The Best Restaurants in New Orleans

New Orleans has a rich history, combined to create some of the best Louisiana Creole and Cajun dining in the country, with seafood locally sourced straight from the Gulf of Mexico and indigenous Louisiana ingredients featured in most dishes. This city features some of the best places for fine-dining on city classics like gumbo and beignets, but offers a wide spread of choices including pizzerias and cocktail bars. New Orleans's best restaurants incorporate the French and Black histories of the city and the chefs who find ways to make it their own.

The OpenTable Team

35 Restaurants

Updated January 18, 2022

Restaurants:	Arnaud's, Atchafalaya Restaurant, Bistro Daisy…
Price Range:	$$ - $$$$
Cuisines:	Creole, Creole / Cajun / Southern, American…
Neighborhoods:	French Quarter, Garden District, Uptown…

Arnaud's

$$$$

Creole

French Quarter

4.6

6566 reviews

Arnauds has been a staple in the French Quarter with a history stretching back to its opening in 1918. Chef Tommy DiGiovanni combines his background growing up in New Orleans with his training in both French and Louisiana Creole cooking to create dishes landing on Forbes list of “New Orleans’s Most Iconic Dishes.” Arnauds is known for its soufflé potatoes, which are light and fluffy and served with a thick béarnaise sauce. This fine-dining restaurant boasts a romantic or lively atmosphere, depending on the room diners are seated in, and is one of the best places to enjoy live jazz music in town.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Experiences available

View Experiences

Atchafalaya Restaurant

$$$$

Creole / Cajun / Southern

Garden District

4.8

5691 reviews

Atchafalaya embraces the roots of the city’s culinary traditions while also pushing the boundaries of the expected. In a little cottage that is at the same time both rustic and elegant, recently-returned chef Christopher Lynch brings a refreshed perspective to Louisiana Creole food. Expect bountiful seafood options, including a shrimp and grits dish served in a spiced shrimp broth. Atchafalaya has been a Garden District neighborhood gem since 1924 and has grown into the innovative restaurant it is today over the past 100 years.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Bistro Daisy

$$$$

American

Uptown

5.0

1115 reviews

In the center of the Uptown district, this New Orleans restaurant named for the daughter of the owners Anton and Diane Schulte touches hearts. The award-winning bistro-style dishes are served in a charming atmosphere of a home, fireplace and all, that turns diners into regulars. Dishes of sauté of gulf fish and crispy leg of duck confit are made with fresh, local ingredients and have been a staple of this restaurant since its opening in 2007. This is one of the best spots in town to enjoy a premier dining experience in a quaint location.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Brennan's

$$$$

Creole

French Quarter

4.8

9707 reviews

With over seven decades of leading the way in fine-dining, it is no wonder Brennan’s tops lists. Home to masterful dishes such as bananas foster, which is flambeed in front of diners, and eggs Hussarde, this restaurant is considered “Best in the World” by Condé Nast Traveler and “Top 10 Best Restaurants in the South” according to Southern Living. Chef Ryan Hacker pairs the traditional cooking methods of his youth spent cooking with his grandmother with classic Creole dishes to create contemporary New Orleans dining. With the option to eat in glamorous dining rooms, a vibrant outdoor courtyard, or even the wine cellar, this spot in the French Quarter that opened in 1946 offers endless indulgence.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Bywater Brew Pub

$$$$

Creole / Cajun / Southern

Bywater

4.5

104 reviews

Chef Anh Luu and brewmaster Sonny Day work in perfect harmony to bring some of the best food and drink to the city since 2020. Luu brings the Viet-Cajun menu she perfected after ten years in her restaurant in Portland to the Bywater neighborhood. Sonny Lee brings 28 years of professional brewing to the 12 beers on tap. The menu is packed with creative dishes including chicken phởrritos and beer beignet bites. Enjoy the innovative dishes and drinks in a creative atmosphere filled with art created by artists working in studios on the upper floors.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Experiences available

