Best Places to eat in New Orleans 

New Orleans is famous for its vibrant food scene, offering a mix of classic Creole and Cajun cuisine along with innovative dining experiences. Here are some of the best restaurants to eat at in New Orleans:

1. Commander’s Palace

• Location: Garden District

• Highlights: A New Orleans institution since 1880, Commander’s Palace is known for its refined Creole cuisine and elegant atmosphere. The turtle soup and bread pudding soufflé are iconic dishes. The restaurant also offers a famous jazz brunch on weekends.

• Cuisine: Creole

2. Dooky Chase’s Restaurant

• Location: Treme

• Highlights: Founded by the legendary Leah Chase, this historic restaurant is a cornerstone of New Orleans culture, known for its soul food and Creole classics. The gumbo, fried chicken, and red beans and rice are must-tries.

• Cuisine: Creole, Soul Food

3. Antoine’s Restaurant

• Location: French Quarter

• Highlights: Established in 1840, Antoine’s is the oldest continuously operating restaurant in New Orleans. It’s famous for inventing Oysters Rockefeller and offers a menu full of classic French-Creole dishes in a historic setting.

• Cuisine: French-Creole

4. Cochon

• Location: Warehouse District

• Highlights: Cochon offers a modern take on traditional Cajun cuisine with a focus on locally-sourced ingredients. The menu includes dishes like smoked pork ribs, fried alligator, and wood-fired oysters. The rustic setting and creative dishes make it a favorite.

• Cuisine: Cajun, Southern

5. Herbsaint

• Location: Warehouse District

• Highlights: Chef Donald Link’s Herbsaint blends French and Southern cuisine with an emphasis on seasonal ingredients. The house-made spaghetti with guanciale and poached egg is a standout dish, and the atmosphere is sophisticated yet relaxed.

• Cuisine: French-Southern Fusion

6. Galatoire’s

• Location: French Quarter

• Highlights: Galatoire’s is another historic New Orleans restaurant known for its traditional Creole cuisine and lively dining experience. The Friday lunch here is a local tradition, and the menu includes classics like shrimp remoulade and crabmeat maison.

• Cuisine: Creole

7. Peche Seafood Grill

• Location: Warehouse District

• Highlights: Specializing in Gulf seafood, Peche offers a menu focused on simple, fresh ingredients cooked over an open fire. The whole grilled fish is a highlight, and the raw bar is also excellent. The restaurant has won several James Beard Awards.

• Cuisine: Seafood

8. Café du Monde

• Location: French Quarter

• Highlights: No visit to New Orleans is complete without stopping at Café du Monde for beignets and café au lait. Open 24 hours a day, this iconic spot is perfect for a sweet treat any time of day or night.

• Cuisine: French Quarter Coffee and Beignets

9. Willie Mae’s Scotch House

• Location: Treme

• Highlights: Renowned for serving some of the best fried chicken in America, Willie Mae’s Scotch House is a must-visit for anyone craving classic Southern comfort food. The fried chicken is crispy and flavorful, and the red beans and rice are also a hit.

• Cuisine: Southern, Soul Food

10. Restaurant R’evolution

• Location: French Quarter

• Highlights: This upscale restaurant offers a modern twist on classic Cajun and Creole dishes in a refined setting. The Death by Gumbo and the triptych of quail are standout dishes, and the elegant dining room makes it ideal for special occasions.

• Cuisine: Cajun-Creole

11. Drago’s Seafood Restaurant

• Location: Multiple locations, including downtown and Metairie

• Highlights: Famous for its charbroiled oysters, Drago’s is a seafood lover’s paradise. The oysters are grilled with butter, garlic, and cheese, and they’re simply irresistible. The restaurant also offers a variety of other seafood dishes.

• Cuisine: Seafood

12. Brennan’s

• Location: French Quarter

• Highlights: Brennan’s is famous for its luxurious brunch and the creation of Bananas Foster. The pink façade and lush courtyard create a beautiful setting for enjoying classic New Orleans dishes with a modern twist.

• Cuisine: Creole, Breakfast & Brunch

13. Mother’s Restaurant

• Location: Central Business District

• Highlights: Mother’s is a no-frills, old-school spot known for its po’boys, baked ham, and comfort food. The “Ferdi Special” po’boy, packed with roast beef, ham, and debris (gravy-soaked bits of meat), is a must-try.

• Cuisine: Southern, Cajun

14. Saffron NOLA

• Location: Uptown

• Highlights: Saffron NOLA offers a unique blend of Indian flavors with Louisiana ingredients. The restaurant’s innovative menu includes dishes like curried gumbo and tandoori crab, making it a standout in the New Orleans dining scene.

• Cuisine: Indian-Creole Fusion

15. Jacques-Imo’s Café

• Location: Uptown

• Highlights: This lively, eclectic spot serves up hearty Creole-Southern dishes in a fun, casual atmosphere. The alligator cheesecake and fried chicken are local favorites, and the restaurant’s quirky vibe is part of its charm.

• Cuisine: Creole-Southern

These restaurants offer a mix of historic charm, innovative cuisine, and authentic New Orleans flavors, making them must-visit spots for anyone looking to experience the best of the city’s food scene.