15 perfect restaurants in New Orleans, United States
Sophie Watts
US Travel Writer
Welcome to the Big Easy, where the food is as spicy as the jazz and the hospitality is as warm as the gumbo! Brace your taste buds for the culinary adventure of a lifetime in New Orleans, where 15 gastronomic gems await your arrival. From the mouthwatering po' boys and heavenly beignets of NOLA institution, to the decadent Creole delights and masterfully crafted cocktails in a swanky French Quarter hideaway, this article has got your cravings covered faster than you can say "laissez les bon temps rouler!"
Save destination1. Cochon
930 Tchoupitoulas St Ste A, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
Welcome to Cochon, the culinary gem of New Orleans that will have you oinking with delight! Located in the heart of the city, this charming restaurant takes pork to the next level, transporting your taste buds on a swine-tastic journey. From the moment you step foot inside, you'll be greeted by the tempting scent of sizzling bacon and the faint sound of little piggies happily wallowing in their troughs. Prepare to indulge in Cochon's mouthwatering menu, where pork becomes the unrivaled star of the show! Sink your teeth into their famous cochon de lait, a pork lover's dream come true. With succulent slow-cooked pork that falls off the bone, paired with zesty pickled peaches and a side of creamy grits, your palate will be dancing with joy. And don't forget to try the hog's head cheese, a delicacy that will have you wondering how anybody could make a pig's head taste so incredibly delectable. But Cochon isn't just a paradise for pork enthusiasts. Their attention to detail shines in every dish, offering a delightful blend of flavors and textures that will make your taste buds squeal with delight. So, if you're ready to embark on a porcine adventure unlike any other, make a beeline to Cochon and prepare for an unforgettable swine-soaked culinary escapade that'll have you snorting with satisfaction!
Learn more2. Coquette
2800 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115, USA
Welcome to Coquette, a delightful gem nestled in the heart of New Orleans! Upon stepping through the charming doors, get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will make your taste buds tango with joy. This elegant yet whimsical restaurant offers a delectable array of dishes that blend regional flavors with a touch of delightful quirkiness, ensuring a memorable dining experience. Coquette's menu is a playground for food enthusiasts, where mouthwatering creations are born. From their succulent fried chicken that could make a poultry fashion model jealous, to artfully crafted seafood dishes that will have even the fish singing praise, their menu boasts innovative recipes that will leave you wanting more. Oh, and don't forget to ask about their secret weapon—the "pastry ninja" who conjures up desserts so good, they could make your sweet tooth twerk! Tucked away in a charming Uptown neighborhood, Coquette adds a dash of southern charm to your dining experience. The cozy yet sophisticated atmosphere, with its mismatched wooden chairs and old-world accents, invites you to relax and savor every bite. So, grab a napkin, prepare your taste buds for a party, and get ready to let Coquette take you on a culinary journey through the vibrant flavors of New Orleans!
Learn more3. Brennan's
417 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
Welcome to Brennan's, the quintessential New Orleans dining experience where elegance meets eccentricity! Step into this charming restaurant and be transported to a world filled with mouthwatering cuisine, bustling energy, and more flamboyant decor than a Mardi Gras parade. Indulge in their famous breakfast delicacies like the Eggs Hussarde, a dish so rich and flavorful, its taste will make you want to moonwalk on Bourbon Street! The ambiance at Brennan's is as vibrant as a jazz band on a French Quarter street corner. With each step, you'll discover yourself surrounded by an alluring blend of old-world charm and whimsical quirks. Who knew a dining room could be covered in banana leaf wallpaper, paintings of French roosters, and crystal chandeliers that make you question if you accidentally wandered into Marie Antoinette's boudoir? Now, let's talk about the pièce de résistance, Brennan's legendary Bananas Foster. Brace yourself for a spectacle that will make you question whether dessert can truly be a form of entertainment. As the flames leap high and the intoxicating aroma of caramelized bananas fills the air, you'll witness a culinary show that deserves its own Broadway production. So delicious, you might be tempted to order it for every meal. Trust me, no one will judge you!
Learn more4. Herbsaint
701 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
Welcome to Herbsaint, a charming little haven in the heart of New Orleans! As you saunter into the restaurant, the air fills with the delightful aroma of culinary wizardry mixed with a hint of southern sass. Grab a seat and prepare to be blown away by their mouthwatering creations that marry traditional Creole flavors with a sprinkle of contemporary pizzazz. The only thing Herbsaint lacks is a warning sign outside, cautioning you that once you leave, your taste buds may never be satisfied anywhere else again.
Learn more5. Shaya
4213 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115, USA
Nestled in the heart of New Orleans, Shaya is a culinary haven for food enthusiasts seeking a taste of Middle Eastern delights. With its charming ambiance and friendly staff, this restaurant transports you straight to the bustling streets of Tel Aviv, minus the jet lag and passport stamps. Indulge in tantalizing dishes like hummus so creamy it could rival the softness of clouds, and falafels so flavorful they'll make you want to ditch your day job and embark on a falafel-tasting world tour.
Learn more6. Dooky Chase's
2301 Orleans Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119, USA
Welcome to Dooky Chase's, a legendary gem nestled in the heart of New Orleans! This beloved institution has been dishing out soul food since before brunch was even a trendy verb. With its unassuming facade and warm, welcoming atmosphere, stepping into Dooky Chase's is like being wrapped in a comforting, culinary hug from your favorite Southern grandma. So, pack your stretchy pants and prepare to feast on a mouthwatering array of Creole delicacies while channeling your inner foodie aficionado.
