Most order dish: Turtle Soup, Pecan-Crusted Fish
Fine dining here, as in most of New Orleans, has a rich history. Commander’s Palace has been serving the best of New Orleans cuisine for over a century and a quarter. For over 30 years it has been winning the James Beard awards. It is also one of the most frequented by the locals as well as the tourists. It is also one of a very few restaurants in New Orleans to be know for the innovative presentation it provides to the Creole dishes it offers. Most of the restaurants are very elegant but where Commander’s Palace shines is in the service.
New Orleans cuisine is best experienced in the Turtle Soup and Pecan-Crusted Fish served here. Although the best way to experience the rich food of New Orleans is by ordering the 3 course lunch along with the region’s best wines.
Emeril’s New Orleans
- Cuisine: Contemporary Creole
- Location: Warehouse District
- Key Dish: Barbecue Shrimp, Crispy Duck
Emeril’s New Orleans is under the supervision of celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse. Emeril’s New Orleans is a modern version of classical Creole cuisine. The location of the restaurant in the Warehouse District has a stylish but low-key ambience ideal for appreciating famous Barbecue Shrimp and Crispy Duck. Emeril’s New Orleans is a prime location for anyone in search of modern southern comfort cuisine and a modern interpretation of New Orleans classics.
Antoine’s Restaurant
- Cuisine: French-Creole
- Location: French Quarter
- Key Dish: Oysters Rockefeller
Founded in 1840, Antoine’s is the oldest family-run restaurant in the United States. The traditional French-Creole cuisine remains, particularly, Oysters Rockefeller, a dish created in the restaurant. Dining in the restaurant is a quintessential New Orleans experience for the elegant old-world charm and the historical significance of the restaurant.
Cochon
- Cuisine: Cajun, Southern
- Location: Warehouse District
- Key Dish: Fried Alligator, House-Made Charcuterie
When it comes to authentinc Cajun cuisine, Cochon is a cornerstone institution. Cochon is located in the Warehouse District where it modernizes rustic fare with a Cajun twist. Cochon’s Fried Alligator and House-Made Charcuterie have made the restaurant popular, and the rustic decor along with the open kitchen adds to the charm.
The Joint
- Cuisine: BBQ
- Location: Bywater
- Key Dish: Smoked Brisket, Pulled Pork
Also made to be a top institution of New Orleans BBQ, The Joint is located in the Bywater neighborhood. The Joint serves some of the best pulled pork, brisket, and smoked sausages in the Bywater neighborhood. The Joint keeps a no-nonsese set to the place, allowing patrons to truely enjoy the flavour of the food.
Dooky Chase’s Restaurant
- Cuisine: Creole, Soul Food
- Location: Treme
- Key Dish: Fried Chicken, Gumbo
Dooky Chase’s Restaurant has been an institution in New Orleans for decades. Dooky Chase’s serves soul food and classic Creole dishes to preserve the legacy of Chef Leah Chase, making it one of the top spots for experiencing authentic New Orleans comfort food. The gumbo and fried chicken are still served as a special staple.
Galatoire’s
- Cuisine: French-Creole
- Location: French Quarter
- Key Dish: Shrimp Remoulade
For traditional laid-back a la carte service, patrons and locals will cherish Galatoire’s for a delicious and memorable presentation of tableside service decor, along with a lovely ambiance and a Shrimp Remoulade, ffrench-Creole classic.
Acme Oyster House
- Cuisine: Seafood
- Location: French Quarter
- Key Dish: Chargrilled Oysters, Shrimp Po’Boy
For New Orleans chargrilled as well as fresh harvested oysters served with shrimp poboys in an energizing and casual place that embraces the vibrant culture of New Orleans, Acme Oyster House is unparalleled.
Red Fish Grill
- Cuisine: Seafood, Southern
- Location: Bourbon Street
- Key Dish: Blackened Redfish, Crawfish Étouffée
For delightful New Orleans seafood, located accurately at the center of Bourbon Street, they will not disappoint with the signature and best sellers, blackened redfish and crawfish étouffée, found in Red Fish Grill. The artistic and casual lunch and dinner made for an ambiance conducive to appreciate the bold and vibrant season of southern flavors.
Café du Monde
- Cuisine: Café, Bakery
- Location: French Quarter
- Key Dish: Beignets, Café Au Lait
Café du Monde epitomizes New Orleans and is known for its beignets and café au lait. This 24-hour café offers a quintessential New Orleans experience—whether you’re grabbing breakfast or having a late-night treat, the powdered-sugar-dusted beignets are a must.
