Top Tables: New Orleans

One of North America's top cities for foodies, cuisine is an art form for New Orleans locals. Unlike cities like New York or LA, New Orleans’ culinary scene is dominated restaurants, bistros and cafés devoted to traditions of the city, serving a mix of Creole, French, Cajun and American dishes. Here, we break down our list of New Orlean's top tables for brunch, lunch and dinner (plus, a few great spots for drinks).

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Opened during the covid pandemic, Alma has become a community staple, serving modern Honduran cuisine for brunch and lunch, alongside delicious cocktails. 800 Louisa St.

Brennan’s

Famous for inventing Bananas Foster, Brennan’s has been a classic since 1946, serving lavish breakfasts and Creole cuisine. 417 Royal St.

Commander’s Palace

One of the city’s most popular tourist spots, the legendary Commander's Palace is housed in an eye-catching Victorian mansion in the Garden District. Favorites include the turtle soup and 25-cent weekday martinis. 1403 Washington Ave.

Galatoire’s

A highlight at this old-school New Orleans bistro is the Friday lunch, when locals and tourists wait in line for the chance to indulge in the celebratory midday affair. 209 Bourbon St.

Mr. B’s Bistro

The classic and cozy Mr. B's Bistro delights locals and tourists alike with its flavorful Louisiana fare, including gumbo and the signature barbecued shrimp. 201 Royal St.

Saba

This Israeli restaurant serves locally-sourced family-style platters and has lovely outdoor dining. 5757 Magazine St.

Turkey and the Wolf

This hip, casual café draws serious foodies to its off-the-beaten-path address with its mouthwatering sandwiches. 739 Jackson Ave.

Beloved by celebrity chef John Besh, August blends local ingredients and French culinary traditions. 301 Tchoupitoulas St.

Clancy’s

is classic old-school New Orleans, serving delicious Creole dishes in a chic setting. 6100 Annunciation St.

Cochon

The nouveau-Cajun Cochon, specializing in pork dishes, is a must for visiting foodies and adventurous eaters looking for creative local fare. 930 Tchoupitoulas St.

Compère Lapin

This critics’ darling serves Southern fare with Caribbean influences, including jerk-seasoned fish and curried goat. 535 Tchoupitoulas St. Historic and upscale, Coquette serves trendy southern cuisine beneath crystal chandeliers in a classic French bistro setting. 2800 Magazine St.

La Petite Grocery

This Garden District restaurant is a local mainstay offering fresh and inventive French-Creole cuisine, such as crab beignets and turtle bolognese. 4238 Magazine St.

Lilette

This sophisticated bistro, loved by locals, serves seasonal French- and Italian-inspired fare. 3637 Magazine St.

Mister Mao

Combining a roadhouse style with a funky and fun vibe, Mister Mao serves a cultural mishmash of dishes with locally sourced ingredients. 4501 Tchoupitoulas St.

N7

A neighborhood restaurant and wine bar, N7 was founded by filmmaker Aaron Walker and chef Yuki Yamaguchi and specializes in French cuisine with Japanese flare. 1117 Montegut St.

Paladar 511

A favorite of both locals and visitors, this warehouse-turned-Italian-spot has a relaxed but refined vibe. 511 Marigny St.

Sylvain

Set in a former carriage house in the French Quarter, this energetic gastropub is popular with the locals and specializes in classic cocktails with a twist. 625 Chartres St.

The Franklin

A former grocery store, The Franklin channels the quirky spirit of Nola through its fun cocktails, New American cuisine and display of local artwork. 2600 Dauphine St.

Zasu

Founded by award-winning chef Sue Zemanick, Zasu’s seafood based menu draws influences from her Czech heritage. 127 N. Carrollton Ave.

The glamorous Chandelier Bar off the lobby of the Four Seasons infuses the vibrant and rich culture of New Orleans in every cocktail. 2 Canal St.

Hot Tin

Crowning the Pontchartrain Hotel, this rooftop bar pairs sweeping views of the Mississippi with elegant cocktails and champagne. 2031 St Charles Ave.