New Orleans Dining Spots That Belong On Every Visitor’s Bucket List
New Orleans is famous for its incredible food scene, where every meal feels like a celebration of flavor and culture.
From crispy beignets to fresh oysters, the city offers dishes you simply can’t find anywhere else. Whether you’re craving classic Creole cooking or a legendary po’boy sandwich, these dining spots will make your trip unforgettable.
1. Galatoire’s
If you want to experience old-school New Orleans charm, Galatoire’s delivers exactly that. Operating since 1905, this French Quarter gem has been serving up classic Creole dishes for over a century. The atmosphere buzzes with energy, especially during their famous Friday lunch when locals and visitors pack the dining room.
You’ll find dishes like Shrimp Remoulade and Crabmeat Maison on the menu, prepared with recipes passed down through generations. The waiters wear tuxedos and treat every guest like family. It’s the kind of place where traditions matter and every bite tastes like history.
Reservations are recommended, but the first floor operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Dress nicely because Galatoire’s maintains a jacket-required policy for gentlemen at dinner.
2. Antoine’s Restaurant
Walking into Antoine’s feels like stepping back in time to 1840 when this legendary spot first opened its doors. It’s the oldest family-run restaurant in America, and you can feel that history in every corner. The restaurant features fifteen themed dining rooms, each with its own unique character and story.
Oysters Rockefeller was invented right here, and tasting this iconic dish where it all began is truly special. The rich, buttery topping perfectly complements the fresh Gulf oysters underneath. Beyond this famous creation, the menu showcases traditional French-Creole cooking at its finest.
Tour the restaurant’s wine cellar if you get the chance it survived Prohibition and holds thousands of bottles. Antoine’s isn’t just dinner; it’s a journey through New Orleans culinary heritage.
3. Cafe Du Monde
Did you know that Cafe Du Monde has been serving the same simple menu since 1862? Beignets and cafe au lait that’s it, and honestly, that’s all you need. These fluffy, square-shaped donuts arrive hot and buried under a mountain of powdered sugar that gets everywhere, but nobody minds.
The cafe sits right by the French Market, offering open-air seating where you can watch street performers and horse-drawn carriages pass by. It’s open twenty-four hours a day, so whether you need a midnight snack or an early breakfast, they’re ready. The chicory coffee perfectly balances the sweetness of the beignets.
Expect lines, especially on weekends, but they move quickly. Bring cash because it speeds up the process, and definitely wear clothes you don’t mind getting dusted with sugar.
4. Commander’s Palace
Commander’s Palace stands out with its stunning turquoise and white Victorian exterior in the Garden District. Since 1893, this landmark has defined what haute Creole cuisine means. The restaurant earned multiple James Beard Awards and launched the careers of famous chefs like Emeril Lagasse and Paul Prudhomme.
Jazz brunch here is absolutely legendary live music fills the dining room while you enjoy dishes like Turtle Soup and Pecan-Crusted Gulf Fish. The 25-cent martini lunch deal (with entree purchase) has become a beloved tradition. Every detail, from the service to the presentation, shows why this place remains special.
Book your reservation well in advance because tables fill up fast. The dress code requires business casual attire, so leave your flip-flops at the hotel.
5. Acme Oyster House
How fresh are the oysters at Acme? They’re shucked right in front of you at the marble-topped bar, straight from the Gulf of Mexico. This no-frills seafood spot has been a French Quarter institution since 1910. The line often stretches down the sidewalk, but watching the expert shuckers work makes the wait entertaining.
Order them raw, chargrilled, or in a po’boy you really can’t go wrong. The chargrilled version comes bubbling hot with butter, garlic, and cheese that melts perfectly over the oysters. Prices are reasonable, and portions are generous, making it a favorite among both tourists and locals.
Arrive early or late to avoid peak crowds. The casual atmosphere means you can come as you are, and the friendly staff keeps the energy high all day long.
6. Parkway Bakery & Tavern
Parkway Bakery claims to be the birthplace of the po’boy sandwich, and after one bite, you’ll understand why this matters. Located in the Mid-City neighborhood, this casual spot serves some of the most talked-about sandwiches in New Orleans. The bread comes from local bakeries, arriving fresh daily with that perfect crispy-outside, fluffy-inside texture.
Their Roast Beef Po’boy drips with gravy, while the Fried Shrimp version overflows with plump, golden-fried seafood. You can also try unique options like the Surf and Turf, combining roast beef with fried shrimp. Portions are massive, so come hungry or plan to share.
Seating is available indoors and on the covered patio. It’s a family-friendly environment where everyone from construction workers to food critics gathers for lunch.
7. Brennan’s Restaurant
Breakfast at Brennan’s isn’t just a meal it’s an event worth planning your whole morning around. This French Quarter beauty pioneered the concept of fancy breakfast in New Orleans back in 1946. The stunning courtyard, filled with banana trees and fountains, creates a magical setting for your meal.
Bananas Foster was created here, and watching the tableside flambé presentation is absolutely thrilling. The flames leap up as the server caramelizes bananas in butter, brown sugar, and rum before spooning it over vanilla ice cream. Their Eggs Hussarde and Turtle Soup also deserve spots on your order.
The restaurant underwent a major renovation after Hurricane Katrina and now shines brighter than ever. Reservations are essential, and brunch service runs until early afternoon, so you won’t have to wake up too early.
8. Cochon
When Chef Donald Link opened Cochon, he brought authentic Cajun cooking to the Warehouse District with serious style. The name means pig in French, and pork definitely stars on this menu. It’s not fancy fine dining instead, it celebrates the hearty, soulful food of South Louisiana’s countryside.
