New Orleans is renowned for its vibrant culture, rich history, and, most notably, its incredible food. From classic Creole cuisine to innovative contemporary dishes, the Crescent City offers a culinary adventure that satisfies every palate. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, here are our top picks for the best restaurants in New Orleans, along with some must-try dishes that promise an unforgettable dining experience.
1. Dooky Chase’s Restaurant
Must-Try Dish: Fried Chicken and Gumbo
Dooky Chase’s Restaurant is a cornerstone of Creole cuisine and African American culture in New Orleans. Founded by Leah Chase, known as the “Queen of Creole Cuisine,” this iconic spot offers soul food at its finest. Their Fried Chicken is legendary, perfectly seasoned, and crispy. Pair it with a bowl of Gumbo, rich with seafood and andouille sausage, and you have a pure New Orleans meal.
2. Commander’s Palace
Must-Try Dish: Turtle Soup and Creole Bread Pudding Soufflé
A historic landmark in the Garden District, Commander’s Palace has been a staple of New Orleans fine dining since 1893. Known for its elegant ambiance and impeccable service, this award-winning restaurant offers a modern take on traditional Creole cuisine. Start with their legendary Turtle Soup, then savor the Grilled Gulf or Pecan Crusted Gulf Fish. Don’t miss the Creole Bread Pudding Soufflé for dessert, a dish so famous it’s often imitated but never duplicated.
3. Cochon
Must-Try Dish: Wood-Fired Oyster Roast and Cochon de Lait
Located in the Warehouse District, Cochon is the brainchild of chefs Donald Link and Stephen Stryjewski. This rustic eatery celebrates Cajun flavors with a modern twist. The Wood-Fired Oyster Roast is a standout appetizer, while the Cochon de Lait, a succulent roasted pork dish, is a must-try main course. With an emphasis on local ingredients and traditional techniques, Cochon delivers an authentic taste of Louisiana.
4. Brennan’s
Must-Try Dish: Bananas Foster and Eggs Hussarde
Brennan’s on Royal Street is essential to any New Orleans culinary tour. Famous for inventing Bananas Foster, a delightful dessert of bananas flambéed tableside with rum and served over vanilla ice cream, Brennan’s also excels at breakfast and brunch. Try the Eggs Hussarde, a variation of Eggs Benedict with hollandaise and marchand de vin sauce, for a decadent start to your day.
5. Saba
Must-Try Dish: Blue Crab Hummus and Pita
Chef Alon Shaya’s Saba brings the flavors of the Middle East to New Orleans. Located on Magazine Street, Saba offers a menu filled with fresh, vibrant dishes. The Blue Crab Hummus is a unique and delicious starter topped with Louisiana blue crab and served with a warm pita. Try the Lamb Kebab or the Pomegranate Braised Lamb Shank for the main course.
6. Antoine’s Restaurant
Must-Try Dish: Oysters Rockefeller and Pompano Pontchartrain
As the oldest family-run restaurant in the United States, Antoine’s has been serving classic French-Creole cuisine since 1840. Their Oysters Rockefeller, a dish created here, remains a popular choice. The Pompano Pontchartrain fish, topped with crabmeat and a rich sauce, exemplifies the restaurant’s luxurious offerings. Dining at Antoine’s is like stepping back in time, with each room in the labyrinthine space offering a different historical ambiance.
7. Willie Mae’s Scotch House
Must-Try Dish: Fried Chicken
Willie Mae’s Scotch House is a James Beard Award-winning restaurant famed for its fried chicken, often hailed as the best in America. The crispy, juicy chicken, cooked to perfection, is the star of the menu, complemented by a selection of Southern sides. This Treme neighborhood gem offers a no-frills dining experience focusing on hearty, comforting food.
8. Arnaud’s
Must-Try Dish: Shrimp Arnaud and Café Brûlot
Arnaud’s has been a staple of New Orleans dining since 1918, located in the heart of the French Quarter. Known for its Creole dishes and grand dining rooms, Arnaud’s offers an elegant dining experience. Start with the Shrimp Arnaud, served with a tangy remoulade sauce, and finish with the theatrical Café Brûlot, a flaming coffee drink spiced with brandy and citrus.
9. Herbsaint
Must-Try Dish: Duck Confit and Spaghetti with Guanciale
Chef Donald Link’s contemporary bistro, Herbsaint, offers a menu that blends Southern and French flavors. The Duck Confit with dirty rice and citrus gastrique is a standout dish, while the Spaghetti with Guanciale, poached egg, and Parmesan provides a rich, satisfying option. Herbsaint’s modern approach and vibrant atmosphere make it a must-visit on St. Charles Avenue.
10. Galatoire’s
Must-Try Dish: Crabmeat Maison and Shrimp Remoulade
A French Quarter institution, Galatoire’s is known for its lively atmosphere and classic French Creole dishes. The restaurant’s dress code and no-reservation policy for the main dining room ensure a unique, traditional experience. Signature dishes include Crabmeat Maison, a refreshing crab salad, and Shrimp Remoulade, a tangy appetizer perfect for sharing.
New Orleans is a food lover’s paradise, with each restaurant offering its unique take on the city’s culinary traditions. Whether you’re in the mood for classic Creole, hearty Cajun, or innovative contemporary cuisine, these top restaurants promise a dining experience that will leave you craving more. So, make a reservation, savor every bite, and discover why New Orleans is one of the world’s great food cities.
