Top Restaurants to Visit in New Orleans in 2025
New Orleans’ Hidden Gems and Must-Visit Restaurants
I don’t know if it’s the music, food or cultural significance that is as historic as the cobblestone streets, but New Orleans felt like home the very first time I stepped on the soil. My first time visiting was for Essence Fest in 2017 and I was instantly hooked. Bright colors on delicate fabric, horns blaring on narrow roadways. The welcoming spirit, southern drawl and BABY, the way they say “behbey,” were all a beautiful backdrop for my first experience at a festival for the culture.
I went back in 2018 and 2019 for Essence Fest and when the festival went digital in 2020, so did I. A few years later, when I got engaged, we left our picturesque beach town to throw a destination wedding somewhere that I knew the vibes would fit ours. The month before our wedding, my mom and I went down for some planning and had time to really dig into a variety of local eateries and “behbey” there’s so much to enjoy. This month I’ll be reminiscing on some of the best restaurants, places to visit and things to do off the beaten path in the Crescent City.
Top Restaurants to Visit in New Orleans in 2025
Enjoy .25 cent martinis with your lunch at James Beard award winning restaurant, Commander’s Palace. They’ve perfected their gumbo and the ambience is great here. There’s a three drink limit with this lunch special but note, there is a dress code and reservations are suggested.
Dakar Nola was founded in 2022 by one of Commander’s previous lead chefs, Chef Mbaye as a nod to his Senegalese roots and local New Orleans farmers. The same year that it was founded he was nominated for a James Beard award as Best Emerging Chef.
Dooky Chase is a Black-owned restaurant that was founded in 1941 that has hosted prominent leaders including Martin Luther King, Jr. and Thurmond Marshall as well as former presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama.
⬇️ Want to eat your way through New Orleans?! Book your stay today and save. ⬇️
Get one of the best po boys you’ll ever eat at Nola Po Boys on the quiet side of Bourbon Street. The restaurant is very casual and there is a lot of New Orleans and concert nostalgia on the walls.
If you want to grab something on the go, there are a lot of options. Stop into one of the Willie’s Chicken Shack locations. I’ve been to the one on Frenchman Street and Canal and both are delicious. Also, be sure to get a biscuit.
When you’re near Congo Square in Armstrong Park, Quarter Grocery and Deli is a no muss, no fuss place to grab authentic Cajun cuisine. The kitchen is in the back of a convenience store so you can grab some gum and chapstick on your way out.
Another convenience store that has amazing fried chicken is Brothers.
Rouses is a local supermarket that has a hot bar with different daily offerings. The food is paid for by weight and a great way to make your money stretch.
A mother-son duo that’s worth a visit is, Morrow’s. They serve a mix of classic New Orleans cuisine and Korean dishes and it’s gained national acclaim since opening in 2018.
I asked Uber drivers, hotel staff and anyone else that would listen where to get the most authentic gumbo and someone finally told me about Cajun Seafood. It’s located in a neighborhood off Claiborne Street and worth the drive off the beaten path. They’ve got everything from turkey necks it Chinese food.
If you want to dine on a dime and feel posh, pop into Luke , located in the New Orleans Central Business District on St. Charles Street. A NOLA native told me it’s home to the best French 75 cocktails. They offer half-price drinks and $12 half-dozen fried oysters during daily happy hour from 3pm-6pm.
When you want a sweet treat, grab a beignet from Cafe du Monde. There are ten locations throughout the city including at the Riverwalk Mall and right in front of Jackson Square on Decatur Street.
New Orleans isn’t just a city—it’s an experience, and food is a huge part of that. Whether you’re dining at award-winning restaurants like Dakar Nola, or grabbing a casual bite at hidden gems like Quarter Grocery & Deli, every meal is an event. From gumbo and po boys to beignets and French 75s, the flavors and memories are unforgettable. And on busy weekends like for Essence Fest, check out these restaurants that are off the beaten path.
A Vibe Called Fest keeps you up-to-date with all the important information for festivals and events centered around Black culture. Subscribe then check out our FesTEAval Blog posts and the Next Fests list.
