Best restaurants in New Orleans

If you’re on the hunt for the best places to eat in New Orleans, you’ll be spoilt for choice. New Orleans is one of the most diverse and exciting places to dine in America. With a host of international influences, you’ll find a culinary surprise around every corner.

Of course, no trip to New Orleans would be complete without a stop at the historic French Quarter. But there are a host of gastronomic treasures located across the city. Let us help you plan an unforgettable food-filled getaway with our roundup of the best restaurants in New Orleans. 

Cochon Restaurant

930 Tchoupitoulas Street suite a, New Orleans, LA 70130

Nestled uptown in a rustic warehouse, Cochon invites you to sample the authentic flavors of Cajun country. From locally sourced pork to fresh produce and seafood, you’ll find something to suit every appetite. Group bookings and reservations are welcome, but the restaurant is very popular, so it’s best to book in advance.

If you’re looking for a little something to help you remember your visit, or are on the hunt for a unique souvenir, the restaurant also offers a variety of apparel, from enamelware gift sets to baseball caps.

Find out more

Olde NOLA Cookery  

205 Bourbon Street, New Orleans, LA 70130

Located on the bustling Bourbon Street, in the heart of the French Quarter, this colorful and vibrant restaurant serves up an array of traditional Cajun and Creole dishes. House specialties include redfish cookery and blackened bayou duck. You’ll also find a hearty selection of seafood and meat platters, like the ‘jazzy’ crab cake platter and the blackened chicken platter, which are perfect for sharing.  

If there’s still room for dessert, the menu features a tempting selection of sweet treats, from strawberry cheesecake to chocolate kahlua mousse. Whether you’re stopping by for lunch or dinner, or popping in for a quick bite, the delicious and authentic flavors at this colorful restaurant are sure to satisfy your hungry appetite.

Find out more

Doris Metropolitan

620 Chartres Street, New Orleans, LA 70130

Located on the historic Chartres Street, overlooking the Mississippi River, this upscale steakhouse serves up a selection of cured meats in relaxed and contemporary setting. Take your pick from freshly baked breads and appetizers, to dry aged steaks and an enticing choice of sides and deserts.

Whether you’re planning a romantic date night for two or catching up with some old friends, Doris Metropolitan is the perfect venue. Winners of Thrillist’s ‘Top 20 SteakHouses in the U.S’ award, you can guarantee that you’re in for a high-quality dining experience. The restaurants attention to detail and Middle Eastern roots also set it apart from many other traditional steakhouses in the area.

Find out more

Oceana Grill

739 Conti Street, New Orleans, LA 70130

This popular seafood restaurant is in the heart of New Orleans. Creole and Louisiana cuisine are specialties here and the restaurant are said to serve the ‘best crab cake and gumbo’ in the French Quarter. You’ll also find a variety of Creole-inspired pasta and seafood dishes on the menu too.

On top of its impressive menu offering, the restaurant has seven themed rooms available for private events. And if you’re looking for something a little more intimate, the restaurant offers a delivery service so you can enjoy fresh food delivered directly to your door.

The combination of seafood and Cajun dishes, friendly service and welcoming atmosphere make Oceana Grill a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. 

Find out more

LUVI Restaurant

5236 Tchoupitoulas Street, New Orleans, LA 70115

Enjoy traditional Chinese and Japanese dishes with a twist at this small but friendly Asian eatery. Formerly a doughnut shop, LUVI is a small, intimate restaurant featuring bold interior and bespoke decor. The menu features a wide range of Asian-influenced dishes, from a raw bar to unique creations prepared by chef Hao Gong himself. There’s also a selection of traditional sides to choose from.

Aside from the food, the ambience of this place is unmatched. With friendly waiters and live music, you’ll feel instantly welcomed the moment you step through the door. Whether you’re visiting with friends, family, or co-workers you’re sure to have a memorable experience.  

Find out more

Dooky Chase Restaurant

2301 Orleans Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70119

Situated in the Treme neighborhood of New Orleans, Dooky Chase Restaurant is popular with tourists and locals. It’s also a popular hotspot for celebrities and has attracted several notable figures over the years including the likes of George W. Bush, President Barack Obama and Beyoncé.

With a refined menu featuring a variety of Creole and Cajun classics, it’s not hard to see why the restaurant is a big hit. It has also become known as the go-to meeting place for music, entertainment, civil rights activism, and culture in New Orleans.

Find out more

Houston’s Restaurant

1755 St Charles Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70130

If American dining is more your thing, Houston’s is the place for you. You’ll find classics such as a hearty burger made from house-ground chuck and brisket and fall-off the bone barbeque pork ribs on the menu. There’s plenty of sides to choose from too, including roasted peppers, braised red cabbage and of course, classic French fries.  

Everything on the menu is freshly prepared daily and presented with the utmost care. To make sure you get a table, it’s best to make a reservation online. Guests are also encouraged to check the dress code beforehand, as hats, tank tops and flip flops are considered too casual for dining here.

Find out more

So, there you have it, a complete rundown of the best restaurants in New Orleans. Now all that’s left to do is embark on your epic-culinary adventure. So, pick up your Hertz car rental and get ready to sample New Orleans hottest dining spots.   

Get to know more about New Orleans

Want to discover more about New Orleans? Check out our other guides on the vibrant city nicknamed The Big Easy:

• Best hotels in New Orleans
• Best things to do in New Orleans
• New Orleans driving guide
• New Orleans’ Neighborhoods