What’s the best place to eat in New Orleans? There are endless options! I highly recommend a trip to the Big Easy to anyone. I enjoyed a lot of food and a lot of drinks during my visit and honestly wish I could’ve tried more! I pulled together this food bucket list for New Orleans listing places I enjoyed and places I’m planning to check off during my next visit.
What are the best restaurants to eat at in New Orleans?
Cafe Du Monde
It lives up to the hype! I know some places that are tourist hotspots can end up disappointing, but you really can’t go wrong with beignets. I suggest arriving early or trying to visit on a weekday in order to avoid the crowds. If you do see a long line, just come back later. They’re open 24 hours!
District Donuts
District Donuts isn’t just a breakfast spot. I loved their lunch selection of sliders. If you’re feeling hungry go with one or two sliders, but I’d recommend splitting their side of fries. The side portion was HUGE. It was also incredibly delicious, but there was no way I could finish it. And, of course, you’ll need to get a donut too. But, afterwards, you can walk it off while shopping on Magazine Street.
St. Roch Market
I actually spotted a movie star at St. Roch Market! But, don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s too trendy or high-end. The market is indoors with a chic welcoming vibe. There are counters for multiple food vendors with barbecue, mexican, baked goods and more. It took some serious willpower to resist the cupcakes, but I wanted to save my sugar cravings for more beignets. There’s a bar where you can grab a drink before getting a spot at one of the communal tables.
I enjoyed Bruggers BBQ pulled pork sandwich and a huge side serving of mac and cheese that my BF loved too. He really enjoyed his tacos from La Mezcla Mexicana. I also grabbed a Big Easy Bucha kombucha for the next morning. I went with the Cajun Kick flavor and highly recommend it!
Pralines
Pralines were brought to New Orleans by the French and due to a shortage of almonds, pecans were substituted in and quickly became a favorite sweet in the area. Essentially, it’s dairy, sugar and pecans with different variations available from different stores like sweet potato and coconut flavors!
Leah’s and Aunt Sally’s Pralines are very popular, but I also enjoyed the Magnolia Praline Company. You really can’t go wrong with them. They make a great gift or souvenir, if you’re able to resist finishing them off before you get home.
The Company Burger
There are multiple locations of The Company Burger so be sure to check which is closest to you when visiting. The burgers are made fresh and come with a serve-yourself selection of mayonnaise at the toppings bar. All the different flavors were fun and perfect for dipping your french fries into.
Poboys
There are so many places to enjoy Po’Boys in New Orleans. I made it to Killer Poboys for something a little different than that traditional poboy. It was still delicious and insanely filling because these sandwiches are huge. Other places to check out the poboy selection include Mother’s, Guy’s Po-Boys and Domilise’s Po-boys & Bar.
Fried Chicken at Willie Mae’s Scotch House
It’s been said that Willie Mae’s Scotch House serves the best fried chicken you’ll ever have. For real, in 2005, Ms. Willie Mae Seaton received the prestigious James Beard Award for “America’s Classic Restaurant for the Southern Region.” This is serious soul food.
Cochon Butcher
Cochon Butcher is a meat lovers dream. It’s part butcher shop, part sandwich counter and part wine bar. Sounds like a great combination, no? They specialize in house made meats, terrines and sausages. The menu overflows with sandwiches and sliders. There is bound to be one, or more likely, several flavor combinations you’ll want. The Le Pig Mac is popular, but I’d honestly recommend trying anything on the menu.
Half Price Pizza at Domenica from 2-5
Actually, dining anytime at Domenica is a great choice; however, from 2-5 they have an amazing happy hour. You can get any of the wood-fired pizzas for half-price plus discounts on drinks. Considering most places on this list are budget-friendly I wanted to make a note of how to enjoy Domenica for a little less.
Emeril’s
I remember watching Emeril Lagasse on Food Network as a kid and hearing him talk about his New Orleans roots. His personality and flavors are big. For me, it wouldn’t be a trip to New Orleans without trying one of his restaurants. He currently has three open in New Orleans including, Emeril’s New Orleans, Emeril’s Delmonico and NOLA.
Gumbo
An iconic Louisiana dish, gumbo is another must-eat item with loads of options. You can typically find a seafood version or a chicken andouille version. Try them both! ? If there’s anyplace that you’re going to enjoy this traditional dish, it’s here. Galatoire’s, Gumbo Shop, Commander’s Palace, Arnaud’s are all noted for their gumbo selection.
What would you add to the list? Anything I missed or anything you already love? I am SO ready for a return trip to New Orleans to enjoy more of these goodies.
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Casey is the founder of Casey La Vie & has been running this travel and lifestyle blog since 2016. She’s on a mission to balance her career as a social media manager with exploring her home of New York City and seeing more of the world.
Divine dining at Mr. B’s in the quarter…shrimp and grits are to live for just to come again. The service is perfection…ask for a table with Mary Kay. She is the epitomy of southern charm and grace…don’t forget the bread pudding…nirvana !
I can’t wait to try your recommendation next time I visit! Sounds amazing.
Picnic Provisions and Whiskey! They have a crawfish boil fried chicken sandwich. Merils, absolutely anything from there! Peche, aaaaaall the high seafood! The list is never ending!