8 Amazing Places to Eat in New Orleans for Foodies

Exploring the most delicious places to eat in New Orleans? Whether you’re making reservations or willing to brave the lines, these eateries are worth the wait. Trust me, you’ll savor every bite.

US News ranked New Orleans as the #1 best foodie city in the US in 2023. The city’s menu features a rich blend of traditional Cajun and Creole dishes alongside influences from European traditions and Southern comfort food. From gumbo and fried chicken to shrimp boils and muffulettas, the flavors are as diverse as they are delicious.

While I haven’t tasted everything New Orleans offers yet, I’m excited to share a curated list of must-visit places. Located primarily in or near the French Quarter—the heart of the city’s tourist scene—these spots are guaranteed to delight your palate and leave you eager for more.

And I’m already planning my next trip back for more culinary discoveries! There are countless other restaurants and hidden gems I still need to explore. While not exhaustive, this guide will start you on a path of gastronomic delight in the Big Easy. And if you stumble upon a spot you think I should try, please let me know—I cherish your recommendations!

Interestingly, when locals learned about my love for Willie Mae’s, they unanimously directed me to some of their favorite less-known spots, which you’ll find at the end of this post. These are on my checklist for future visits.

Willie Mae’s had been on my New Orleans must-visit list for years, and it truly lived up to its reputation for the best fried chicken in America. Not just a local favorite, it’s celebrated nationwide, with accolades including a James Beard award and endorsements from notables like President Obama and Phil Rosenthal of Somebody Feed Phil.

Despite the buzz, Willie Mae’s delivers. My first bite—crispy skin yielding to succulent, perfectly spiced chicken—confirmed its stellar reputation. Located in the historic Treme neighborhood, the restaurant complements its exceptional food with outstanding service. The staff’s passion is evident as they guide diners through the menu, ensuring a delightful culinary experience.

Alongside our chicken plates—white for me, dark for my husband—we enjoyed sides like freshly served mac ‘n’ cheese and green beans with rice that nearly had us licking the plate, not to forget the essential cornbread.

I was thoroughly impressed, even as someone who’s not typically a fried chicken fan. This visit confirmed Willie Mae’s as the best fried chicken I’ve ever had.

A tip for those staying in the French Quarter: a short ride to Willie Mae’s is well worth it. Consider walking off your meal on the way back to soak in more of New Orleans’ charm.

Let’s be clear: I am not a fan of raw oysters. My one attempt ended quickly, and I swore off anything but fried oysters after that. However, everyone insisted that if I was in New Orleans, I had to try charbroiled oysters at either Acme or Felix’s. Fresh from a satisfying meal at Willie Mae’s, I skeptically headed to Acme Oyster House for dinner, determined to give charbroiled oysters a shot.

Despite feeling full, curiosity won the day. We queued briefly, and once we were seated, I debated how many to order. A neighboring diner, visiting New Orleans for the third time that year just for these oysters, convinced me to try one of hers, proclaiming, “You’ll want at least three dozen—they’re that good!” Grateful but cautious, I opted for a more manageable dozen, with some hush puppies on the side.

She was right. The oysters, smothered in butter, garlic, various seasonings, and cheese, then finished on the charbroil for that unmistakable smoky flavor, were unlike anything I’d ever tasted. The crispy, charred cheese on the shell’s edges was a revelation. Dipping the accompanying bread into the heavenly sauce, I understood her enthusiasm; it was addictive. I would have indulged in more if not for my earlier meal.

A word of caution: not all charbroiled oysters are created equal. I learned that the hard way at a different restaurant.

Acme’s “10 Napkin Roast Beef” sandwich is a phenomenal alternative for those traveling with non-oyster fans. Packed with tender roast beef and dripping with gravy, it’s just as worthy of a visit.

Seeking a special spot in New Orleans for an anniversary dinner or a memorable birthday brunch? Look no further than Muriel’s in Jackson Square.

We’ve enjoyed at Muriel’s on multiple occasions—a friend’s wedding reception and then brunch just for us. Each visit confirmed why Muriel’s stands out: the food was outstanding, surpassing typical wedding fare.

At the wedding, we enjoyed crab cakes as an appetizer, which were so delicious that even my fish-averse husband still talks about them. The entrée choices included filet mignon, so tender it could be cut with a butter knife, and shrimp and grits with a rich smoked tomato butter sauce and garlic—both dishes left our table buzzing with praise.

