Best Restaurants in New Orleans: Where This Repeat Visitor Actually Eats
There’s a reason my husband and I keep returning to New Orleans, and I’ll let you in on a little secret—it’s the incredible food scene and the best restaurants that keep drawing us back. Having traveled to many “foodie cities” across the U.S., I can confidently say that the culinary landscape of NOLA stands out as a paradise for food lovers and continuously calls us back for more.
The Battle of the Best Food Cities
There’s always this heated debate about whether Houston, New Orleans, or Chicago has the best food scene in America. Having experienced Houston and New Orleans firsthand, I’m placing my bet on NOLA. Chicago remains on my travel bucket list, but New Orleans wears the culinary crown in my book until I sample what the Windy City has to offer.
Every time we visit, we have our non-negotiable favorites, but we also make it a point to venture out and try something new. As a pescatarian, I’ve found New Orleans incredibly accommodating with its abundant seafood offerings.
Our travel philosophy is simple: seek out Black-owned restaurants and places the locals love. Because let’s be real—if locals don’t eat there, why should we? This guide highlights the perfect mix of fine dining experiences, casual eateries, and classic New Orleans institutions that any food-loving traveler should experience.
Black-Owned Dining Experiences in New Orleans
Supporting Black-owned businesses while indulging in some of the city’s most exceptional flavors? That’s what I call a perfect pairing. These spots deliver not only on bold, authentic tastes but also on amazing hospitality and memorable dining experiences.
Compère Lapin
Chef Nina Compton has created something truly special with Compère Lapin, where Caribbean-inspired Creole dishes are elevated to fine dining status. The restaurant’s warm ambiance makes it perfect for both date nights and celebratory dinners.
During our most recent stay at the Four Seasons, we noticed some changes from our previous visit. They no longer offered the $35 prix-fixe brunch menu we’d enjoyed before. The à la carte options were just as impressive. I enjoyed the tater tots topped with caviar (because, why not?). My husband chose the Bagel/Tuna Tartare/Calabrian Cream Cheese/Soft Herbs. For entrees, I couldn’t resist the Gulf Shrimp & Coconut Grits (because shrimp and grits are always a must), while he had French Toast with Chantilly Crème and Rum Caramel. The flavors were slightly different than during our previous visits, but just as memorable.
On our earlier visit, we enjoyed their pre-fixe brunch for $35, which included selections from the Small Plate, Sweets and Stuff, and Entree categories. Back then, we started with the Accra with Spicy Green Bean Remoulade and Chilled Shrimp with Coconut Curry and Tostones.
Their drink menu is extensive and worth exploring. My husband loved his Copper Bunny, which comes in this adorable copper bunny-shaped vessel. Fun fact: during our most recent visit, they didn’t have the copper bunny containers, but the bartender remembered the ingredients and specially made one for my husband—that’s the kind of personalized service that keeps us coming back!
Must-try dishes: Beyond our brunch favorites, the shrimp and grits here are life-changing—creamy, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned. Don’t skip the buttermilk biscuits, which are so light and fluffy they practically float off the plate. On our last visit, my husband and I ordered one serving to share and then immediately ordered another. They’re that good.
Morrow’s Steak
As a newer addition to the NOLA food scene, Morrow’s Steak has quickly established itself as a must-visit destination. Think classic steakhouse meets New Orleans flair, with a vibrant, upscale and welcoming atmosphere.
Must-try dishes: My husband enjoyed his steak (make it a surf and turf if you’re feeling indulgent). For my fellow seafood lovers, the sun butter pasta with shrimp is a creamy, satisfying dish that I still dream about.
Dakar NOLA
For something truly unique, Dakar NOLA offers a Senegalese-inspired dining experience that takes you on a flavorful journey through West Africa with distinctive New Orleans influences. During our stay at the Four Seasons, this was one of our most memorable meals, offering flavors and techniques I hadn’t experienced anywhere else in the city.
The restaurant specializes in tasting menus that change regularly, showcasing the chef’s creativity and seasonal ingredients. What makes Dakar NOLA special is how they weave together traditional Senegalese cooking methods with local New Orleans ingredients, creating something entirely new yet somehow familiar.
Must-try dishes: Trust the process and enjoy whatever is featured during your visit—each course tells a story and builds on the previous one. The seafood dishes were particularly outstanding, with complex spice profiles that were bold without overwhelming the delicate flavors of the fish.
