New Orleans is a melting pot of unique flavors catering to all taste buds.
As a tourist, you’ll love the restaurants and bars on every corner.
We’ll show you where to find street food, outdoor dining, and even live music.
At night, some streets become extra lively so you can enjoy more bites and drinks.
For first-time visitors, you can join tours to sample a bit of everything, particularly in the French Quarter.
So before you fill your tummy, here are the best places to eat and drink in New Orleans.
1. French Market
Explore local delicacies at the longest-operating open-air market in the US.
Based in the heart of the famous French Quarter, it is easily accessible by car or public transport.
To fully experience the quirk of the French Market, join one of the free guided tours.
Various food vendors, cafés, and outdoor restaurants make it hard to choose what to eat.
However, you must-try beignets at Café de Monde.
Another sweet essential is Loretta’s Authentic Pralines where you’ll find local treats.
For fresh produce, the Farmer’s Market here is open daily.
Throughout the year, there are flea markets and other social events too.
- Opening Hours: Daily 9am-5pm
- Highlights: Farmers market, food stands, outdoor dining
- Location: Esplanade Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70130, United States
2. Bourbon Street
Bourbon Street is one of the most lively places to visit at night in New Orleans.
Most known for its French Creole architecture and balconies, some pubs and restaurants are open til 1 am.
Visit Pat O’Brien’s and Old Absinthe House, which are senior establishments in the area.
They are the birthplaces for heady cocktails The Hurricane and Absinthe Frappe.
Another icon on Bourbon Street, Galatoire’s, serves up the tastiest turtle soups and other Creole classics.
If you’re looking for the best food and drinks in one place, check out Arnaud’s.
Also, stop by Café Lafitte in Exile, for the best disco parties and karaoke nights.
- Opening Hours: Daily 24 hours
- Highlights: Restaurants, bars, nightclubs
- Location: French Quarter, New Orleans, LA , United States
3. Royal Street
Royal Street has become a staple tour location for sightseeing in New Orleans.
Dotted with colorful shops, art galleries, and antique finds, there’s plenty to look at.
When it comes to dining, you’ll be surprised by the variety of foods on display.
At Mr. B’s Bistro, indulge in flavorful Gumbo Ya Ya, a New Orleans classic.
While Brennan’s is a famous breakfast spot, serving up their original bananas foster daily.
If you’re longing for some good Oysters Rockefeller, check out Antoine’s.
For a romantic date, we recommend Court of Two Sisters.
Their daily jazz brunches are legendary.
Lastly, the city’s only rotating bar, Carousel Bar, awaits you with strong beverages.
- Opening Hours: Daily 9am-2am
- Highlights: Restaurants, art galleries, antique shops
- Location: French Quarter, New Orleans, LA , United States
4. Magazine Street
If you’re looking for a more quiet and relaxing experience, this is the place for you.
Magazine Street has a great selection of bars and restaurants with outdoor seating.
Pay a visit to Mahony’s for authentic po-boys and fresh seafood.
Socialize in a lush environment at The Bower, as you snack on cheese and charcuterie.
Then, take a seat at Lilette’s lovely patio, while your greeter brings out a selection of fine wines.
If you’re traveling with a pet, beers at The Bulldog have you covered.
Lengua Madre’s 5-course tasting menu is a quality expedition of Mexican food.
Finally, your trip to Magazine Street is incomplete without a glass of Sazerac, a New Orleans sample.
- Opening Hours: Daily 6am-12am
- Highlights: Shops, cafes, restaurants
- Location: Garden District, New Orleans, LA, United States
5. Frenchmen Street
Check out Frenchmen Street, home to the best live music in the city.
From jazz to blues and alternative genres, you are bound to have a great time.
Enjoy the intimate atmosphere of The Spotted Cat, where live jazz and local brews meet.
Or, hit up The Maison and dance the night away as you munch on New Orleans classics.
It even organizes Drag and Burlesque shows every weekend.
For a more family-styled eatery, Adolfo’s Italian cuisine is a local favorite.
Moreover, Dat Dog makes junk food look appetizing no matter the calories.
While the most delicious pizzas and tapas plates are served at Margot’s and Three Muses.
- Opening Hours: Daily 11am-2am
- Highlights: Restaurants, street markets, bars, live music clubs
- Location: 7th Ward, New Orleans, LA, United States
6. Faubourg Marigny
Faubourg Marigny is another fun neighborhood, ideal for casual dining.
It is filled with restaurants with outdoor seating, bistros, and cute cafés.
