New Orleans is world-renowned for its incredible food scene rooted in Creole and Cajun traditions, with influences from French, Spanish, Italian, German, African, and Native American cuisines. From hole-in-the-wall joints to upscale dining rooms, New Orleans offers an array of distinct flavors, local ingredients, and talented chefs that continue to shape its storied culinary legacy.
| Restaurant Name | Specialty | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|
| Commander’s Palace | Haute Creole cuisine | Elegant, award-winning with a jazz brunch |
| Cochon | Cajun and Creole pork dishes | Nose-to-tail offerings, local ingredients |
| Peche Seafood Grill | Gulf seafood | Simple, wood-fired preparation, fresh ingredients |
| Willie Mae’s Scotch House | Fried chicken | Legendary, melt-in-your-mouth chicken |
| Jacques-Imo’s Cafe | Cajun and Creole dishes | Funky vibes, creative menu |
| Clancy’s | Upscale Creole | Polished, traditional dishes with a global twist |
| Damien’s Soul Food Restaurant & Bar | Southern comfort cuisine | Live music, hearty dishes |
| Cafe Du Monde | Coffee and beignets | Iconic, open-air cafe famous for beignets |
| Josephine Estelle | Italian and New Orleans cuisine | Trendy, Sicilian-inspired dishes |
| Turkey and the Wolf | Sandwiches | Playful, over-the-top creations |
| Parkway Bakery & Tavern | Po’ boys | Neighborhood joint, famous for roast beef po’ boys |
| Domilise’s Po Boys | French bread sandwiches | Classic, no-frills spot with iconic po’ boys |
Visitors to New Orleans surely won’t go hungry, but with so many options it can be tough to choose where to eat. To help narrow it down, here is a list of the top 12 best restaurants that are must-try dining destinations in New Orleans.
Commanders Palace
Name and Location: Commander’s Palace is an iconic restaurant located in the heart of the Garden District in New Orleans, Louisiana. Specifically, you can find it at 1403 Washington Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130.
History and Significance: Commander’s Palace has a rich history dating back to 1880 when it was first established. It has been a cornerstone of New Orleans’ culinary scene for over a century. Known for its Creole cuisine and elegant ambiance, it has received numerous awards and accolades, making it a landmark in the city.
What to Expect: When dining at Commander’s Palace, you can expect a sophisticated and upscale experience. The restaurant is famous for its exceptional service, Creole dishes like Turtle Soup and Bread Pudding Soufflé, and an extensive wine list. The dress code is smart casual, so dress to impress.
Visitor Information: Commander’s Palace is open for lunch and dinner. Reservations are highly recommended, especially for weekend dining. They have a Jazz Brunch on Sundays that is particularly popular, featuring live jazz music. Be sure to inquire about their current COVID-19 policies and any special events they may be hosting during your visit.
No list of New Orleans’ best restaurants is complete without the grande dame of Creole dining – Commanders Palace. Housed in a turquoise Victorian-style building in the Garden District, Commanders Palace has been a pillar of haute Creole cuisine since 1880.
The restaurant sets the standard for refined yet relaxed Louisiana fare, masterfully executed under the direction of Executive Chef Tory McPhail. Signature dishes include the ever-popular pecan crusted Gulf fish topped with crabmeat and creamed corn, and the luxurious grilled pork tenderloin with sweet potato casserole. Their bread pudding soufflé is a can’t-miss way to end the meal.
Elegant attire is requested but the vibe is far from stuffy, enhanced by the joyful jazz brunch on weekends. Commanders Palace continues to earn awards and accolades as a world-class restaurant preserving New Orleans’ culinary heritage.
Cochon
Name and Location: Cochon is a renowned restaurant situated at 930 Tchoupitoulas St, New Orleans, LA 70130.
History and Significance: Cochon, meaning “pig” in French, pays homage to the Cajun and Southern culinary traditions of Louisiana. Since its opening in 2006, it has become a celebrated establishment known for its innovative take on traditional Southern dishes and its commitment to using locally-sourced ingredients.
What to Expect: When dining at Cochon, expect a menu filled with dishes that showcase the flavors of the South. From their famous Cochon Butcher sandwich to the Wood-Fired Oysters, you’ll experience a true taste of Louisiana. The restaurant has a casual and relaxed atmosphere.
