To say that New Orleans is an eater’s kind of town is a huge understatement. With a long history as a cultural melting pot French,Spanish and German influences mixed with Afro-Caribbean elements to create a cuisine that is wholly unique to New Orleans. This is the city that invented the cocktail (thank you by the way) and where brunch is a spectator sport. Tradition is rooted strongly here with several restaurants being in operation for over a century but the past few years have also seen a new breed of chef stretching New Orleans’ culinary boundaries with delicious result. Grab your fork, these are my picks of where to eat in New Orleans.
Breakfast/Brunch
Cafe du Monde
Beignets at Cafe du Monde is a must for any visit to New Orleans. The original cafe,located near the French Market, has been operating since 1862 and is known for two things – beignets (square doughnuts covered in powdered sugar), and coffee laced with chicory (served black or au lait). Lines can be long in the morning but you can get your beignet fix to go. A better bet is to head to Cafe du Monde in the afternoon or evening, grab a table and enjoy your bites of fried, airy deliciousness with a view of Jackson Square.
Stanley
Stanley, located near the St. Louis Cathedral, serves up elevated American and Creole comfort food. Since the good times in New Orleans roll long into the night Stanley offers its signature breakfast menu all day.
My pick?
The Breaux Bridge Benedict- french bread topped with housemade boudin, gooey American cheese (it works, trust me on this) and 2 perfectly poached eggs. I can’t think of a better way to wake up in New Orleans.
Vacherie
Vacherie, tucked within the Hotel St. Marie, celebrates Creole cuisine with a Franco-German influence. They also offer a mighty fine breakfast. Andouille hash, crawfish fritatta and johnnycakes with Steen’s cane syrup are your best bets here to help recover from the previous night’s festivities. They also serve what may be one of New Orleans’ most impressive biscuits.
Brennan’s
This New Orleans’ institution has recently reopened after a 20 million dollar renovation and is better than ever. Under the helm of executive chef Slade Rushing smartly dressed servers scuttle about the watermelon hued dining rooms presenting classics like creamy turtle soup with spinach finished with a touch of sherry or one of the menus delicious newcomers (BBQ lobster anyone?). Breakfast here is a boozy multicourse affair that often starts with a bloody Mary or two and ends with dessert, usually their decadent praline-studded bread pudding . I also have a personal food rule that if a restaurant has something that comes to the table on fire I have to order it making Brennan’s iconic bananas foster a must for me.
Coquette
Exposed brick, dark wood and plenty of natural light beget the handsome space at Coquette, which occupies an unassuming corner on Magazine Street in the tony Garden District. Chef Michael Stoltzfus marries his Eastern Shore sensibilities (crab cake and soft shell crabs are frequently featured)with local ingredients to create an ever changing menu. The $25 3 course brunch is quite possibly one of the best deals to be had in New Orleans. Start your brunch with a scratch made bloody mary or a craft soda (pineapple jalepeno has just the right kick) along with first course of crisp greens lightly featuring parmesan, bottarga and gourgere croutons (which are a brilliant idea) or warm bowl of spicy gumbo. I’m never one to pass up a good egg dish so a traditional breakfast plate of scrambled eggs with bacon and creamy Anson Mill grits won out over the fried catfish. Warmly spiced gingerbread donuts with pumpkin ice cream pair perfectly with an espresso while lazing away the rest of your Sunday afternoon. Equal parts French bistro and American farm-to-table, Coquette is 100% delicious.
Lunch
Johnny’s
No sandwich in New Orleans is more iconic than the classic po’boy and there is no better place to get your fix than Johnny’s. Serving their signature sandwiches since 1950 you can choose from a wide variety of fillings ranging from chicken and roast beef to softshell crab and alligator sausage. Johnny’s is a no frills kind of place and you’ll find everyone from bankers to musicians and travelers waiting in line. Go classic and get the fried oyster po’boy and don’t forget to add a cup of their seafood gumbo.
