Acme Oyster House

The inevitable long lines at this French Quarter eatery are well worth the wait. Acme is legendary among both tourists and locals, serving some of the city’s best local specialties in a laid-back, no-frills setting. The menu features Gulf oysters, a variety of po’boys, gumbo, and other Cajun-Creole classics, making it a must-visit spot for authentic New Orleans flavors.

• Web:

  https://acmeoyster.com

• Address:

  724 Iberville Street, New Orleans

• Phone:

  +1 504 522 5973

• Opening hours:

  Daily 11am–10pm

Ancora Pizzeria

At Ancora, pizzas are baked to perfection in a wood-burning oven brought all the way from Naples, following traditional Neapolitan methods for the dough. The result is authentic, simply delicious pies. The menu also features alternatives centered around cured meats, which are equally worth trying.

• Web:

  www.ancorapizza.com

• E-mail:

  ancoranola@gmail.com

• Address:

  4508 Freret Street, New Orleans

• Phone:

  +1 504 324 1636

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Wed 2pm–9pm, Thu noon–9pm, Fri & Sat noon–10pm, Sun noon–9pm

Antoine's Restaurant

Fine dining is at its best at Antoine’s, one of the oldest family-run restaurant in the United States, operating since 1840. This classic old-world grand dame of French-Creole cuisine is not only elegant but also rich in history as the birthplace of Oysters Rockefeller.

• Web:

  https://antoines.com

• E-mail:

  antoines1840@gmail.com

• Address:

  713 St. Louis Street, New Orleans

• Phone:

  +1 504 581 4422

• Opening hours:

  Mon 10:30am–2pm / 5pm–9pm; Tue & Wed 5pm–9pm, Thu–Sat 10:30am–2pm / 5pm–9pm; Sun 10:30am–2pm

August

Located in a 19th-century French-Creole building in the Central Business District, August is the brainchild of famed chef John Besh. Here, contemporary French cuisine is crafted with fresh ingredients and a nod to Besh’s southern Louisiana roots. Warm hardwood floors, mahogany paneling, gallant columns, and antique mirrors give the interior a touch of majesty. There are three dining rooms and a two-story wine room.

• Web:

  www.restaurantaugust.com

• E-mail:

  info@restaurantaugust.com

• Address:

  301 Tchoupitoulas Street, New Orleans

• Phone:

  +1 504 299 9777

• Opening hours:

  Daily 5pm–9pm

Bayona

Housed in a 1769 Creole cottage in the French Quarter, Bayona offers an enchanting dining experience that blends historical charm with contemporary flair. Founded by Chef Susan Spicer in 1990, this award-winning restaurant is celebrated for its inventive Louisiana fare, featuring signature dishes like creamy garlic soup, grilled duck breast, and veal sweetbreads—all served in a warm, intimate setting that includes a lush courtyard perfect for a romantic al fresco dining.

• Web:

  www.bayona.com

• Address:

  430 Dauphine Street, New Orleans

• Phone:

  +1 504 525 4455

• Opening hours:

  Tue & Wed 6pm–8:30pm, Thu–Sat 11:30am–1:30pm / 6pm–9pm; Sun & Mon closed

Bennachin Restaurant

Drawing from its roots in Gambia and Cameroon, Bennachin brings authentic African cuisine to New Orleans. The menu features vegetarian-friendly West African fare, and the restaurant prides itself on using fresh, healthy ingredients in all its dishes. A citywide favorite is the Jama Jama, a flavorful dish of spinach sautéed with vegetable oil, ginger, onion, and garlic.

• Web:

  https://bennachinrestaurant.com

• E-mail:

  info@bennachinrestaurant.com

• Address:

  1212 Royal Street, New Orleans

• Phone:

  +1 504 522 1230

• Opening hours:

  Wed & Thu 11am–8pm, Fri & Sun 11am–9pm

Bacchanal Fine Wine & Spirits

Bacchanal call themselves a "wine laboratory," and what they concoct is a mix of good food, great music, and of course, fine wine. This unique wine shop has over 100 varieties, which you can enjoy alongside delicious cheese platters and live local music on their lush back patio.