View Experiences

Café Sbisa

$$$$

Cajun

French Quarter

4.6

1225 reviews

Cafe Sbisa has reopened to much acclaim after a long standing history of excellence was interrupted by Hurricane Katrina. The third oldest fine-dining restaurant in the French Quarter (opened in 1899), Cafe Sbisa serves up the highest quality French ingredients, with some of the freshest seafood in the city. Classic Louisiana Creole dishes including Louisiana blue crab cakes and barbecue shrimp are created by chef Alfred Singleton, who brings acclaim from representing New Orleans on Food Network’s Chef vs. City. The space has been shined up since Katrina, but this restaurant still delivers the classic atmosphere from before.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Desi Vega's Steakhouse

$$$$

Steakhouse

Warehouse District

4.8

2381 reviews

Combining USDA prime beef steaks with chef Muggsy Beals, the perfect recipe for an unforgettable, classic steakhouse. Opened in 2012, Desi Vega's Steakhouse burst onto the scene in New Orleans Warehouse District, as it was voted “Best New Restaurants ‘Class of 13’” by New Orleans Magazine. Since then it has continued to serve up seared steaks on a sizzling plate, accompanied by appetizers embodying the spirit of New Orleans including “Who Dat” shrimp, bacon-wrapped gulf shrimp stuffed with crab meat, and blackened tuna Napoleon.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Takeout available

View Takeout Menu

Domenica

$$$$

Italian

Central Business District

4.6

6774 reviews

Focused on adapting classic Italian dishes to the palate of New Orleans, Domenica lives up to its name. Domenica translates to “Sunday” in Italian, the day traditionally used to cook and enjoy abundant meals. This fine-dining restaurant in the Central Business District with a sleek interior serves up a New Orleans and Neapolitan fusion menu with Napolitano-style pizzas, hand-made pasta, including tagliatelle with slow cooked rabbit, and roasted vegetables. Chef Valeriano Chiella brings his childhood growing up in Southern Italy to the table at this OpenTable 2020 Diners’ Choice restaurant.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Gautreau's Restaurant

$$$$

French American

Uptown

4.8

1159 reviews

Nestled in the Uptown neighborhood, Gautreau's Restaurant has been an elegant staple of fine dining since 1983. With three of Gautreau’s chefs receiving the James Beard Award for “America’s Top New Best Chefs,” this restaurant is known for letting young talent be innovative. The French and local-style menu reflects this with seared red snapper in grapefruit beurre blanc and Gulf shrimp with green olive gnocchi. Stop by for an evening of refined dining as chef Nick Fry produces culinary intrigue.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

GW Fins

$$$$

Seafood

French Quarter

4.9

17686 reviews

With fish so fresh a different menu is printed every afternoon, GW Fins is leading the way for seafood dining in New Orleans. Co-owner and executive chef Tenney Flynn is widely known as the “fishmonger czar of the Gulf region,” and his passion for seafood runs deep — fish he spears during diving expeditions is often served at GW Fins. Some stars from an ever-changing menu include blackened pumpkin swordfish and Mississippi wild redfish served over long grain rice. This sleek, modern spot, opened in 2001 in the French Quarter, is one of the best places in New Orleans to snag fresh seafood.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Irene's

$$$$

Italian

French Quarter

4.9

3332 reviews

What started as a well-kept secret gem in 1993 is a secret no more — Irene’s is an endearing dining spot to feast on French and Italian cooking with a New Orleans twist. Enjoy live piano music and cocktails during the wait for a dinner of lasagna bolognese, lamb a’la Provence or duck St. Philip glazed with a pecan raspberry pancetta demi. This family business, located in the French Quarter, has been passed down from Irene to her son, chef Nicholas Scalco II, who carries on his mother’s prowess in the kitchen.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Jack Rose - New Orleans

$$$$

Creole

Uptown

4.8

1934 reviews

If one restaurant captures the joie de vivre atmosphere of New Orleans it is the Jack Rose - New Orleans. With executive chef David Whitmore at the helm, the menu is chock full of Louisiana Creole favorites including steak tartare prepared table side and fettuccine nero. Pastry chef Erin Swanson brings in the sweets with the renowned Mile High Pie. The excellence at Jack Rose has been recognized with a “Best Hotel Restaurant” in 2019 by USA Today. Walk through different rooms filled with captivating art while enjoying a meal at Jack Rose in Uptown.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Experiences available

View Experiences

Junior’s on Harrison

$$$$

American

Lakeview/Gentilly

4.6

167 reviews

After opening in 2019 to much excitement, Junior’s on Harrison has become a casual yet contemporary restaurant serving classic food with a Crescent City twist fit for the whole family. Chef Jacob Cureton brings his New Orleans background to the plate, creating honey satsuma shrimp tacos served with an avocado slaw and The Junior’s Burger which was a standout at the 2019 Food Network South Beach Wine and Food Festival. Adult diners can move upstairs to the full bar and enjoy a cocktail on the balcony with a view of the Lakeview neighborhood.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