Learn more7. Antoine's
713 St Louis St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
Welcome to Antoine's, the granddaddy of New Orleans' dining scene! Step into a timeless world where history, French elegance, and mouthwatering cuisine converge in a symphony of flavors. Grab a seat among the ghosts of famous diners past and prepare for an unforgettable dining experience that will tickle your taste buds and transport you to culinary paradise.
Learn more8. Clancy's
6100 Annunciation St, New Orleans, LA 70118, USA
Amidst the vibrant streets of New Orleans, nestled in the heart of the French Quarter, lies Clancy's, a culinary haven that promises a tantalizing experience worth loosening your belt for. This charming restaurant boasts an ambiance as lively as Mardi Gras itself, with walls adorned in vibrant colors, jazz melodies wafting through the air like sweet siren songs, and a staff who could moonlight as comedians, serving up humor alongside delectable dishes. Prepare your taste buds for a wild ride with Clancy's famed Creole cuisine, where the flavors dance on your tongue like a street performer with more moves than a Bourbon Street reveler.
Learn more9. Galatoire's
209 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
Nestled in the heart of New Orleans, Galatoire's is a culinary haven that will make your taste buds sing like a drunken jazz band. Be prepared to embark on a gastronomic journey where perfectly fried seafood, succulent steaks, and vibrant Creole flavors will have you questioning why you ever bothered with other meals. Don't forget to dress up for this fanciful experience, because at Galatoire's, you're expected to bring your A-game fashion-wise – if you show up in flip-flops or a Hawaiian shirt, they might just order you a tuxedo made entirely of crawfish.
Learn more10. Commander's Palace
1403 Washington Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
Nestled in the vibrant heart of New Orleans, Commander's Palace is a culinary haven where food fanatics and taste adventurers embark on a gastronomic odyssey. With a dash of fine dining elegance and a pinch of cheeky charm, this legendary restaurant invites you to experience dining at its most whimsical and delicious. From their indulgent turtle soup that'll have you racing like a tortoise to their delectable bread pudding, a dessert so good it tempted even Marie Antoinette to abandon cake, Commander's Palace promises an unforgettable culinary escapade that will leave you dreaming of jazz-filled nights and savoring each mouthwatering morsel.
Learn more11. August
301 Tchoupitoulas St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
Welcome to August in New Orleans, where the heat is as thick as a beignet and the humidity will have you sweating like a crawfish at a seafood boil. This month is like a steamy dance between the city and the sweltering sun, with temperatures that make hot sauce seem mild in comparison. Be prepared for an intense love-hate relationship with the weather, but fear not, because New Orleans always knows how to keep the good times rolling, even if it means melting a few ice cubes along the way.
Learn more12. Compère Lapin
535 Tchoupitoulas St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
Welcome to the delightful world of Compère Lapin in New Orleans, where culinary enchantment meets playful flavors. This lively restaurant, helmed by talented Chef Nina Compton, invites you to hop on a delectable journey through the exotic and whimsical corners of Caribbean and Creole cuisine. With its vibrant interiors and relaxed ambience, dining at Compère Lapin guarantees a playful experience for both your taste buds and your sense of adventure.
Learn more13. Arnaud's
813 Bienville St, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
Welcome to Arnaud's in the lively city of New Orleans, where indulging in exquisite dining takes a delightful twist. This historic gem offers a tantalizing experience, combining traditional Creole cuisine with a whimsical touch. From the moment you step through the doors, you'll feel as if you've been transported to a world where elegance and merriment dance gracefully in unison.
Learn more14. La Petite Grocery
4238 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115, USA
Welcome to La Petite Grocery in the beautiful city of New Orleans! This enchanting neighborhood gem is like the culinary equivalent of that one friend who always has the perfect balance of sophistication and quirkiness. Step inside and be greeted by their whimsical décor, as if a French bistro decided to have a fling with a Louisiana Creole kitchen. Prepare your taste buds for a merry dance of flavors as you indulge in their quirky twists on classic Southern dishes, guaranteed to make your taste buds shake their groove thangs.
Learn more15. Emeril's
800 Tchoupitoulas St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
As you venture into the heart of New Orleans, brace yourself for a culinary adventure like no other at Emeril's! This legendary restaurant, helmed by the charismatic Emeril Lagasse himself, delights its hungry patrons with a whirlwind of flavors that are guaranteed to make your taste buds dance the tango. From the moment you walk through the door, the intoxicating aroma of Cajun spices and mouthwatering delicacies will leave you wondering if you've stumbled into the kitchen of some culinary sorcerer.
Learn moreHow to get there
Plane
The best way to get to New Orleans by plane is to fly to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport from your departure airport. There are several airlines such as American Airlines, Delta, and United that operate flights to the airport from various destinations.
Car
Driving to New Orleans is an option for those who prefer to have more control over their transportation. You can take Interstate 10, which connects New Orleans with major cities across the US. Some popular stops along the way are Houston, TX, and Pensacola, FL.
Train
While there are no direct trains to New Orleans, Amtrak's City of New Orleans route is a popular train option. You can take a train from various cities to Memphis, TN, and then transfer to another train to New Orleans. The nearest train station to New Orleans is the New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal.
Boat
New Orleans is a popular port for several ocean and river cruises. Visitors can board a cruise ship from various ports such as Miami, FL, or Houston, TX, and sail into the port of New Orleans. Some popular cruise lines that stop at New Orleans include Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival Cruises, and Royal Caribbean International.
Bus
Taking a bus to New Orleans is a cost-effective option. Greyhound and Megabus are two popular bus companies that provide service to the city from different locations within the US. The Greyhound bus station is located at 1001 Loyola Ave, and the Megabus stop is located at 1001 Howard Ave.