• Web:

  www.instagram.com/bacchanalwine

• E-mail:

  info@bacchanalwine.com

• Address:

  600 Poland Avenue, New Orleans

• Phone:

  +1 504 948 9111

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Thu 4pm–10pm, Fri 4pm–11pm, Sat & Sun noon–11pm

Crescent City Brewhouse

Crescent City Brewhouse specializes in unique brews like Pilsner, Red Stallion, Black Forest, Weiss Beer, IPA, and seasonal offerings designed to satisfy any craving. The food menu is equally impressive, featuring Modern Louisiana fare and local favorites such as crabmeat hushpuppies, fried alligator bites, chicken and andouille sausage gumbo, and freshly shucked Louisiana raw oysters. To top it off, live jazz is played nightly, adding to the vibrant atmosphere of this French Quarter gem.

• Web:

  www.crescentcitybrewhouse.com

• Address:

  527 Decatur Street, New Orleans

• Phone:

  +1 504 522 0571

• Opening hours:

  Sun–Thu noon–9pm, Fri & Sat noon–10pm

Cure

Cure, a stylish cocktail bar in the Uptown neighborhood, offers a sophisticated experience that harkens back to the elegance of classic cocktail lounges. Housed in a beautifully repurposed firehouse, Cure combines a dimly lit, intimate atmosphere with expertly crafted cocktails that showcase the skills of its talented mixologists. The bar is renowned for its creative drinks, which pay homage to the origins of cocktails as medicinal concoctions, and it also features an eclectic menu of dishes that perfectly complement the beverages. Cure has earned a James Beard Award in 2018 and ranks No. 47 on North America's 50 Best Bars list (2024), making it a must-visit destination for cocktail enthusiasts.

• Web:

  www.curenola.com

• E-mail:

  info@curenola.com

• Address:

  4905 Freret Street, New Orleans

• Phone:

  +1 504 302 2357

• Opening hours:

  Sun–Thu 4pm–11pm, Fri & Sat 3pm–midnight

d.b.a.

d.b.a. is a legendary music venue hosting an eclectic lineup of live music in an intimate setting. Alongside its rich history, d.b.a. is also celebrated for its extensive beer and spirit list.

• Web:

  www.dbaneworleans.com

• Address:

  618 Frenchmen Street, New Orleans

• Phone:

  +1 504 942 3731

• Opening hours:

  Daily 4pm–3am

Ernst Cafe

Housed in a circa-1902 saloon, Ernst Cafe offers a taste of authentic New Orleans in a setting that radiates historic charm. With its rustic, inviting interior featuring exposed brick walls and wood accents, the restaurant provides the perfect backdrop for enjoying some delicious Cajun pub grub and NOLA staples like Gumbo and Jambalaya. Their menu also boasts unique creations like Creole nachos and the signature “Ernster Po’boy,” a mouthwatering twist on a classic, combining slow-cooked roast beef, Swiss cheese, and deep-fried Gulf shrimp. To complete the experience, wash it all down with one of their specialty drinks or a local brew.

• Web:

  https://ernstcafe.com

• Address:

  600 South Peters Street, New Orleans

• Phone:

  +1 504 525 8544

• Opening hours:

  Daily 11am–1am

French 75 Bar

Originally a "gentlemen-only" area, French 75 at Arnaud's emphasizes class, sophistication, and old-school elegance, offering fine spirits, classic cocktails, and premium cigars in a refined atmosphere. The bar is part of Arnaud’s Restaurant, a "grande dame" of Creole dining since 1918, known for its seafood classics and jazz brunch. Upstairs, the free Germaine Wells Mardi Gras Museum adds a unique cultural touch to your visit and is well worth exploring.

