8 of the Best Places in New Orleans to Eat

New Orleans is known for its Creole cuisine, Cajun dishes, southern soul food, and fresh seafood.

It truly is a foodies paradise where you can experience dishes that you can’t find anywhere else!

There are so many incredible restaurants to choose from, but here are eight of the best places in New Orleans to eat!

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Best Places in New Orleans to Eat

Table of Contents

• 1. The Court of Two Sisters
• 2. Tableau
• 3. Jack Rose
• 4. Cafe Du Monde
• 5. Cafe Beignet
• 6. District Donuts Sliders Brew
• 7. Commander’s Palace
• 8. Brennan’s
• A few more of the best places in New Orleans to eat:
• Best food tours in New Orleans

1. The Court of Two Sisters

I can’t think of a better way to experience New Orleans than with a Jazz brunch at The Court of Two Sisters.

Enjoy traditional New Orleans cuisine while listening to a live jazz band under a leafy canopy in the outdoor courtyard.

The brunch includes an all-you-can-eat buffet.

The buffet features popular dishes such as gumbo, turtle soup, jambalaya, grits, barbecue ribs, crawfish, boiled shrimp, bananas foster, bread pudding, pecan pie, and so much more!

They also serve some of the best eggs benedict around and their made-to-order omelets are divine.

The Court of Two Sisters is housed in a historic building that was built in 1832. It was originally built as a home for the president of the Bank of New Orleans.

In 1886, two Creole sisters opened a notions shop on the bottom floor called ‘The Shop of the Two Sisters’, which is where the restaurant’s name originated.

They sold Mardi Gras costumes, formal gowns, jewelry, and perfumes imported from Paris. They also served tea and cakes in the courtyard.

The store catered to the aristocratic wives of monarchs and politicians that lived on this block of Royal Street known as Governors Row.

As with many New Orleans establishments, The Court of Two Sisters comes with its fair share of ghost stories.

Marie Laveau, New Orleans resident Voodoo queen, lived only a few blocks away. Legend has it that she practiced her rituals in the fountain found in the courtyard.

The fountain has since been nicknamed the ‘Devil’s Wishing Well’.

It is also rumored that the ‘gentleman pirate’ Jean Lafitte killed three men in this courtyard during three separate duels in one night.

In the 1950s, a woman was murdered in an apartment above the restaurant by her ex-husband. A few years later he was found strangled to death in his apartment as well.

Whether you believe that the ghosts of these tortured souls still roam around the building or not, you can believe that this is one of the most unique and best places in New Orleans to eat!

The brunch buffet is offered daily from 9 am to 3 pm. Just be sure to make reservations in advance as this is one of the more popular places to eat in New Orleans.

2. Tableau

Tableau was opened in 2013 as the brainchild of Dickie Brennan. He is a member of the Brennan family dynasty that owns 10 of the best restaurants in New Orleans.

The success of Tableau can be attributed to the food, the location, and the ambiance.

The menu offers a modern twist on classic Creole dishes using locally sourced ingredients.

The elevated cuisine is achieved through rich flavors, quality ingredients, and impeccable presentation.

Try the Bown Butter Gnocchi, Oyster Pan Roast, Maison Salad, or Chicken Tableau. Be sure to save room for the Crème Brûlée!

As for the location, Tableau is situated in the heart of the French Quarter. It is adjacent to the St. Louis Cathedral and Jackson Square.

When it comes to ambiance, Tableau was voted ‘Best Balcony for Dining and Drinking’. The upstairs balcony overlooks St. Peter Street and Jackson Square.

When we were there, the balcony was closed for dining while undergoing some repairs, but it is usually lined with tables.

Tableau happens to be situated on a popular parade route as wedding parties travel from the cathedral to the wedding reception.

Chances are you’ll catch a festive parade from the balcony while enjoying your meal!

Guests also have the option of dining in the cozy outdoor courtyard under strings of lights.

Indoor seating is also available inside this historic building.

This impressive structure was built in 1789 and served as a hospital and an orphanage. It was also home to the 7th governor of Louisiana.

Reservations are highly recommended and be sure to specify if you would like an outdoor seat on the balcony or patio.

3. Jack Rose

Jack Rose is located inside the Garden District’s iconic Pontchartrain Hotel. The restaurant’s name was inspired by Pulitzer Prize winner Tennessee Williams’ play, The Rose Tattoo.

The collection of dining rooms are both elegant and eclectic.