Visitor Information: Cochon operates for both lunch and dinner. It’s advisable to make reservations, especially during peak dining hours. Check their website for any updates on operating hours and safety measures related to COVID-19.
At Cochon in the Warehouse District, Chef Donald Link pays homage to Cajun and Creole cooking through its roots – pig, pork, and other nose-to-tail offerings. Link sources the finest local ingredients like herbs and chili peppers from his family farm to craft memorably flavorful southern fare.
Start with fried alligator with chili garlic aioli or fried pig ears tossed in a peppery vinegar sauce before moving on to wood-fired oven roasted chicken atop wilted greens, spoon bread, and pot likker. Can’t miss pork-centric dishes include the mouthwatering double cut pork chop with turnips, cabbage, and cracklins, or the Cochon signature cochon – a melt-in-your-mouth roast pork shoulder stuffed with turnips, cabbage, and cracklins. Share a slice of buttermilk pie for a sweet southern finale.
Peche Seafood Grill
Name and Location: Peche Seafood Grill is located at 800 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130.
History and Significance: Peche Seafood Grill is a James Beard Award-winning restaurant that opened its doors in 2013. It’s renowned for its commitment to fresh, sustainably sourced seafood and its dedication to preserving Louisiana’s coastal culinary heritage.
What to Expect: At Peche Seafood Grill, you can expect a seafood-focused menu with a rustic and inviting ambiance. The menu changes regularly to highlight the freshest catches of the day. Don’t miss their famous Whole Roasted Gulf Fish or the seafood platters.
Visitor Information: Peche Seafood Grill is open for both lunch and dinner. Due to its popularity, it’s advisable to make reservations in advance. Check their website or contact them directly for any COVID-19 related guidelines and precautions.
Also from Chef Donald Link, Peche Seafood Grill is dedicated to Gulf seafood prepared simply over a wood-fired grill. The minimalist menu stars the day’s catch dressed up with smoky char, prudent spice, and herby accents to let the fresh seafood shine.
Highlights include the shrimp toast with Louisiana hot sauce butter and herbs, whole grilled redfish crusted with sizzling pepper jelly, and the hearty jambalaya studded with house cured tasso ham and andouille sausage. Every vibrant bite bursts with the essence of local waters.
Pair your meal with one of Peche’s craft cocktails like the Pimm’s Cup garnished with Louisiana strawberries, cucumber, and mint. With its rustic modern interior and breezy courtyard dotted with olive trees, Peche emits effortless cool appeal while delivering superb seafood.
Willie Mae’s Scotch House
Name and Location: Willie Mae’s Scotch House is a beloved eatery located at 2401 St. Ann St, New Orleans, LA 70119.
History and Significance: Willie Mae’s Scotch House has a storied history dating back to 1957 when it was founded by Willie Mae Seaton. It has gained worldwide recognition for its fried chicken, which has been hailed as some of the best in the country.
What to Expect: When dining at Willie Mae’s, you can expect a humble and welcoming atmosphere. The menu primarily features the famous fried chicken, served with sides like red beans and rice, and butter beans. It’s a taste of classic Southern comfort food.
Visitor Information: Willie Mae’s Scotch House is open for lunch and dinner. As it’s a popular spot, be prepared to wait in line during peak hours. Check their website for any updates regarding operating hours and pandemic-related safety measures.
No discussion about iconic New Orleans restaurants is complete without mentioning Willie Mae’s Scotch House. Tucked away in the Treme neighborhood, this humble diner has earned cult status for its crispy, melt-in-your-mouth fried chicken that many fans declare is simply the best anywhere.
The recipes come straight from the Scotch House’s original owner – the legendary Willie Mae Seaton – who opened the restaurant back in 1957. Today her great granddaughter Kerry carries on Willie Mae’s legacy by frying up juicy chicken dredged in a well-guarded seasoning blend, along with equally prized sides like butter beans and red beans and rice with sausage.
Be prepared to wait in line for a chance to savor this tried-and-true southern comfort food served in a no-fuss dining room with just a few tables. One bite of Willie Mae’s heavenly fried chicken confirms it was worth the wait.
Jacques-Imo’s Cafe
Name and Location: Jacques-Imo’s Cafe is located at 8324 Oak St, New Orleans, LA 70118.
