No trip to New Orleans is complete without diving into its legendary food scene. Between Creole classics, Cajun comfort dishes, fresh seafood, fried chicken, tiki cocktails, and sweet treats, we ate so well on this trip. Thanks to recommendations from locals, we found some amazing eats in NOLA. Here are the must-eat restaurants in New Orleans that deserve a spot on your itinerary:
Katie’s Restaurant & Bar — Crawfish Beignets
You are probably familiar with sweet beignets drowning in powder sugar, but did you know you can make savory ones to? In New Orleans, you have to try the savory Crawfish Beignets from Katie’s. They’re crispy, creamy, flavorful, and truly unlike anything else. This place is beloved by locals, and these beignets alone are worth the detour on your last day before the airport.
Marrow’s — Cajun Pasta, Gumbo with Potato Salad & Fried Oysters
Marrow’s was recommended to us by an Uber driver, and he did not miss.
Order the Cajun Pasta, the gumbo with potato salad (yes, potato salad in the gumbo — trust me), and the fried oysters.
This combo was hands-down one of the best meals of the trip and a great way to sample modern Creole comfort food.
Brennan’s — Tableside Bananas Foster (The Original!)
You can’t talk about New Orleans cuisine without mentioning Brennan’s. This iconic upscale restaurant in French Quarter is the birthplace of the famous Bananas Foster dessert.
They still make it tableside with rum, butter, brown sugar, and a dramatic flame show. It’s sweet, boozy, caramelized perfection — and an absolute NOLA must. If you come to Brennan’s during your birthday, you’ll get an extra cotton candy topped slice of cake and a take home apron. I swear our entire section, including myself, were celebrating birthdays left and right. It’s the place to be for special occasions, even if the occasion is that you were craving something sweet.
Restaurant des Familles — Gator-Stuffed Mushrooms
Located outside the city on the edge of the swamp, Restaurant des Familles serves traditional Louisiana dishes with a view that steals the show. The gator-stuffed mushrooms were delicious, but the best part is the wall of windows overlooking the swamp where you can watch alligators pass by as you eat. Just don’t make eye contact with one, while you’re eating its friend.
Willie’s Chicken Shack — Famous Fried Chicken
You’ll find Willie’s Chicken Shack everywhere — especially when you need it most.
There are two locations on Bourbon Street and one on Frenchmen Street, making it perfect for a late-night food run to sober up between bars.
Their famous fried chicken, fries, and dipping sauces hit so hard after a few drinks. It’s fast, crispy, greasy perfection — exactly what you need during a night out.
Napoleon House — Muffulettas & New Orleans’ Italian History
New Orleans has a surprisingly deep Italian-American history, and the city’s iconic muffuletta sandwich is a delicious byproduct of that heritage.
Napoleon House is one of the best places to try one. The building is over 200 years old and was once offered as a refuge to Napoleon Bonaparte. Their muffuletta — stacked with cured meats, cheeses, and olive salad — is a must-eat NOLA food experience. Also it’s another place where you have to try the potato salad!
Café du Monde — Beignets & Chicory Coffee
The beignets at Café du Monde need no introduction. They’re hot, fluffy, generously powdered, and taste best when eaten outdoors with a cup of chicory coffee. You can’t visit NOLA and not stop at Café du Monde.
Is it touristy? Yes.
Is it worth it? Absolutely.
Should you go multiple times during your visit? Also Absolutely.
Aunt Sally’s — Creole Pralines
If you want a classic New Orleans sweet, stop at Aunt Sally’s for their Creole pralines. They’re buttery, soft, melt-in-your-mouth treats that make great souvenirs (if they make it that long). This is more of an edible souvenir or a snack on the go than a restaurant you need to eat at.
NOLA Poboys — The Best Po-Boy Sandwiches
We waited over 30 minutes NOLA Poboys for our food at midnight, and it was so worth it.
Po-boys here are overstuffed, messy, and absolutely delicious — everything a real po-boy should be. Whether you choose shrimp, roast beef, oyster, or a combo, you’re going to walk away happy and satisfied. My only complaint is that their Po-boy sandwiches are too big. You could easily split one sandwich with two people.
Bacchanal Wine — Cheese Boards & Garden Wine
One of the most popular spots among locals, Bacchanal Wine in Bywater lets you build your own cheeseboard, choose a bottle of wine from the shop, and enjoy it in their magical backyard garden with live music.
It’s relaxing and the perfect late-afternoon hangout.
Beachbum Berry’s— Tiki Drinks & Pu Pu Platter
For something totally different from the Creole-Cajun world, head to Beachbum Berry’s Latitude 29, a tiki bar known for creative handcrafted cocktails.
Order their Pu Pu Platter and a classic tiki drink or two — it’s fun, flavorful, and a great way to break up the heavier Louisiana meals.
Bon’s New Orleans Street Food — Gator Nuggets & The Best Shrimp and Grits
We were blown away by the gator nuggets and the shrimp and grits at Bon’s New Orleans Street Food. The shrimp and grits were one of the best dishes of the entire trip — creamy, savory, and absolutely packed with flavor. My friend, who hated grits his entire life, tried them and actually loved them. That’s how great they were!
Final Food Tip: New Orleans Is a Food City — Arrive Hungry
New Orleans is one of the best food cities in the world, and everything we tried was amazing. From iconic institutions like Brennan’s and Café du Monde to late-night fried chicken, swamp-side dining, and hole-in-the-wall gems, you really can’t go wrong. Listen to the locals on where to eat and follow your gut.
