New Orleans Restaurant Guide

The Chicory House

Best for: Vegetarians, Book Lovers, Working Lunches
Must Try: Spinach and Artichoke Wrap

Address: 2727 Prytania St, New Orleans, LA 70130 (Garden District)
Hours: Daily, 8 AM – 3 PM (hours may vary slightly by day)
Reservations: No

If you find yourself in the Garden District during your stay (which you should — there’s a lot to see), Chicory House is a great spot to grab lunch or brunch and take a break from all the historic sightseeing.

Located on the lower floor of the Rink Shopping Center, Chicory House is a café with a rotating seasonal menu, attached to a number of shops — including a bookstore that also has an adorable book-themed bar for happy hour.

They also have separate brunch and lunch menus depending on when you show up, and both have plenty of options for everyone.

I’m a huge fan of their wraps — I loved the spinach artichoke one, and the “veggieless veggie wrap” was also excellent. They also have good coffee if you need a caffeine boost.

Chicory House can get crowded, but it has excellent Wi-Fi, outlets, and plenty of self-service seating. You’ll see plenty of people working on laptops alongside waves of hungry tourists, which worked perfectly for me on days I needed to get work done but didn’t want to cook.

Turkey and Wolf

Best for: Unique Sandwiches
Must Try: Cabbage Salad

Address: 739 Jackson Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130 (Irish Channel)
Hours: Wednesday–Sunday, 11 AM – 4 PM (closed Monday & Tuesday)
Reservations: No

Another spot with a well-deserved Michelin nod, Turkey and Wolf is a sandwich shop that just makes really good sandwiches. When you arrive, there’s usually a line out the door, but it moves quickly. You order at the counter, then grab a seat (or just order takeout). You’ll get an adorable animal table marker, then wait for your food to come out. For a place that gets pretty crowded, it’s a surprisingly efficient system. There’s plenty of indoor seating and the decor is eclectic, but if the weather’s nice, I recommend sitting outside and enjoying the fresh air.

As for the food, I’m loyal to the collard greens melt. It’s full of flavor and packs a punch — plus, lots of veggies. That said, the menu is small, and I haven’t heard a bad thing about anything on it. Also, while it is a sandwich shop, they have a “not sandwich” section with a couple of salads. Get the cabbage salad. 

I’m not exaggerating — after my first visit, I called my mom to tell her about the salad I’d just had. I would not shut up about it. I dreamt about it, developed a minor addiction, and had to stop myself from going back multiple days in a row just to order it. Truly sublime.

Cafe Reconcile

Best for: Supporting The Local Community
Must Try: Portobello Plate

Address: 1631 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70113 (Central City)
Hours: Tuesday–Friday, 11 AM – 2:30 PM
Reservations: Yes, via OpenTable

Cafe Reconcile is a neighborhood institution. What makes them unique is their staffing model, which hires paid “interns” as waitstaff through a workforce training program. On their website and in the restaurant, the café’s interns are highlighted with profile photos and short bios. When you go to Cafe Reconcile, you’re supporting a local business and young people learning a trade.

Beyond its great mission, Cafe Reconcile serves delicious food at very reasonable prices. It’s Southern comfort food at its best — I’ve eaten half the menu and haven’t had a miss yet.

My favorite was the portobello plate with sweet chili glaze, with sides of jalapeño cornbread and mac and cheese. By the time I was done, I wanted to ask for a bowl of the chili sauce to take home — it was that good.

If you decide to go to Cafe Reconcile, I highly recommend making a reservation on OpenTable. I’ve seen people get walk-in seating, but I’ve just as often seen people turned away with wait times over an hour. The café has limited hours and days, so you’ll want to plan your visit accordingly.

Napoleon House

Best for: Muffulettas, Cozy Dining 
Must Try: Muffuletta Salad

Address: 500 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70130 (French Quarter)
Hours: Daily, 11 AM – 10 PM
Reservations: No

Napoleon House has plenty of other things on its menu that I’m sure are great, but when I went, I was on a mission to get my visiting friend a good muffuletta — and Napoleon House absolutely delivered. 

We went on a Thursday evening, and while there was a line, we only waited about 15 minutes before being seated. The interior is lined with exposed brick and filled with dim overhead lighting that gives the space a warm, homey feel. It’s a well-curated space that leans into its long-standing New Orleans reputation.

