New Orleans Dining
People come to New Orleans for the music, the history, and the architecture. Then they spend the rest of the trip talking about what they ate. Whether you’re craving a white-tablecloth dinner that’s worth dressing up for, a neighborhood seafood joint, a legendary po-boy, or a plate of red beans and rice that tastes like somebody’s grandmother made it, you’ll find it here. Around here, every meal has a story—and we’ve got plenty of favorites we’d love to share.
Restaurant Recommendations
These are restaurants we recommend without hesitation because we’ve eaten there ourselves. From unforgettable fine dining to neighborhood hangouts and quick bites between adventures, these are places we’d happily send our own friends.
Fine Dining
These award-winning restaurants offer some of the finest dining experiences in New Orleans. Most have dress codes, so be sure to check before you go.
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Commander’s Palace
Commander's Palace is one of New Orleans' most acclaimed restaurants and is a local favorite. Every bite of its "leading-edge Haute Creole Cuisine" has been delighting its guests since 1893. The winner of six James Beard Foundation Awards, this iconic Garden District restaurant has been home to renowned chefs Paul Prudhomme, Emeril Lagasse, Jamie Shannon, and since 2002, Tory McPhail, a James Beard Rising Star Chef and Best South Chef winner.
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Pelican Club
Located in Exchange Place in the heart of the French Quarter is The Pelican Club. They offer a wide range of New Orleans style dishes in an incredible atmosphere. They promise a meal that is a true New Orleans experience.
Upscale Casual
Love great food but not the idea of packing a sport coat or cocktail dress? These restaurants deliver exceptional cuisine in a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere where casual attire is welcome.
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Galatoire’s
Tennessee Williams loved Galatoire's – you will, too. First course choices include Fried Oyster Rockefeller. Entree options include Sautéed Redfish Amandine. And how about a Lemon Tartlet with Whipped Cream, Mango Sauce for dessert? It's a refreshing way to end a fabulous meal on Bourbon Street.
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Rizzuto’s Restorante & Chop House
Follow the rich aromas of Sicilian sauces, tempting meats and savory Creole-Italian spices to Rizzuto’s Ristorante & Chop House in Lakeview, where the old Tony Angello’s Ristoriante used to be. With entrées like veal piccata, braciole, tomahawk pork chops, premium steaks and a few favorites from the Tony Angello menu, new owners Jack and Phil Rizzuto, Chef Jason Caronna and the whole team is reinventing how New Orleans does Italian.
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Court of Two Sisters
The Court of Two Sisters is more than just a famous name. This restaurant offers a daily mouthwatering jazz brunch that features a jazz trio and authentic Louisiana-Creole fare. They’ve also won awards for the best outdoor dining in the city.
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Tujagues
The second-oldest restaurant in New Orleans’ French Quarter, Tujague’s carries on traditions begun before carriages had left the city's cobblestone streets.
Casual Dining
You don’t need a reservation—or a jacket—to enjoy some of the best food in New Orleans. These relaxed local favorites serve generous portions, unforgettable flavors, and the warm hospitality our city is known for.
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Steamboat Natchez Dinner and Jazz Cruises
The Steamboat Natchez offers daily dinner jazz cruises and harbor jazz cruises with a New Orleans food buffet. Enjoy great music and food as you cruise along the Mississippi!
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Crescent City Brewhouse
Stop in for a handcrafted lager and while you're enjoying a pint, check out their menu. I have a feeling you'll be pleasantly surprised by the food. Their menu features New Orleans favorites and they have live jazz every night by local musicians.
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Gumbo Shop
Enjoy some of the best Creole cooking in New Orleans at Gumbo Shop. Voted a New Orleans favorite by locals, Gumbo Shop serves award-winning okra, seafood and chicken-andouille gumbo, alongside other great dishes. The restaurant has high ceilings, traditional New Orleans décor, and a beautiful courtyard.
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Cafe Pontalba
You’d be hard-pressed to find a better view with your gumbo. Located in the historic Pontalba Buildings overlooking Jackson Square, Cafe Pontalba serves up Creole favorites like gumbo, po-boys, jambalaya, seafood and hearty breakfasts in a casual French Quarter setting. Grab a table, enjoy the view of St. Louis Cathedral and watch the Quarter go by. -
Daisy Dukes Restaurant
Sometimes you don’t need fancy–you just need good. Daisy Dukes serves great food for a great price with great service. No dinner jacket necessary. Daisy Dukes offers great breakfast, Cajun, and Southern dishes all day and night.
Quick Bites
Need to grab something delicious before a tour, festival or Saints game? These spots are perfect for po-boys, muffulettas, beignets, burgers, tacos, pizza and other fast favorites that don’t skimp on flavor.
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Cafe Beignet
New Orleans' Cafe Beignet provides a grand setting, both inside and out, and some of the best coffee and beignets around. Breakfast is served all day. New Orleans Cajun specialties and fried seafood are also available.
