My Favorite New Orleans Restaurants – A Guide for Food Lovers
New Orleans is one of the world’s great culinary destinations. Like so many others, I love to visit, eat well, and soak up the city’s inimitable charm. It was here, amid jazz and jambalaya, that I witnessed the most awe-inspiring display of memory I’ve ever seen. A server took a full à la carte order for fifteen people—without writing down a single note—and delivered every dish flawlessly. I’ve never forgotten that moment, and I’ve never forgotten how good the food was, either.
“Hey Tim, we’re heading to New Orleans—what restaurants do you recommend?”
I get this question often, and I’m always thrilled to help friends make the most of their dining experience in the Crescent City. So, instead of repeating myself in email after email, I decided to put my list together here.
My goal is simple: revisit the tried-and-true favorites and always save room for something new. That said, this list is focused on places with staying power, not just trendy hotspots. As a non-resident, I don’t claim to have the inside scoop on every new opening. But I can point you to restaurants with deep roots, rich history, and food that continues to impress.
The Grand Dames of New Orleans Dining
If you want a taste of the original New Orleans—before pop-ups, tasting menus, or food influencers—this is where to begin. These historic establishments represent the soul of Creole cuisine and the traditions that have shaped the city’s dining culture for over a century. They’re more formal, but also timeless. If I could only dine at one New Orleans restaurant on a first visit, it would be one of the four below.
If you’re seeking the full New Orleans fine-dining experience—elegance, tradition, and unforgettable flavors—Arnaud’s delivers it all with a flourish. This iconic French-Creole restaurant has been anchoring the French Quarter since 1918, and it’s as much a part of the city’s heritage as the St. Louis Cathedral or Preservation Hall. Step inside, and you’ll find yourself in a dining room where white tablecloths, tuxedoed waiters, and the clink of cocktail glasses set the stage for a refined yet deeply satisfying meal.
My perfect evening at Arnaud’s begins with one of the most memorable starters I’ve ever tasted: hickory-smoked pompano, dressed with a touch of sour cream, finely diced red onion, and briny capers. The smoky richness of the fish plays beautifully against the tang and crunch of the garnishes. It’s elegant and balanced but unfortunately, pompano is rare in my part of the country, which forced me to create my own Smoked Salmon Creole back home.
For the main, I always hope they’re serving the veal tournedos, bathed in a luxurious wild mushroom sauce and paired with creamy risotto. It’s a dish that feels indulgent, with earthy mushrooms adding depth to the perfectly cooked veal. I can’t think of a more fitting end to this meal than their silky, deeply caramelized crème brûlée—rich, satisfying, and just the right amount of drama when the crackly sugar top gives way to that lush custard beneath.
Arnaud’s is timeless, and every bite reminds you why it has endured for over a century.
Brennan’s
Sometimes, a meal begins before you even sit down—and that was the case the last time I dined at Brennan’s. We found ourselves swept up in a wedding party making its way through the French Quarter. The brass band led the second line straight to the restaurant, and as luck would have it, we landed a front-row seat to the celebration from a table overlooking the lush courtyard. It was one of those perfectly New Orleans moments—serendipitous, festive, and unforgettable.
Inside, Brennan’s lives up to its reputation as one of the city’s most iconic dining destinations. It’s grand and elegant, but not stuffy.
I started my meal with their seafood cannelloni, a refined Creole twist on an Italian classic. The pasta is rolled around a rich filling of Gulf shrimp, crabmeat, and fish, then bathed in a light shellfish cream sauce. It’s delicate but full of flavor, with just enough seafood sweetness to remind you how close you are to the water.
For the main course, I chose blackened redfish, which arrived with a perfectly crisped crust that locked in all the buttery richness of the fish. The blackening spices added heat and depth without overpowering the redfish’s natural sweetness, and the accompanying vegetables—fresh and simply prepared—provided a welcome contrast.