Conveniently located near our hotel at Place de Armes, we also experienced Muriel’s brunch. We managed to get a table amidst the crowd and indulged in Bananas Foster Pain Perdu and Eggs Veney, which were sinfully satisfying. It was easily one of the best brunches we’ve enjoyed.

Reservations are recommended to secure a spot at this culinary gem in the heart of the French Quarter.

NOLA Poboys was a great find on our first night in New Orleans. Starving and pressed for time before a night cemetery tour, we turned to Yelp and found NOLA Poboys just a short distance away, highly rated, and promising quick service.

We dashed in, placed our orders, and hoped for the best. Our food arrived swiftly, and the Big Easy po’boy—loaded with roast beef and ham—and the boudin balls were so delicious that we quickly polished them off. It was a feast we wished we could have savored a bit more.

Po’boys, a beloved New Orleans staple since 1923, traditionally consist of a protein like shrimp or roast beef served on French bread with lettuce, tomatoes, mayo, and mustard. The fried shrimp po’boy is a local favorite. While you can find po’boys nearly anywhere in the city, NOLA Poboys stands out for its authentic flavors and quick, friendly service.

Oh, Loretta’s—you had me at beignets.

While Loretta’s pralines are a treat, their beignets steal the show. The best I’ve found in the French Quarter, these beignets are light, airy, yet satisfyingly crispy. It’s impossible to stop at just one.

Nestled in the French Market, we couldn’t resist trying the praline-stuffed beignets. Despite just coming from brunch at Muriel’s and thinking I’d only have one, I ended up enjoying two—they were that irresistible.

And there’s more on my list for next time. A local recommended the crab-stuffed beignets, and I can’t wait to try them on my next visit.

Have you ever tried a savory beignet? If so, what kind? Loretta’s offers a variety that’s sure to intrigue any palate, from crab beignets to burger beignets, alongside their sweet selections.

Make sure to add Loretta’s to your New Orleans itinerary. You can even skip the usual Cafe du Monde visit and head straight to Loretta’s for a unique treat. We visited their charming spot in the French Market, but their original location at 2101 North Rampart is also worth checking out.

Read more: Try These Beignet Spots in New Orleans

6. Alberto’s Cheese and Wine

We absolutely love Alberto’s in the French Market. During our first visit to New Orleans, a local guide on a walking tour of the French Quarter recommended their muffulettas, and ever since it’s been a must-visit for us.

A muffuletta is an Italian sandwich made with round sesame bread, layered with cold cuts and a flavorful olive tapenade. Alberto’s serves theirs warm and toasty, enhancing all the rich flavors. You can order a quarter of a sandwich to sample or a whole one to share, making it a versatile choice for a meal or a quick snack.

Alberto’s offers a casual dining experience—perfect for a leisurely lunch or an easy bite between exploring. Conveniently located next to Loretta’s, it’s an ideal spot to enjoy some of the best local flavors the French Market has to offer.

If you’re a breakfast lover, Ruby Slipper Cafe is your must-visit in New Orleans. This Southern-style cafe specializes in creative comfort food for breakfast and brunch, served all day. Their hearty dishes are sure to satisfy you and keep you fueled for hours.

The biscuits are a highlight—truly fantastic. The last time I visited, I initially skipped a full breakfast, but after tasting my husband’s biscuit, I couldn’t resist ordering one for myself.

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When in the French Quarter, add French Toast to your breakfast bucket list. This charming cafe serves French toast, waffles, and savory crepes.

I tried their stuffed King Cake French toast, complete with a side of eggs. It was visually appealing and delicious, especially the crispy edges.

My husband went for their fried chicken and waffles and was thoroughly impressed. While it’s no Willie Mae’s, the chicken was crispy and juicy, pairing perfectly with the light, airy waffle.

Local Recommended Spots to Try

• Triangle Deli: Southern-style food, serving the best mac n’ cheese in town.
• Brother’s Food Mart: Highly recommended for their fried chicken.
• Key Fuel: Don’t let the gas station setting fool you; they supposedly have some of the best po’boys around.

BEFORE YOU TRAVEL TO NEW ORLEANS, CHECK OUT THESE RELATED READS:

• What to Do in the French Quarter
• New Orleans in 3 Days Itinerary
• What’s it Like for Halloween in New Orleans