Nestled in New Orleans is the city’s oldest corner, full of traditional landmarks, jazz cultures, mystical history, and French-inspired gastronomy. Stroll through Bourbon Street to Frenchmen Street, exploring the unique beauty of French Quarter cuisine.
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French Quarter is the oldest square mile in New Orleans, and one of the most beautiful. Home to more restaurants and bars per square block than any other neighborhood offers a wealth of local experiences in a compact, walkable area: music, architecture, lively bars, art, history, and food. The best restaurants in the New Orleans – French Quarter range from classic to cozy, all serving iconic dishes and other foods that define the city’s robust restaurant scene.
Cafe du Monde
Photograph by @Kelli Hayden
Easily the most recognizable and iconic coffee shop in New Orleans, and probably the United States, Cafe Du Monde serves unique chicory coffee and beignet. Although seemingly always packed, it’s a great place to get your day started when you’re in the French Quarter.
Location: 1039 Decatur St
Central Grocery
Photograph by @shannon white-diecidue
Just down the road, Central Grocery is the hometown of the original muffuletta, a staple of Nola cuisine. The sandwich boasts briny olive spread and cured meats – piled high with ham, salami, Provolone, and signature olive salad. This is the first place to have created such an instant classic with the recipe to have passed down three generations, handed down to only people in the family.
Location: 923 Decatur St
Coop’s place
Photograph by @2foodtrippers
For a filling meal at a reasonable price in the Quarter, Coop’s is ideal. A Decatur Street staple since 1983, this casual spot appeals to visitors and locals alike (locals tend to hit it up late at night). Get the flavors of the Old South and the bayou in a single dish at this down-home staple. An order of the “Cajun Fried Chicken” is seasoned with a secret house blend of spices and served with rabbit and sausage jambalaya. If the rabbit isn’t your favorite, Coop’s lengthy menu is bound to have something for everyone — just make sure to get there early, as they don’t take reservations.
Location: 1109 Decatur St
Verti Marte
Photograph by @vertimarte
With its chalkboard menu and glass display cases by the counter, just a peek inside foreshadows a hearty meal. Try the “all that jazz po’boy”, which included just about everything you could imagine, but bring a friend— these monstrosities are more than enough for two.
Location: 1201 Royal St
Galatoire’s
Photograph by @galatoiresnola
Since 1905, this high-end French-Creole restaurant on Bourbon Street has been the destination of choice for locals and visitors craving a world-class meal. The front of the house is as important as the back of the house at this historic restaurant. Shrimp remoulade and pompano with crab meat are must-orders at this jackets-required Bourbon Street grand dame. Make sure to try their famous Oysters Rockefeller and flaming coffee.
Location: 209 Bourbon St
Brennan’s
Photograph by @brennansnola
This steadfast, stately French Quarter eatery has been an integral part of the neighborhood’s high-end restaurant scene since 1946. Although its famous breakfast steals the show, the restaurant is a worthy stop for lunch and dinner. Dine-in Brennan’s leafy courtyard for a quintessential French Quarter setting, and don’t skip menu favorites like turtle soup, smoked scallops, and garlic shrimp. Everyone needs at least one bite of bananas Foster for dessert: the dish was invented here, and it’s made tableside with a fiery show.
Location: 417 Royal St
Jewel of the South
Photograph by @jewelnola
On the quieter, more accessible outskirts of the French Quarter, cocktail enthusiasts will be delighted to find an enchanting 19th century Creole cottage that houses this beautiful cocktail bar and restaurant. Have a seat at the bar or in the charming courtyard and sip some of the best cocktails in town.
Location: 1026 St Louis St
GW Fins
Photograph by @gwfins
GW Fins on Iberville has been serving some of the best and freshest seafood in French Quarter, New Orleans for more than 20 years — quite the statement in a city that adores its seafood. The best way to order at this seafood mecca is to call ahead and ask for the fish collar or the smoked fish “ribs,” two of chef Michael Nelson’s incredible specialities that will change your perspective on seafood entirely.
Location: 808 Bienville St
Restaurant R’evolution
Photograph by @restaurantrevolution_nola
Chefs John Folse and Rick Tramonto came together to open this over-the-top, special occasion restaurant in the French Quarter. Each glorious, well-appointed room represents a different influence on New Orleans cuisine. This elegant, seasonally sourced, farm-to-table restaurant located on Bienville in the famed Royal Sonesta Hotel keeps bringing locals back for more.
Location: 777 Bienville St