9 Restaurants in New Orleans With Classic Dishes You Must Try

New Orleans is a city with a heartbeat and a unique Southern charm. What sets the city apart is a vibrant mix of cultures that have influenced the essence of the Big Easy throughout its 300-year history.

Must-try restaurants in New Orleans

The variety of culinary influences makes the cuisine here unlike anywhere else in the world, and the experience of this city is only complete by trying out these tantalizing delicacies. All of these locations are in or around the French Quarter.

creole cuisine

Creole cuisine refers to the traditional cooking styles and flavors associated with the Creole culture of Louisiana, especially New Orleans. Fusion cuisine that combines elements of French, Spanish, African, Caribbean and Native American culinary traditions.

Signature dishes include gumbo, jambalaya, etouffee, red beans and rice, and crayfish etouffee. Common recipe elements include spices and the “holy trinity” base of celery, peppers, and onions. It typically includes a blend of spices, okra, seafood and tomatoes.

1 – Commander’s Palace

This iconic restaurant has been in the same location since 1893. While its distinctive architecture makes it a popular photo spot, the restaurant also serves award-winning Creole cuisine.

Locals eat here to celebrate anniversaries, graduations, and other special occasions. Experience dishes like creole gumbo and turtle soup au sherry. You can also enjoy a jazz brunch. Reservations required, dress code required.

2 – Brennans

Ever heard of Bananas Foster? Well, they were invented here. In the early 1950s, Crescent City was heavily imported with bananas, and the restaurant owner challenged head chef Paul Branget to create a dish using the fruit. Several restaurants now serve this dish, but it all started here.

This is a fine dining restaurant with some excellent breakfast dishes. Dinner menus include sumptuous dishes such as Trout He Brangé and New Orleans’ traditional Gulf of Mexico fish amadine.

3 – Gumbo Shop

If you want to try classic Creole cuisine without the prices of the restaurants above, this is the place. Since opening in 1948, it has become a popular spot for locals and tourists seeking authentic Creole cuisine. This restaurant is famous for its flavorful and hearty gumbo.this traditional Louisiana The dish combines rich roux, tender meats (chicken, sausage, seafood, etc.), vegetables and spice combinations. In addition to gumbo, the Gumbo Shop offers a diverse menu of New Orleans favorites such as jambalaya, red beans and rice, and etouffee.

Cajun

Cajun cuisine refers to the cuisine that originated with Acadian settlers who were expelled from Canada and settled in rural Louisiana. Cajun cuisine is characterized by strong, flavorful dishes using ingredients that are readily available in rural Louisiana.

Some dishes have similarities to Creole cuisine and are often found together on menus.

4 – Cochon

It means “pig” in French. You may have heard New Orleans say they love cochon de les. Cochon de les is essentially a traditional Cajun dish of slow-roasting whole, spiced suckling pigs. Pork is the main focus of the restaurant’s menu, but there are also dishes such as fried alligator.

Located in the Warehouse District, Cochon offers a rustic and cozy atmosphere and is a favorite with locals and visitors seeking an authentic taste of the rich flavors of Louisiana.

5 – Coop Location

Try cheaper options Corp’s Place. Popular simple restaurant in the French Quarter. Known for its relaxed atmosphere and affordable Cajun and Creole cuisine, it serves staples like gumbo, jambalaya, and red beans and rice. With hearty dishes and a lively atmosphere, his Coop’s Place is a favorite with locals and visitors alike.

beignet and chicory coffee

6 – Cafe du Monde

I’m writing about this cafe because it’s a must-see and iconic place for all tourists visiting New Orleans for the first time. The cafe has a limited menu of traditional coffees, New Orleans-style coffees and chicory, hot chocolate, and beignets. Coffee and chicory blends are a traditional favourite, usually served café au lait style with equal parts freshly brewed coffee and steamed milk.

For those unfamiliar with what a beignet is, it’s basically a square donut dusted with powdered sugar. French immigrants brought the recipe and it has been a popular treat associated with the Big Easy ever since.

There are several Café du Monde outlets, but the striped shaded outdoor spot at the French Market on Decatur Street is one of the most photographed. Jazz bands playing outdoors often appreciate your advice. This place is crowded and hot in the summer, so if you want to avoid the historic site and try beignet and chicory coffee, try another outlet at Cafe du Monde: Cafe Beignet or Morning His Cole.

7 – Wake-up call

This is my favorite place in Beignets. It will look softer and you can add more or less powdered sugar depending on your preference. Wake Up Call is a historic New Orleans his coffee house founded in 1870. Originally located in French His Market, it moved to Metairie in 2016, but has retained some of its historic elements, including vintage His bar furniture in the center of the cafe.

They also serve the infamous cafe au lait with chicory for those who want to try traditional Cajun and Creole dishes. A great spot to enjoy without the price tags of Commander’s Palace and Brennan’s. The menu changes daily, including crayfish étouffée, jambalaya, and adzuki beans and rice. You can hop on a historic number. The 47 tram can be used anywhere along Canal Street, with Morning His Call available at the North terminus.

po boys

A po boy is a traditional sandwich that originated in Louisiana, especially New Orleans. It consists of a long French bread roll, usually stuffed with a variety of meat, seafood, or fried ingredients.

8 – Johnny Poboys

This casual restaurant is known for its delicious selection of po’boy fillings, ranging from savory roast beef to crispy fried seafood to sizzling hot sausages, served on French bread and tossed with lettuce, tomatoes, pickles and mayonnaise. . Breaded oysters are recommended. it’s delicious.

The atmosphere here is relaxed, with checkered tablecloths and memorabilia lining the walls. In addition to Po’Boys, we also offer an extensive breakfast menu as well as Creole and Cajun cuisine.

9 – Killer Poboys

This French Quarter location honors its traditional roots while serving classic sandwiches with a modern twist. They have two locations, one inside the Erin Rose Bar and one on Dauphin Street. Killer PoBoys offers a menu of creative and flavorful po boy combinations, including options like pork belly glaze and fried shrimp. Vegetarians won’t be disappointed as they also have a roasted cauliflower option.