Each room is unique with vibrant pops of color and whimsical decor, coupled with traditional timeless elements.

The restaurant also boasts a gorgeous rose garden patio and vibrant Hot Tin rooftop bar.

Not only is Jack Rose one of the most Instagrammable restaurants in New Orleans, but the well-executed menu is just as impressive.

Start your meal off with the Kale Caesar Salad, Crawfish Cornbread, or Cheeseboard.

The Pork Belly, Fried Oyster, or Red Shrimp & Fusili come highly recommended as a main. Just be sure to save room for dessert!

Jack Rose is known for their signature Mile High Pie, a three-layer ice-cream pie topped with a layer of toasted marshmallow. Your waiter will add the finishing touch with a drizzle of chocolate sauce.

The pie is even endorsed by NOLA’s own Lil’ Wayne. You can spot a painting in the lounge featuring the New Orleans native posing with the Mile High Pie.

This trendy spot is often crowded, so reservations are highly recommended.

4. Cafe Du Monde

While beignets are actually a French pastry, over the years they have become synonymous with New Orleans.

These deep-fried puffed donuts dusted in powdered sugar were brought to New Orleans by the early French colonists.

However, Cafe Du Monde is credited with making these beignets world-famous.

Cafe Du Monde was established in 1862 and has been producing the best beignets in New Orleans ever since.

It is even rumored that Cafe Du Monde creates its signature beignets using the same recipe that was brought over from France by the Ursuline nuns.

The cafe is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, except for Christmas day.

Expect a line to be wrapped around the building at any given time, but it is worth the wait!

5. Cafe Beignet

If you’re craving a beignet but don’t have the time or patience to wait in line at Cafe Du Monde, then head to Cafe Beignet.

There are four different locations in New Orleans, but my favorite is the darling cafe found on Royal Street in the French Quarter.

The photogenic cafe is bursting with character and the line is so much shorter.

While the beignets at Cafe Beignet come in at a close second to Cafe Du Monde, they are still delicious and will satisfy your deep-fried powdered sugar-coated craving!

And if you’re looking for other recommendations while in the French Quarter, check out our guide 12 Unique Things to do in the French Quarter!

6. District Donuts Sliders Brew

Cafe Du Monde is the place to go for French-style donuts, but District Donut is the place to go for traditional American-style donuts.

These donuts are made fresh daily from scratch. Even the sprinkles are homemade!

They keep a few staple flavors on the menu, but the real fun is in the specialty donuts they have on rotation.

Some flavors that have been featured in the past include Maple Bacon, Blueberry Cheesecake, Girl Scout Cookie, Nutter Butter, Wedding Cake, Horchata, Salted Caramel, Pink Lemonade, and so many more delectable creations!

If you are craving something savory and a little more substantial, their menu also includes a selection of sandwiches, sliders, and salads.

Try a Fried Chicken Sandwich with a side of Waffle Cheese Fries!

There are a few locations around New Orleans, but our favorite is the one located in a historic building on Magazine Street in the Garden District.

*Related post: If you’re planning to visit Mobile, check out our guide 11 Things to do in Mobile, Alabama!

7. Commander’s Palace

Commander’s Palace is one of the most famous restaurants in New Orleans.

It first opened in 1893 and the bright turquoise building has been a beloved landmark in the Garden District ever since.

The menu features high-end Creole cuisine created by some of New Orleans’ top chefs.

Celebrity chef, Emeril Lagasse was even the executive chef of this world-famous restaurant during the 1980s.

Everything on the menu is divine, but if you’re looking for recommendations try the Shrimp & Tasso Henican, Summer Squash Burrata, and Creole Bread Pudding Soufflé.

Commander’s Palace is also known for its brightly colored .25 cent martinis. Just note that there is a limit of 3 with your lunch order.

The three-story restaurant has plenty of seating, but you’ll still need to make reservations in advance.

I would recommend reserving a seat in the Garden Room with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a sprawling ancient oak.

If you do plan to dine at Commander’s Palace, keep in mind that you’ll need to adhere to their dress code with business attire and closed-toe shoes.

And while you’re in the Garden District, be sure to check out these 18 Famous Places to See in New Orleans’ Garden District!

8. Brennan’s

This iconic vibrant pink restaurant on Royal Street has become a New Orleans institution.

The Brennan family entered the NOLA food scene in 1946 with the opening of Brennan’s Restaurant on Bourbon Street.

Ten years later, it moved to its current location on Royal street where it occupies this historic 1795 Vieux Carre building in the French Quarter’s ‘old square’.

