The best restaurants in New Orleans

What is it: Chef Emeril Lagasse’s flagship fine-dining restaurant was recently revamped and is now led by his son E.J.

Why we love it: Emeril’s is a polished New Orleans institution that blends classic technique with deep Louisiana soul. Now offering an indulgent, six-course tasting menu—a splurge at $225—the food blends Emeril’s legacy with his son’s forward-thinking approach. A meal may include signatures like a smoked salmon cheesecake, lobster gumbo, trout amandine and sweetbreads with black truffle. Service is exceptional, and the warm, welcoming decor sets the stage for a truly celebratory meal. It’s no wonder Michelin awarded Emeril’s two stars.

Time Out tip: Book Friday lunch for the shorter $150 tasting menu, or grab a seat at the wine bar for à la carte small plates.

Address: 800 Tchoupitoulas St, New Orleans, LA 70130

Opening hours: Tue-Thu 5:30-9:30pm, Fri-Sat 5:30-10:30pm

What is it: The crown jewel of the Brennan food empire, this landmark Garden District restaurant has been a beacon of fine dining since 1880.

Why we love it: This grand dame has been a Garden District landmark for decades. The iconic lineage of chefs—from Paul Prudhomme, Emeril Lagasse, Jamie Shannon, Tory McPhail and now Meg Bickford—has nurtured the Creole menu while making their own marks. With its turquoise and white-striped awning, the iconic Victorian mansion is the perfect setting for an intimate meal or a large celebration. Must-orders include turtle soup, pecan-crusted fish and bread pudding soufflé for dessert. Other highlights include shrimp and tasso Henican, remoulade roasted shrimp and candied jalapeno-stuffed quail. Jazz Brunch on Saturdays and Sundays is always a festive option for kicking the weekend up a notch.

Time Out tip: Partake in a beloved lunchtime tradition. Enjoy 25-cent martinis with the purchase of an entrée. Lunch (and the martini special) is available on Thursdays and Fridays. Afterwards, take a stroll around the Garden District to digest.

Address: 1403 Washington Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130

Opening hours: Wed–Sat 11:30am–2pm, 6–9:30pm; Mon, Tue 5:30–9:30pm 

What is it: This fine dining establishment in the French Quarter is all about fresh seafood and innovative preparations.

Why we love it: Entrées change daily to reflect the best catch, and Chef Michael Nelson works with dozens of trusted local purveyors to source his seafood, even local spearfish divers who deliver their morning catch. Whatever the preparation—wood-grilled, parmesan-crusted, blackened—the flavors of the fish shine through. Appetizers like lobster dumplings and New Orleans-style barbecue shrimp are constants. Try not to fill up on the delectable biscuits and cross your fingers that the “Scalibut”—a deliciously unique halibut/scallop combo—is on the menu.

Time Out tip: Fans of dry-aged steak should definitely try the dry-aged tuna or swordfish when available. Chef Nelson has set the gold standard for dry-aging fish, and his handiwork might make you look at seafood in a whole new way.

Address: 808 Bienville St, New Orleans, LA 70112

Opening hours: Sun-Thu 5-9:30pm; Fri-Sat 5-10pm

What is it: Chef Eric Cook’s Magazine Street restaurant is a lively gathering spot for refined Southern cuisine.

Why we love it: New Orleans has plenty of restaurants serving the classics, but Gris-Gris takes them to new heights, with updates that are more than just trendy twists on the original. Take, for example, the oyster BLT: it comes with smoked pork belly, tomato jam, arugula and sugar cane vinegar. Chef Cook’s mom’s recipe for chicken and dumplings—with hand-pulled chicken, roasted carrots, fresh herbs and homemade dumplings—has been a hit from the start, and the cast-iron seared fish and shrimp showcases the best of Gulf seafood. The downstairs has an open kitchen and counter seating, while the upstairs has a dining room, bar, and outdoor balcony seating with prime views of Lower Magazine Street.

Time Out tip: Loved your meal? Stop in Gris-Gris to Go-Go next door for to-go versions of some of the hits, plus other goodies, including Chef Cook’s cookbook.

Address: 1800 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130

Opening hours: Sun, Mon, Wed, Thu 11am-9pm; Fri-Sat 11am-10pm

What is it: This legendary Tremé restaurant is renowned for its Creole cuisine, and has served as a meeting place for civil rights leaders as well as a cultural hub.

