Best Restaurants In New Orleans For Authentic Cuisine
No visit to New Orleans is complete without a meal at one of its famous restaurants. While they serve the comforting, complex flavors the city is known for, these establishments are also rooted in decades of tradition. There’s so much to offer, some people visit for the food alone. Why not go directly to the source for specialties like gumbo, po’boys, jambalaya, muffulettas, and beignets? Take a seat at the table of one of these NOLA restaurants and you'll get a taste of the Big Easy that you won't soon forget.
Clancy's
Beloved by locals, Clancy’s is a neighborhood institution with white cloth-laden tables, tuxedoed waiters, and a menu that consistently surprises. Chef Brian Larson’s traditional New Orleans dishes may be tried and true, but there is something in the flawless execution that strikes a new flavor note with each bite. Start with the shrimp rémoulade before diving into the crawfish étouffée—it’s classic NOLA.
6100 Annunciation Street; clancysneworleans.com
Cochon
The pig is king at this shrine to Cajun cooking in the Warehouse District. At the helm: two James Beard Award winners, Executive Chef Donald Link and Chef Stephen Stryjewski. The duo dream up rustic Cajun dishes featuring locally sourced and sustainably raised animals in their renovated warehouse-turned-restaurant. What’s on the menu? Don’t miss the cooked-to-order pork cracklins or the wood-fired oysters with chili-garlic butter.
930 Tchoupitoulas Street; cochonrestaurant.com
Commander’s Palace
With a history spanning 130-plus years, don’t worry about this NOLA institution being stuck in the past. Trite and trendy need not apply, but interesting and relevant—Chef Meg Bickford has your number. The seven-time James Beard Award-winning restaurant dazzles patrons with oysters in a puff pastry dome served with a rich absinthe sauce. And don’t pass on the bread pudding soufflé. Midday meal revelers beware: Martinis are served for 25 cents each.
1403 Washington Avenue; commanderspalace.com
Coquette
This Garden District gem features a daily-changing menu of locally sourced products that has put Executive Chef Michael Stoltzfus on the culinary map. Michael’s inventive flavor pairings hit the mark. Try the fried oysters with pickled andouille, sweet potato, and basil, or the vegetable salad with cashew puree, satsumas, and olive praline.
2800 Magazine Street; coquettenola.com
Domenica
Simple food, complex flavors—Chef Valeriano Chiella has been giving people what they want since 2021. Domenica opened its doors in 2009. Not to be confused with a pizza parlor, the dining room is anchored by a glittering chandelier that serves as a shimmering counterpoint to the salumi case where guests can take a peek at the imported and house-cured meats. While the dreamy pizzas are a must, the roasted cauliflower with sea salt and whipped goat feta has developed a cult following. Early birds, check out the daily pizza and cocktail hour. Half-priced pie and drink specials—mamma mia.
123 Baronne Street; domenicarestaurant.com
Gautreau's
With a grocery list of culinary honors, Gautreau's has made a name for itself among the food-loving masses for relentlessly precise technique and pitch-perfect flavors. In this jewel box of a restaurant in Uptown, Chef Nick Fry turns out dishes such as red snapper with Chinese egg noodles and vegetables in coconut miso broth. But we’re suckers for the perfectly roasted chicken—for our money, that’s the mark of a chef who’s honed their craft.
1728 Soniat Street; gautreausrestaurant.com
La Petite Grocery
Chef Justin Devillier is cooking his way to super chef status at this Crescent City mainstay. Justin has been churning out creative riffs on traditional Louisiana cuisine since taking over ownership in 2010. Blue crab beignets with malt vinegar aioli; turtle bolognese with tagliatelle, sherry, and soft-boiled egg; and Gulf shrimp and grits with roasted mushrooms and smoked bacon dazzle the palate.
4238 Magazine Street; lapetitegocery.com
Pêche
The newest member of Donald Link’s culinary empire lures diners hook, line, and sinker. Inspired by a trip to Uruguay, Donald and Chef Ryan Prewitt developed a tasty concept that marries the open-fire cooking tradition of the South American country with bayou-hailing flavor. The whole grilled fish is a must.
800 Magazine Street; pecherestaurant.com
Toups’ Meatery
Some people eat to live, while others live to eat. Chef Isaac Toups subscribes to the latter—much to the benefit of restaurant-goers on his side of the bayou. With a nod to old-school butchery techniques evident with each meat board that rolls out of his kitchen, the Louisiana native has created an eatery that proves to be a haven for discerning carnivores. Dishes such as duck served with roux peas, roasted mushrooms, and tasso jam round out the smart and satisfying menu.
845 North Carrollton Avenue; toupsmeatery.com
Arnaud's
Since 1918, this fine dining establishment has served award-winning Creole cuisine. Dine in the elegant turn-of-the-century main dining room or reserve a table in the jazz bistro with live jazz music overlooking Bourbon Street. Try the signature dishes like Shrimp Arnaud and Oysters Bienville.
813 Bienville Street; arnaudsrestaurant.com
More Can't-Miss Restaurants
Antoine’s: Established in 1840, Antoine’s is the oldest family-run restaurant in the U.S. Specializing in French-Creole cuisine. It is also home to Oysters Rockefeller.
713 Saint Louis Street; antoines.comDooky Chase’s: This restaurant opened its doors in 1941 as a sandwich shop. A hotspot for music, civil rights meetings, and entertainment, today this landmark family-operated restaurant serves popular Creole cuisine like gumbo, chicken creole, and red beans.
2301 Orleans Avenue; dookychaserestaurants.comGalatoire's Restaurant: Open since 1905, Galatoire’s has been serving French-Creole cuisine to delighted patrons. Order the Shrimp Remoulade, the restaurant’s most popular dish and most requested recipe.
209 Bourbon Street; galatoires.com
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