History and Significance: Jacques-Imo’s Cafe is known for its eclectic Creole and Cajun cuisine. Since opening in 1996, it has gained a reputation for its vibrant and quirky atmosphere, with a focus on bold flavors and unique combinations.
What to Expect: When dining at Jacques-Imo’s, expect a lively and vibrant dining experience. The menu offers dishes like Alligator Sausage Cheesecake and Stuffed Shrimp. The atmosphere is casual and fun, making it a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
Visitor Information: Jacques-Imo’s Cafe is open for dinner, and reservations are recommended, especially during weekends. Be sure to check their website or contact them for the latest information regarding hours and health protocols.
Fun, funky vibes rule at Jacques-Imo’s Café located uptown near Carrollton Avenue. Loved by locals, this New Orleans original is the spirited vision of Chef Jacques Leonardi who playfully pushes boundaries on traditional Cajun and Creole dishes.
While the menu changes nightly, Jacques-Imo’s always brings the flavor whether it’s crazy good cornbread stuffed with oysters, shrimp and alligator sausage gumbo, duck and andouille sausage jambalaya, or the legendary roasted garlic chicken topped with shredded fried chicken skins. Save room for their infamous “8 pound baked potato” heaping with fixings like bacon, sour cream, and chives.
From the whimsical mural decorating the interior to the wacky specials on their chalkboard menu, Jacques-Imo’s doesn’t take itself too seriously – just seriously good NOLA cooking full of heart, creativity, and fun.
Clancy’s
Name and Location: Clancy’s is a well-regarded restaurant located at 6100 Annunciation St, New Orleans, LA 70118.
History and Significance: Clancy’s has been a part of the New Orleans dining scene since 1983. It’s known for its classic Creole cuisine and welcoming atmosphere. Many locals consider it a hidden gem.
What to Expect: When dining at Clancy’s, you can expect a menu featuring timeless Creole dishes like Soft Shell Crab and Fried Oysters. The restaurant has a cozy and intimate ambiance, perfect for a romantic dinner or special occasion.
Visitor Information: Clancy’s is open for dinner, and reservations are recommended. Due to its popularity among locals, it’s wise to plan ahead. Contact the restaurant for the most up-to-date information on hours of operation and safety guidelines.
Neighboring Jacques-Imo’s Café in uptown near Carrollton Avenue sits another local favorite – Clancy’s. The dated white cottage houses a treasured upscale Creole restaurant where seasoned veterans turn out impeccable dishes melding Louisiana tradition with global technique.
Start off with their stellar fried oysters blanketed in a crisp cornmeal crust or the fried green tomatoes topped with lump crabmeat and crystal hot sauce vinaigrette. Move on to scrumptious entrees like pecan crusted Gulf fish with spiced pecans, creamed corn and petite herbs, or the Clancy’s classic veal grillades and grits flavored with andouille and Tasso ham gravy.
Don’t miss their famous bread pudding baked with whole chocolate bars and finished tableside with warm whiskey cream sauce for an indulgent ending. Clancy’s earns high praise for executing refined Louisiana cuisine with polish and passion.
Damien’s Soul Food Restaurant & Bar
Name and Location: Damien’s Soul Food Restaurant & Bar can be found at 2933 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70119.
History and Significance: Damien’s is a beloved establishment that has been serving authentic soul food to the New Orleans community for decades. It’s a place where tradition and flavor come together to create a memorable dining experience.
What to Expect: When dining at Damien’s, expect a soulful and comforting menu featuring classics like Fried Chicken, Gumbo, and Collard Greens. The atmosphere is relaxed, and it’s a great spot for a hearty meal.
Visitor Information: Damien’s Soul Food Restaurant & Bar offers lunch and dinner. While reservations are not typically required, it’s a good idea to check their website or contact them for any COVID-19 related updates and operational hours.
Former streetcar conductor Damien Gravot drew on his Creole roots and cooking chops to launch Damien’s Soul Food Restaurant & Bar – a fun local spot serving hearty southern comfort cuisine with live music nightly.
