New Orleans, Louisiana may be the birthplace of Jazz, but it also has a rich food culture that is unique to Louisiana. There may not be another city in America that is as well-known for its food as it is for anything else. Many visitors come to New Orleans just to try out authentic Cajun and Creole food. Because the city is a foodie paradise, it is often hard to decide on where to go to get a real taste of New Orleans. For that reason we’re giving you a cheat code with these must try New Orleans restaurants.
This list is a good start for the ultimate foodie to add to their New Orleans bucket list. Whether you are looking to try classic dishes, or some variations of infused dishes with a New Orleans twist, there is something you will enjoy!
01. Central Grocery & Deli | 923 Decatur Street, New Orleans, LA.
This place is home to the original Muffaletta! Central Grocery invented this huge sandwich and has been serving it since 1906. Whether it is your first time visiting New Orleans or you just haven’t had a Muffaletta from Central Grocery, this place must go on your list. It is one of those foodie experiences you need to try at least once.
02. Lil Dizzy’s Café | 1500 Esplanade Avenue, New Orleans, LA.
This place is great for seafood lovers, especially gumbo! However, the regulars go for the buffet that has mac and cheese, fried chicken and cornbread dressing. The dishes burst with Creole flavor and are seasoned to perfection. Lil Dizzy’s Café has one of the most laid-back dining rooms in New Orleans, in the heart of the historic Tremé neighborhood. This casual restaurant keeps both locals and visitors coming back over and over. You never know who you may see when you are at Lil Dizzy’s. Gordon Ramsay featured them as part of the NFL on Fox Super Bowl pregame show. More recently, New Orleans Saints veteran Cam Jordan was spotted there.
03. Antoine’s | 713 Saint Louis Street, New Orleans, LA.
This restaurant is one of the oldest family ran eateries in the United States. It opened in 1840 and is currently operated by the fifth generation of the original founder, Antoine Alciatore. It is creole dining in the French Quarter at its finest. Although Antoine’s is credited with inventing the Oysters Rockefeller and Eggs Sardu, the Baked Alaska is also a house specialty.
04. Brennan’s | 417 Royal Street, New Orleans, LA.
Did you know that the banana foster was created in New Orleans at Brennan’s? The world-famous dessert was first created by chef Paul Blange in 1951 when he was challenged to create a dish featuring fruit. The result is now the most ordered item on Brennan’s menu. It is not uncommon for patrons to dine there just to order the Banana Foster. Many will have dinner elsewhere and stop at Brennan’s for dessert.
05. Turtle Bay | 1119 Decatur Street, New Orleans, LA.
One of the best things about Turtle Bay is that it is open 24 hours a day. It is a true old school dive bar that has a unique yet fun atmosphere. It is one of those spots a person accidentally goes to and has the time of their lives. As with most bars, the food prices are reasonable, and drinks are strong. Turtle Bay is best known for its Ribeye Steak Special that is big enough for two to share. They also have good nachos, hot wings and boiled crawfish when it’s in season.
06. Café Du Monde | 800 Decatur Street, New Orleans, LA.
Beignets are the official state donut of Louisiana so they must be on any respectful New Orleans foodie bucket list. A beignet is a French-style pastry that is traditionally fried and topped with powdered sugar. In so many words, they are basically the same as a regular donut, just doughier in texture. There are many places to find beignets around the city, but Café Du Monde is a fan favorite for many reasons.
One of the best reasons is so you can pair the beignet with the coffee. The café au lait (coffee and chicory with steamed milk) is Café Du Monde’s specialty. Tip: don’t ask for an extra shot of espresso either, it is not an option with chicory. Café Du Monde has eight locations, including the Louis Armstrong International Airport. The French Market location is my favorite, which is why the address listed is to that one.
07. Morrow’s | 2438 St. Claude Avenue, New Orleans, LA.
This eatery was founded by a mother-son duo in April 2018. Morrow’s has quickly become a highly recommended spot in New Orleans. This is the spot that Cardi B posted about on her IG when she was in the city for the Super Bowl. This restaurant serves both classic New Orleans and Korean dishes. The highly recommended Gumbo Ramen is the perfect combination of a traditional Louisiana dish combined with ramen noodles. It is a must for a foodie to try out while in New Orleans. The menu at Morrow’s is full of great options. If Gumbo Ramen isn’t your thing, then do not hesitate to try out some of their other fan favorites like Oysters Morrow, File Gumbo and Bulgogi.
