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!