Over the years, the Brennan family has expanded its restaurant empire to encompass 13 award-winning restaurants, 10 of which are in New Orleans.

Brennan’s has been touted as one of the ‘South’s Top 10 Restaurants’ by Southern Living Magazine.

But what makes Brennan’s world-famous is that they are the creators of the original Bananas Foster.

In 1951, Owen Brennan wanted to create a dessert and name it after his friend Richard Foster.

He enlisted the help of his sister and head chef, and what they came up with has become a favorite dessert around the globe.

When visiting New Orleans, it is quite the experience to order Bananas Foster at its birthplace.

The dessert consists of bananas tossed in butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and rum.

It is flambéed tableside by your waiter and then topped with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.

Brennan’s is also the original creator of Eggs Hussarde. This dish is an elevated version of Eggs Benedict, with mushrooms and a red wine reduction.

For more recommendations, check out our guide How to Spend an Unforgettable Weekend in New Orleans!

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A few more of the best places in New Orleans to eat:

• Willie Mae’s Scotch House: Willie Mae’s Scotch House was once a neighborhood barbershop and salon. Today it is a popular restaurant that serves ‘The Best Fried Chicken in America’ according to The Food Network and Travel Channel. They also received the James Beard Award for “America’s Classic Restaurant for the Southern Region”.
• Arnaud’s: This is the place to go for fine dining in the Big Easy. The restaurant is adorned with crystal chandeliers and crisp white tablecloths. It is also the best place to go in New Orleans for classic Creole dishes.
• Muriel’s Jackson Square: This restaurant is a favorite among ghost hunters. It is said that the former owner of the home committed suicide in an upstairs room and has never left. They even set a table for him each night with bread and a bottle of French wine. For an extra $50 you can even dine with the resident ghost!
• Galatoire’s: This fifth-generation family-run restaurant first opened its doors in 1905. It was founded by Jean Galatoire who brought over his family’s recipes from the small village of Pardies, France. Today, the legacy and family traditions continue here at one of the most popular restaurants in New Orleans.
• Auction House Market: This trendy food hall located in the warehouse district is filled with a wide range of vendors featuring classic New Orleans dishes. It has also become Instagram-famous for having the cutest bathroom in New Orleans!
• The Country Club: The Country Club was once a charming family cottage located in New Orleans’ Bywater neighborhood. Today it is a sophisticated restaurant and hidden oasis. You’ll even find an outdoor pool with a cabana lounge and poolside dining. Day passes are available for an additional $20 if you would like to swim.
• The Vintage: The Vintage is a coffee shop located in the Garden District. It is known for the special button that you can “push for more champagne”.
• Napoleon House: This is the place to go for homecooked soul food in a historic 200-year-old home. Try the po-boys, muffuletta sandwich, smoked gouda grilled cheese, or banana pudding.
• Bywater Bakery: This local bakery has earned a spot on Yelp’s top 100 restaurants in the US in 2022. They are known for their delectable cakes, but locals and tourists also love their pastries, sandwiches, and homemade bagels.

Best food tours in New Orleans

A food tour is a great way to experience the food scene in New Orleans. You’ll be able to sample some of the best dishes while learning the history of the city. If you are interested, here are a few of the best food tours in New Orleans:

• Cocktails & Brunch Crawl in the French Quarter
• Food History and Walking Tour
• Food Walking Tour with a Local
• New Orleans Food Tour (most affordable)

FAQ:

• What food is New Orleans known for? New Orleans is known for their Cajun and Creole dishes as well as seafood.
• What is traditional Louisana food? When visiting New Orleans, the most popular traditional dishes include gumbo, jambalaya, po-boys, boiled crawfish, shrimp and grits, beignets, fried oysters, pecan pie, turtle soup, and even alligator!
• What is the national dish of Louisiana? Gumbo is the national dish of Louisiana. It consists of a flavorful stew with meat or shellfish, celery, bell peppers, and onions.
• What is Creole cuisine? Creole is a type of cuisine unique to New Orleans. It combines traditional West African, French, Spanish, and Native American flavors and dishes. It is also influenced by cuisine that is commonly found in the South. Examples of popular Creole dishes include jambalaya, red beans & rice, gumbo, and boudin.
• What desserts is New Orleans known for? New Orleans is most widely known for its beignets. Other popular desserts include bananas foster, pecan pie, and banana pudding.

I hope this guide will help you discover the best places in New Orleans to eat!

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