As mentioned, we were on a mission for a muffuletta, but neither of us had so much as seen a non-pickled vegetable in about a week, so we also ordered the muffuletta salad to split.

Both were perfection itself. The salad in particular was a lovely balance of light, refreshing greens and savory cheese and charcuterie. My friend loved the salad so much that she went hunting for a recipe to recreate it at home (which, for the record, was great—but did not have the same transcendent quality as Napoleon House’s version).

As a bonus note, the muffuletta sandwich reheats great in an air fryer if you have leftovers. The bread gets nice and toasty, and it’s a different but equally good experience from having it at the restaurant.

Mais Arepas

Best for: Date Night, Happy Hour
Must Try: Yuca Fries

Address: 1200 Carondelet St, New Orleans, LA 70130 (Uptown)
Hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:30 PM – 10 PM,  Sunday 5 – 9:30 PM
Reservations: Yes, over the phone, (504) 523-6247

Mais Arepas is just off St. Charles Avenue, so if you’re in New Orleans during an Uptown parade, it’s a great place to go for a dinner break. I went two days in a row during Carnival season because I was so impressed by both the service and the food.

My friend was vegan, and our waitress was quick to offer options to accommodate her needs. I got the mini arepas sampler to see which I liked best (I was impressed by all of them). What stole the show, however, were the yuca fries that came with my friend’s meal. They were perfectly tender, crispy, and flavorful. We went back the next day just to get them again.

Also, if you drink, don’t miss their red sangria pitcher. My friend had just returned from Spain, and after two weeks of wine tours and sampling sangria across the country, she said Mais Arepas’ was the best she’d ever had.

If you go on the weekend, I do recommend making a reservation, because it definitely gets busy. You can also call ahead to see if there’s walk-in seating available — that’s what we did, and they were able to easily accommodate us even with a sizeable crowd.

Central City BBQ

Best for: Casual Neighborhood BBQ
Must Try: Two-Meat Combo with Burnt Brisket Ends, Pork Belly, Spoonbread, and Brussels Sprouts

Address: 1401 S Claiborne Ave, New Orleans, LA 70125 (Central City)
Hours: Monday–Wednesday, 11 AM – 7 PM, Thursday–Sunday, 11 AM – 9 PM
Reservations: No

I tried very hard with every other restaurant to pick just one “must try,” but Central City BBQ doesn’t allow it — there are just too many standouts. So I cheated a little and offer you my “best of” Central City meal. Seriously, don’t sleep on the spoonbread. As someone who usually hates Brussels sprouts with a world-ending passion, you’ll just have to trust me — getting a vegetable at a BBQ place will change your life.

Central City BBQ is a neighborhood BBQ spot with a full-service bar and plenty of outdoor seating. I was there in winter, so I didn’t sit outside, but I’ve heard it’s worth enjoying in the summer.

Their main dishes are most popular as meat platters (1, 2, or 3 meat options) with a choice of sides, served with white bread, pickles, and barbecue sauce. They also have great appetizers — the boudin balls are a particular favorite.

The restaurant is self-seating, and you order at a small window toward the back. Utensils, drinks, and condiments are on the left of the order window.

Everything I’ve tried has been wildly delicious. They’re a great option for casual dining or takeout — don’t miss out.

Heard Dat Kitchen

Best for: Cheap and Tasty Southern Food
Must Try: Crawdat Sauce

Address: 2520 Felicity St, New Orleans, LA 70113 (Central City)
Hours: Daily, 11 AM – 9 PM

Heard Dat was recommended by a local as a no-frills, solid option for soul food. Since it was only a 15-minute walk from me, I ordered from UberEats when I was too tired to leave the house. The menu is fairly extensive, featuring traditional Southern fare with Heard Dat’s signature sauces: Skeesh and Crawdat.

I ordered the Bourbon Street Love, which comes with fried chicken, mac and cheese, Crawdat sauce, and potato salad. I also ordered Crawdat cornbread on the side. 

All of it was delicious, and for the price, I was impressed by both the quality and the portion size. My only regret was that there wasn’t more Crawdat sauce — it really was a standout. I was dipping every bite into it until there was nothing left. I would have ordered it as a side on its own if I could.