Ruby Slipper Café serves up yummy brunches, both sweet and savory.
Whereas, at Flora Café, you can browse local art as you eat.
Paladar 511 is your chic date location, which dishes up gourmet Italian food.
While, at Morrow’s contemporary New Orleans and Korean flavors intertwine.
If you like people-watching, Horn’s Eatery has a sidewalk seating area you can use.
They offer superb dishes for a family breakfast or a friend’s hang out.
- Opening Hours: Daily 11am-2am
- Highlights: Cajun bistros, bars, jazz clubs
- Location: Frenchmen Street, New Orleans, LA, United States
7. Mississippi River
The Mississippi River flows through the city offering plenty of unique dining options.
Riverside restaurants and river dinner cruises are quite popular in New Orleans.
Riverboats, such as Creole Queen and Natchez, provide both entertainment and food.
If you’re looking for date ideas, sign up for a 3-hour dinner or brunch cruise and listen to soft jazz tunes.
It will be a real highlight as you marvel at lit-up New Orleans from the Mississippi.
Those favoring to stay ashore, but still wanting access to the views, don’t fret.
Chemin Á La Mer has panoramic views of the river and a lovely outdoor terrace to socialize on.
Their oysters and gulf seafood line-up are also unbeatable.
- Opening Hours: Daily 8am-7pm
- Highlights: Live jazz, cocktails, lunch & dinner cruises
- Location: Toulouse Street, New Orleans, LA, United States
8. New Orleans School of Cooking
Foodies and amateur cooks pay attention!
New Orleans School of Cooking lets you in on recipes behind local specialties.
Watch a professional chef prepare classic dishes, which of course, you can eat afterwards.
Or, get hands-on and try cooking the food yourself in a cooking class.
On the menu, there’s mouth-watering Jambalaya, Crawfish Étouffée, and Pralines to name a few.
As a bonus, they even provide the drinks for you at no charge.
Allow 2-3 hours for these fun cooking experiences.
- Opening Hours: Daily 9am-5pm
- Highlights: Creole & Cajun cooking classes
- Location: 524 St Louis St, New Orleans, LA 70130, United States
French Quarter Tours
For first-time visitors to New Orleans, it’s best to take a tour of the French Quarter first.
On Frenchmen Street, join the crowds, bar crawl, and dance to catchy tunes.
If you don’t mind walking, embark on tours exploring popular foodie venues in the area.
Alternatively, you can even hop on a carriage ride to take you to historic spots.
But if you just want to relax, there are outdoor terraces at various restaurants and pubs.
Make sure you sample delicious New Orleans classics, including beignets and seafood.
Come around Christmas, when you can admire the neighborhood decked out during Holiday Home Tours.
Find Food Tours in New Orleans French Quater
New Orleans Food Map
FAQs
To experience dining accompanied by live music, Frenchmen Street is the place to explore.
From jazz bars to dinner Drag shows, there’s something for everyone’s taste.
Among families, Adolfo’s Italian dishes are highly popular.
For couples, you’ll love The Spotted Cat for date nights.
At night, make your way to Bourbon Street to enjoy New Orleans’ delicacies.
Start by visiting one of the oldest restaurants in the city, Galatoire’s.
Then, sample traditional cocktails at Old Absinthe House.
Lastly, head up to the iconic cast-iron balconies for a quick snack with a view.
The best restaurants with outdoor seating are found on Magazine Street.
Choose between pet-friendly bistros, wine bars, and restaurants with lush gardens.
Lilette’s lovely patio is ideal for a group gathering.
While Mahony’s is a go-to spot for family lunches.
French Market is easily the best place to go for street food in New Orleans.
Filled with food vendors, local produce, and sweet essentials, you’re in for a treat.
If you’ve got the chance, beignets from Café de Monde come highly recommended.
You should also check out the weekly flea markets to buy souvenirs.
Summary
| New Orleans Food Places | Highlights |
| French Market | Farmer’s market, food stands, outdoor dining |
| Bourbon Street | Restaurants, bars, nightclubs |
| Royal Street | Restaurants, art galleries, antique shops |
| Magazine Street | Shops, cafes, restaurants |
| Frenchmen Street | Restaurants, street markets, bars, live music clubs |
| Faubourg Marigny | Cajun bistros, bars, jazz clubs |
| Mississippi River | Live jazz, cocktails, lunch & dinner cruises |
| New Orleans School of Cooking | Creole & Cajun cooking classes |
