9 Places You MUST Eat in New Orleans



Every year, my husband and I find some reason to visit New Orleans. While we never have gone during the most popular time of year, Mardi Gras, there is still so much to do, see, and EAT in this incredible city.


I love my new city of Austin, but New Orleans is quickly finding a place in my heart as one of my very favorite cities. I hope to live here someday, but in the meantime I treasure these yearly trips.

Here are my suggestions for the BEST food in town!

Killer Poboys
219 Dauphine and 811 Conti (inside the Rose Bar), New Orleans, LA 



Poboys are one of those things you'll find EVERYWHERE in New Orleans, so it's hard to know where, exactly, the best ones will be. You won't be disappointed if you stop into Killer Poboys. It was suggested to me by multiple trusted sources, and it did not disappoint on the first and second visit, and it wasn't until much later that I realized my friend was close buddies with the owner! What I liked best about Killer Poboys was that there were options that weren't deep fried, but just as tasty. Definitely my go-to spot in the quarter for Poboys.


Jacques-Imo's
8324 Oak Street, New Orleans, LA 


This was the first "upscale" restaurant we ever visited in New Orleans. On our first trip, we wanted authentic Cajun/NOLA food, and we got it. When we arrived I was a little concerned by the decor--it was a $30/plate kind of place and it looked really kitschy--but as soon as we got our appetizer, I was sold. The Alligator and Shrimp Cheesecake SOUNDS ridiculous, but it is one of the best things I've ever eaten! The stuffed porkchop and seafood bouillabaisse were also excellent. There are NO reservations here, so make sure to put your name in right as they open!

741 Royal St, New Orleans, LA


On our second trip to New Orleans we had the most amazing crawfish etouffe at a place we only vaguely could remember the name of... and after a few missteps (Antoine's is a whole other restaurant, need the pere!) we finally found it. Since crawfish season had just passed, the etouffe wasn't QUITE as good as we remembered, but it still was pretty delicious.

We started with the fried cheese and a few potent bloody marys. This is an older place, and I feel like it could definitely benefit from a facelift of sorts, but it is still our favorite lunch spot in NOLA. Stick to the seafood and you'll be quite happy.

Tropical Isle New Orleans
Various Locations on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, LA



If you're going to get one of these iconic bright green drinks, you might as well get them at the original bar! The Hand Grenade® packs a boozy (and sugary!) punch, but my favorite thing about getting one of these drinks here specifically, is that they have a "Skinny" version that cuts a lot of the sugar and calories while still giving you that Bourbon Street Buzz. Bonus--the kitschy decor is pretty adorable and their upstairs patio gives you a great view of Bourbon Street.

 Cafe Beignet New Orleans600 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 


Now that we've been to the city a few times, we can skip the touristy spots like Cafe du Monde and check out the more hidden gems for our favorite local NOLA fare. While Cafe Beignet isn't quite "hidden" as it's a ways up the street from the French Market and right near the harbor (with other locations in town as well), the few times we popped in it wasn't nearly as busy as its more famous counterpart. The beignets are just as good, and this place serves drinks while live music plays. If you're looking for a tasty treat without the long line, Cafe Beignet is your place.

Mopho
514 City Park Avenue, New Orleans, LA


Did you know that New Orleans has one of the largest Vietnamese populations in the US? This is something we only recently discovered, and sadly haven't had the time to indulge in more than our one trip to Mopho's. I encourage y'all to try a few more authentic spots first (Tan Dinh and Ba Chi came highly recommended!) but eventually do make your way to Mopho's for some incredible fusion cuisine. This shrimp and grits used red curry and coconut grits and it was simply amazing. I also very much enjoyed my boozy bubble tea!

