Quick answers — eating in New Orleans
- Best restaurant overall
- Commander's Palace
- Best value
- Pêche Seafood Grill (USD $50-90+)
- Strongest cuisines
- American, Italian, Modern European, Seafood
- Dishes to try
- Gumbo, Jambalaya, Beignets, Muffuletta
- Booking window
- Book at least 4-6 weeks out for prime weekend slots at top restaurants like Commander's Palace or August. Weekday reservations may be easier to secure closer to your visit.
Booking several weeks or months in advance is essential for top-tier restaurants, especially on weekends. Dress codes typically range from smart casual to business casual, with some requiring jackets. Tipping 18-20% is standard. Dinner hours generally run from 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM.
American
Best American restaurants in New Orleans
Modern American cooking is regional and ingredient-driven, and it is where a lot of the world's tasting-menu formats were loosened into something more relaxed.
August
Acclaimed local fine diningContemporary American · Warehouse District · USD $100-180+
Justin Devillier
Chef Justin Devillier's August delivers sophisticated contemporary American cuisine with thoughtful nods to regional flavors. Set in a beautifully restored 19th-century building with exposed brick and soaring ceilings, the restaurant offers an elevated, yet unpretentious, dining experience, showcasing innovative preparations and pristine ingredients.
Order: Gnocchi with Blue Crab, Roasted Foie Gras
Cochon
Acclaimed local fine diningCajun Southern · Warehouse District · USD $60-100+
Donald Link
Cochon, led by Chef Donald Link, celebrates the rustic, pork-centric traditions of Cajun cuisine with a refined touch. The lively, brick-walled dining room offers a convivial atmosphere. The focus is on wood-fired, locally sourced ingredients and expertly crafted dishes that highlight authentic Southern flavors in a hearty, approachable way.
Order: Wood Fired Oysters, Louisiana Cochon with Cracklins
Bayona
Acclaimed local fine diningMediterranean-inspired New American · French Quarter · USD $80-130+
Susan Spicer
Chef Susan Spicer's Bayona is an elegant French Quarter gem known for its innovative, globally inspired cuisine with Mediterranean influences. Housed in a charming 200-year-old Creole cottage with a delightful courtyard, it offers a sophisticated menu that expertly balances bold flavors with delicate preparations, maintaining a timeless appeal.
Order: Grilled Duck Breast with Black Bean Pancakes, Sweetbreads
Italian
Best Italian restaurants in New Orleans
Italian kitchens abroad split into two camps: the classic trattoria doing pasta, fish and a short wine list, and the modern dining rooms treating Italian produce with tasting-menu precision.
Irene's Cuisine
Acclaimed local fine diningItalian · French Quarter · USD $70-120+
Irene DiPietro
Irene's Cuisine is a beloved New Orleans institution offering classic Italian dishes in a cozy, romantic setting. Tucked away in the French Quarter, the restaurant's intimate atmosphere and impeccable service complement its robust menu of homemade pasta and traditional preparations, creating a consistently delightful dining experience.
Order: Oyster Rockefeller Baked Pasta, Lasagna
Domenica
Acclaimed local fine diningRegional Italian · Central Business District · USD $50-90+
Alon Shaya
Domenica, from Chef Alon Shaya, offers a fresh take on regional Italian cuisine with a focus on handcrafted pizzas from a wood-fired oven. Located within the historic Roosevelt Hotel, the restaurant provides a vibrant yet elegant dining experience, utilizing seasonal and local ingredients to elevate classic Italian fare.
Order: Roasted Carrot Pizza, Whole Roasted Cauliflower
Modern European
Best modern European restaurants in New Orleans
Modern European is the catch-all for kitchens that borrow technique from France, produce from their own region and ideas from everywhere — usually tasting-menu only.
Restaurant R'evolution
Acclaimed local fine diningModern Louisiana · French Quarter · USD $90-160+
John Folse & Rick Tramonto
Restaurant R'evolution artfully blends classic Cajun and Creole cuisines with modern techniques, offering a refined exploration of Louisiana's diverse culinary landscape. The opulent dining room, featuring antique brick and rich woods, provides an elegant backdrop for dishes that push traditional boundaries while honoring local ingredients.
Order: Death by Gumbo, Beer-Battered Crab Beignets
Seafood
Best seafood restaurants in New Orleans
Seafood restaurants live or die on the day's catch — the shortest menus are usually the best sign, because the kitchen is cooking what actually came in.
Pêche Seafood Grill
Acclaimed local fine diningCoastal Louisiana Seafood · Warehouse District · USD $50-90+
Ryan Prewitt
Pêche Seafood Grill, another Donald Link restaurant, focuses on whole-fish preparations cooked over a wood-fired grill. The industrial-chic space complements the straightforward, ingredient-driven menu. Chef Ryan Prewitt emphasizes sustainability and the fresh bounty of Gulf seafood, delivering flavorful, unpretentious dishes in a bustling setting.
Order: Whole Grilled Fish with Salsa Verde, Fried Bread with Sea Salt
Budget
Where to eat cheaply in New Orleans
Parkway Bakery & Tavern
Iconic spot for a classic New Orleans po'boy. Try the surf and turf (fried shrimp and roast beef) or the fully dressed roast beef. Expect lines, but it's worth the wait. Rough price: USD $10-18.
Verti Marte
A 24/7 hidden gem in the French Quarter, famous for its overstuffed sandwiches. The 'All That Jazz' po'boy is a must-try, packed with shrimp, ham, turkey, and cheese. Cash only. Rough price: USD $10-15.
Central Grocery
Home of the original muffuletta since 1906. This Italian deli offers a hearty, flavor-packed sandwich with cured meats, cheese, and olive salad. Perfect for a picnic. Roughly USD $20 for a whole muffuletta.