• Web:

  www.arnaudsrestaurant.com/bars/french-75

• Address:

  813 Bienville Street, New Orleans

• Phone:

  +1 504 523 5433

Atchafalaya

The cuisine at Atchafalaya is as elaborate as its name, offering a tempting array of contemporary Creole and Cajun fare. Alongside hand-crafted cocktails, the restaurant features a "Bloody Mary Bar" and often hosts live music during its popular Saturday and Sunday brunches. The setting is equally impressive; Atchafalaya is housed in a cozy Creole cottage with art on the walls.

• Web:

  www.atchafalayarestaurant.com

• Address:

  901 Louisiana Avenue, New Orleans

• Phone:

  +1 504 891 9626

• Opening hours:

  Thu–Mon 9:30am–9pm, Tue & Wed closed

Avenue Cafe

Avenue Cafe is a charming neighborhood spot, perfect for anyone looking to unwind with a cup of coffee or a casual bite. The menu features a mix of fresh, made-to-order dishes, ranging from breakfast sandwiches and salads to pastries and smoothies. With large windows offering views of the historic streetcar line, it's a great place to soak in the local vibe while savoring delicious food and drink.

• Web:

  www.avenuecafenola.com

• E-mail:

  hello@avenuecafenola.com

• Address:

  1907 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans

• Phone:

  +1 504 301 2097

• Opening hours:

  Daily 7am–2pm

Cafe Amelie

Cafe Amelie feels like it was plucked straight from the pages of a fairytale, and it’s easy to see why locals love this place. Its enchanting courtyard, brimming with lush greenery and timeless charm, has made Café Amelie a sought-after venue for weddings and special events. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a meal, take a seat in this magical setting and savor the flavors of local cuisine, surrounded by the whisper of fountains and the glow of string lights.

• Web:

  https://cafeamelie.com

• E-mail:

  info@cafeamelie.com

• Address:

  900 Royal Street, New Orleans

• Phone:

  +1 504 412 8065

• Opening hours:

  Thu–Sun 10:30am–2:30pm / 5:30pm–9:30pm; Mon–Wed closed

Café Du Monde

Standing proudly as one of New Orleans' original and lasting treasures since 1862, Café Du Monde is open nearly 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to fulfill all your desires for fine coffee and pastries. Its menu is rife with all the essentials of a traditional coffee house: dark roasted coffee with chicory, a variety of pastries, and freshly squeezed juices. Naturally, most people come for the famous beignets made true to French-style doughnuts. The most frequented location is the French Market Café Du Monde, but there are also several other locations in the New Orleans area, so visit the website to find the nearest one to you.

• Web:

  https://shop.cafedumonde.com

• Address:

  800 Decatur Street, New Orleans

• Phone:

  +1 504 587 0833

• Opening hours:

  Sun–Thu 7:15am–11pm, Fri & Sat 7:15am–midnight

Elizabeth’s

Elizabeth’s is a bustling and quirky eatery famous for its hearty Southern comfort food and eclectic, down-to-earth atmosphere. From the moment you step inside, you're greeted by colorful local artwork, mismatched furniture, and a lively, welcoming vibe that perfectly captures the spirit of the city. The menu is filled with indulgent dishes like their renowned praline bacon, creamy grits, and the iconic Eggs Elizabeth—poached eggs atop fried green tomatoes.

• Web:

  https://elizabethsrestaurantnola.com

• Address:

  601 Gallier Street, New Orleans

• Phone:

  +1 504 944 9272

• Opening hours:

  Thu–Tue 8am–2:30pm, Wed closed

Envie Espresso Bar & Cafe

Nestled in the heart of the French Quarter, Envie Espresso Bar & Cafe is a beloved New Orleans spot that perfectly captures the laid-back yet lively spirit of the city. With its exposed brick walls and warm, eclectic decor, Envie exudes a welcoming, cozy vibe that invites you to relax, whether you're grabbing a quick breakfast or lingering over a cappuccino. The menu offers a delightful range of options, from almond croissants and hearty breakfast sandwiches to the local favorite, shrimp and grits.

• Address:

  1241 Decatur Street, New Orleans

• Phone:

  +1 504 524 3689

• Opening hours:

  Sun–Thu 7am–midnight, Fri & Sat 7am–11pm