Commander’s Palace
Perhaps the most well known restaurant in New Orleans, Commander’s Palace has stood watch on the corner of Washington Avenue and Coliseum Street since 1880. Long recognized as the grande dame of “haute Creole” cuisine Commander’s Palace does not rest on its laurels with offerings like chicory coffee laquered quail and the “Queen of all desserts” bread pudding souffle finished table side. The 3 course prix fixe lunch along with the Commander’s 25-cent martinis continue to be one of the best values in town.
Dinner
Square Root
New Orleans may have previously been known as the “City of 1000 restaurants and one menu” but the past few years have seen a new wave of chefs unafraid to push New Orleans’ culinary limits. At the forefront is chef Philip Lopez who pioneers with a modernist take on local flavors at his restaurants Root, Square Root and Root Squared.Serious foodies clamor for one of the 16 chairs at twice nightly seatings for a 9-15 course tasting menu with full view of the chef and his team. The food here is refined and technical but also has a bit of whimsy. Take the Southern Picnic- fried chicken cotton candy highlighted with mustard seeds and fried okra.
Looking for something a bit more casual?
Head upstairs to Root Squared for craft cocktails and house cured charcuterie. The staff is inviting and knowledgeable and the food is no less spectacular. In fact the the foie gras terrine with grapefruit-shallot jam is still on my mind.
SoBou
If Commander’s Palace is the grande dame of New Orleans then SoBou is its hip jet setting younger sister. Located the W Hotel’s French Quarter outpost the sleek modern space attracts lovers of craft cocktails and bourbon (aficionados can get a sip of the elusive Pappy VanWinkle here). Arrive a bit early for happy hour and share a bunch of Louisiana street food inspired small plates with a group of friends. A bowl of smoked chicken gumbo over creamy mashed potatoes is warm and comforting while the tuna cones- miniature tomato waffle cones filled with sashimi grade tuna topped with pineapple ceviche and avocado-basil ice cream- is sure to bring a smile to your face.
Cafe Amelie
Cafe Amelie, tucked away off Royal Street, may be home to the French Quarter’s prettiest courtyard. The food here is French inspired and fresh but still uniquely New Orleans. The roast chicken here is simply but perfectly prepared and the andouille maque choux that accompanies the succulent pork chop is highly addictive.
What are some of your favorite eats in New Orleans?
I was graciously hosted by The New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau but as always all opinions are my own. For more information please visit their website at www.neworleanscvb.com or on Facebook(New Orleans), Twitter (@NewOrleans) and Instagram (NewOrleansCVB).
Tim says
That’s a lot of good looking food to be reading about first thing in the morning prior to breakfast. Cafe du Monde has always been a favorite for any visitor to NO but next time I’m there I am going to try Square Root. I am heading that way later in the year.
Brianna says
Tim, you and your stomach are in for a real treat when you make it down to the Big Easy. I can’t wait to read about your road trip.
Toccara says
Love me some Cafe Du Monde! I found the food in New Orleans to be hit or miss. It certainly is hard to eat healthy in the deep south, but thanks for introducing me to a few new places to check out next time I’m in the BIG Easy!
Brianna says
It definitely depends on where you go but there are a ton of great dining options in NOLA
Sean says
Great list of old favorites and some newer restaurants. The problem with NOLA is that it’s impossible to have a big enough appetite to eat everything you want to! I was hoping you’d have a “Late Night Places After Partying in the French Quarter” section, so Mother’s could be on the list.
Brianna says
I was sad not to make it to Mother’s this trip- guess I’ll just have to go back 😉
Tamara @ We3Travel says
The food in NOLA is the best! I love Cafe Du Monde but the eggs benedict french toast….that looks ridiculous!!
Felix says
I’ve been to NOLA 7 times and while the food is good I’ll take the cuisine in Madison, Wisconsin any day. More variety, better prices and larger quantities.
