8 Amazing Meals in New Orleans | Food Blog
New Orleans has no shortage of great restaurants. Even the places located in densely tourist areas are still flavourful with fun atmospheres.
Expect Southern foods that highlight traditional creole and cajun flavours - those of which have influences from Africa, France and Spain.
Being close to many water sources, NOLA restaurants tend to offer fresh seafood. All of this paired with friendly Southern service makes this a great city for food enthusiasts.
Shaya
Israeli | $$ | Smart Casual
It may not be Southern cooking but I still dream about this meal. With so much flavour, it’s the kind of place where you order extra bread to mop the plate. And speaking of bread, they make fresh pita and serve it warm.
Their service was friendly and they accommodated our changed reservation times. It’s the perfect place to stop for lunch while exploring the Garden District.
Mr. B’s Bistro
Creole | $$$ | Sunday Best, Business Casual
Nestled in the heart of the French Quarter, Mr. B’s is an iconic NOLA restaurant.
Every Sunday they offer a jazz brunch where you can put on your Sunday best and be serenaded by a trio while enjoying some classic creole cooking. The dishes were comforting and refined, exactly like what you’d expect from Southern cooking.
Café du Monde
Dessert | $ (cash only) | Casual
If you’ve read anything on New Orleans, you’ve probably heard of Café du Monde. They’re known for their fresh beignets and coffee. The beignets are served piping hot. Experience a cloud of icing sugar with every bite.
The café is located on the border of the French Quarter and there’s always a line to get in. But don’t let that turn you off. They’re a well-oiled machine and churn through people and beignets very quickly.
St. James Cheese Company
Cheesy Delicacies | $$ | Casual
If you like cheese, there’s no questioning, you will enjoy the St. James Cheese Company. Every sandwich and small dish is rich and oozes with melted cheese.
You can choose between the many varieties of cheese sandwiches, or consider a classic cheese board. If you’re feeling like comfort food they also have mac and cheese (surprised?).
Oceana Grill
Cajun/Creole, Seafood | $$ | Casual
This is one of those places where you walk in and think - oh no, it’s a tourist trap. But I was pleasantly surprised. The food was not exotic but it was really tasty. Expect to find the Southern staples that you’re probably looking to try.
Ask your server for their recommendations and wash everything down with some of their fruity cocktails.
Cochon
Cajun & Southern Cooking | $$ | Casual/Friday night fun
Do not let my iPhone pictures deceive you, Cochon was my second favourite meal (after Shaya). If you enjoy meats and comfort food these guys do it so well. Our server helped us pick the entire meal and we weren’t disappointed.
Pair it with a whiskey tasting flight and you’ve got yourself the perfect Friday evening restaurant.
Willie’s Chicken Shack
Southern Fast Food | $ | Casual, post-bar food
Recommended by our Uber driver, Willie’s is the perfect place for your late-night cravings. Their chicken comes out freshly fried and each table has a multitude of sauces, so every bite is a new party in your mouth. Don’t forget to pair it with some of their biscuits which are so buttery they melt in your mouth. How Willie’s is not in every city, nation wide, is a mystery I’ll never understand.
Brennan’s
Creole with French & Spanish Influences | $$$ | Fine Dining
Brennan’s is the perfect place if you’re looking for a fine dining experience. It has a charming courtyard, so if the weather is nice try to reserve a table there. The service was amazing, our servers made sure we finished in time to catch our show.
The food was rich, you can taste the French influence. And leave room for dessert. The Banana’s Foster is not only delicious but it’s quite the spectacle.
Planning a visit to New Orleans?
Check out my New Orleans Travel Guide.
Savour 8 amazing meals with this New Orleans food blog article. A combination of Southern foods and other great flavours. Bon appétit!