Bevi Seafood Co
236 N Carrollton Ave, New Orleans, LA


This is now our must-stop seafood spot in New Orleans, as recommended to us by our friends who have lived in the area for about 5 years now. Killer Poboys is still my favorite Poboy spot, but Bevi has a solid Poboy menu themselves. What I really love here is the crawfish. Even though we rarely end up in the city during actual crawfish season, Bevi's seafood is still mighty tasty. My first taste of crawfish was in Texas, at a Vietnamese-style joint that cooks the mudbugs in BUTTER. Sooo I'm always a little disappointed when the traditional boils don't come drenched in the stuff. Not at Bevi--their spice blend is so perfect that I don't even miss it. 

Pythian Market
234 Loyola Ave. New Orleans, LA


We specifically ate at Frencheez, Fete au Fete, and 1908 for drinks. But you'll find literally ANY cuisine you could possibly be craving with the 14 different vendors under one roof. I was extremely pleased with my Nola Trio Sampler that let you taste three New Orleans favorites: red beans and rice, shrimp and grits, and their famous (and fabulous!) Crawfish Poutine. The poutine was the clear winner, and I'll be dreaming of that dish until we visit again next year. The drinks at 1908 were expertly made, and my bloody mary was perfectly spicy. They even have virgin cocktails if you're not up for getting your drink on at the time. 

J's Seafood Dock At the French Market
2 French Market Pl.New Orleans, LA


Finally, this is another spot I always need to stop at in New Orleans. Fresh oysters, shucked right in front of you as you take a break from shopping the French Market. The "Bad Motha Shucka" will sing and entertain as he cracks open fresh Gulf oysters. These things are perfect, with just a little bit of horseradish and lemon they go down quite easy. I tried them on a cracker for the first time and that added a nice little crunch for those unsure of the texture of a fresh live oyster. I get a half dozen for lunch and leave NOLA a happy lady.


Have you ever been to New Orleans? Where are your go-to spots to grab a bite?

Comments

  1. Ok so one I shouldn't have looked at this post hungry and two the food at Bevi Seafood Co looks amazing, I'm a sucker for anything Cajun.

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  2. Definitely bookmarking this! My husband and I have talked about visiting New Orleans but never got around to it. If we ever get there, it's nice to have an idea of where to eat.

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  3. J's sea food duck is definitely the ine that ill go for. For me nothing beats oysters

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  4. I was just talking to my friends the other day about how much I want to visit New Orleans! I'll have to check out these restaurants on my visit there! :)

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  5. Wowww these look incredible. I want to go to New Orleans, I haven't been in YEARS!

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  6. Looks like a great place to eat while in New Orleans. I'll definitely go here one day with my family. Will be saving this! Next trip to here.

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  7. Yum! I've been researching a New Orleans trip with my husband and now I need to add these restaurants to our itinerary!

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    1. Make sure you do one of the Free Tours by Foot tours! We have done one every visit and it's been amazing every time. Our favorite is the Voo Doo tour--be sure to get Robi as a guide, he's the only Voo Doo Priest who does the tours!

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  8. Wow you got amazing skills with your food shots and thanks for sharing these fab food hub spots.

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    1. Mostly done with my phone if you can believe it!

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  9. This has made me really want to head to New Orleans. Food is my number one on holiday and your pictures have convinced me I need to head there!

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  10. New Orleans is actually my next travel destination so I find this post really helpful. Thanks for sharing.

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  11. I shouldn't have read this on an empty stomach! All of these places look delicious!

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  12. I like that you've added places you can actually take your family. Oftentimes I see lists that only have places for you to visit with friends.

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    1. I've been so many times at this point that the party spots have gotten boring. Bring on the food!

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  13. Ohhww!! my.. the choices are limitless! I can clearly see why you love this place. With all these delish... I think I'm gonna love this too!

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  14. I’ve never been to New Orleans but have always wanted to go! I’ve also heard how amazing Poboys are! Yummy!

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  15. There're so many places to eat in New Orleans. I love Vietnamese food so Mopho would be my favourite. Thanks for sharing!

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  16. The food in New Orleans is simply the best! It's all about good comfort food!!! I think these places are all worth checking it, definitely makes the trip more memorable!

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  17. Ive bookmarked this list! Heard such great things about the food scene in New Orleans. Can't wait to go.

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