Brianna says
Guess I’ll need to head up to Wisconsin and check out the food scene then 🙂
Brianna says
Guess I need to make my way up to Wisconsin then 🙂
Brianna says
Seriously, I think I had at least 3 stomachs on this trip for all the food I ate.
Hannah says
My only questions is why did I read this before my dinner? Because now it looks really, really, sad. Now I want breakfast for dinner.
Brianna says
I have no problem eating breakfast food three times a day
Marguerite says
At Sasafras the smothered potatoes and sausage was the best I’ve had can’t wait to go back YUM
Brianna says
That sounds fab!
Debbie says
DEANIES is my fav
Brianna says
I just looked up DEANIES- that looks great!
Jenna says
I haven’t been to New Orleans but would love to go, of course. This post is an excellent one. Nice work!
Brianna says
Thank you so much Jenna, it is definitely an easy city to fall in love with.
Diana says
You just made me want some NOLA! Honestly, I love every bit of what I taste there. However, I like a good guide because it all is so decadent. Thank you for your take on this vast city.
Brianna says
Thanks for taking a look Diana, I certainly enjoyed my research!
Sara Porter says
Check out the brunch and dinner at Atchafalaya on Louisiana Ave. in the Garden district. They are doing lots of new things.
Brianna says
I’ve heard good things, its definitely on the list for my next visit.
Alouise says
I love the food in New Orleans. Cafe du Monde is definitely worth a visit, even it’s pretty busy, and I had a really delicious meal at Cochon in the CBD. I didn’t realize Commanders Palace has a prix fixe lunch with 25 cent martinis. That definitely seems worth a visit the next time I’m there.
Brianna says
Cochon is another good one I didn’t get to this time. That just means I have to go back!
sarah says
OMG I haven’t had breakfast yet and now my oatmeal just doesn’t seem good enough! I haven’t made it to New Orleans yet but have always wanted to go for the culture and uniqueness of the place. Now you have me wanting to just go and eat!
Brianna says
There is so much to see and eat in New Orleans, it definitely has a place on every traveler’s must visit list.
Samantha Hussey says
I’ll take those ginger donuts and pumpkin ice cream to go please! Great post 🙂 Never thought of New Orleans as a foodie place but i guess every place has its own share of amazing places and delicious dishes. I have been saying I want to go to New Orleans for ages…having only been to Florida my USA experiences are pretty limited 🙁
Brianna says
New Orleans has definitely developed a cuisine unique to itself and is different than any other city in the US.
Charles McCool says
Fantastic, Brianna. This would definitely cover a few days. Liborio (Cuban) was one of my favorite meals in Nawlins.
Brianna says
Thanks Charles! Love me some Cuban food, will put Liborio on the list for next time.
Ashley and Alex says
We are going to new Orleans in May and this post just made me so hungry! Coquette looks just up our alley and $25 for a three course meal??? That’s amazing!
Brianna says
You guys will have a blast in NOLA, there is so much to do (and eat!). Coquette was fabulous.
Nina Travels says
Mmmmm, this looks yummy! I hope to visit New Orleans once and when I do, I’ll definitely use one or two of your tips. Thanks!
Brianna says
You’ll have a great time in New Orleans 🙂
Charlotte says
I will be there tomorrow and I can’t wait to try some of these places. Of course I never miss a chance to eat at Cafe Du Monde, but some of the others I’ve never been to.
Nola is my favorite city on earth, I’m so excited about my visit, I can’t wait!!!
Brianna says
I hope you had some terrific eats on this visit! Did you end up going anywhere new from this list?
Elena says
They wouldn’t be my choices for food but the places look decent 🙂
Brianna says
You at least have to go to Cafe DuMonde- iconic and very budget friendly.
Joseph @ Green Global Travel says
Appreciate the advice! I’ve heard many times that Johnny’s is a great place for a signature sandwich, so next time I am there I will have to give it a try!
Brianna says
The po’boys at Johnny’s are fantastic-definitely worth a stop when in New Orleans.
