New Orleans is a city that makes you instantly hungry. There’s something about the air down here that always smells like something sizzling, sweet, or spicy.
If you’re the kind of traveler who plans trips around meals, you’re honestly in the right place. From wild 24/7 po’ boy spots and fried chicken joints to posh tasting menus and hand-pulled coffee, NOLA hits every note.
Let’s dig into the best New Orleans has to offer for anyone obsessed with food and flavor.
What to Eat in New Orleans
Gumbo
Gumbo is the city in a bowl: spicy, deep, loaded with whatever’s fresh and local. Creole or Cajun, chicken or seafood, there’s no wrong way to do it.
You’ll see pots bubbling everywhere—from convenience counters to white-tablecloth legends.
Beignets
The iconic New Orleans treat! Fluffy, square, and buried under powdered sugar, beignets basically demand you start your day with a mess and a smile.
Classic spots pour mugs of chicory coffee right alongside for full effect.
Muffuletta
This massive Italian sandwich stuffed with cold cuts, cheese, and olive salad was born in the French Quarter.
Split one with a friend if you’re sensible or solo it for the true experience.
Po’ boys
These are messy, overstuffed sandwiches—shrimp, roast beef, hot sausage—piled onto French bread with plenty of gravy or mayo.
There’s a shop for every style and every late-night craving.
Charbroiled Oysters
Another must-try, fresh Gulf oysters hit the grill with garlic butter and parmesan until bubbling and golden.
Perfect bite with a cold beer, especially during happy hour in NOLA’s seafood houses.
Foodie Neighbourhoods in New Orleans
French Quarter
The OG of New Orleans food. You get old-school Creole, wild bars, late-night snacks, and probably the most famous café scene in the city.
Don’t miss the muffuletta at Central Grocery or just wander and see what smells best.
Faubourg Marigny
Vibrant and full of color, Marigny is your go-to for live music and quirky coffee shops.
Frenchmen Street is the main artery, with dive bars and unforgettable late-night bites.
Uptown
Chill, leafy, and full of indie restaurants and sweet little cafés.
Locals love Magazine Street for everything from high-end Israeli food to po’ boys and pastries.
Mid-City
Brunch, breweries, and a bunch of “hidden gem” restaurants live here.
If you want something less touristy but still packed with flavor, this is your stage.
Bywater
Bywater’s got funky murals and a chill, creative energy. Eat in colorful converted houses or pop-up kitchens.
There’s always a neighborhood hangout with coffee, tacos, or a killer Bloody Mary.
Budget Restaurants in New Orleans
Melba’s
24/7 po’ boys and classic southern plates at prices you can actually handle. The line moves quick and the energy is always up.
Perfect for that “I’m starving, it’s 2 a.m.” sort of situation. Homey, easy, and pure NOLA comfort.
Domilise’s Po-Boy & Bar
Old-school and beloved for a reason. They don’t mess around with their fried shrimp or roast beef po’ boys—just grab a root beer and settle in.
The neighborhood vibe is strong and everyone’s here for the same thing: a perfect sandwich.
McHardy’s Chicken & Fixin’
You want fried chicken? Don’t ask questions, just get it hot and fresh here with classic sides.
Cash only, straight-up, and totally worth it.
Dat Dog
Wild sausages, crazy toppings, and a proper party vibe. Grab a dog and a drink—tons of options for veg-heads too.
It’s always colorful, both the food and the crowd!
Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken
Seriously crispy fried chicken plus southern sides, all for a decent price. Super simple space and super reliable.
Perfect lunch spot—there’s a reason it has fans in every city.
Mid-Range Restaurants in New Orleans
Shaya
This Magazine Street institution is all about Israeli flavors—think fresh pita, spreads, and wow-level veggie dishes.
It’s a bright spot for lunch or a chill dinner with friends.
Zasu
Mid-City spot pulling in locals with creative global plates, like their famous red snapper.
Modern, a little fancy, but friendly—good wine list and outgoing staff.
Cochon
Cochon does Cajun right—order pork every way and try the boudin balls.
It’s loud, lively, and in the Warehouse District, great if you’re hitting up galleries or breweries too.
