There will never be a single all-encompassing list of all the best food and drink spots in this incredible city, but I took this as a challenge and did my best to compile some of my favorites based on my five years living in NOLA. I definitely classify myself as a foodie, so although this is a long list, you shouldn’t be surprised that yes, I have been to every single delicious spot.
I have been asked countless times to give restaurant recommendations to friends, coworkers, and family members visiting New Orleans, so I put together this guide of my go-to spots perfect for any occasion. Leave a comment if you have any other can’t-miss cafés, restaurants, or bars in the city!
Breakfast and Coffee
Maple Street Patisserie – My old neighborhood bakery! Pain au chocolat, please
La Boulangerie – More pains au chocolat, of course
Humble Bagel – Go early before they sell out!
French Truck – The best iced coffee and a great place to hang out and do work
Stein’s – Catered Friday bagels for my sorority, so you know it’s good
Rue de la Course – Cool building, local gem
Pictured below: Humble Bagel, French Truck Coffee, Stein’s



Brunch
Ruby Slipper – Go for the biscuits and maple butter
Bearcat – The absolute best potatoes!!
Willa Jean – Get the cookies (yes even with brunch)
Toast – Ableskivers, crêpes, and toast, of course
Court of Two Sisters – Jazz brunch buffet in the Quarter
Surrey’s – Latin American-inspired brunch foods on Magazine
Stanley – Bananas foster French toast, right in Jackson Square
Slim Goodies – Fun diner feel, great eats
Pictured below: Stanley, Slim Goodies, Bearcat



Bottomless Brunch
Appolline – High quality, absolutely delicious, birthday brunch material
The Country Club – Weekly drag brunches, book far in advance. Iconic NOLA experience
Birdy’s – Breakfast charcuterie board! Trendy new spot
Broussard’s – Cutest courtyard and great food, has live music sometimes too
Curio – Balcony views of the Quarter, perfect for sightseeing after your meal
Pictured below: Appolline, Birdy’s, Broussard’s



Lunch
St. James Cheese Company – Manchego salad, mac & cheese, and lots more cheese
Satsuma – Delicious sandwiches and so much more
Empanola – Love the cajun-inspired empanadas
Poke Loa – Poke bowls with zoodles, easy lunch on Magazine
Mahoney’s – Po boys galore! Great onion rings too
Dat Dog – Not your typical hot dog shop– alligator sausage, anyone?
Auction House Market – Lots of good options, great for groups who can’t decide
Camellia Grill – Burgers to omelets and everything in between, diner style
Pictured below: St. James Cheese Company, Dat Dog, Satsuma



Dinner
Shaya – Fried chicken hummus and all the pita
Sofia – All the pastas and pizzas, build your own spritzers
Superior Seafood – Happy hour with frozen French 75s and oysters
Rum House – Always get the tacos!
Saba – Brussels sprouts hummus
Mint – Vermicelli bowls and spring rolls galore
Sukkho Thai – Pad Thai, of course
Blue Oak BBQ – The Brussels sprouts!!
Saj – Baked feta and hummus, BYO
Pizza Domenica – Garlic knots with whipped feta!
Gianna – Pasta, pasta, pasta
La Petite Grocery – Blue crab beignets and shrimp and grits
Josephine Estelle – Always the cacio e pepe
Meril – Get a bunch of small plates and try them all
Chill Out Cafe – Great takeout Thai, BYO
Atchafalaya – Shrimp and grits
Tableau – Steak frites! Classic French Quarter spot
Lilette – Classy and French-inspired
Pascal’s Manale – Home of the classic barbecue shrimp
Superior Grill – Fajitas and margaritas
Pêche – Fish and other stuff
La Crêpe Nanou – Fondue! Can’t believe it took me so long to discover this place
Pictured below: Shaya, Rum House, Superior Seafood



Drinks
Wrong Iron – Frosé all day, great outdoor tables and seating
The Delachaise – Fries with garlic aioli (and wine of course)
Chais Delachaise – My old neighborhood wine bar down Maple Street
Hot Tin – Great rooftop views of the city
Bayou Beer and Wine Garden – Love this NOLA spot! There’s a cutesy wine side and a sporty beer side, so you’ll find something you love
Tchoup Yard – Fun for outdoor hangout on Tchoupitoulas
The Tasting Room – Wine, wine, fries, and more wine
WINO (Wine Institute New Orleans) – One of my absolute favorite spots! The place is covered in wines on tap so it’s the best for wine tastings
The Vintage – Champagne and beignets! The site of my iconic 22nd birthday party
Lucy’s Retired Surfer Bar & Restaurant – Get a plastic shark with your drink, fun dance space upstairs
Bacchanal – Wine, cheese, and live music, what could be better?
Copper Vine – Brussels sprouts and wine tastings, cute balcony
Carousel Bar & Lounge – On a literal moving carousel
Pat O’Briens – Iconic bar in The Quarter with a piano lounge, home of the Hurricane
Pictured below: Wrong Iron, Lucy’s, Bayou Wine Garden



Desserts
Creole Creamery – Always a good idea! Try their unique seasonal flavors
Sucré – Macarons, cupcakes, and gelato (oh my)
District Donuts – The most creative and complex donuts you can find
Angelo Brocato – Delicious Italian gelato and homemade cannolis!
Café du Monde – Beignets! Pair them with the frozen café au lait on a hot day
Parish Parlor – Cute new homemade ice cream shop on Magazine
Cupcake Collection – Sweet potato cupcakes? And so much more
Bakery Bar – Doberge cake and dobites, plus drinks
Drip Affogato Bar – Coffee plus gelato is a match made in Heaven
Pictured below: Café du Monde, Creole Creamery, Cupcake Collection



Honorable Mentions
While I absolutely love all of these local spots, needless to say, I also consumed quite a bit of Starbucks, Chick-fil-a, Chipotle, and Canes while living in New Orleans. I also frequented many of the Tulane favorites, including The Boot and Bruno’s, that didn’t quite make the cut for my list. It’s all about balance, after all!
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