The Cochon with Turnips and Cabbage showcases slow-roasted pork that practically melts on your fork. Fried Alligator with Chili Garlic Mayonnaise offers adventurous eaters something uniquely Louisiana. The Boudin balls and rabbit dishes also earn rave reviews from locals who know their Cajun food.
The industrial-chic space feels modern yet comfortable, with an open kitchen letting you watch the magic happen. Lunch tends to be less crowded than dinner, offering better chances for walk-ins without reservations.
9. Dooky Chase’s Restaurant
Leah Chase, the legendary Queen of Creole Cuisine, made Dooky Chase’s a beacon of culture and community for over seventy years. This Treme neighborhood treasure serves authentic Creole soul food that fed civil rights leaders during the movement. The walls display African American art collected by Mrs. Chase herself, making it feel like a museum and restaurant combined.
Their Thursday lunch buffet is famous citywide, featuring classics like Fried Chicken, Gumbo Z’Herbes, and Stuffed Shrimp. Each dish represents recipes perfected over generations. The seasoning is bold but balanced, showing the African, French, and Spanish influences that define Creole cooking.
Though Mrs. Chase passed away in 2019, her family continues her legacy with the same dedication to excellence and community she embodied throughout her remarkable life.
10. Jacques-Imo’s Cafe
Are you ready for some seriously fun, over-the-top Creole cooking? Jacques-Imo’s delivers exactly that with a side of New Orleans personality. This Carrollton spot doesn’t take reservations, so expect a wait, but they’ll serve you drinks on the sidewalk while you hang out. The colorful, quirky decor matches the bold flavors coming from the kitchen.
Their Shrimp and Alligator Sausage Cheesecake sounds wild, and it tastes even better than it sounds savory, rich, and completely unique. The Blackened Redfish gets piled high with crabmeat and hollandaise. Portions are enormous, and the staff treats everyone like old friends who just stopped by for dinner.
Chef Jacques Leonardi creates dishes that honor tradition while adding his own creative twists. It’s loud, crowded, and absolutely worth every minute of the wait outside.
11. Mother’s Restaurant
Mother’s has been feeding hungry New Orleanians since 1938, and the line out the door proves it’s still doing something right. Located in the Central Business District, this cafeteria-style spot keeps things simple and delicious. You order at the counter, grab your number, and wait for your name to be called no fancy table service here.
The Famous Ferdi Special combines baked ham and roast beef debris (the crispy, gravy-soaked bits from the bottom of the roasting pan) into one incredible po’boy. That debris is what makes Mother’s special it’s messy, flavorful, and worth every napkin you’ll use. The bread stays crispy despite all that gravy somehow.
Breakfast is served all day, so you can get their amazing omelets whenever you want. Cash and cards are both accepted, and the whole experience feels authentically local.
12. Coop’s Place
Don’t let the dive bar appearance fool you Coop’s Place serves some of the best Cajun food in the French Quarter. This cash-only joint on Decatur Street attracts locals who know where to find authentic flavors without tourist prices. The atmosphere is laid-back and unpretentious, with rock music playing and cold beer flowing.
Their Rabbit and Sausage Jambalaya is legendary among those in the know, packed with meat and perfectly seasoned rice. The Cajun Fried Chicken arrives hot and crispy with just the right amount of spice. Red beans and rice on Monday follows the traditional New Orleans schedule that locals still observe.
Service can be slow when they’re busy, but nobody seems to mind because the food is worth the wait. There’s often a wait for tables during dinner, but turnover happens fairly quickly in this cozy space.
13. Willie Mae’s Scotch House
Willie Mae’s fried chicken earned a James Beard Award, and honestly, it deserves every bit of that recognition. This tiny Treme restaurant started as a bar in 1957 and evolved into a fried chicken shrine. The original owner, Willie Mae Seaton, perfected her recipe over decades, and her great-granddaughter continues the tradition today.
The chicken is brined, seasoned with a secret spice blend, and fried to crispy perfection that somehow stays juicy inside. It comes with classic sides like red beans, butter beans, or mac and cheese. The portions are generous, and the prices remain surprisingly affordable despite the restaurant’s fame.
Hurricane Katrina nearly destroyed the building, but the community rallied to rebuild it. Lines form early, especially for lunch, so plan accordingly and bring your patience along with your appetite.
14. Casamento’s Restaurant
It’s impossible to talk about New Orleans oysters without mentioning Casamento’s. This family-owned gem has occupied the same Uptown corner since 1919. The pristine white tile covering the walls and floors makes the whole place sparkle like a jewel box. They close during the summer months, operating only when oysters are at their peak quality.
The oyster loaf a whole loaf of bread hollowed out and stuffed with fried oysters is their signature creation and tastes like pure comfort. Their oyster stew, creamy and rich, warms you from the inside out. Everything is made to order, so nothing sits under heat lamps losing its magic.
The servers have worked here for years and know exactly what to recommend. It’s a small space, so waits are common, but watching the cooks work in the open kitchen makes time pass quickly.
15. Domilise’s Po-Boys
Though Domilise’s closed its doors in 2022 after nearly a century of operation, its legacy lives on in New Orleans po’boy history. Located Uptown on Annunciation Street, this tiny spot served some of the city’s most beloved sandwiches. The walls were covered with customer photos and memorabilia collected over generations of service.
Their hot roast beef po’boy set the standard that others tried to match, with tender meat and perfect gravy on fresh French bread. The fried shrimp version was equally famous, stuffed so full that shrimp fell out with every bite. Locals mourned deeply when the family decided to retire and close permanently.
While you can’t visit Domilise’s anymore, its influence shaped what New Orleanians expect from a great po’boy. Many other shops continue the tradition, keeping the spirit of this beloved institution alive throughout the city.