La Petite Grocery

$$$$

French

Garden District

4.7

5247 reviews

Built on the site of what throughout history has been a coffee and tea depot, grocery store, butcher’s shop and florist shop, La Petite Grocery continues to pay homage in name and by providing unusual teas and locally roasted coffee. Chef and owner Justin Devillier and wife Mia took over this spot in the Garden District after Hurricane Katrina in 2004. Since then, their traditional New Orleans fare with favorites including turtle bolognese and blue crab beneigts have been served to evoke nostalgia of old-school New Orleans. This they’ve accomplished with renowned success as Devillier was named the 2016 James Beard Best Chef: South winner.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Le Salon at the Windsor Court Hotel

$$$$

Afternoon Tea

Central Business District

4.8

948 reviews

For an elegant afternoon tea, stop by Le Salon in the Central Business District. Sip on one of 26 of the finest loose-leaf teas while also enjoying tea, sandwiches and house-made scones. To embody the High Tea atmosphere, a live pianist or harpist will provide music. Engage in a one of the most fashionable pastimes in New Orleans, and mix it up by attending a themed afternoon including Mardi Gras and Prohibition, a New Orleans twist on this English tradition.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

M bistro

$$$$

Contemporary American

French Quarter

4.3

686 reviews

M bistro makes its home on the third floor of the Ritz-Carlton in the French Quarter and follows in the elegant footsteps of the hotel. This is a perfect spot to enjoy a romantic evening filled with local farm-to-table dishes including blackened redfish tacos and seafood pasta. With a special reservation, diners can get an inside look on the action with seats in the kitchen at “Cheater’s Booths”. This is the most engaging way to enjoy food fresh from farms in Louisiana.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Mr. B's Bistro

$$$$

Creole

French Quarter

4.7

5146 reviews

Opened in 1979 by a renowned restaurant family, Mr. B’s Bistro brings indigenous New Orleans ingredients into a casual bistro setting. The fine-dining restaurant celebrates classic Louisiana Creole style with dishes including Gumbo Ya Ya, a dark roux and spicy chicken gumbo, and barbequed shrimp as well as dessert with bread pudding. Chef Michelle McRaney created a 30 year legacy at the restaurant in the French Quarter, which will continue to shine in the coming years. According to USA Today, this is on the best spots in New Orleans for top-of-the catch seafood.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Mr. John's Steakhouse

$$$$

Steakhouse

Garden District

4.8

2759 reviews

According to food critic Tom Fitzmorris, Mr. John’s is the “Best Steakhouse in New Orleans”. Boasting 100% USDA Prime Steaks, this steakhouse also finds success in the seafood sector, serving up twin lobster tails alongside their well-marbled ribeye. Chef Robert Bruce creates steaks that speak for themselves and are enjoyed by everyone. Operating in the Garden District since 2012, the last few years have seen this steakhouse rise to be known as one of the top steakhouses in the nation.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Muriel's Jackson Square

$$$$

Creole / Cajun / Southern

French Quarter

4.7

9034 reviews

Packed with history, Muriel’s Jackson Square in the French Quarter sits on the foundation of a private home built along with the city of New Orleans. In fact, a ghost still wanders through the aptly named Seance Lounge. In terms of food, Erik Veney, 2003 New Orleans Magazine “Chef of the Year”, creates Louisiana Creole classics that can be enjoyed throughout the historic building, including on the 170ft wrap-around balcony. The turtle soup, shrimp and grits and wood grilled pork chop are the perfect pairing to talking with spirits.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Takeout available

View Takeout Menu

Palace Café

$$$$

French American

French Quarter

4.5

4943 reviews

Housed in the historic Merlein Music Building, Palace Cafe serves award-winning Louisiana Creole food in a lively grand cafe setting. Winner of the 1991 “Best New Restaurant” from both Esquire and USA Today, Palace Cafe continues to uphold their ever-evolving take on local food headed by chef Dickie Brennan. With his “take an idea and make it us” attitude, he’s created dishes including signature crabmeat cheesecake with meunière as well as Palace Cafe benedict with slow-cooked pork. Step into this elegant fine-dining restaurant in the French Quarter to find a new favorite dish.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Restaurant August

$$$$

Contemporary French / American

Central Business District

4.8

7568 reviews

After Hurricane Katrina, this restaurant fought back by becoming even more locally focused. Restaurant August has for the last 12 years focused on creating contemporary Louisiana Creole dishes inspired by classical training. Chef Ross Dover, a Louisiana native, puts his own spin on classic dishes, including gnocchi “black and blue” with black truffles and jumbo lump blue crab. Or crispy Louisiana soft-shell crab soaked in brown butter, lemon and pecans. A contender in the James Beard Outstanding Restaurant Award, Restaurant August provides fine-dining in a historic, columned setting in the Central Business District.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Experiences available