Located near the French Quarter, Damien’s plates up stick-to-your-ribs dishes like fried catfish, BBQ shrimp po boys, red beans and rice, crispy fried chicken wings, and their renowned gumbo YaYa brimming with chicken, sausage, shrimp, and crab. Don’t skip dessert – save room for their sweet potato pie or bread pudding.
Damien’s cool historic building with exposed brick and wood beams nicely complements their soulful menu. Stop by hungry, as the generous portions guarantee delicious leftovers. An ice cold Abita beer pairs perfectly with Damien’s joyful flavors.
Cafe Du Monde
Name and Location: Cafe Du Monde is an iconic coffee shop and beignet destination situated at 800 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116.
History and Significance: Cafe Du Monde has a storied history dating back to 1862 when it first opened its doors. It is famous for its chicory coffee and beignets, becoming an integral part of New Orleans’ culinary culture.
What to Expect: When visiting Cafe Du Monde, expect a bustling and vibrant atmosphere. The menu is simple, focusing on coffee and beignets, but it’s a must-visit for anyone exploring the French Quarter.
Visitor Information: Cafe Du Monde is open 24/7, making it a perfect spot for a late-night or early-morning treat. No reservations are required, but it can get crowded, so be prepared to wait during peak times.
No culinary guide to New Orleans would be complete without mentioning the iconic Café Du Monde in the French Quarter. Established in 1862, this legendary cafe serves up coffee and beignets 24 hours a day, 7 days a week from its open-air perch overlooking Jackson Square.
Visitors flock here all hours of the day and night for a quintessential NOLA experience – sipping dark roasted chicory coffee paired with the cafe’s trademark beignets, sweet fried French doughnuts smothered in powdered sugar. Take your paper bag of piping hot beignets to go and wander the historic streets of the French Quarter as you enjoy this classic taste of New Orleans.
Josephine Estelle
Name and Location: Josephine Estelle is a contemporary Italian restaurant located at 600 Carondelet St, New Orleans, LA 70130.
History and Significance: Josephine Estelle brings a modern twist to Italian cuisine while paying homage to the culinary traditions of New Orleans. It’s located in the luxurious Ace Hotel and has gained a reputation for its creative and delicious dishes.
What to Expect: When dining at Josephine Estelle, expect a fusion of Italian and Southern flavors. The menu offers a wide range of pasta dishes and wood-fired pizzas. The restaurant has a chic and contemporary ambiance.
Visitor Information: Josephine Estelle is open for both lunch and dinner. Reservations are recommended, especially for dinner. Check their website for any updates on operating hours and health protocols.
Trendy Warehouse District restaurant Josephine Estelle channels both old-world Italian cuisine and the vivacious spirit of 1920s New Orleans. Located inside the Ace Hotel, Josephine Estelle’s colorful tiled interior provides a vibrant backdrop for Sicilian-inspired shared plates and handmade pastas crafted under the direction of James Beard-nominated Chef Andy Ticer and pastry chef Lisa White.
Parmisan-breaded eggplant and mozzarella with puttanesca sauce makes a crave-worthy starter before indulging in ragu pappardelle ribbons coated in a rich, slow-cooked beef and pork sauce. Seafood pasta specials spotlight the best of the Gulf like mafaldine tossed with head-on shrimp, calamari, garlic, olive oil and chilies.
Save room for the epic build-your-own ice cream sandwiches with cookies baked fresh daily. With its tantalizing flavors, festive ambiance, and Ace Hotel location, Josephine Estelle is a hot dinner destination.
Turkey and the Wolf
Name and Location: Turkey and the Wolf is a trendy sandwich shop located at 739 Jackson Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130.
History and Significance: Turkey and the Wolf is a relatively new addition to the New Orleans dining scene, but it has quickly gained recognition for its innovative and quirky sandwiches. It was even named America’s Best New Restaurant by Bon Appétit in 2017.
What to Expect: When dining at Turkey and the Wolf, expect creative and unconventional sandwich creations like the Collard Green Melt and the Fried Bologna. The restaurant has a casual and hipster-friendly atmosphere.
Visitor Information: Turkey and the Wolf operates for lunch and early dinner. Due to its popularity, it’s wise to check their website for the latest hours and any special menu items. It’s a casual spot with no reservations required.
This diminutive neighborhood sandwich shop in the Irish Channel packs huge flavor into their playful menu of over-the-top sandwich creations. Chef Mason Hereford masterfully piles house-made meats, condiments, veggies and chips between slices of the flakiest biscuits in town.