Coterie Restaurant & Oyster Bar
Connected to the legendary Willie’s Chicken Shack, Coterie has become one of our regular stops. Interestingly, it wasn’t even on my original list of places to dine. Still, we stumbled upon it while walking to the City Sightseeing office for the hop-on, hop-off bus tour—a happy accident that turned into a culinary highlight!
The atmosphere is casual yet sophisticated, and the menu offers classic New Orleans flavors executed perfectly. I ordered their Shrimp and grits, which were absolutely delicious—creamy, flavorful, and with perfectly cooked shrimp. My husband started his meal with a slice of warm pecan pie (which he admitted was good, though he still prefers mine). For his main, he had the NOLA Burger, a decadent beef patty topped with roast beef debris and Swiss cheese, which he raved about.
Must-try dishes: Their shrimp and grits are among my favorites in the city—the perfect balance of spice, creaminess, and fresh seafood. My husband always orders their gumbo, and their crawfish étouffée is not to be missed. Wash it all down with one of their expertly crafted hurricanes.
Po’Boys: The Iconic NOLA Sandwich
No trip to New Orleans is complete without sampling a good po’boy, but as any local will tell you, not all po’boys deserve the name. These spots have earned their reputation by doing it right for decades.
Gene’s Po’Boys
I need to pour one out for Gene’s Po’Boys, a legendary shop that had been open for 50 years before closing in June 2019. If you were fortunate enough to experience their shrimp po’boys, consider yourself among the lucky ones. We were genuinely heartbroken when we arrived on our last trip and discovered they were gone. A NOLA institution lost, but never forgotten.
During our earlier visits, Gene’s was a must-stop. Located on Elysian St. in what some might call “the hood,” this busy Po’Boy shop was always filled with locals—always a good sign. We’d typically get two shrimp Po’Boys with drinks for about $23 (an incredible value). The sandwiches were massive, overflowing with perfectly fried popcorn shrimp on fresh, crusty bread. It was the kind of authentic experience that made you feel like you were truly experiencing New Orleans, not just the tourist version.
Parkway Bakery & Tavern
A fantastic addition to your po’boy crawl should be Parkway Bakery & Tavern, a Black-owned establishment that has been serving some of the best po’boys in New Orleans since 1911. What I love about Parkway is not just the incredible sandwiches, but the sense of history and community that permeates the place.
Located slightly off the beaten tourist path, Parkway offers a more local experience while still being accessible. The restaurant has survived floods, changing neighborhoods, and even temporary closures, but has maintained its quality and reputation throughout—a testament to their dedication to doing one thing exceptionally well.
Must-try dishes: Their surf and turf po’boy (roast beef and fried shrimp) offers the best of both worlds in one delicious package. The fried oyster po’boy is another standout, with plump, juicy oysters that retain their flavor beneath the crispy coating. And if you visit on Wednesdays, don’t miss their special Caprese po’boy—an unexpected but delicious twist on the classic.
Domilise’s Po-Boy & Bar
Thankfully, Domilise’s is still going strong as one of the most iconic po’boy spots in the city. The unassuming exterior might make you question your GPS, but trust me—what awaits inside is po’boy perfection.
Must-try dishes: Their fried shrimp po’boy is my personal favorite—crispy, succulent shrimp piled high on fresh bread with all the fixings. For meat eaters, the roast beef po’boy (complete with gravy dripping down your arms) is worth every messy, delicious bite.
Oysters: Raw, Charbroiled, & Everything In Between
New Orleans oysters hold a special place in my heart as a seafood lover. Whether you prefer them raw, charbroiled, or fried, NOLA knows how to showcase these briny treasures.
Felix’s Restaurant & Oyster Bar
If you find yourself in the French Quarter debating between Felix’s and the more tourist-heavy Acme, let me save you some time—go with Felix’s. Located diagonally across from ACME, Felix’s offers the same quality without the excessive wait times. The ACME line was snaking around the block on our visit, but we walked right into Felix’s and had an exceptional meal.
Here, I confirmed my oyster preferences—I realized that while I appreciate charbroiled oysters, I genuinely love them either raw on the half-shell or fried. So I indulged in both! The raw oysters were fresh and briny, perfect with just a squeeze of lemon. I also ordered a shrimp and oyster Po’Boy with perfectly fried oysters with a delicate crunch giving way to the soft, oceanic interior. My husband opted for the Shrimp Etouffee, which had a rich, complex flavor that satisfied his Creole food craving.