No trip to Brennan’s is complete without indulging in their most famous contribution to the dessert world: Bananas Foster. Brennan’s invented the dish in the 1950s, and they still do it best. Watching the rum, brown sugar, and banana liqueur ignite tableside is half the fun, but the flavor—warm, boozy caramel over melting bananas and vanilla ice cream is what keeps people coming back. It’s a rite of passage for any first-time visitor and a comforting classic for those of us who’ve been before.
Commander’s Palace
Tucked beneath the oaks in the Garden District and wrapped in its unmistakable turquoise and white trim, Commander’s Palace is the kind of restaurant where culinary history and southern hospitality go hand in hand. Dining here feels like stepping into a grand New Orleans tradition—because it is one. This landmark has been delighting guests since 1893, and over the decades it’s helped launch the careers of some of the South’s most celebrated chefs.
Among those who passed through its kitchen is none other than Emeril Lagasse, who served as executive chef in the early 1980s before becoming a household name. His tenure at Commander’s helped shape the restaurant’s reputation for modernizing Creole cuisine while keeping its soul intact. Today, under the leadership of the Brennan family and a new generation of chefs, Commander’s remains as vital and vibrant as ever.
My most memorable visit came on the heels of a Gulf fishing trip, where we caught sheepshead by the dozens. Imagine my surprise to find blackened sheepshead featured on the menu that very night. The dish was expertly done—the mild, sweet fish fillet cloaked in a golden spicy crust, served with a buttery sauce that brought just enough richness without overshadowing the flavor of the fish. It was a personal connection to the plate that made the experience all the more special.
I began the meal with Commander’s famous turtle soup, a deeply savory, sherry-laced classic that’s been perfected over decades. It arrives piping hot and full of flavor, with a drizzle of aged sherry added at the table. And of course, I couldn’t leave without ordering their Creole bread pudding soufflé for dessert—airy, warm, and crowned with a whiskey sauce poured tableside. It’s showy in the best way and a fitting finale to an unforgettable meal.
Galatoire’s
Dining at Galatoire’s is like stepping into a living, breathing New Orleans institution. Located right on Bourbon Street it’s been serving traditional French Creole cuisine since 1905, and remarkably little has changed – in the best possible way. Upstairs, jackets are still expected, and regulars often linger for hours over multi-course meals that blur the line between dining and ritual. What makes Galatoire’s truly special isn’t just the food, but the atmosphere. The front dining room can get as lively as a parade, especially during lunch.
As for me, I can’t set foot inside without ordering the sweetbreads. Delicately prepared and rich with butter, they’re tender and savory, an unapologetically old-school indulgence. I follow that with a veal chop—juicy, thick-cut, and cooked just right. Alongside, I always request asparagus with hollandaise, perfectly blanched and dressed in that silky, lemony sauce that never goes out of style, and soufflé potatoes, those golden, puffed-up marvels that seem to defy the laws of physics.
To finish, it’s always caramel custard and a strong cup of coffee. The custard is smooth and cool, with a deep caramel top that’s bittersweet and bracing after such a rich meal. It’s a quiet moment at the end of an otherwise grand dining experience.
Galatoire’s is tradition with a capital T—an experience that rewards the unhurried and the hungry alike. Go once, and you’ll understand why generations have made this their go-to table. Go twice, and you’ll probably start planning your third visit before the check arrives.
The New Orleans Second Line
Just as a second line brings joyful energy and depth to a New Orleans parade, there’s a whole world of dining beyond the city’s iconic “Grand Dames.” The rhythm of New Orleans cuisine doesn’t pause at white tablecloths and soufflé potatoes—it plays on in corner cafés, seafood counters, neighborhood bistros, and historic haunts where locals and visitors alike come to eat, celebrate, and linger.
These are the spots I return to again and again, places that may not require a dinner jacket, but still serve meals that linger in memory. Consider this your personal second line of dining—each one worthy of a visit, especially for those seeking a more complete and casual taste of the city.
Café Du Monde
You simply can’t visit New Orleans without making a pilgrimage to Café Du Monde. Open since 1862, it’s a rite of passage to sit beneath the green-striped awning with a plate of hot beignets buried in powdered sugar and a cup of chicory coffee that cuts the sweetness just right. Fair warning: there’s always a line, even before sunrise. But the reward—pillowy beignets fresh from the fryer—is more than worth the wait.