08. Sun Chong | 240 Decatur Street, New Orleans, LA.
Sun Chong is one of the hottest New Orleans restaurants right now. It is an Asian Fusion restaurant that is owned by Larry Morrow, who also runs the previously mentioned Morrow’s. This restaurant is closely tied to his heart. It has been described as a love letter to his Korean maternal grandmother. The food menu is a bridge between the cities of Seoul, South Korea and New Orleans, Louisiana. The food is not only great, but it is also nicely plated. Therefore, if you want some food pics while dining out, this is the place to do it. Whether you want something light, like the Lettuce Wrap on the small plate menu or something more filling, you will not be disappointed. A few recommended house favorites are Crawfish Fried Rice, YumYum Fried Ribs, Korean Fried Chicken and Sweet & Sour Pork.
09. Red Fish Grill | 115 Bourbon Street, New Orleans, LA.
This casual seafood restaurant is known for its BBQ Oysters, Alligator Sausage & Seafood Gumbo, Hickory Grilled Redfish and Double Chocolate Bread Pudding. The Double Chocolate Bread Pudding must be ordered in advance, which tells you all that you need to know. The menu and server will let patrons know; this delicious dessert must be ordered with the entrée. It is made to order, so it is fresh and warm when it is served. This is one time you should have a game plan to get dessert.
10. Ruby Slipper | 1001 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA.
The Ruby Slipper is the one breakfast and brunch spot in New Orleans that everyone recommends. From cab drivers to close friends and family, it is where I have been told to go for a great first meal of the day. With several New Orleans locations, there’s a Ruby Slipper close to nearly all hot spots in the city.
The earlier you go, the better the odds you will have to avoid standing in line. If you do have to stand in line, it will be worth the wait. Whether you want traditional buttermilk pancakes or some loaded tots with apple-braised pork in cream sauce, they have every palate covered.
11. Port of Call | 838 Esplanade Avenue, New Orleans, LA.
Port of Call is a classic New Orleans spot established in the 1960’s as a steakhouse. It’s located in the French Quarter and started out as neighborhood restaurant open only at night. Today, Port of Call is world famous for its burgers and steaks. If you ask a local resident where to get a good burger in New Orleans, many will recommend Port of Call. It probably has to do with the fact they have been voted The Best Burger in the City several times!
If you want to enjoy an authentic all-American burger with a baked potato (fries are not an option) or a perfect steak, you must check out Port of Call. They are open daily for lunch and dinner seven days a week, no reservation required.
12. Willie Mae’s NOLA | 898 Baronne Street, New Orleans, LA.
Established in 1957, Willie Mae’s Scotch House is one of America’s Classics. Don’t take my word for it, in 2005 the James Beard Award Foundation recognized the restaurant at its New York City award ceremony. The fried chicken from Willie Mae’s Scotch House has been recognized as ‘America’s Best Fried Chicken’ by the Travel Channel and acknowledged as being some of the best fried chicken in the country by the Food Network. Unfortunately, a fire in April 2023 forced one of the more well-known New Orleans eateries to close. However, in November 2024, Willie Mae’s NOLA opened a new location in downtown New Orleans with its famous fried chicken on the menu. Until the original location has been restored, visitors can now enjoy Willie Mae’s again, at the new location on Baronne Street.
13. Nice Guys Nola | 7910 Earhart Blvd, New Orleans, LA.
This Bar and Brunch spot is on this list STRICTLY for the vibe! Nice Guys Nola is a day party masquerading as a restaurant. Outside of the normal tourist hot spots this place is the definition of Laissez les bons temps rouler! The food and drinks are good but that is not why you want to go. This is where you go for food and to have a good time. This place is busy, but the DJ, music and staff keep patrons entertained, making any wait bearable. One notable thing about the food is that portions and quantity are satisfying. Reservations are available on Open Table and walk-ins are welcomed.