View Experiences

Restaurant R'evolution

$$$$

Creole / Cajun / Southern

French Quarter

4.7

6510 reviews

Restaurant R’evolution, opened in 2012, melds two renowned chef’s styles into one restaurant focused on serving classic Cajun cooking. John Folse and Rick Tramonto are both highly awarded chefs who bring their ingenuity to indigenous New Orleans ingredients, all the way down to “the swamp floor pantry”. Popular dishes include sea scallops in pork belly confit and summer corn butter, as well as blue crab beignets. Diners enjoy everything from alligator to sassafras in a setting with the architectural details of historic grand homes of the French Quarter.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Saj

$$$$

Mediterranean

Uptown

4.8

246 reviews

Bringing Lebanese ingredients to New Orleans Uptown, Saj produces family-sharing style dining experience centered around dishes from old recipes shine on a menu built around homemade Saj bread, including beetroot tahini and kufta lebanese meatballs. Chef Sean Rivera has created a menu around locally sourced ingredients, bringing a faraway world to New Orleans. Having opened quietly in 2021, with a 2018 “Chef to Watch” at the helm, this modern restaurant serving classic dishes is worth a stop.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

San Lorenzo at Hotel Saint Vincent

$$$$

Contemporary Italian

Garden District

4.6

568 reviews

San Lorenzo at Hotel Saint Vincent is named for the patron saint of cooks and has been creating coastal Italian dishes with a dash of New Orleans flare. Standouts on the menu created by chef de cuisine Christian Hurst include grilled oysters with a twist and flounder piccata. This sun-filled, grand restaurant sits on the site of Margaret Haughery’s philanthropic work and in some sense pays homage to her dedication. Having opened recently in the Garden District, San Lorenzo is still gathering acclaim, but there is no doubt this restaurant is a favorite of the locals.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Shaya

$$$$

Israeli

Uptown

4.8

4488 reviews

This James Beard Award winning restaurant, opened in 2015 in the Uptown neighborhood, features modern Israeli cooking. Feast on dishes meant to be shared, including lamb ragu with crispy chickpeas and hummus and slow cook lamb with whipped feta and date molasses. These dishes are prepared in the large wood-fired oven that is central to the dining experience. Shaya is a simply decorated fine-dining restaurant and lets the food do the talking.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Sofia New Orleans

$$$$

Italian

Warehouse District

4.8

1374 reviews

Decorated with a large chandelier made of broken plates and cutlery, as well as other eccentric art, Sofia creates a dramatic space for diners to enjoy Italian-inspired meals. After bursting onto the scene with a bang in 2019, winning Gambit’s “Best New Restaurant: New Orleans” Sofia has continued to produce delightful small plates under the direction of wxecutive chef Talia Diele. Wood-fired pizzas and handmade pastas, including campanelle with pancetta and sweet peas, pair well with Italian wines and inspired cocktails for a menu bringing a taste of Italy to the New Orleans Warehouse District.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

The Country Club

$$$$

Creole / Cajun / Southern

Bywater

4.8

935 reviews

Like the newly updated exterior, the menu at The Country Club has been renovated by chef Chris Barbato to high sophistication that has everyone talking. An elegant escape in Bywater for adults 21 and older, and opened in 1977, the Country Club produces staple Louisiana Creole dishes in a lush outdoor setting. Saffron mussels and griddle seared gulf fish pair well with a selection of award-winning wines. And don’t miss Weekend Drag Brunch, which must be booked well in advance. Diners can also enjoy poolside with a separate outdoor kitchen.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Takeout available