Willa Jean
- Cuisine: Southern, Bakery
- Location: Central Business District
- Key Dish: Biscuits, Pecan Pie
Willa Jean modern Southern cuisine is centered around house-made Southern staples, including biscuits and pecan pie. It has a contemporary vibe, making it a great place for brunch or a relaxing meal with friends.
GW Fins
- Cuisine: Seafood, Contemporary
- Location: French Quarter
- Key Dish: Lobster Dumplings, Scallops
GW Fins is celebrated for its fresh, seasonal seafood and creative dishes, including lobster dumplings and pan-seared scallops. The elegant atmosphere, along with the dedication to excellence, provides a great experience for fine dining.
Shaya
- Cuisine: Israeli, Mediterranean
- Location: Uptown
- Key Dish: Hummus, Lamb Kebabs
Shaya is a combination of Israeli and Mediterranean cuisine, with hummus and lamb kebabs as core pillars. It is a restaurant that should be attended when seeking food beyond the typical New Orleans offerings.
La Petite Grocery
- Cuisine: Contemporary Southern
- Location: Uptown
- Key Dish: Blue Crab Beignets, Duck Confit
La Petite Grocery is dedicated to providing a relaxing atmosphere in all settings and is located charmingly in Uptown New Orleans. It is a wonderful place to commemorate an occasion or spend an evening with someone you want to impress, as it is known for its blue crab beignets and duck confit.
The Commander’s Palace
- Cuisine: Creole, Fine Dining
- Location: Garden District
- Key Dish: Pecan-Crusted Fish
Yet again, the mentioning of Commander’s Palace is a testament to its significance in New Orleans culinary culture. It is a place that deserves to be mentioned for its timeless charm, eye for quality dishes, and excellent service.
Most Popular Casual Dining Experiences in New Orleans
Dat Dog
- Cuisine Type: Hot Dogs, Casual
- Location: French Quarter
- Highlight Menu Item: Crawfish Sausage Dog
Dat Dog is an eclectic and lively establishment which serves some of the finest hot dogs in New Orleans. Dat Dog is frequently lauded for its fun toppings such as fried crawfish and jalapeños. Dat Dog is excellent for an informal and fun meal while enjoying the sights of the city.
Shake Shack
- Cuisine Type: American, Burgers
- Location: Downtown
- Highlight Menu Item: ShackBurger
Shake Shack is fantastic for people wanting a good, speedy burger as it serves quality burgers, shakes, and crinkle-cut fries. This well-known establishment is well known for good reasons as they offer speedy service alongside delicious comfort food in an informal setting.
Most Renowned Creole and Cajun Dining Establishments in New Orleans
Jacque-Imo’s Café
- Cuisine: Cajun, Creole
- Location: Uptown
- Highlight Menu Item: Fried Chicken, Shrimp & Grits
Jacque-Imo’s Café serves some of the finest Cajun food in New Orleans and is known for large portions and powerful flavors. This is the spot to go to if you want a no-frills place which serves authentic fried chicken and shrimp and grits.
Seafood Restaurants You Must Try in New Orleans
1. Acme Oyster House
2. Red Fish Grill
3. GW Fins
4. Casamento’s
5. The Original Pierre Maspero’s
These restaurants serve fresh oysters, crawfish, shrimp po’boys, and blackened redfish.
Best Breakfast and Brunch Spots in New Orleans
1. Café du Monde
For breakfast, Café du Monde is an iconic spot for beignets and café au lait.
2. Willa Jean
Offering Southern breakfast favorites like biscuits and gravy, Willa Jean is perfect for brunch.
Conclusion
The city’s restaurants perfectly marry innovative modern approaches to cooking with traditional Creole and Cajun cuisine. New Orleans has restaurants for all occasions, from high-end establishments to casual diners. Most of the restaurants highlighted above capture the essence of the city’s diverse and rich culinary offerings. They also embody the unique character of the locales from where they originate. One can experience the city’s culinary offerings in several ways, from elegant dinners at Commander’s Palace to more casual experiences such as Acme Oyster House for the city’s famous oysters or a roadside BBQ.
FAQs
What are the best seafood restaurants in New Orleans?
Best seafood spots include Acme Oyster House, Red Fish Grill, and GW Fins, known for fresh oysters, shrimp, and blackened fish.
Where can I try authentic Creole cuisine?
Commander’s Palace, Antoine’s, and Galatoire’s offer some of the best Creole dishes, from gumbo to shrimp remoulade.
What are the must-try dishes in New Orleans?
Gumbo, jambalaya, beignets, and po’boys are quintessential dishes to try in New Orleans.