Killer Po’Boys

Best for: Vegan-Friendly Po’boys
Must Try: Roasted Sweet Potato Po’Boy

Address: 219 Dauphine St, New Orleans, LA 70112 (French Quarter)
Hours: Daily, 11 AM – 8 PM

I love a po’boy as much as anyone, and I agree it’s a must-try for anyone visiting the Big Easy. That said, if you’re visiting as a vegetarian or vegan, it does limit your options—especially for traditional New Orleans food—but it’s certainly not impossible. For po’boys, the veggie-friendly options tended to be the same everywhere—if they had them at all—usually Impossible or Beyond Meat.

But Killer Po’Boys stood out for having multiple veggie options that were both unique and delicious. I loved their roasted sweet potato po’boy and their barbecue tofu po’boy. Both were dreamy, packed with flavor and richness, and big enough to share or save for later (I love a leftover po’boy because the bread has time to soak up the sauce—amazing).

There are two locations (219 Dauphine St and 811 Conti St, in the back of Erin Rose—though that one has a much smaller menu). I went to the Dauphine location. There is indoor seating, but actually getting a table can be a challenge, even at off-peak times.

Killer Po’Boys regularly has a line out the door, and if you order takeout, they’ll likely ask you to wait outside and bring your order out to keep things less crowded inside. When I went, it was one of the rare times without a line down the block—but honestly, the sandwiches are so good I wouldn’t mind waiting either way.

Willie Mae’s

Best for: Fried Chicken
Must Try: ½ Fried Chicken Entrée

Address: 898 Baronne Street New Orleans, LA 70113 (Warehouse District)
Hours: Wednesday–Monday, 11 AM – 9 PM (closed Tuesday)
Reservations: Yes, via OpenTable

Willie Mae’s has a dining area, but I personally haven’t tried it (you can find reservations on OpenTable if you’re interested). That said, no matter how you try it, Willie Mae’s has some of the best fried chicken I’ve ever had. It won a James Beard Award and was named “America’s Best Fried Chicken,” so my expectations were high—and even after being transported in takeout containers (which we all know can mess with even the finest food), it was still insanely good. Crispy skin, juicy meat, and well-seasoned all over—Willie Mae’s fried chicken is not something to miss when you’re in town. That said, their mac and cheese wasn’t my favorite—I’d go for fried okra or fries instead.

Ayu Bakehouse

Best for: Unique Savory Pastries
Must Try: Kaya Bun

Address: 801 Frenchmen St, New Orleans, LA 70117 (Marigny)
Hours: Monday–Tuesday, 8 AM – 2 PM, Wednesday–Sunday, 8 AM – 3:30 PM

Located in the Marigny, Ayu Bakehouse is well known for both its savory and sweet pastries. People rave about their muffuletta breadsticks and boudin boys, which are boudin sausage and egg wrapped in a croissant. Ayu also serves drinks and lunch sandwiches after 11, though I recommend going early in the morning since their most popular pastries sell out quickly, especially on weekends.

Ayu is also one of the few bakeries that sells king cake by the slice during Carnival, but while their king cake is quite good, my standout was the kaya bun—a fluffy pastry filled with coconut custard and topped with coconut flakes. The coconut flavor was light and refreshing, and the pastry itself was so airy that the whole thing felt like a taste of tropical paradise.

While it’s hard to go wrong with the baked goods at Ayu, I’ve heard their drinks aren’t the best in the city, so feel free to skip unless you need a dose of caffeine with your sweet treats. Seating is very limited, so I recommend getting your order to go, and if you want to sit for breakfast, there’s a nearby park that’s really lovely in nice weather.

Laurel Street Bakery

Best for: Affordable Breakfast Sandwiches
Must Try: Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Cheese

Address: 2701 S Broad St, New Orleans, LA 70125 (Mid-City)
Hours: Monday–Friday, 7 AM–1 PM, Saturday 8 AM–1 PM

My favorite thing about Laurel Street Bakery is how affordable it is. It’s a bagel spot with decent seating, good Wi-Fi (though I don’t recommend working from there, honestly), friendly staff, and a menu ranging from small pastries to generously portioned breakfast sandwiches—all at very reasonable prices. Plus, they sell day-old pastries at a big discount, so if you don’t mind them not being perfectly fresh (a few seconds in the microwave usually does wonders), you can get some truly spectacular deals.

