From muffulettas to gumbo to po’ boys to snowballs, New Orleans’ signature dishes offer a masterclass in all things delicious. With flavors and influences from around the world, stretching from Africa to Vietnam to France and Cajun country, the restaurant scene here is one delightfully delicious melting pot.
We are diving into what makes the cuisine of New Orleans among the best in the country. (Photo Credit: Karly Jones)
And don’t forget to try every beignet you can get your hands on. (Photo Credit: @keeshaskitchen)
Locals tout the pride and soul that goes into each famous dish, and the rich history behind them, as the reason why their local cuisine reigns supreme. They’ll also tell you there’s no more perfect bite than a beignet (which we wholeheartedly agree with).
And while whittling down a best eats list for the Big Easy is anything but, these are a few of our favorite places to eat in New Orleans.
Mosquito Supper Club
Chef and owner Melissa Martin describes her ode to the bayou as, “Cajun grandma dishes in a 100-year-old home.” At Mosquito Supper Club, a multi-course menu of fresh, local seafood is served communally with travelers and locals sitting together in true southern hospitality style.
Welcome to Mosquito Supper Club. (Photo Credit: @briewilliams)
Here, you will enjoy some of the freshest seafood in the city. (Photo Credit: @jmarquephoto)
Dishes vary according to the catch of the day, but pickled shrimp, Louisiana crab claws, and oyster soup have been known to grace the chalkboard menu.
Neighborhood: Uptown NOLA
Dakar NOLA
Senegalese food is the star inside this Magazine Street shotgun house turned New Orleans mainstay. Chef Serigne Mbaye (a Mosquito Supper Club alum) creates a thoughtful, ever-changing tasting menu that seeks to show the historical and culinary connection between Africa and New Orleans.
Step on up to the comforting warmth of Dakar NOLA. (Photo Credit: James Collier)
Here, the dishes are pulled straight from the streets of Senegal. (Photo Credit: Anton Lecock)
And while dishes like the black-eyed-pea stew elicit a quiet content in the dining room, each dish is a conversation starter. Make sure to book in advance; it’s one of the toughest reservations in the city.
Neighborhood: The Garden District
Turkey And The Wolf
You’ll first spot this much-loved sandwich shop by the line snaking outside its front door. But trust us, the food here is worth the wait.
The sandwiches at Turkey and the Wolf are absolutely worth the wait. (Photo Credit: William Hereford)
If we had a vote, we’d say to try the fried bologna sandwich stuffed with potato chips. (Photo Credit: William Hereford)
Locally owned, this sandwich shop is an absolute gem in NOLA. (Photo Credit: William Hereford)
Playful, casual and addictive, favorites like the fried bologna sandwich stuffed with potato chips and the collard green melt are must-orders. But first, start off with an order of deviled eggs with crispy chicken skin and a frozen marg made with Mountain Dew.
Neighborhood: Irish Channel
Peacock Room
Inside Kimpton Hotel Fontenot, you’ll find the city’s best burger. That alone is enough to warrant a visit. But take one step inside this whimsical restaurant decked out in deep blues, velvets, and (of course) peacocks, and you’ll settle in for the night.
Welcome to Peacock Room, the jewel of Kimpton Hotel Fontenot. (Photo Credit: @hotelfontenot)
Here, the cocktails pair perfectly with the setting. (Photo Credit: @hotelfontenot)
Besides the signature smash burger, try the pimento cheese and the steamed crawfish dumplings. Combine them with a variety of fun craft cocktails while the live jazz plays.
Neighborhood: The Warehouse District
Herbsaint
A lunchtime go-to for New Orleanians, Herbsaint has been beloved since it opened on St. Charles Avenue in 2000. Created by local celebrity chef Donald Link, this French fusion restaurant has won more awards than the number of dishes on its menu.
Herbsaint is a beloved French fusion restaurant and a perfect spot for lunch. (Photo Credit: Link Restaurant Group)
Because it’s almost obligatory to try French fusion when in New Orleans. (Photo Credit: Link Restaurant Group)
Ask to sit outside and order the gumbo, housemade spaghetti with a local farm egg, and the Muscovy duck leg confit served with dirty rice.
Neighborhood: The Warehouse District
Lilly’s Café
New Orleans has a rich Vietnamese community serving some of the best phở south of the Mason Dixon. Located in a purple house across from Gris Gris (another worthy spot to add to the list), this comforting Vietnamese classic is what they specialize in.
If in the mood for a warm, cozy meal, stop by Lilly’s Café for some of the best phở in the city. (Photo Credit: Mae Mu)
Try the traditional summer rolls and a shrimp phở. And don’t fret — if you’re vegetarian or vegan, you’ll find plenty of worthy options on the menu.
Neighborhood: The Lower Garden District
Commander’s Palace
Commander’s Palace is more than just a restaurant — it’s a piece of New Orleans history. Open since 1893, its white and turquoise colors, Sunday jazz brunch, and bread pudding are the stuff of legends.
For some New Orleans history, head to the beautiful Garden District for fine Creole cuisine. (Photo Credit: Karly Jones)
Creole cooking at its finest, the turtle soup au sherry and the bananas Foster here are not to be missed. Be sure to read the dress code rules before arriving to avoid any disappointment.
Neighborhood: The Garden District
GW Fins
Fresh fish shines at this fine-dining seafood spot that prides itself on using every piece of the catch, including the fins. Try chef Michael Nelson’s swordfish take on a Muffaletta, the firecracker tuna tacos, and the signature Scalibut.
Experience fresh seafood and fine dining at GW Fins. (Photo Credit: Airam Dato)
And make sure to save room for dessert — the Salty Malty Ice Cream Pie may just be the best bite of your entire trip.
Neighborhood: The French Quarter
Book a table at any of these restaurants, and you’ll see why New Orleans continuously tops the “best of” food charts. No matter which restaurant you choose in this culinary capital, you’re bound to leave happy and full.
And word to the wise, in New Orleans, don’t skip out on dessert.
Where to stay: Kimpton Hotel Fontenot
Check out our full series on the food capitals of America here.
