18 Delicious Restaurants in New Orleans, LA

Blake Walsh

Nov 19, 2023 • 9 min read

New Orleans' vibrant neighborhoods are filled with the enticing aromas of its rich culinary heritage, from sizzling spices to simmering roux and fresh beignets.

Food in this city is a celebration and a crucial part of its cultural fabric, narrating the city's stories through each dish.

Whether it's the cozy comfort of gumbo on a chilly evening or the fiery thrill of crawfish etouffee, New Orleans offers a unique and memorable dining experience in every corner, on every plate, and in every restaurant.

So sit back, loosen that belt notch, and get ready to discover these fantastic restaurants in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Pluck Wine Bar & Restaurant

Pluck Wine Bar & Restaurant is a quaint, vibrant establishment, sophisticated in its offerings.

The vegetarian-friendly menu features creative dishes like a cheese melt sandwich and a unique cauliflower dish, offering a divine dining experience.

Pluck's wine selection is a global tour, with options like Greek wine complementing meals perfectly.

The desserts at Pluck are exceptional, adding to the overall fine dining experience.

This restaurant is perfect for special occasions or casual gatherings, offering straightforward yet high-quality menu items, including popular dishes like hanger steak and burgers.

Pluck Wine Bar & Restaurant is ideal for an enjoyable culinary journey with a warm atmosphere and casual service.

Pomelo Thai Boutique Restaurant

Pomelo Thai Boutique Restaurant, hidden in a quiet corner of the city, showcases Thailand's culinary prowess.

Each dish ranges from spicy to creamy, sweet, and rich, served in generous portions.

The Tom sum platter and green curry stand out for their authentic Thai flavors.

Thai iced tea at Pomelo serves as a perfect palate cleanser between flavorful bites.

The restaurant is known for its exceptional service and artful dish presentation.

Cafe Porche & Snowbar

Cafe Porche & Snowbar, located near the Muses apartments, offers a cozy and homey Southern dining experience.

A rustic gate leads to a snowball stand and a charming cafe, ideal for intimate dining.

Menu highlights include the Lakeview morning and Carol B fried grits with shrimp, both rich in flavor.

The experience is capped off with a delightful wedding cake snowball.

Dakar NOLA

Dakar NOLA, nestled among New Orleans' iconic eateries, is a unique restaurant blending traditional Senegalese tastes with Southern charm.

Each meticulously curated dish represents the fusion of Senegalese and New Orleans' culinary heritage, offering an unforgettable journey of flavors and textures.

From refreshing mint and ginger green tea to gulf shrimp and crab meat black-eyed peas, each course is a flavorful experience.

The 7-course prix fixe menu changes daily, featuring dishes like red snapper with tamarind jus and gumbo with a Senegalese twist.

Tout de Suite Cafe

Tout de Suite Cafe, a cheerful neighborhood coffeehouse, offers a cozy ambiance and a varied menu catering to diverse tastes.

Known for its comforting food and wide range of coffee and tea options, the cafe provides a perfect blend of healthy, indulgent, and vegan dishes.

Signature blends of coffee and tea set the tone for a delightful day.

The Deep South Skillet breakfast and smooth, creamy grits are standouts, offering a flavorful experience.

Light, fluffy biscuits complement the meals.

Thai Nola

Thai Nola, a culinary haven in New Orleans East, offers authentic Thai cuisine in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

The restaurant's vibrant music and enchanting ambiance create an intimate setting suitable for various dining experiences.

Dishes like the Basil Stir Fry and Spring Rolls are served with perfectly balanced spice levels, making them a hit.

The F2 Pad Won Sen combo and the E3 Pad Ga POW with large shrimp stand out for their freshness and perfect seasoning.

Zesty Creole

Zesty Creole in the city's heart offers a warm, inviting atmosphere, perfect for enjoying authentic southern cuisine.

Lobster cakes, mozzarella sticks, and game-changing biscuits create a delightful dining experience.

Their lobster dinner, known for its tenderness and flavor, is a standout dish.

The chicken pasta is a favorite, while the homemade bread pudding offers a sweet and indulgent finish.

Dishes like crab cakes and the Taste of Nola are highly recommended, as are the beignets drizzled with chocolate syrup.

Queen Trini Lisa

Queen Trini Lisa, a family-run eatery on D'Hemecourt Street, provides a warm and inviting atmosphere with an emphasis on cleanliness and friendly service.