My NYC bagel order is a garlic bagel with veggie cream cheese. At Laurel’s, I switched to the sun-dried tomato flavor, and while it’s subtle, I really liked it.I won’t pretend they’re the best bagels I’ve ever had—New York exists. That said, I took my bagel home and dressed it up with some Parmesan and pepper for a little extra zing, and it was phenomenal.

Aside from bagels and pastries, Laurel Street serves breakfast and lunch platters, including sandwiches with generous portion sizes. I recommend Laurel Street Bakery for anyone looking for a calmer vibe a little outside the city center. The staff are kind, the prices are good, and there’s something on the menu to satisfy everyone.

Loretta’s Authentic Pralines

Best for: Praline Beignets
Must Try: Praline Beignets

Address: 2101 N Rampart St, New Orleans, LA 70116 (Marigny)
Hours: Wednesday, 9 AM–1 PM, Thursday–Saturday, 9 AM– 4 PM
Reservations: Yes (recommended via OpenTable or by phone; drag brunch slots sell out)

Sometimes I dream about Loretta’s praline beignets—I miss them daily. Clearly the sentiment is shared—I’ve never seen Loretta’s open without a line wrapped around the outside of the building.

There are two locations: one in Marigny on North Rampart Street, and the other in a French Market stall. Both are busy, but I prefer the North Rampart location since it’s a standalone brick-and-mortar building. While it’s crowded, there’s ample seating inside, so if you aren’t a large group, you can usually snag a table while waiting in line.

Again, as someone wary of long lines, I was hesitant to subject myself to the crowd at Loretta’s. It took about 40 minutes from waiting in line to ordering to actually getting our food. That might seem like a long wait for beignets and pralines, but they are honestly some of the best in the city. For the pralines, stick with the originals—they’re divine. If you’re feeling experimental, Loretta’s also has savory beignets (the crabmeat ones hold a special spot in my heart), but the praline beignets are renowned—and with good reason. They are rich and decadent—you might want coffee as a chaser—and one of my favorite desserts in the world. Worth the wait, I swear.

Cafe du Monde

Best for: Iconic Vibes and Street Music
Must Try: Cafe Au Lait and An Order of Beignets

Address: Multiple Locations – Most famous is the French Quarter location
Hours (French Quarter): Sunday–Thursday, 7:15 AM–11 PM, Friday–Saturday, 7:15 AM– 12 AM
Reservations: Yes (recommended via OpenTable or by phone; drag brunch slots sell out)

Note: Cafe du Monde is cash-only, so bring enough cash! (ATMs are nearby.)

There’s famously a debate over whether Cafe du Monde or Cafe Beignet is superior, and I now believe it was a marketing ploy by Cafe Beignet to stay relevant. There’s simply no comparison. Cafe du Monde is an institution, while Cafe Beignet once served me a $15 “fresh mimosa” that was just Tropicana with a splash of champagne.

I’ve been to a few Cafe du Monde locations. The City Park spot has a lovely view and, at least during the off-season, is a calmer alternative to the bustling French Quarter location. Personally, the French Quarter Cafe du Monde is my favorite and easily one of the best spots in all of New Orleans.

Seating is first-come, first-served. I recommend sitting outside to enjoy the street performers, though the inside gives a cool view of the bustling kitchen and staff in action. 

Order yourself some beignets (be warned—you’ll get powdered sugar on you no matter how hard you try) and a café au lait, and ease into people-watching as you enjoy warm, fluffy beignets and expertly brewed chicory coffee. If you can, go in the late evening. The French Quarter Cafe du Monde stays open until midnight on weekends, and there’s something magical about it after dark.

Trumpet and Drum Coffee House

Best for: Creative Seasonal Drinks
Must Try: Flavored Matcha 

Address: 3642 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115
Hours: Daily, 7 AM–7 PM

Trumpet and Drum is an Uptown café and a popular hangout and workspace for students. It’s a large space with cozy armchairs and a variety of seating options that make it feel like you’re working in a home library.This place can get packed on weekends or during peak times, so visit during the week if you’re looking for a quieter spot. Otherwise, they offer to-go orders, which are perfect if you need a quick refuel while shopping on Magazine Street.