The Tony’s Special showcases juicy thin-sliced roast beef dunked in gravy, while the Popeyes comes loaded with crisp fried chicken, pickles, comeback sauce and potato chips. banana and peanut butter promise a nostalgic hug. Even their basic smoked turkey and Swiss oozes with excellence.
Seating is scarce so grab your sandwiches to go and sample more of Turkey and Wolf’s drool-worthy offerings on return visits. Despite the no-frills digs, USA Today named Turkey and the Wolf America’s best new restaurant thanks to their mind-blowingly good sandwiches.
Parkway Bakery & Tavern
Name and Location: Parkway Bakery & Tavern is a legendary po’ boy shop located at 538 Hagan Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119.
History and Significance: Parkway Bakery & Tavern has been serving up delicious po’ boys since 1911. It’s a beloved institution in New Orleans, known for its dedication to preserving the po’ boy tradition and quality.
What to Expect: When dining at Parkway, expect a menu featuring a wide variety of po’ boys, from classic roast beef to shrimp and oyster. The restaurant has a casual and family-friendly atmosphere.
Visitor Information: Parkway Bakery & Tavern is open for lunch and early dinner. While reservations are not typically required, it’s advisable to check their website for the latest hours and any COVID-19 related guidelines.
No place captures the scruffy charm of New Orleans neighborhood joints quite like Parkway Bakery & Tavern. Tucked away on a sleepy Mid-City street corner, this humble bar and grill slings some of the city’s finest po boys full of high-quality roast beef and gravy oozing with flavor.
Parkway dresses up their French bread loaves with “debris” – the bits of slow roasted beef that fall into the gravy – along with sliced pickles, lettuce and mayo. Hot sauce tops each table to amp up the heat. Their divine surf n turf po boy adds fried shrimp to the beefy mix, while the grilled shrimp po boy swaps out meat for plump charred shrimp.
Don’t expect frills at Parkway. The decor is proudly divey. But their roast beef po boys stand tall among New Orleans’ iconic local eats. Perfect for washing it all down is a cold Abita Amber Ale straight from the tap.
Domilise’s Po Boys
Name and Location: Domilise’s Po Boys is a long-standing po’ boy shop located at 5240 Annunciation St, New Orleans, LA 70115.
History and Significance: Domilise’s has been serving delicious po’ boys to locals and tourists alike since 1924. It’s known for its no-frills, traditional approach to crafting these iconic sandwiches.
What to Expect: When dining at Domilise’s, expect classic po’ boys like the Fried Shrimp and Hot Sausage. The restaurant has a casual and dive-bar-like atmosphere that adds to its charm.
Visitor Information: Domilise’s Po Boys is open for lunch, and it’s a cash-only establishment, so be sure to have cash on hand. Reservations are not needed, but it’s always a good idea to check their website.
Domilise’s Po-Boys also deserves mention for their heavenly French bread sandwiches served in a no-frills neighborhood setting since the early 1900s. This unassuming white corner bar on Annunciation Street in Uptown slings po boys full of Victor Domilise’s famous fried shrimp dressed with just the right amount of mayo and hot sauce.
Locals also swear by Domilise’s roast beef po boy blanketed in debris gravy, as well as the half & half featuring both shrimp and roast beef. TheCMP comes loaded with syrupy sweet chaudin sausage made specially for Domilise’s. Seating is extremely limited, so grab a po boy or two and head to nearby Audubon Park for an impromptu picnic.
For nearly 100 years, Domilise’s flawless po boys demonstrate why New Orleans embraces iconic neighborhood joints dishing out time-perfected local specialties. Visitors quickly learn why Domilise’s deserves its exalted po boy status.
Conclusion
New Orleans’ extraordinary food scene spans everything from world famous institutions preserving storied Creole-Cajun traditions, to beloved neighborhood holes-in-the-wall perfecting a single iconic dish, to exciting contemporary restaurants fueled by global inspiration.
These 12 spots represent just a cross section of the remarkable dining experiences waiting around every corner in New Orleans. So come hungry, grab some napkins, say “Laissez les bons temps rouler” (Let the good times roll), and let the delicious exploration begin!