25 Essential New Orleans Institutions
From neighborhood classics to high-wire tasting rooms, these are the places shaping the modern dining identity of New Orleans.
Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse
Louisiana
Upscale Brazilian chain for all-you-can-eat meat carved tableside plus an extensive salad bar.
Acme Oyster House
Louisiana
Lively New Orleans-based chain offering oysters, po' boys, gumbo & other Cajun-Creole classics.
Jacques-Imo's
Louisiana
Quirky, mural-lined hot spot luring locals & tourists with Creole soul food; just expect a wait.
Deanie's Seafood Restaurant in the French Quarter
New Orleans, Louisiana
Spin-off of the Bucktown original featuring hefty seafood platters & entrees in a laid-back space.
Sam's Southern Eatery Harvey, LA
New Orleans, Louisiana
Southern-style po' boys, burgers & fried fish come in generous portions at this casual chain eatery.
Katie's
New Orleans, Louisiana
Lively neighborhood spot for Creole-Italian fare like pizza & po' boys, plus a busy weekend brunch.
Blazin Hot Chicken Restaurant New Orleans
New Orleans, Louisiana
Service options: Curbside pickup, No-contact delivery, Delivery, Drive-through, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Popular for: Lunch, Dinner.
Surrey's Café & Juice Bar
New Orleans, Louisiana
Colorful cafe offering American & Latin breakfast/lunch fare, plus fresh-squeezed juices.
Arabella Casa Di Pasta
New Orleans, Louisiana
Laid-back Italian eatery specializing in build-your-own pasta dishes with various sauces & add-ons.
Red Dog Diner
New Orleans, Louisiana
Hip nook with a farmhouse motif & an indoor/outdoor bar, plus inventive comfort food & daily brunch.
Bistro Daisy
New Orleans, Louisiana
Quaint cottage crafting New American & Southern fine-dining meals using seasonal ingredients.
Cochon Butcher
New Orleans, Louisiana
Service options: Outdoor seating, Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service, Great cocktails, Great dessert.
Clesi's Seafood Restaurant & Catering
New Orleans, Louisiana
Crawfish specialist offering nightly spicy seafood boils, plus N'awlins-style fried fare.
Pêche Seafood Grill
New Orleans, Louisiana
Seafood from a coal grill & raw bar, plus local brews, are found in rustic digs with weathered wood.
Tic-Toc Café
New Orleans, Louisiana
Casual, vibrant American diner turning out breakfast & some Cajun offerings 24 hours a day.
Social Peruvian Restaurant New Orleans
New Orleans, Louisiana
Service options: Outdoor seating, Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service, Great cocktails. Popular for: Lunch, Dinner.
Stein's Market and Deli
New Orleans, Louisiana
Jewish-Italian market drawing crowds with specialty meats, cheeses & unique selection of brews.
Kira
New Orleans, Louisiana
Service options: Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service. Popular for: Dinner, Solo dining. Offerings: Alcohol, Beer, Cocktails, Coffee, Hard liquor, Late-night food.
Barracuda Taco Stand
New Orleans, Louisiana
Service options: Outdoor seating, Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service, Great cocktails, Sports. Popular for: Lunch, Dinner.
Drip Affogato Bar NOLA
New Orleans, Louisiana
Affogato specialist offering creative pairings of ice cream and hot drinks in a chic, modern space.
Drago's Seafood Restaurant - Metairie - The Original
New Orleans, Louisiana
Charbroiled oysters star at this family-run joint with Cajun-accented eats & stylish, casual digs.
Coquette
New Orleans, Louisiana
Trendy, chandelier-hung place serving locally sourced New American fare alongside craft cocktails.
Magasin Vietnamese Cafe
New Orleans, Louisiana
Chill spot serving Vietnamese eats including pho, buns & banh mi with juice-infused cocktails.
Yakuza House
New Orleans, Louisiana
Identifies as Asian-owned. Service options: Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service, Great cocktails.
Theo's Neighborhood Pizza
New Orleans, Louisiana
Simple pizzeria serving wood-fired, thin-crust pies, salads, subs & draft brews in a casual setting.