Luxury Restaurants in New Orleans
Commander’s Palace
This one’s iconic for a reason. Expect high-ceilinged rooms, old-school service, and classic Creole dishes (don’t skip the turtle soup or bread pudding soufflé).
Splurge on Jazz Brunch and feel like New Orleans royalty.
La Petite Grocery
It’s a historic spot in Uptown with a super cozy atmosphere and an inventive spin on Louisiana comfort food.
You’ve gotta try the blue crab beignets. Everything feels a bit more special here.
Dakar NOLA
Dakar is next-level—award-winning West African-inspired tasting menus and a cool, contemporary feel.
Come hungry and open-minded, and book well in advance!
Best Coffee Shops in New Orleans
Mojo Coffee House
Classic NOLA third-wave coffee shop. Cozy, tons of regulars, and great cold brew if you’re sweating your way through the city.
Perfect for working, chilling, or just getting highly caffeinated.
French Truck Coffee
Bright yellow, neighborhood favorite, and very friendly vibes. They roast their own beans—you’ll smell the difference.
Loved by locals and travelers alike for consistently good coffee and pastries.
Markets in New Orleans
St. Roch Market
An indoor market with rotating food stalls from up-and-coming chefs. Grab a snack, coffee, or something you’ve never tried before—and people watch for hours.
You never know what cuisines you’ll stumble across, which is the best part.
Crescent City Farmers Market
Locally grown produce, homemade jams, and whatever is fresh this season.
Crescent City pops up in multiple locations each week—great for grabbing picnic supplies or gifts.
French Market
The oldest public market in the country, operating since the 1700s. Expect everything from raw oysters to pralines and fresh fruit.
Buzzes all day, especially on weekends when musicians and street food vendors turn up the energy.
Budget Accommodation in New Orleans
HI New Orleans Hostel
On Canal Street, super central with comfy dorms and private rooms. Social, easy to meet others, and nice common spaces.
Perfect if you’re traveling solo or on a true shoestring budget.
Auberge NOLA Hostel
Known for being super clean and friendly, and just a short walk from St. Charles Ave.
Great vibe for meeting both locals and other travelers.
Madame Isabelle’s House
Historic guesthouse feel mixed with hostel prices. Lovely garden courtyard, friendly staff, and popular with backpackers.
The Quisby
Boutique hostel with modern rooms and a cool bar. Close to the action but chill enough to recharge.
Free breakfast and fast Wi-Fi are a huge plus.
India House Hostel
Super lively, with pool parties and group dinners. Popular with backpackers who don’t mind a bit of fun at all hours.
Not the place for early nights, but always memorable!
Mid-Range Accommodation in New Orleans
Pontchartrain Hotel
Garden District classic with updated, stylish rooms and a rooftop bar with killer views. Mid-range prices for a taste of New Orleans glamour.
Hotel Villa Convento
Cozy, historic spot in the French Quarter. Walk to beignets in minutes. Tons of stories in the walls here—ideal for laid-back travelers.
Four Points by Sheraton French Quarter
If you want to be smack in the middle of the action, this one’s for you. Comfortable rooms looking over Bourbon Street or the city, plus a pool to cool off.
Grand Victorian Bed & Breakfast
Picture-perfect and on St. Charles Ave—classic southern hospitality, beautiful verandas, and made-to-order breakfasts.
The Monteleone
Classic French Quarter, famous for its rotating Carousel Bar. Chic, well-kept rooms and an unbeatable location for exploring everything by foot.
Luxury Accommodation in New Orleans
The Ritz-Carlton New Orleans
If you want all the bells and whistles—spa, plush rooms, courtyards—this is your spot. Well-placed for both the French Quarter and CBD.
The Celestine
Modern, chic, and just opened in late 2024. Known for top-notch service, a huge spa, and sleek design.
The Chloe
Trendy boutique hotel in Uptown, with a stunning pool and lively restaurant and bar. Feels like staying at your most stylish friend’s place.
Maison Métier
Design lovers will want to check in here. Luxe rooms, great art, and a true sense of New Orleans cool.
Hotel Monteleone
The historic gem—giant, elegant, and the home of the Carousel Bar. Sip a drink, watch the world spin, and sleep it off upstairs in serious comfort.
