Top 10 Best New Orleans Restaurants
The top 10 restaurants in New Orleans are Saint Germain NOLA, Saffron NOLA, The Kingsway, Brigtsen's Restaurant, Bacchanal Fine Wine and Spirits, Origen Venezuelan Bistro, Here Today Rotisserie, Le Moyne Bistro, Brutto Americano, and Dakar NOLA. The city is well known for gumbo, jambalaya, po-boys, and beignets. New Orleans is defined by its two distinct local food styles, Creole and Cajun, which form the foundation of its food identity. Antoine's, the country's oldest family-run restaurant, opened in the French Quarter in 1840 and created Oysters Rockefeller.
French, Spanish, West African, and Native American influences are blended to create the local food. Neighborhoods like the French Quarter, the Garden District, and the Bywater are home to some of the best restaurants in New Orleans, as they showcase the rich history the city is known for, with dishes that reflect many cultural roots. New Orleans is a city in southeastern Louisiana, located on the Mississippi River near the Gulf of Mexico. This proximity to the Gulf provides an abundance of fresh seafood like shrimp, oysters, and crawfish, which enriches the city's food offerings. The many acclaimed Nola restaurants are shown in the following list:
What Food is New Orleans Famous For?
New Orleans is famous for gumbo, jambalaya, po-boys, beignets, crawfish étouffée, and chargrilled oysters. These dishes have become synonymous with the city’s rich food heritage and attract food tourists from around the world. Gumbo, a rich stew that reflects the city's history, is often considered the best food New Orleans offers. The experience of trying food in NOLA is defined by unique local techniques and recipes introduced by immigrant communities. The use of a roux, a flour and fat thickener, and the "holy trinity" of onions, celery, and bell peppers are foundational to many dishes. Cooking techniques like smothering, used in étouffée, and blackening, popularized by Chef Paul Prudhomme, originated in the region. The city's access to the Gulf of Mexico provides special ingredients like fresh shrimp, oysters, and crawfish that are central to the local diet.
What is the Average Cost of a Meal in New Orleans?
The average cost of a meal in New Orleans varies depending on the type of restaurant. At an inexpensive restaurant, a single meal costs around $20. Mid-range establishments offer three-course meals for two people at an average of $80. Luxury dining experiences can cost over $150 per person. For breakfast, expect to pay $10-$25. A budget-friendly lunch like a po-boy is about $15, while a mid-range lunch is from $20-$40. Fine-dining restaurants like Commander's Palace or Brennan's can have entrees starting at $40.
Is It Expensive to Eat Out in New Orleans?
No, it is not necessarily expensive to eat out in New Orleans. Although the city is home to many high-end and expensive restaurants, it also offers a vast number of affordable and delicious places to eat, making it accessible for any budget. The city's food scene is built on a foundation of casual, inexpensive classics. One can get a world-famous po-boy sandwich from a neighborhood spot like Parkway Bakery & Tavern for around $15-$20. A hearty bowl of gumbo or red beans and rice at a casual French Quarter eatery such as Gumbo Shop can be found for under $20.
Do Top Restaurants in New Orleans Require Dinner Reservations?
Yes, many of the top rated restaurants in New Orleans require dinner reservations, and booking them well in advance is highly recommended, especially for popular spots and weekend dining. For the best dinner restaurants in New Orleans, such as iconic establishments like Commander's Palace, Galatoire's, and Brennan's, you should plan to secure your dinner reservations weeks, or even months, ahead of your visit. Other popular contemporary restaurants such as La Petite Grocery and Shaya also fill up quickly, so booking at least two to three weeks in advance is a smart strategy. However, many excellent casual spots like Casamento's Restaurant and Cochon Butcher operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
What are the Most Popular Fast-Food Restaurants in New Orleans?
The most popular fast food restaurants in New Orleans are listed below:
- Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen: Founded in a New Orleans suburb, it is known for its spicy fried chicken, biscuits, and red beans and rice.
- Raising Cane's: A Louisiana-based chain popular for its simple menu of chicken fingers, crinkle-cut fries, and signature Cane's sauce.
- Dat Dog: A local favorite known for its creative hot dogs and sausages, including alligator and crawfish, with a wide array of toppings.
- Willie's Chicken Shack: A popular spot in the French Quarter for fried chicken and frozen daiquiris, known for its convenient locations and late hours.
What are the Newest Restaurants in New Orleans?
The newest restaurants in New Orleans are listed below:
- Acme Oyster House (Metairie): The iconic French Quarter oyster bar opened its first Northshore location, serving its famous chargrilled oysters and classic seafood. Located at 1202 N. Hwy. 190, Covington, LA 70433.
- Pay-Q's: A new barbecue spot in the former Frey Smoked Meat Co. space, focusing on traditional smoked meats and sides. Located at 4141 Bienville St., New Orleans, LA 70119.
- Oso Pop-Ups & Shelves: A new venture in the former Patois space, offering a dynamic menu through a series of pop-ups and a retail component. Located at 6078 Laurel St., New Orleans, LA 70118.
- The Kingsway: A contemporary Asian restaurant from the family behind Saffron NOLA, offering a refined dining experience. Located at 4201 Magazine St., New Orleans, LA 70115.
- Brutto Americano: Located in The Barnett hotel, this restaurant serves modern Italian food with a New Orleans twist. Located at 600 Carondelet St., New Orleans, LA 70130.
Which Restaurant Serves the Most Authentic Cajun Food in NOLA?
Cochon is the top choice for the most authentic Cajun food among the many NOLA restaurants. Considered the best Cajun restaurant New Orleans has for authentic flavors, it is led by Chef Donald Link, who grew up in Cajun country. Cochon is dedicated to showcasing the traditional pork-centric dishes of rural Louisiana. The restaurant operates its own butcher shop, Cochon Butcher, and specializes in house-made sausages, boudin, and other smoked meats prepared with old-world techniques.
Which Restaurants in New Orleans Serve Vegan Food?
New Orleans offers a growing selection of restaurants serving vegan food such as Sweet Soulfood, Breads on Oak, Kindred, and I-tal Garden. Sweet Soulfood serves 100% vegan Southern comfort food. Breads on Oak is a bakery and cafe known for its vegan sandwiches and pastries. Kindred offers creative, upscale vegan dishes in a cozy setting. I-tal Garden provides fresh, plant-based meals with a Caribbean influence.
Which Restaurants in New Orleans Serve Gluten-Free Food?
New Orleans offers many dining options for diners looking for gluten-free food including Carmo, The Daily Beet, and Bearcat Cafe. Carmo is a tropical-inspired restaurant with a menu that is almost entirely gluten-free. The Daily Beet focuses on healthy, fresh options like salads, bowls, and smoothies with many gluten-free choices. Bearcat Cafe has two locations and offers separate "Good Cat" (healthier) and "Bad Cat" (more indulgent) menus with clear gluten-free markings.
What are the Most Famous Cuisines in New Orleans?
The most famous cuisines in New Orleans are listed below:
- Creole: Known as "city food," it blends French, Spanish, and West African influences in refined dishes.
- Cajun: Known as "country food," it is heartier and was developed by French-Canadian settlers.
- Soul Food: Features classic Southern comfort dishes like fried chicken, red beans and rice, and collard greens.
- Vietnamese: The city has a large Vietnamese community, and dishes like pho and banh mi are very popular.
- Italian: Sicilian immigrants brought dishes like the muffuletta sandwich to the city.