Exploring the Best Places to Eat in New Orleans

As one of the most vibrant cities in the US, New Orleans is known for its vibrant culture, diverse music, and delicious cuisine. From classic Creole dishes to innovative fusion fare, there is something to satisfy every taste. From the bustling French Quarter to the picturesque Garden District, there are dozens of restaurants to explore in the “Big Easy.” Whether you’re a foodie, a budget traveler, or just looking for a unique experience, here are some of the best places to eat in New Orleans.

Commander’s Palace

One of the most iconic restaurants in New Orleans, Commander’s Palace is a classic Creole eatery located in the Garden District. The restaurant has been in business for over a century, serving up classic dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, and crawfish étouffée. But the real star of the show is the legendary Sunday jazz brunch. Every Sunday, the restaurant hosts a live jazz band, along with a seven-course prix fixe menu featuring some of the restaurant’s signature dishes.

The restaurant’s atmosphere is quintessentially New Orleans, with white tablecloths, dark wood accents, and lush foliage. The menu is also updated regularly to reflect the latest trends in Creole cuisine, so there is always something new to try. From the live music to the delicious food, Commander’s Palace is an experience you won’t soon forget.

Café du Monde

Café du Monde is a French Quarter landmark, known for its legendary beignets and chicory coffee. The café has been around since 1862, serving up its signature dishes to locals and visitors alike. The menu is simple, but the flavors are unique and delicious. The beignets are light and fluffy, served with a generous helping of powdered sugar. The café also serves up classic café au lait, made with a combination of chicory-infused coffee and steamed milk.

The atmosphere is quintessentially New Orleans, with outdoor seating in the shadow of the historic St. Louis Cathedral. The café is open 24 hours a day, so you can enjoy a late-night snack or an early morning treat. There’s no better way to start the day in New Orleans than with a beignet and a cup of café au lait.

Willie Mae’s Scotch House

Willie Mae’s Scotch House is a local institution, serving up classic Creole dishes in a casual setting. The restaurant has been around since 1957, and its recipes have been passed down from generation to generation. The menu is focused on classic comfort foods, like fried chicken, jambalaya, and gumbo.

The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, and the restaurant is decorated with a mix of old-fashioned antiques and modern touches. The fried chicken is a must-try, and the restaurant has been lauded by the James Beard Foundation for its delicious cuisine. Willie Mae’s is a great place to get a taste of classic New Orleans.

Cochon Butcher

For a more modern take on Creole cuisine, head to Cochon Butcher in the Warehouse District. The restaurant is a combination butcher shop and restaurant, offering house-cured meats, charcuterie, and sandwiches. The menu features a variety of dishes, including classic po’boys, smoked pork shoulder, and a variety of sausages.

The atmosphere is casual and lively, with a bustling bar and an open kitchen. There’s also an outdoor patio, perfect for enjoying lunch or dinner al fresco. The restaurant is also known for its signature cocktails, made with local spirits and fresh-squeezed juices. Cochon Butcher is a great spot for a casual lunch or dinner.

Jacques-Imo’s Café

Jacques-Imo’s Café is a local favorite in the Uptown neighborhood, serving up classic Creole dishes with a modern twist. The menu features innovative dishes like alligator cheesecake, barbeque shrimp, and fried green tomatoes. The restaurant also offers an extensive wine list, featuring a variety of local and international labels.

The atmosphere is lively and inviting, with bright colors and eclectic décor. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, and there’s also a late-night menu available on weekends. With its unique dishes and lively atmosphere, Jacques-Imo’s is a great spot for a special occasion meal.

The Court of Two Sisters

The Court of Two Sisters is a French Quarter staple, known for its live jazz brunch. The restaurant is located in a historic building, complete with lush courtyards and balconies. The brunch features a variety of dishes, including classic Creole favorites like gumbo and jambalaya. There’s also a live jazz band, performing classic New Orleans tunes.

The atmosphere is elegant and inviting, with outdoor seating in the courtyard. The restaurant is open for brunch, lunch, and dinner, offering a variety of dishes to satisfy any palate. With its classic cuisine and live music, The Court of Two Sisters is a great spot for a special occasion.

Mr. B’s Bistro

Mr. B’s Bistro is an Uptown favorite, serving up classic Creole dishes with a modern twist. The menu features dishes like shrimp and grits, blackened redfish, and fried oysters. The restaurant is also known for its extensive wine list, featuring a variety of local and international labels.

The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with dark wood accents and cozy booths. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, and the menu is updated regularly to reflect the latest trends in Creole cuisine. With its classic dishes and modern touches, Mr. B’s is sure to please.

Pascal’s Manale

Pascal’s Manale is an Uptown landmark, serving up classic Creole dishes since 1913. The restaurant is known for its signature dish, barbeque shrimp, which is served with a unique garlic butter sauce. The menu also features a variety of other dishes, including gumbo, jambalaya, and po’boys.

The atmosphere is casual and inviting, with a vintage vibe. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, and there’s also a patio for outdoor dining. With its unique dishes and cozy atmosphere, Pascal’s is a great spot for a casual meal.

Galatoire’s Restaurant

Galatoire’s is a French Quarter institution, serving up classic Creole dishes since 1905. The restaurant is known for its signature dish, trout meuniere, which is served with a unique meuniere sauce. The menu also features a variety of other dishes, including gumbo, jambalaya, and po’boys.

The atmosphere is elegant and inviting, with white-linen tables and a mix of old-fashioned antiques and modern touches. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, and there’s also a piano bar for live music. With its classic dishes and elegant setting, Galatoire’s is the perfect spot for a special occasion meal.

Viola’s Market & Deli

Viola’s Market & Deli is a local favorite in the Marigny neighborhood, serving up classic Creole dishes with a modern twist. The menu features dishes like po’boys, gumbo, and jambalaya, as well as a variety of specialty sandwiches. The restaurant also serves up a variety of local beers and wines.

The atmosphere is casual and inviting, with exposed brick walls and a bustling deli counter. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, and the menu is updated regularly to reflect the latest trends in Creole cuisine. With its unique dishes and lively atmosphere, Viola’s is a great spot for a casual meal.

Liuzza’s by the Track

Liuzza’s by the Track is a neighborhood favorite in Mid-City, serving up classic Creole dishes in a casual setting. The menu features dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, and po’boys, as well as a variety of sandwiches and salads. The restaurant also offers an extensive beer list, featuring local and craft brews.

The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, with a mix of old-fashioned antiques and modern touches. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, and there’s also a lively bar area. With its classic dishes and friendly atmosphere, Liuzza’s is a great spot for a casual meal.

Mother’s Restaurant

Mother’s Restaurant is a French Quarter institution, serving up classic Creole dishes since 1938. The restaurant is known for its signature dish, the “Famous Ferdi Special,” which is served with a unique garlic butter sauce. The menu also features a variety of other dishes, including gumbo, jambalaya, and po’boys.

The atmosphere is casual and inviting, with a mix of old-fashioned antiques and modern touches. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and there’s also a lively bar area. With its classic dishes and friendly atmosphere, Mother’s is a great spot for a casual meal.

New Orleans is a city with a unique and vibrant food culture, and there are dozens of restaurants to explore. From classic Creole dishes to innovative fusion fare, there is something to satisfy every taste. Whether you’re a foodie, a budget traveler, or just looking for a unique experience, these are some of the best places to eat in New Orleans.