They have pastries and pre-made meals, but where Trumpet and Drum really shines is in their seasonal drinks. During Carnival, they had an evergreen matcha with juniper that was fantastic—the perfect cozy study drink. For spring, they had an iced carrot cake latte and a strawberry pomegranate matcha, both perfect for the season. Overall, I really enjoy their whimsical, well-made drinks. If you’re looking for something unique to spice up your caffeine game, this place is a must.

Fourth Wall

Best for: Study Dates
Must Try: Coffee

Address: 614 Gravier, New Orleans, Louisiana (Central Business District)
Hours: Monday–Saturday, 7 AM–3 PM, Sunday, 8 AM–3 PM

The aesthetics of Fourth Wall are unmatched. It’s a refurbished 175+ year-old building transformed into a tranquil space surrounded by plants, with plenty of comfy seating. There’s also an outdoor seating area (I didn’t use it when I visited in December) that looks just as lovely.

Though it’s only open until 3 p.m., it’s a popular spot for working or studying. The drinks are strong and well-made, and they offer some pastries if you get snacky. Really, it’s just a comfortable, beautiful space—perfect whether you’re working on a laptop, curling up with a book, or hanging out with friends.

Commander’s Palace

Best for: 25 Cent Martini Lunch Special
Must Try: Strawberry Shortcake

Address: 1403 Washington Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130 (Garden District)
Hours: Wednesday–Friday, 11:30 AM–2 PM, 6–9:30 PM, Saturday, 11 AM–2 PM, 6–9:30 PM, Monday–Tuesday, 5:30 PM–9:30 PM
Reservations: Yes, via Tock

Commander’s Palace is a classic New Orleans institution cherished by both locals and tourists. There is a dress code (business attire, closed-toe shoes and collared shirts required for men; jeans discouraged), and you’ll see many people show up in their Sunday best. Walking through the kitchen to our seats was a delight. I went for a birthday lunch and was delighted to be seated at a table with balloons, and they even brought a paper chef’s hat and a candle with my dessert.

I had the three-course meal with the turtle soup and bread pudding soufflé, but honestly, the strawberry shortcake my friend ordered stole the show.

Another draw for lunch at Commander’s Palace is the 25-cent martinis (four varieties) offered with any entrée. Their cocktails are generally affordable, but as a martini lover, I was thrilled—and not disappointed.

You will need a reservation, which you can make on Tock, but if you’re looking to treat yourself to a fancy meal while in New Orleans, look no further. 

Morrow Steak

Best for: Date Night
Must Try: BBQ Cauliflower

Address: 1003 Julia St, New Orleans, LA 70113 (Warehouse District)
Hours: Monday–Thursday, 4 PM–10 PM, Friday–Saturday, 4 PM–12 AM, Sunday, 11 AM–10 PM
Reservations: Yes, via OpenTable

I suspect anything from Morrow could be considered for the “best of” list, but of the dishes I tried—filet mignon and fried BBQ cauliflower—I loved both immensely. My only note: like most steakhouses, they never quite believe me when I order my steak rare—bold and italicized. That said, the steak was delicious, and the cauliflower blew my mind. The atmosphere is dark and romantic, perfect for a special date night. I visited on Valentine’s Day, so the space was beautifully decorated. At the end of the meal, the waitstaff gave each of us a rose—a lovely touch.

Galatoire’s

Best for: Impeccable Waitstaff, Weekday Lunch Special
Must Try: Crab Yvonne

Address: 209 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70130 (French Quarter)
Hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 11:30 AM–9 PM, Sunday, 12 PM–9 PM
Reservations: Yes, via Resy

Galatoire’s is famous for its Friday lunch, when the downstairs dining room becomes a lively, multi-hour affair of chatting and dancing from table to table. Back in the day, people would wait in line (or hire someone to wait for them) to get on the list for that Friday’s affair. Today, Galatoire’s accepts online reservations, though the famous Friday gathering still seems reserved for well-connected local regulars.

That doesn’t mean Galatoire’s isn’t worth a visit. They’re also renowned for friendly, top-notch waitstaff—something I experienced firsthand. The food is also very well done.  I tried the Crab Yvonne and the Crab Sardou, and both were exceptional. Also, if you’re looking for fine dining on a budget, don’t miss their weekday lunch special, which change weekly and give you a chance to try a few different things.