Why we love it: The late Leah Chase was an icon for her culinary contributions and role in the Civil Rights Movement, whose leaders often gathered at her restaurant. You’ll still feel the powerful history here while dining on some of the best Creole cuisine around in a lively, welcoming atmosphere. It's no wonder notable guests include everyone from Ray Charles and Quincy Jones to President Obama and Beyoncé. From hearty red beans or shrimp Clemenceau to gumbo and crispy fried chicken, a meal at Dooky Chase fills the belly and the soul.

Time Out tip: Take some time to admire the art on the walls—the restaurant served as the first art gallery for Black artists in New Orleans.

Address: 2301 Orleans Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119

Opening hours: Tue-Fri 11am-3pm; Fri-Sat 5:30-9pm

What is it: The Link Restaurant Group’s convivial, seafood-centric destination features fresh, local fish and a flaming wood-fired grill.

Why we love it: Pêche’s fire-driven approach makes it a standout. Dig into whole grilled fish with crispy skin; jumbo shrimp with greens, coconut and sticky rice; and a smoked tuna dip that’s become a local legend. The grill gives everything a smoky depth, turning simple ingredients into knockout dishes. Much of the menu lends itself to sharing, from the fish sticks with Urban South beer batter or the fried oysters with arugula, pickled papaya and kimchi to the shrimp toast with pickles or divine fried bread.

Time Out tip: The vibe is boisterous and can be loud, but the food here is meant for a party. Get it started with an inventive cocktail from the bar: the regularly-changing menu features the likes of the Ponchatoula smash with bourbon, local strawberries and basil or the Charred Catalan with gin, blanco vermouth and smoked olive.

Address: 800 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130

Opening hours: Daily 11am-10pm

What is it: This standout Indian restaurant on Magazine Street that fuses traditional Indian cooking with Louisiana flair. The bold, inventive dishes have earned this spot multiple James Beard nominations.

Why we love it: The space is modern and electric, with the kind of buzz that hints something great is always coming out of the kitchen. Standouts on the creative menu include a curried seafood gumbo with local crab and shrimp, Bombay spiced Gulf shrimp, salmon pani puri and really any of the tandoori options. But the must-get dish has to be the Oyster Bed Roast. This mashup features Gulf oysters roasted with garlic and caramelized onions, finished with curry leaves and served with naan.

Time Out tip: The cocktails are no afterthought either, with clever twists on classic cocktails like the Saffron Old Fashioned featuring bourbon, mango chutney, bitters and demerara sugar.

Address: 4128 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115

Opening hours: Tue-Thu 5-9pm: 5-9:45pm Fri-Sat

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What is it: Chef Serigne Mbaye cooks Senegalese-inspired food with Louisiana ingredients at this intimate tasting-menu restaurant.

Why we love it: What started as a pop-up became one of the most exciting restaurants in New Orleans, crowned Best New Restaurant by the James Beard Awards in 2024, and recently earned recognition from the Michelin Guide. The food at Dakar is a deeply personal take on Louisiana favorites: soupa konja eats like a Senegalese gumbo, fonio salad is brightened with satsuma and Gulf shrimp glazed with tamarind and parsley oil offers a nod to barbecue shrimp. Each dish comes with a story, turning dinner into a shared experience. The hospitality is warm, generous and celebratory. You’ll learn something while eating well, and will leave feeling like you just attended an amazing Uptown dinner party.

Time Out tip: Book well in advance to secure your spot for this unique meal.

Address: 3814 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115

Opening hours: Mon-Sat 4:30-10pm

What is it: Compère Lapin is a vibrant fusion of Caribbean, Creole and French influences, helmed by award-winning chef Nina Compton.

Why we love it: Housed inside the Old 77 Hotel & Chandlery, this restaurant balances bold flavors with a warm, stylish setting of exposed brick and wooden beams. Compton’s menu is full of conversation-starting dishes, from spiced pig ears to conch croquettes. The goat curry, served over pillowy sweet potato gnocchi, is a must-order, but the ever-evolving seasonal offerings ensure there’s always something new to try. The stellar cocktail program, welcoming bar area, and bustling yet intimate atmosphere round out the experience.

Time Out tip: After your meal, be sure to check out the hotel's art gallery. The ever-rotating displays of local art are expertly curated by local art consultants, Where Y'Art Works.

