Dining in New Orleans

From Creole and Cajun cuisine to fresh seafood and beignets, the city of New Orleans is famous for its food. A few notable dishes I highly recommend you try are blackened redfish, blackened alligator, crawfish etouffee, crab au gratin and po’ boys of any variety. If you are looking to appeal to your sweet tooth, then I recommend beignets (French-style doughnuts), bananas foster and bread pudding. Also, you will be visiting just in time for crawfish season! With so many options to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start. Here are some suggestions of top-rated dining experiences to check out during your visit.

Commander's Palace

An iconic New Orleans restaurant that has been around for over 100 years, Commander's Palace is known for its elegant atmosphere, exceptional service and delicious Creole cuisine. Be sure to try their famous turtle soup and bread pudding souffle.

Cochon

Cochon is a popular restaurant with a rustic atmosphere and pork-focused menu. Their dishes are made with locally-sourced ingredients and traditional Cajun and Southern techniques. Don't miss their famous cochon de lait (roasted suckling pig) and boudin sausage.

Café du Monde

Café du Monde is a must-see for anyone visiting New Orleans. This famous cafe has been serving up beignets and café au lait since 1862. It's open 24 hours a day, so you can enjoy their sweet treats any time of day or night.

Antoine's

Another iconic locale that's been around for over 180 years is Antoine's. Known for its elegant atmosphere and classic Creole cuisine, be sure to try their Oysters Rockefeller, which was invented at the restaurant in 1889.

Galatoire's

Serving up French-Creole cuisine since 1905, Galatoire offers a classic, formal dining experience with impeccable service. Choose from an array of their delicious dishes, such as shrimp remoulade and crabmeat au gratin.

Coquette

Featuring contemporary American cuisine and farm-to-table ethos, Coquette's menu changes regularly to reflect seasonal ingredients. Some of their standout dishes include grilled Gulf shrimp and cornmeal fried oysters.

Dooky Chase's Restaurant

Around since 1941, this historic New Orleans restaurant is known for its delicious Creole soul food and its connection to the civil rights movement. Be sure to try their gumbo, fried chicken and bread pudding.

Shaya

The menu of this modern Israeli restaurant features a variety of fresh and flavorful Middle Eastern-inspired small plates, such as falafel, hummus and lamb kebab.

Herbsaint

Herbsaint is a popular restaurant known for its contemporary French-Southern cuisine. Their menu includes dishes like shrimp and grits, roasted duck and seared Gulf fish. Don't leave without trying their signature cocktail, the Sazerac.

Willie Mae's Scotch House

This no-frills restaurant has been featured on numerous food shows and is widely considered to offer some of the best fried chicken in the country.