Where Y'at's Summer 2023 Restaurant Guide
American
Boulevard American Bistro is a restaurant concept that serves incredible American dishes in Metairie, Elmwood, and Covington. The restaurant has plenty of signature cocktails to start your meal off with such as a French 75, cosmopolitan, or a mojito. Enjoy tasty appetizers including deviled eggs and amazing entrees such as the Hawaiian ribeye. Multiple Locations, boulevardbistro.com
Boutique de Vampyre's Apothecary caters to both mortals and the vampires that live among us. A lot of the dishes on the menu have herbs and plants from the restaurant's garden such as the garden salad, roasted portobello, the marinated olives and feta cheese, and more. The apothecary also does daily tarot readings. 725 St. Peter St., 504-766-8179, vampireapothecary.com
Crescent City Steaks is Louisiana's oldest family-owned steakhouse and has been serving some of New Orleans' finest steaks for four generations. The restaurant's steaks, which are sizzled in butter, are all to die for. Other tasty dishes to choose from include the broiled lobster tail and the shrimp cocktail. 1001 N. Broad St., 504-821-3271, crescentcitysteaks.com
Daisy Dukes is a popular restaurant with locations all across New Orleans, as well as in Metairie, Kenner, and Mandeville. The establishment is best known for its delicious Cajun, Southern, and breakfast dishes including Belgian waffles and country fried steak. Don't forget to order the award-winning Cajun Bloody Mary. Multiple Locations, daisydukesrestaurant.com
Flamingo A-Go-Go is the place to "flamingle" with your closest friends. This stylish establishment has the largest courtyard in the Warehouse District and is perfect for doggie play-dates and outdoor cocktails such as the streetcar or the blue drank. Try Flamingo's flatbreads, sandwiches, and entrees including the jerk tacos. 869 Magazine St., 504-577-2202, flamingonola.com
Gattuso's Neighborhood Restaurant is one of Old Gretna's best neighborhood hangout spots. The restaurant has a nice mix of American bar food and traditional New Orleans dishes such as red beans and rice and a sloppy roast beef po-boy. Gattuso's also has craft cocktails including rum punch and whiskey sour. 435 Huey P. Long Ave., Gretna, 504-368-1114, gattusos.net
Houmas House & Gardens has three great restaurants that range from casual sit-down spots to more fine, white tablecloth dining. Dixie Café offers simple breakfast and lunch dishes, as well as buffets, while the Carriage House has more upscale dishes. Latil's Landing's rack of lamb dish is absolutely amazing. 401336 LA-942, Darrow, 225-473-9380, houmashouse.com
Legacy Kitchen Steak + Chop is perfect for anyone looking for a steakhouse on the Westbank. Some of the restaurant's signature steaks include filets, ribeyes, and a massive tomahawk steak. Other fantastic dishes include the chicken and waffles, charbroiled oysters, and the Legacy burger. 91 Westbank Expy #51, Gretna, 504-513-2606, legacykitchen.com
Luke combines elements of Franco-German brasseries with New Orleans flavors to create something incredible. Definitely check out the restaurant's famous raw bar, which offers Gulf oysters, jumbo shrimp, Maine lobster, and more. The pork schnitzel and moules et frites are great tastes of Europe. 333 St Charles Ave., 504-378-2840, lukeneworleans.com
Manning's Sports Bar & Grill is one of the best places in New Orleans to watch the next big Saints or LSU game. The sports bar offers traditional NOLA dishes and pub classics including chicken wings, nachos, and a cochon de lait po-boy. In addition to plenty of beer, Manning's has craft cocktails such as the Mardi Gras Punch. 519 Fulton St., 504-593-8118, caesars.com
New Orleans Vampire Cafe is the perfect place in the French Quarter for everything that goes bump in the night. The menu is chock full of deliciously creative American dishes including seared duck breast, blackened alligator, and lamb stew. Order the Dracula burger and a blood bag cocktail for a truly spooky dinner. 801 Royal St., 504-581-0801, nolavampirecafe.com
Nola Steak, located in Boomtown Casino & Hotel, is perfect for anyone who wants a good steak after playing the slots. In addition to different cuts of meat, the restaurant serves entrees such as blackened redfish and lemon braised hen. Nola Steak also has a brunch that's offered from noon to 4 p.m. on Sundays. 4132 Peters Rd., Harvey, 504-805-5596, boomtownneworleans.com
Spudly's Super Spuds is a must visit for anyone who loves creatively-made baked potatoes. The restaurant has had over 40 years of experience to perfect its many different potato dishes including the incredible veggie and the chicken delight. Spudly's also offers gourmet burgers and other sandwiches. 2609 Harvard Ave., Metairie, 504-455-3250, spudlys.com