Acme Oyster House & Felix’s Oyster Bar
The rivalry is real, and I say—why choose? Acme Oyster House is famous for its bustling vibe and fresh Gulf oysters on the half shell, served ice-cold with a dash of hot sauce and a squeeze of lemon. Their gumbo is hearty and deeply flavored, perfect as a warm-up before the main event. Just across the street, Felix’s Oyster Bar offers a more low-key counter experience. While their raw oysters are excellent, I come specifically for the Oysters Buffalo and Oysters Bienville—baked beauties topped with rich, spicy sauces that make each bite feel indulgent.
Casamento’s Restaurant
This is as old-school as they come, with a tile-clad interior that looks frozen in time. This beloved Uptown institution has been serving oysters since 1919, and their Oyster Loaf—a towering sandwich of fried oysters on thick white bread—is legendary. Pair it with an ice-cold beer, and you’ve got one of the most satisfying lunches in the city. Just remember: they’re closed during the summer and it’s cash only—classic quirks of a place that’s stayed true to its roots.
Brigtsen’s
Tucked into a charming house on Dante Street, Brigtsen’s has been quietly holding court for over 40 years. Chef Frank Brigtsen, a protégé of the late Paul Prudhomme, continues the Creole tradition with warmth and finesse. The service is as comforting as the cuisine, and the soft-shell crab I had there still holds the title of the best I’ve ever eaten. This is refined, heartfelt cooking that never loses its sense of place.
Emeril’s
A name known far beyond New Orleans, Emeril’s was a pioneer in modern Creole cuisine when it opened in the Warehouse District in 1990. Today, it remains a culinary force, now helmed by Emeril’s son, E.J. Lagasse, who has brought a fresh spark to the kitchen while honoring the family legacy. The menu is innovative but grounded—where else are you going to find something like Smoked Salmon Cheesecake that actually works?
La Petite Grocery
What was once a corner grocery is now a refined Garden District gem. La Petite Grocery blends elegance and comfort in a space that’s both historic and inviting. Their paneed rabbit, served with fresh vegetables and rich pan sauce, is a dish I still think about. It’s the kind of meal that feels both homey and luxurious, and the service is polished without ever being pretentious.
New Orleans dining is a celebration in every form—from grand old dining rooms to hidden gems. The Second Line may follow behind the headliners, but it brings just as much joy, flavor, and soul. These are the places that keep me coming back, fork first.
Many Happy Returns
Every visit to New Orleans is a reunion, with old friends, familiar flavors, and memories made in dining rooms that feel like second homes. But it’s also a chance to chase something new. That’s the beauty of this city. No matter how many meals you’ve enjoyed here, there’s always another one waiting to surprise you.
I always make room for my tried-and-true favorites, but the list of restaurants I’ve yet to try is just as exciting—and ever-growing. These are the spots at the top of my list for future visits, each offering a different slice of what makes New Orleans a singular food city:
Dooky Chase’s Restaurant – A Treme legend with deep roots in Creole cooking and a powerful legacy carried forward by second-generation talent. This one feels like a pilgrimage long overdue.
St. Germain – A contemporary tasting-menu destination where the offerings change monthly. Small, chef-driven, and high on my list for a focused, seasonal experience.
G.W. Fins – Known for its ultra-fresh, market-inspired seafood, right in the heart of the French Quarter. I’ve heard the lobster dumplings alone are worth the reservation.
Pêche – A bright, energetic spot in the Warehouse District that blends rustic seafood with modern technique. Raw bar, whole fish, and a wood-fired oven? Say no more.
Cochon – Pork-driven Southern comfort food with a Cajun twist. It’s the kind of place where cracklins and smoked ham hock gumbo belong on the same table—and I’m all for it.
These restaurants are calling my name, and I look forward to adding them to my personal list of NOLA favorites. Until then, I’ll keep coming back for the flavors, the stories, and the pure joy of eating in a city that celebrates food like no other.
New Orleans never gets old. It just gets more delicious.