View Takeout Menu

Willa Jean

$$$$

Southern

Central Business District

4.7

2046 reviews

Since it opened six years ago, Willa Jean has gained national acclaim culminating in a 2019 James Beard Award for Outstanding Pastry Chef. The sweet and savory breakfasts dreamt up by pastry chef Kelly Fields are perfect to-go on the dash to work or for a relaxed meal with friends. The menu boasts delights such as fried chicken biscuit drizzled with tabasco honey and sweets including griddled banana bread and monkey bread. This bakery brings a modern touch to the iconic New Orleans Central Business District breakfast scene.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Ye Olde College Inn

$$$$

Creole

Carrollton

4.9

1526 reviews

With a farm located right next door, Ye Olde College Inn truly brings new meaning to farm-to-table. Established in the Carrollton neighborhood in 1933, this version of College Inn opened in 2006 and has continued to win hearts since. Chef Luis Guevara makes the most of the fresh ingredients to create classic dishes, including a fried green tomato shrimp remoulade po’ boy, which won “Best of Show” at the 1st Annual Po-Boy Festival, as well as braised beef brisket. After dinner, stop by Rock’n’Bowl next door to keep the fun rolling.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Yo Nashi

$$$$

Japanese

Central Business District

4.5

340 reviews

Yo Nashi, opened in the Central Business District in 2020, provides an opportunity to try an omakase experience at the hands of chef Mack. Omakase means “I leave it up to you” in Japanese, and in following this style, diners are treated to an eight to ten course meal decided on by the chef. Yo Nashi opened recently and gives diners an intimate experience as chef Mack speaks with each group before the meal. Dishes along the lines of chūtoro nigiri with seared foie gras can be expected as well as courses including proteins like pork belly before ending with dessert.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Experiences available

View Experiences

Vyoones Restaurant (Yvonnes)

$$$$

Contemporary French

Warehouse District

4.3

604 reviews

Yvonnes brings critical acclaim, having been voted “Best New Restaurant” by New Orleans Magazine in 2018, “Best French Restaurant” by Where Y’At in 2019, and one of the “Most Romantic Restaurants” and “Best Happy Hour” by Nola in 2020. If the long list of accolades isn’t enough to impress, the restaurant serves contemporary French meals in in a beautiful French Quarter style restaurant. The menu, crafted by Vyoone, features award winning french onion soup and coquille St Jacque, seared scallops in a sherry cream risotto. This is certainly a hidden gem in the Warehouse District.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Experiences available

View Experiences

Meril

$$$$

Contemporary American

Warehouse District

4.6

5647 reviews

The latest concept of chef Emeril Lagasse, named after his daughter and opened in 2016, Meril features some of Lagasse’s favorite dishes to eat. This includes a mix of contemporary local Cajun and Louisiana Creole dishes including wood-fired flatbreads and gulf fish tacos, but even stretching to include korean chicken wings. Lagasse brings his James Beard award winning background to this restaurant to create a casual, with chef de cuisine Bergen Carman bringing her pastry background to create a fun dining experience in the Warehouse District.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Experiences available

View Experiences

Cafe Degas

$$$$

French

Mid-City / City Park

4.7

2486 reviews

Cafe Degas’ lush exterior leads up to a restaurant for artfully executed, fine French dining. Voted Most Romantic Restaurant in New Orleans 2019, Cafe Degas has a long history of critical acclaim stretching all the way back to 2010 with the French Restaurant of Year award from New Orleans Magazine. Menu standouts include its famous french onion soup, as well as L’onglet de Boeuf in garlic bordelaise. Chef Joe Turley hones the menu to create a classic French dining experience outdoors on the beautiful oak-lined Esplanade Avenue.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Takeout available

View Takeout Menu

Restaurant Rebirth

$$$$

Creole / Cajun / Southern

Warehouse District

4.7

1796 reviews

Restaurant Rebirth opened in 2015 and since then has grown into a vibrant spot serving local seafood with bold Cajun flavors. One of OpenTable’s 2018 “Best Restaurants in America”, this restaurant is headed by chef Ricky Cheramie who brings his background growing up trawling for shrimp as well as experience at top restaurants to the table. Standout dishes include Mississippi Style Barbeque Pork Belly and Louisiana Seafood Chowder. Enjoyed in an exposed wood and original brick setting in the Warehouse District, this food goes perfectly with a hand-crafted cocktail.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Copper Vine

$$$$

Contemporary American

Central Business District

4.7

1752 reviews

Copper Vine has one mission: make wine accessible to everyone. Executive chef Amy Mehrtens and sommelier Lydia Kurkoski work in tandem to highlight the best of every one of the 30 different wines on tap. Copper Vine is housed in an artsy historical building in the Central Business District constructed originally in 1894, but this wine pub is still young. Sit on the balcony or at the bar and enjoy relaxing with a beverage of choice, including eight beers on tap sourced from local breweries.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Explore OpenTable

New Orleans

Explore the Best OpenTable Restaurants in Every City