Favorite Restaurants in New Orleans

I grew up in Austin, Texas and am an avid Texas Longhorns fan. I did not attend UT, but most of my family did. My grandfather even played football there, and my dad now works for the team! That being said, our holiday plans are always based on where my dad has to travel with the team to a Bowl Game. In 2018 and 2024 we were so happy to ring in the new year in New Orleans at the Sugar Bowl! Both trips were so much fun and filled with so much good food. I'd argue you can't go wrong with any food options in this city, and most of my favorites are pretty popular already. But just for the heck of it, here they are!

P.S. If you're looking for bar recommendations, check out my Things to Do in NOLA post!

Brennan's

417 Royal Street | @brennansnola

This place is a NOLA staple. They describe themselves as "fine-dining with Creole cuisine". The restaurant itself is so beautiful with a moody bar area and two different dining rooms. We learned that the whole top floor of the building is one giant wine room and includes a bottle of liquor that costs $500 a teaspoon! Our waiter was so personable and fun, and the food was delicious. The best part of the night was the dessert, of course. Bananas Foster was actually invented at Brennan's, and it is a must order. They make it for you right at the table and tell you the whole history of the dessert.

Favorite Dishes:

• Turtle Soup - maybe the favorite dish of the night, besides dessert!

• Seafood Gumbo

• Oysters J'aime

• Calvados Lacquered Duck

• World Famous Bananas Foster! - the pictures don't even come close to how good it tastes!

Next time I want to try:

• Brunch!

• More of their epic wine selection

Café Du Monde 

Multiple Locations | @cafedumonde

If you've heard of New Orleans, you've heard of the beignets at Café Du Monde. There's not much more I can add except yet another voice telling you to go! One trick we learned this time is that there is actually a location in the airport. Depending on when you are visiting, the lines at the historic locations can be extremely (I mean ridiculously) long. So while the airport location certainly isn't giving you the full Café Du Monde experience, the beignets are just as good!

Favorite Dishes:

• The beignets really are as good as you've heard.

• The chicory coffee is the best. They even have decaf!

Plates Restaurant & Bar

1051 Annunciation St | @plates.nola

This restaurant is a little off the beaten path from the French Quarter and is located in the Warehouse District. It's about a 25 minute walk or a quick drive! We ate here on New Year's Eve, so the place was super festive. They were serving a Pre-Fix Menu, but it seems like most of the dishes are also featured on their regular menu, though it changes seasonally. We really loved everything on the table and our wait staff. A super fun and yummy find.

Favorite Dishes:

• Oysters

• Tuna Crudo - Best dish of the night.

• Grilled Lamb Skewer

• Mushroom and Truffle Tagliatelle

Next time I want to try:

• The rest of the regular menu!

Mr. B's Bistro

201 Royal Street | @mrbsbistro

One of our favorite stops in NOLA. The food and service is always amazing. I love the vibe of the restaurant, and the location is so convenient in the French Quarter. We've been with a group of 11 and also gone in small groups to sit at the bar!

Favorite Dishes:

• Gumbo Ya Ya & Seafood Gumbo - very different from each other but both amazing.

• Crispy Fried Oysters - duh.

• Barbequed Shrimp - so messy (they put a bib on you!) but so worth it.

Next time I want to try:

• Bread Pudding

Commander's Palace

1403 Washington Ave | @commanderspalace

One of the most famous restaurants in New Orleans for good reason! It's been a prominent stop in the Garden District since 1880! You will definitely need reservations for this and to follow their dress code, though it's nothing too crazy. I have some friends who have flown to New Orleans multiple times for only a day to celebrate their anniversary at Commander's Palace. It's a very special place.

We sadly didn't snag a reservation this trip, so the menu is now different than my last visit. But the pictures below show what to expect with any dish! You truly can't go wrong.

Runners Up:

Felix's Restaurant & Oyster Bar

739 Iberville St | @felixsoysterbar

• A classic oyster joint in the French Quarter that has been around for 70 years. We had to wait in line but actually teamed up with a group next to us to get seated faster and made some fun new friends!

• Favorites: Chargrilled Oysters!!!

Criollo

214 Royal St | @criollo_nola

• Located in the beautiful Hotel Monteleone alongside the popular Carousel Bar (more info in my Things to Do in NOLA post!). A lovely brunch experience with some soft live jazz.

• Favorites: French 75 (for only 75 cents!), Beignets, Chicken & Biscuit

Sofia

516 Julia St | @eatsofianola

• A lively Italian restaurant with a modern menu. There was a DJ inside, as well as outside seating, so an easy option no matter the vibe.

• Favorites: Marinated Olives, Ricotta, Granola Yogurt

• Next time: Some pasta and pizza

House of Blues - Gospel Brunch

225 Decatur St | @hobnola

• An all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet while watching a live, enthusiastic gospel choir! An unforgettable experience and the food is good too. This brunch is currently not being offered, but keep an eye out for when it returns.

Next Time:

• Shaya - Our friends claim this Israeli restaurant is their favorite restaurant in the city! I'm told to get all the hummus.

• Mother's Restaurant - A historic and very popular cafeteria-style spot for po' boys and Southern dishes. Be prepared to wait in line depending on the time of year!

• Ruby Slipper Café - There's a few locations of this breakfast & brunch spot but the lines were just too long the morning after a late night game.

For me, NOLA is a little bit like Vegas and can get a bit overwhelming after a few days. That being said, our recent trips hold some of my favorite memories, many of which are centered around good meals. I'm certainly not the first to say it, but New Orleans really does have some incredible food! 🤘🏼