Address: 535 Tchoupitoulas St, New Orleans, LA 70130

Opening hours: Mon-Sun 5:30-9pm; Sun 10:30am-2pm

What is it: Chef Alon Shaya serves contemporary Israeli cuisine with a dedication to ingredients, technique and staff wellbeing at his Uptown spot on Magazine Street.

Why we love it: The bright, airy restaurant provides a warm setting to enjoy shareable dishes like Shaya’s grandmother’s lutenitsa, muhammara, harissa roasted chicken and hummus topped with blue crab. The pita, served fresh from the wood-burning oven, is as divine as the hummus, and you’ll want to order a refill or three. Creative cocktails and a wine list that includes Slovenian and Israeli selections are perfect complements. Saba offers special menus during Hanukkah and Passover, with cheeky cocktails named after Jewish pop-culture icons.

Time Out tip: The menu is so delightful that you might have a hard time choosing what to order. If you bring a party of eight or more, you can opt for the Feed Me menu that highlights all the menu faves for everyone to try.

Address: 5757 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115

Opening hours: Wed, Thursday 11am–2:30pm; 5–9pm; Fri 11am–5–10pm; Sat 10am–2:30pm, 5–10pm; Sun 10am–2:30pm, 5–9pm

What is it: This Lower Garden District hotspot is all about nostalgia and nationally-renowned sandwiches.

Why we love it: Hyped right from the start in 2016, Mason Hereford’s cult sandwich spot still delivers. The playful menu features familiar childhood favorites like a bologna sandwich, which is transformed into an adult’s delight with thick-cut, griddled meat. The collard green melt is a crowd favorite, with melted Swiss and a pickled cherry pepper dressing on rye. A smoked ham sandwich is similarly nostalgic; paired with a frozen margarita, it’s a grown-up lunch that hits the spot. It’s casual, unpretentious and definitely deserving of its Michelin Bib Gourmand honor.

Time Out tip: Go early or mid-afternoon to beat the line.

Address: 739 Jackson Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130

Opening hours: Wed-Mon 11am-4pm

What is it: This family-owned, casual neighborhood joint in Bayou St. John is a top choice for classic, overstuffed po-boys.

Why we love it: These po'boys aren’t just sandwiches, they’re legendary meals. The best French bread is stuffed with everything from golden-fried shrimp to slow-cooked roast beef dripping with debris. Parkway has been at it since 1911, so you’re getting a taste of history with every bite. It's no frills, no fuss and just plain good eating, especially with an ice-cold beer or Barq's on the side. It's grown in popularity over the years, but the friendly staff still care for the locals and welcome tourists like family. Whether you’re grabbing a po’boy to go or enjoying a leisurely lunch (or maybe watching a game on the big TVs outside), you’ll leave happy and certainly not hungry.

Time Out tip: Go all in with the Surf & Turf po’boy for the best of both worlds—roast beef and fried shrimp. Even vegetarians can indulge in the under-the-radar Italian Caprese po’boy, and don’t sleep on the housemade banana pudding.

Address: 538 Hagan Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119

Opening hours: Wed-Sun 10am-6pm

What is it: This elegant French Quarter stalwart offers an old-world fine dining experience with classic Creole fare.

Why we love it: Brennan’s is a must-visit for anyone who loves indulgence, history and a touch of Southern charm. It's also the birthplace of Bananas Foster, the famed dessert that's flambeed tableside. Breakfast service is legendary, featuring iconic dishes like eggs Hussarde and eggs Sardou. The pastel-pink facade and lush courtyard make for the perfect NOLA backdrop, and the chandeliers, white-tablecloth service and lengthy history make Brennan's a timeless New Orleans tradition where every meal feels like a celebration.

Time Out tip: Say hello to the resident turtles in the courtyard, named after the “mother sauces” and other sauces that complete a New Orleans menu. Each April, you can attend the “Slowest Second Line on Earth;” the restaurant hosts a tiny turtle parade in their honor.

Address: 417 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70130

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9am-10pm; Sat-Sun 8am-10pm

What is it: This no-frills, family-run Tremé restaurant is all about serving up soul-satisfying Creole cuisine with a side of Southern hospitality.