Must-try dishes: The chargrilled oysters here are simply divine—buttery, garlicky, and topped with just the right amount of cheese and herbs. I also recommend their seafood gumbo as the perfect starter and their seafood po’boys are truly exceptional.
SeaWorthy (ACE Hotel)
It’s no secret that I LOVE oysters. If I could eat them every day of my life, I absolutely would. Knowing this passion of mine, my husband researched oyster bars for our trip. He discovered SeaWorthy—a swanky oyster bar inside the ACE Hotel serving oysters from various regions across the U.S. alongside inventive cocktails.
What made this place special was the opportunity to sample oysters from the Gulf Coast, East Coast, and West Coast—all offering various levels of salinity and sweetness. I was in heaven! I ordered a dozen and a half oysters, trying 1-2 from each region and comparing their subtle differences. The presentation was beautiful, and the staff was knowledgeable about each variety’s source and flavor profile.
My husband, not quite the oyster fanatic that I am, had the Blue Crab Toast, which he thoroughly enjoyed. For drinks, I sipped on an almost too-pretty-to-drink tequila-based cocktail called “The Butterfly Effect,” while my husband opted for a spicy “Kumbaya,” which perfectly complemented our seafood feast.
Must-try dishes: If you’re an oyster lover like me, go for their oyster flight to taste the subtle differences between regions. The Blue Crab Toast is excellent for those who prefer their seafood not straight from the shell, and don’t skip their lobster roll if it’s on the menu. This has become one of my favorite spots to unwind after a day of exploring.
Classic New Orleans Bites You Can’t Miss
No matter how often I visit New Orleans, these iconic establishments remain absolute musts. If it’s your first time in the city, don’t leave without experiencing at least one (or ideally all) of these classics.
Café du Monde
Yes, it’s touristy, and yes, there might be a line. But it’s absolutely worth it. The legendary beignets and chicory coffee at Café du Monde are part of the essential New Orleans experience.
My husband and I came here twice during our trip—and he actually snuck away once without me for an extra visit, which tells you everything you need to know about how good these beignets are! One advantage of Café du Monde being open 24 hours a day is that your odds of waiting in line vary greatly depending on when you visit. Our strategy? Come either really early or really late. We never had to wait more than a few minutes using this approach.
The beignets arrive piping hot, buried under a mountain of powdered sugar, and are best enjoyed with their signature café au lait. There’s something magical about sitting at those green tables, people-watching while indulging in these simple but perfect treats.
Travel tip: I recently heard that Loretta’s (Black-owned) serves even better beignets. It’s on my list to try next time, and I’ll report back!
Willie Mae’s Scotch House
According to my husband and practically everyone else who’s tried it, Willie Mae’s serves the best fried chicken in the city, hands down. The crispy, perfectly seasoned exterior gives way to juicy, tender meat inside. If you know, you know.
Must-try dishes: Obviously, the fried chicken. My husband insists it’s life-changing. They also serve excellent sides—the mac and cheese is particularly noteworthy.
Commander’s Palace
For an authentic New Orleans fine dining institution, Commander’s Palace delivers an experience as impressive as its blue Victorian building suggests. This is where you go when you want to celebrate something special.
We opted for their famous Jazz Brunch, which I’d heard so many rave reviews about over the years. I have to be honest—it was… just okay. The ambiance was lovely, with live jazz musicians moving throughout the restaurant, and the service was certainly attentive. However, given the reputation and price point, I expected to be more wowed by the food. Don’t get me wrong, everything was well-prepared, but nothing left me thinking about it days later like some of our other meals in New Orleans.
Commander’s Palace is still a quintessential New Orleans experience, and perhaps dinner would have been more memorable than brunch. The historic building alone is worth seeing, and the white-glove service gives you a taste of old-world New Orleans elegance.
Must-try dishes: Their famous turtle soup (finished tableside with sherry) and pecan-crusted Gulf fish are must-tries. If you’re looking to save a bit, their lunch menu offers excellent value with 25-cent martinis (limited to three per person, for good reason!).
Jewel of the South
Not as widely discussed as other NOLA restaurants, Jewel of the South is truly an underrated gem we discovered during our stay at the Four Seasons. The historic cottage setting creates an intimate atmosphere perfect for savoring their contemporary takes on classic New Orleans cuisine.