Cafe Du Monde
An essential New Orleans experience for beignets and chicory coffee. Open 24/7, this historic French Market cafe offers powdered sugar-dusted fried dough. Expect crowds. Rough price: USD $3-5 for beignets and coffee.
Dat Dog
Creative and gourmet hot dogs and sausages with a vast array of toppings. Enjoy exotic sausages like alligator or duck, alongside traditional options, in a lively, casual atmosphere. Rough price: USD $8-15.
Local dishes
What to eat in New Orleans
Gumbo
A hearty stew, often considered Louisiana's official state cuisine, with a rich roux base and ingredients like seafood (shrimp, crab), chicken, or sausage, served over rice. It embodies the blend of West African, French, and Spanish influences. Try it at Coop's Place for an authentic, casual experience.
Jambalaya
A flavorful rice dish cooked with meat (chicken, sausage) and/or seafood (shrimp, crawfish), vegetables like the 'holy trinity' (onions, celery, bell peppers), and spices. There are Creole (tomato-based) and Cajun (brown, no tomato) versions. Many local eateries offer excellent versions, including Mother's Restaurant for a robust portion.
Beignets
Square pieces of fried dough, typically covered with a generous dusting of powdered sugar. These light, airy pastries are a quintessential New Orleans breakfast or snack. The classic spot to enjoy them is Café Du Monde, open 24 hours, often paired with a cup of chicory coffee.
Muffuletta
A large, round sandwich originating from Sicilian immigrants in New Orleans. It features layers of salami, ham, provolone, and an iconic olive salad spread on a distinctive, round sesame seed bread. The definitive place to experience it is Central Grocery Co., where it originated.
Po'boy
A traditional Louisiana sandwich consisting of meat (often roast beef or fried seafood like shrimp or oysters) served on New Orleans French bread, which has a crisp crust and a fluffy interior. "Dressed" means with lettuce, tomato, pickles, and mayonnaise. Try one at Parkway Bakery & Tavern.
Oysters Rockefeller
Baked oysters on the half-shell topped with a rich sauce of butter, herbs (often parsley and green anise), and breadcrumbs. Created at Antoine's Restaurant in 1899, the exact recipe remains a secret, but it’s a decadent and historic culinary treat. Antoine's is the original spot.
Shrimp and Grits
A comforting Southern staple featuring sautéed shrimp, often in a savory sauce with bacon, garlic, and spices, served over creamy, stone-ground grits. This dish showcases the fresh Gulf seafood and comforting Southern tradition. Elizabeth's Restaurant offers a memorable rendition for brunch.
Pralines
A sweet confection made from sugar, butter, and pecans, cooked until caramelized and then dropped onto wax paper to cool. These creamy, nutty candies are a popular local souvenir and treat. Leah's Pralines on St. Louis Street offers a variety of fresh, handmade pralines.
How to book a table in New Orleans
- · Book at least 4-6 weeks out for prime weekend slots at top restaurants like Commander's Palace or August. Weekday reservations may be easier to secure closer to your visit.
- · Many upscale establishments require a credit card to hold reservations and may charge a no-show fee, often around $50 per person, if not canceled within 24-48 hours.
- · Consider dining during lunch service, as some fine dining restaurants offer slightly more accessible menus or tasting options at a lower price point, providing a similar experience.
- · Always reconfirm your reservation a day or two in advance. Some establishments may release your table if they cannot reach you, especially during busy festival seasons.
FAQ
New Orleans restaurant questions travellers ask
What is the best restaurant in New Orleans?
Commander's Palace in Garden District is the benchmark table — Haute Creole, led by Meg Bickford, acclaimed local fine dining, around USD $90-150+ per person. Order the Turtle Soup, Pecan Crusted Gulf Fish
Where is the best American restaurant in New Orleans?
August in Warehouse District is the American table to book in New Orleans (USD $100-180+ per person). Other strong options: Cochon, Bayona.
Where is the best Italian restaurant in New Orleans?
Irene's Cuisine in French Quarter is the Italian table to book in New Orleans (USD $70-120+ per person). Other strong options: Domenica.
Where is the best modern European restaurant in New Orleans?
Restaurant R'evolution in French Quarter is the modern European table to book in New Orleans (USD $90-160+ per person).
Where is the best seafood restaurant in New Orleans?
Pêche Seafood Grill in Warehouse District is the seafood table to book in New Orleans (USD $50-90+ per person).
Where can I eat well in New Orleans without spending a fortune?
Pêche Seafood Grill is the best-value table on this list at roughly USD $50-90+ per person. Beyond fine dining, locals point to Parkway Bakery & Tavern, Verti Marte, Central Grocery.
How far in advance should I book restaurants in New Orleans?
Book at least 4-6 weeks out for prime weekend slots at top restaurants like Commander's Palace or August. Weekday reservations may be easier to secure closer to your visit. Many upscale establishments require a credit card to hold reservations and may charge a no-show fee, often around $50 per person, if not canceled within 24-48 hours.
What food is New Orleans famous for?
Gumbo, Jambalaya, Beignets, Muffuletta, Po'boy — the dishes most worth eating where they come from. A hearty stew, often considered Louisiana's official state cuisine, with a rich roux base and ingredients like seafood (shrimp, crab), chicken, or sausage, served over rice. It embodies the blend of West African, French, and Spanish influences. Try it at Coop's Place for an authentic, casual experience.
Planning the rest of New Orleans?
The full New Orleans guide has a seven-day itinerary, neighbourhoods, museums and the mistakes to avoid.
Read the New Orleans travel guide