Why we love it: Run by a third generation of the Baquet family, Li’l Dizzy’s is a go-to spot for all the local faves done right: crispy fried chicken, rich gumbo, creamy mac and cheese, buttery cornbread, hot sausage po’boys and more. It’s a local institution and is usually packed with both regulars and visitors. Open for lunch only, these hot plates will fill you up for the whole day, especially if you finish up with some sinful bread pudding. The laid-back atmosphere and walls decorated with memorabilia—of the Baquet family, the city and the New Orleans Saints—make you feel right at home.

Time Out tip: The daily specials will make you want to go back again and again, from red beans and rice on Mondays to smothered pork chops on Saturdays.

Address: 1500 Esplanade Ave, New Orleans, LA 70116

Opening hours: Mon-Sat 11am-3pm

What is it: Located in the Warehouse District, this lively spot celebrates nose-to-tail butchery with expertly-crafted Cajun specialties like boudin, andouille, head cheese and more.

Why we love it: At Cochon, chefs Donald Link and Stephen Stryjewski elevate the boucherie and the flavors of Acadiana with refined takes on Cajun favorites. The setting—anchored by heavy wood tables—is rustic yet contemporary and always lively. A creative cocktail menu sets the stage for hearty standout dishes like the cochon (slow-roasted pork with cracklings) or rabbit and dumplings. Seafood lovers are well-served too, with a wood-fired whole Gulf fish served "fisherman’s style."

Time Out tip: Stop next door at Cochon Butcher to take home housemade sausages, tasso, pâtés and some of the best sandwiches in town.

Address: 930 Tchoupitoulas St Ste A, New Orleans, LA 70130

Opening hours: Daily 11am-10pm

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What is it: This casual spot in Mid-City serves up bold, island-style soul food from Trinidad and Tobago.

Why we love it: Set in a bright, welcoming space, Queen Trini is where you go for "more doubles, less troubles"—that’s the Trinidadian street food staple made with fluffy fried flatbread and curried chickpeas that will make you forget about your worries. The tight menu is packed with standouts like a peppery BBQ jerk chicken, rich oxtail soup and the coco bread fish sandwich: crunchy fried fish on Jamaican coco bread dressed with cucumbers, pineapple and plantains. Even the vegetarian plate—rice and peas, stir fried cabbage, Caribbean style spinach and fried plantain—is flavorful and filling. To top it all off, chef Lisa Nelson will make you feel like you’re family.

Time Out tip: Dining in is an experience, but you can also take your order to go. City Park is not far away, and the perfect spot to savor these flavors under the shade of an oak tree.

Address: 4200 D'Hemecourt St, New Orleans, LA 70119

Hours: Tue-Sat noon-8pm

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What is it: Chicken’s Kitchen is a sunny, soul-fueled spot in Gretna where chef-owner Marlon “Chicken” Williams serves plate lunches that draw daily crowds from across the river.

Why we love it: From fried chicken and red beans to smothered turkey necks, fried catfish, pepper balls and oxtail, this is homestyle cooking done with confidence and range. It’s a simple lunch line approach: pick your main and your sides. And the sides, like “Five Star” mac or Cajun dirty rice, are just as impressive. The menu rotates daily, and regulars have their favorite days of the week. Whatever you choose, you’ll be gifted a heavy box of delicious food that will keep you satisfied all day.

Time Out tip: There’s always a line, but it moves quickly. Tune in to their live Instagram feed to see how long it is throughout the day.

Address: 629 Derbigny St, Gretna, LA 70053 (Note: Chicken’s Kitchen is scheduled to move to 1030 Derbigny in late February)

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 10:30am-3pm; Sat 8:30am-2pm

What is it: Tân Định is a beloved, wallet-friendly Vietnamese restaurant in a strip mall serving classic dishes on the West Bank.

Why we love it: This place has fans on both sides of the river, and for good reason. The menu offers both familiar comfort and surprises, with Vietnamese staples alongside some Creole-leaning dishes. Regulars rave about the goat curry and the addictive lemongrass chicken wings, but don’t overlook the fried frog legs: crisp outside, tender inside and served with lime, salt and pepper. Generously-stuffed spring rolls, vermicelli platters, pho and other traditional dishes offer more than enough sustenance. The room is casual and lively, great for a quick lunch or a longer hang.

Time Out tip: Go with a group and order family-style to get a good sampling of the menu.

Address: 1705 Lafayette St, Gretna, LA 70053

Opening hours: Tue-Thu 10:30am–2:45pm, 5-8:45pm; Fri-Sat 10:30am-8:45pm