The restaurant is housed in a charming restored cottage that dates back to the 1830s, providing a uniquely atmospheric dining experience. During our visit, we were seated in a cozy nook that felt both private and connected to the lively energy of the space.
What truly stands out at Jewel of the South is their cocktail program—it’s led by renowned mixologist Chris Hannah and features inventive drinks that honor New Orleans’ storied cocktail history while pushing boundaries. The Brandy Crusta, a classic New Orleans cocktail invented in the 1850s, is their signature drink and worth trying.
Must-try dishes: If you’re looking for some of the best restaurants in New Orleans with exceptional small plates, Jewel of the South won’t disappoint. During our visit, we indulged in several standout dishes: the Caviar (Kaluga) on Potato Scallops—think crispy, airy bites of perfection topped with crème fraîche and chives; White anchovy with green olives and shishito peppers—so briny, so good; and the Kohlrabi with whipped tofu and hazelnut—which became a surprising favorite! My husband also had the redfish, which is usually only available for dinner, but he convinced the chef to make it for him during our lunch there—a testament to their accommodating service.
Their signature biscuits rival Compère Lapin’s (which is saying something). For cocktails, I went for the Crimson Minx, a tequila-mezcal mix with cranberry and rhubarb liqueur that was absolutely divine. My husband took a chance on the Pouvez-Vous Poulet, made with duck and chicken fat-washed rums. It was unique (he admitted he wouldn’t order it again).
Deanie’s Seafood
A local staple that has been serving some of the best seafood platters in the city for decades. The portions are generous, and the quality is consistently excellent. Deanie’s was so good that we ate there twice during our last New Orleans trip—it was our first meal upon arriving, and we had to return before leaving. Unfortunately, we didn’t have time this past trip.
While they’re known for their giant seafood platters, we opted to explore other menu items. The Char-grilled Oysters were exceptional, with the perfect amount of garlic butter and cheese. I savored their Shrimp Etouffee, which had a deep, rich flavor that satisfied my Creole food craving. The Barbecue Shrimp were absolutely amazing—not what you might expect from the name (there’s no BBQ sauce), but rather large gulf shrimp swimming in a buttery, peppery sauce that demanded extra bread for sopping up every last drop.
My husband was particularly taken with their crabmeat au gratin, decadently cheesy and generously loaded with chunks of fresh crab. And if you’re into beer, they have an impressive range of local brews on tap that pair perfectly with their seafood offerings.
One word of advice: come hungry because the portions are enormous. Even with our healthy appetites, we still had leftovers after most meals.
Must-try dishes: The barbecue shrimp here are a revelation—not what you might expect from the name, but rather shrimp swimming in a buttery, peppery sauce that demands extra bread for sopping. Their fried seafood platter is perfect for sharing, and the charbroiled oysters rival any in the city. The closest I’ve come to the barbecue shrimp here at home was at Strange Delight.
Final Thoughts & Recommendations
New Orleans’ food scene is unmatched, and this list barely scratches the surface of what the city offers. If you’re short on time and can only hit three places, here’s my ultimate NOLA food trifecta:
- Compère Lapin – For that perfect blend of Creole, Caribbean, and fine dining all in one exquisite package
- Willie Mae’s Scotch House – Because according to my husband and our friends, that fried chicken truly will change your life.
- Felix’s Restaurant & Oyster Bar – For fresh oysters and authentic seafood without the tourist-trap wait times
Tailored Recommendations
Depending on your travel style, here’s where I’d send you:
- Best for Couples: Jewel of the South (intimate setting, exceptional cocktails, romantic ambiance)
- Best for Groups: Morrow’s Steak (lively atmosphere, shareable plates, something for everyone)
- Best for Solo Travelers: Felix’s (sit at the bar, chat with the shuckers, and enjoy oysters like a local)
- Best for Families: Deanie’s Seafood (kid-friendly options alongside adult favorites)
As a mom who loves luxury travel experiences and values authentic local cuisine, New Orleans continuously delivers on all fronts. The city’s rich culinary heritage, combined with its innovation and diversity, makes it a destination I’ll return to again and again.
Related: Four Seasons New Orleans Review: Is It Worth the Splurge for a Couples Trip?
What’s your favorite New Orleans restaurant? Drop it in the comments—I’m always looking for new spots to try on our next visit!
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Have you visited any of these New Orleans restaurants? Share your experiences below! And if you’re planning a trip to NOLA, check out my complete Five Days in New Orleans Travel Guide for more recommendations on where to stay and what to do between meals.