Top 10 Must-Try Restaurants in New Orleans Right Now

New Orleans boasts one of the most iconic food cultures in the USA, largely due to its embrace of organic practices. It's widely recognized that exceptional cuisine arises from a blend of cultures, access to quality ingredients, and a commitment to authenticity. For three centuries, New Orleans kitchens have upheld this philosophy, resulting in a unique, Creole-influenced culinary scene celebrated worldwide.

Today, New Orleans' culinary landscape is further enriched by a diverse international influence. While you can certainly enjoy traditional gumbo, the menu now reflects a global perspective as well. Join us on a gastronomic journey through timeless Creole classics and contemporary dishes that showcase the myriad influences shaping this distinctive food culture.

Enjoy the freshest seafood at Peche

In a city renowned for its seafood, Peche consistently rises to the top of our recommendations. The menu adapts daily based on the fresh catches, though there are always delightful options for those who prefer land-based fare. We strongly recommend sampling some seafood, ideally through small plates to experience a variety. In previous visits, we've adored the catfish in chili broth and a whole grilled redfish that left us satisfied and smiling. The vibrant dining room can get busy, so reservations are a must.

How to enjoy it: Peche offers a casual fine dining experience; dress nicely and book your table about a month in advance through the restaurant's website or Resy.

Savor the best beignets at Dough Nguyener’s

Vietnamese cuisine is intricately linked to South Louisiana's culinary landscape, just like po’boys. In the 2020s, we’ve reached a turning point where Vietnamese food is no longer just an option in New Orleans; Vietnamese American chefs are redefining local favorites. Dough Nguyener’s, a bakery and restaurant situated just outside New Orleans on the West Bank, exemplifies this trend. Operated by Vietnamese Americans, they serve outstanding fried chicken and banh mi, along with a delightful twist on the traditional beignet.

Getting There: This is a laid-back venue; no reservations are accepted, and it fills up quickly on weekends. Located about 8 miles south of the city, you’ll need a car to reach it. Expect crowds during weekend brunch hours.

Experience the incredible hummus at Saba

Founded by James Beard-award winner Alon Shaya, Saba’s beautiful interior draws a clientele as stylish and affluent as the surrounding Uptown neighborhood. Despite the elegant setting, the food evokes a comforting, refined version of hearty meals your grandparents might serve—apt, considering 'Saba' means 'grandfather' in Hebrew. The menu features dishes from the Jewish diaspora, and you must try the hummus during your visit. Choose from various options, including the luxurious blue crab hummus and a richly flavored version adorned with brussels sprouts, black garlic, and pickled jalapeños.

Getting a Table: Book your reservations a few weeks ahead through Resy, and dress nicely. Saba features a beautiful outdoor dining space that we recommend enjoying when the weather is pleasant.

Indulge in curry chicken at Queen Trini Lisa

New Orleans is often called the northernmost Caribbean city, and Queen Trini Lisa keeps this culinary connection strong. Queen Trini has been serving up delicious Trinbagonian cuisine since her days in an old convenience store, bringing the vibrant flavors of Trinidad and Tobago to a laid-back Mid-City restaurant with reasonable prices amidst today’s menu inflation. While her jerk chicken is well-known, we recommend the chicken curry, which offers layers of tropical flavor and just the right amount of heat, making you crave a side of Caribbean-style spinach and fried plantains (and don’t miss the excellent vegan plate!).

Getting In: No reservations are needed, and the restaurant rarely fills up. We’ve found the fastest service during the early dinner hours (5:30–6:30 PM).

Savor raw oysters at Pascal’s Manale

The ambiance at Pascal's Manale exudes an unpretentious “is-this-a-lost-Sopranos-episode” charm, featuring black-and-white photos and friendly banter among local regulars. The atmosphere is inviting, but let's talk about the food. Yes, there are steaks and massive pasta plates, all of which are delicious, yet you should truly come here for the raw oyster bar, deserving of a display at the Smithsonian. This slice of urban history includes a shucker who will charm and engage you while presenting a plate of stunning, glistening ocean gems. Slurp them down and wash them down with white wine—repeat as desired.

Getting In: No reservations required, but consider dressing nicely. The raw bar tends to get busy around 5 PM, but the skilled shuckers ensure everything moves swiftly.

Enjoy the shrimp sauce at Liuzza’s by the Track

At Liuzza’s by the Track, you can enjoy your beer served in a goblet. That's right—a goblet! Alongside, you'll find duck tenders, an incredibly delicious garlic fried oyster po’boy, and a few random gambling machines, all just steps away from the city’s renowned racetrack (which also hosts Jazz Fest). You must try the barbecue shrimp here, although it’s not really barbecue in the traditional sense. In this case, it means the shrimp is simmered in an incredibly rich garlic butter sauce that will lead to the happiest food sweats. Be sure to grab extra bread to soak up that delicious sauce.

Getting In: Liuzza's does not accept reservations. It tends to get very busy during lunch and dinner, so you might have to wait for a table. Most regulars take this opportunity to enjoy a drink at the in-house bar.

Join the queue for a Reuben at Stein’s

You probably arrived in New Orleans craving a po’boy, the city's iconic version of a sub sandwich (or is the sub a northern take on the po’boy?). However, there are plenty of ways to enjoy ingredients tucked between bread, and Stein’s, a top-notch local deli, is ready to compete with any protein-carb creation from your hometown. Expect a line (there’s always one), glance at the fridge filled with craft beers and sodas, grab a drink, and don’t be put off by Dan Stein’s gruff demeanor—he’s actually quite nice. Every sandwich is great, but the Reuben and Rachel are truly magical.

How to Order: Stein's doesn’t accept reservations and gets busy from about 11am to 1pm. The line moves quickly, but if there’s a stack of orders, be prepared to wait.

Indulge in a shrimp po’boy with gravy fries at Parkway

Did we just imply that po’boys aren’t the only sandwiches worth trying in New Orleans? Absolutely! Still, you must try a po’boy, and the weathered yellow-corn husk of Parkway Bakery & Tavern, perched by the banks of Bayou St. John, is perfect for connoisseurs. If you're a fan of gravy fries, grab those, but if you’re watching your carbs, just go for a fried shrimp po’boy, ideally 'dressed' with lettuce, tomato, pickles, onion, and mayo. That’s a generous serving of fried seafood on bread—perfect for a stroll along the bayou, the city’s most scenic inland waterway, afterwards.

How to Order: No reservations are needed. Parkway can get hectic during lunch, but they have an efficient system that keeps the lines moving.

Experience the fiery flavors of pani puri at Mister Mao.

At Mister Mao, the smoke wafts enticingly from the cooking pans, creating an engaging atmosphere at the bar, perfect for dinner theater. Order a cocktail and embark on a culinary journey through modern interpretations of flavors from China and Southeast Asia, featuring dishes like ginger salads and avocado chaat. Don’t miss the pani puri: these delightful, airy balls are filled with potato masala, chutney, and pickled blueberries, offering a burst of international flavors in every bite.

How to Order: This place is quite popular, so make sure to secure reservations at least a month in advance; it’s best to book via Resy.

Indulge your sweet cravings with ice cream from Lucy Boone.

New Orleans is undeniably hot—really hot. The best way to combat that heat? Ice cream. You can find some exceptional local flavors at Lucy Boone, a cozy, family-owned shop that offers a select few flavors at a time, including key lime pie and nutella brownie. No matter what you choose, you can't go wrong.

How to Order: Feel free to walk in anytime. There are only a couple of tables, so expect a quick-moving line, though you might linger after enjoying this ice cream.