Vlad says
Yummm, I got so hungry reading this post! The gingerbread donuts with ice cream sound and look delicious! 😀
Brianna says
New Orleans is full of delicious eats, you really can’t go wrong.
Breanna Wilson says
This post just made me seriously hungry. And inspired. Looks like I need to get back to New Orleans ASAP to experience the places on this list I haven’t made it to yet!
Brianna says
New Orleans is also worth a repeat visit, if only for the food alone.
Revati Victor says
Cannot get those beignets out of my mind. Thanks for the midnight craving Brianna!
Brianna says
I’ve been thinking about them ever since I returned- they were perfect!
Elaine J. Masters says
I just know when I finally make it to New Orleans it’s going to be all eating, drinking, architecture and music. Thanks for more inspiration.
Brianna says
That sounds about right for New Orleans 🙂
Lola says
New Orleans is probably top on my list of places in the US I’ve never been! Filing this post away to reference when I finally get there 🙂
Brianna says
It’s an easy city to fall in love with, you’ll love it!
Lauri Rottmayer says
We spent a lot of years in NOLA when our son was at Tulane. My favorites are a muffaletta from the Central Grocery and Juan’s Flying Burrito but we ate a LOT of awesome food those years. 🙂
Brianna says
There is a ridiculous amount of good food in NOLA, you could spend a lifetime there and never try it all.
Bec says
Great post! Also highly recommend Café du Monde famous for their French Beignets! My tour friends and I ate there and it was just amazing! (even with the icing sugar mess :P)
Brianna says
I could go for a beignet right now! The number one rule with beignets is don’t wear black lol.
bettyl - NZ says
Wow, what lovely looking plates!
Brianna says
Thanks, they tasted great too 😉
Madaline says
What I wouldn’t do for beignet and coffee right now!
Catrice M. Jackson says
New Orleans is definitely on my list of places to experience. Thanks for the wonderful suggestions.
Brianna says
There’s no way you can have a bad time in NOLA, I’m sure you’ll have a blast!
Angelique says
Mona Lisa pizza is a great wine, pizza, pasta place if you’re looking for something other than creole. It’s a favorite of mine. I live 45 minutes from New Orleans so we have tried many places
Brianna says
Angelique, thanks for the recommendation, you can never go wrong with a great Italian place!
Elaine J.Masters says
Perfect timing. I’ll be in New Orleans in a week and will check some of these out.
Brianna says
Laissez les bon temp roules!
Scott says
Sunday brunch at Commander’s is one of America’s touchstones. A can’t miss item.
Brianna if you go back, be sure to try Camellia Grill. Ride the St Charles’ trolley to where St Charles ends. It is right there. Pecan waffle, chocolate freeze — heavenly! An “only in NoLa” institution.
Brianna says
I will definitely be going back to New Orleans, again thanks for the rec for Camelia Grill.
Laura @ Grassroots Nomad says
Not nearly as fancy as these places, but I had the best burger and rum at Port of Call. Incredible!!! I don’t remember too much after all the rum, but I had a fantastic night! 🙂
Brianna says
If you remember your entire trip to NOLA you’re not doing it right.
christine says
great post. everything looks so good. I wish I had read your post before I went in New Orleans years ago!
Brianna says
Perhaps its time for a return trip?
Laura @ Grassroots Nomad says
Food was one of my favourite things about New Orleans! I was lucky enough to be befriended by a couple at the bar who adopted me for two weeks taking me out to their favourite spots. One was a chef so the food was always amazing!!
Brianna says
That sounds like an amazing time! Any standout meals?
Edith & Juan says
Can’t wait to visit New Orleans some day. I’m sure we’re going to love the city and the food!
Christina S says
I love NOLA so much – and somehow I haven’t been to any of these places! I’ll add one to your list: Couchon.
A Nomad on the Loose says
We love poboys from Verti Mart! Best poboys in NOLA!
RJ says
Love New Orleans Creole food!! So many options listed here I feel like going back to NOLA. Definitely pinned it for future 🙂