The curry chicken and award-winning BBQ jerk chicken, accompanied by rice and peas, plantains, and cabbage, offer a flavorful and satisfying meal.

The jerk chicken/curry chicken combo is a must-try, showcasing the best of Caribbean flavors.

Joe's Italian Bistro

Joe's Italian Bistro in New Orleans is renowned for its fantastic Italian cuisine and service.

The veal parm with angel hair pasta and homemade tomato sauce, rich in garlic flavor, offers a refreshing twist to traditional Italian dishes.

The Lobster and Shrimp Romano, with its delicately balanced sauce, stands out among the city's Italian offerings.

Jamila's Cafe

Jamila's Cafe in New Orleans offers a fusion of Mediterranean and Creole flavors.

The shrimp and mussels pasta and lamb tagine are standout dishes, renowned for their freshness and authentic flavors.

The cafe's Tunisian authenticity extends to its decor and utensils, enhancing the dining experience.

The weekend belly dancing at Jamila's Cafe adds to the Mediterranean ambiance.

Bésame

Bésame in New Orleans is a vibrant restaurant offering Hispanic cuisine.

The ambiance, enhanced by lively music, provides a unique dining experience.

Daily happy hours and less crowded afternoons offer impeccable service and a relaxed atmosphere.

The Tres Leches dessert, known for its moist and light texture, perfectly concludes the meal.

Brigtsen's Restaurant

Brigtsen's Restaurant, located in a Victorian cottage in New Orleans, offers modern Creole fare.

The welcoming atmosphere makes guests feel like part of a family.

Menu highlights include a catfish appetizer, duck with dirty rice, and a seafood platter with baked scallop and redfish.

The restaurant's gumbo, made with a dark roux, and the pecan pie are particularly noteworthy.

The dining experience at Brigtsen's is a reflection of New Orleans' vibrant food culture.

GW Fins

GW Fins has become a tradition for special family occasions, offering consistently excellent food and top-notch service.

Parking validation at a nearby garage adds to the convenience.

The restaurant features an intimate atmosphere with spacious booths and round tables.

Among its standout offerings are the lobster dumpling appetizer and complimentary lobster biscuits.

Due to its popularity, reservations are recommended well in advance.

Lebanon Grill

Lebanon Grill in New Orleans offers an authentic Lebanese culinary experience.

The chicken shawarma and hummus with lamb are particularly noteworthy for their tender, juicy chicken and creamy, rich hummus.

The restaurant's inviting aroma sets the tone for a meal full of authentic flavors.

Zasu

Zasu in New Orleans provides a refined dining experience with an emphasis on perfectly cooked seafood and an exceptional Spanish white wine selection.

The fish dishes and desserts stand out for their delicate yet robust flavors.

Zasu's atmosphere is suitable for both special family occasions and business dinners.

The Spicy Paloma mocktail comes highly recommended.

Manolito

Manolito offers an immersive experience of Cuban cuisine and cocktails.

The frozen daiquiris are renowned, and Conrad himself crafted the first one.

The restaurant provides an intimate, two-level atmosphere, with an option for a quieter upstairs dining experience.

The menu features Caribbean flavors, with highlights like picadillo and flan.

Bijou Restaurant & Bar

Bijou Restaurant & Bar offers a serene escape from the hustle of Bourbon Street.

The French pair martini and curry cauliflower are standout choices.

The restaurant provides excellent customer service and a beautiful outdoor patio for group gatherings.

Happy hour offers $12 burgers and $9 cocktails, making it a great deal.

Addis Nola

Addis Nola offers an Ethiopian dining experience in New Orleans.

The restaurant's cozy ambiance and authentic Ethiopian cuisine make it unique.

Injera bread complements a variety of stews and dishes, including lamb and chicken.

The warm and welcoming atmosphere adds to the overall experience, and the prices are reasonable for the portion sizes.

Final Thoughts

With such a wide selection of top-notch eateries, it's no wonder New Orleans is known worldwide for its delectable cuisine.

New Orleans' culinary scene is a melting pot of global influences, each bringing its own unique flavors and techniques, resulting in a gastronomical experience that is second to none.

💌

Spotted a mistake, have some feedback, or just want to chat with our editorial team? Click here to get in touch.

✍️

Find out more about Travel Lens and read our editorial guidelines here.