The Country Club offers a unique dining experience with a menu of elevated Southern fare and a poolside dining area. The fried chicken and biscuits, shrimp and grits, and po-boys are all standout options. The lively atmosphere and friendly service make it a great spot for a weekend brunch or a night out. 634 Louisa St., 504-945-0742, thecountryclubneworleans.com
The Steakhouse at Harrah's is where Southern flair and steakhouse classics meet in perfect harmony. The restaurant offers flame-grilled filet mignon and ribeye, as well as decadent seafood including pan-seared crab cakes and a shrimp cocktail. Make sure to order a glass from the restaurant's award winning wine menu. 8 Canal St.,
504-533-6111, caesars.com
Voodoo Chicken and Daiquiris is a somewhat newer establishment with three locations all across the French Quarter. Enjoy the restaurant's signature chicken or other offerings including Natchitoches pies, po-boys, and gumbo. Voodoo's fresh fruit daiquiris are all refreshingly cold and very delicious. Multiple Locations, voodoochickenanddaiquirisnola.com
Asian
Asia brings together classic Vietnamese and Chinese dishes in Harvey's Boomtown Casino & Hotel. The restaurant's appetizer sampler platter is a great way to try all of Asia's small starter plates. Choose from many entrees such as pho, sweet and sour chicken, shaking beef, tofu vegetable, and much more. 4132 Peters Rd., Harvey, 504-366-7711, boomtownneworleans.com
Mikimoto in Mid-City has some of the freshest and most inventive sushi in town. Their signature rolls, such as the lobster tempura and Mikimoto special, are always a hit. The elegant decor and attentive service make it a great spot for a date night or special occasion. 3301 S. Carrollton Ave., 504-488-1881, mikimotosushi.com
TD Seafood & Pho House is a restaurant serving authentic Vietnamese cuisine and spicy boiled seafood. This casual eatery on the Westbank features several varieties of pho and crawfish boiled with garlic butter or Khong sauce. Try their banh mi, bun, sweet and spicy voodoo egg rolls or hearty Korean ribs. 1028 Manhattan Blvd., Harvey, 504-302-1727, tdseafoodphohouse.com
Thai'd Up is a funky, Gentilly restaurant that offers a menu of modern Thai dishes with a Louisiana twist. The crispy duck, red curry, roti flatbread, pad thai, and Thai'd Up wings are all popular options. The eclectic decor and friendly service make it a perfect spot for a casual meal with friends. 1839 Gentilly Blvd., 504-354-8202, thaidupla.com
Bars with Great Food
Alto Rooftop Bar provides great views of New Orleans from on top of the Ace Hotel. Take a dip in Alto's pool or cool off with craft cocktails including the Calypso, the green light, or the Turkish royale. Some of the small bites the bar offers include chicken wings, a caprese panini, and andouille en crute. 600 Carondelet St., 504-900-1180, acehotel.com
Bar Marilou is a beautiful French-style bar that's connected to the side of the Maison de la Luz hotel. Enjoy the bar's classy atmosphere while sipping on a creative cocktail such as the bungalow mystery or the papillon. The bar's pommes Marilou is an interesting potato dish filled with crème fraîche and topped with caviar. 544 Carondelet St., 504-814-7711, barmarilou.com
Buffa's Bar & Restaurant is a classic New Orleans-style bar that has been in the city since 1939. The restaurant's menu is a mix of Cajun/Creole dishes such as boudin balls and American classics including wings and burgers. Buffa's also hosts live music performances every Wednesday through Monday. 1001 Esplanade Ave., 504-949-0038, buffasbar.com
Down the Hatch Bar & Grill is one of the best bars that can be found in their French Quarter or Garden District locations. Grab a beer and choose from the restaurant's eclectic list of appetizers such as empanadas, hummus, and gyro nachos. Down the Hatch also has plenty of sandwiches including an alligator po-boy, a Cuban, and a falafel sandwich. Multiple Locations, 504-522-0909, downthehatchnola.com
JB's Fuel Dock is a great place to relax, eat pizza, and take in the views overlooking Lake Pontchartrain. There are many different pizzas to choose from such as garlic and red pepper, the three cheese Italian, and the margherita. JB's also has a lot of signature cocktails such as the frozen bushwacker and the rum punch. 126 S. Roadway St., 504-510-2260, jbsfueldock.com
JINX Bar & Grill is an interesting joint that embraces pop culture with a New Orleans flair. The bar's love of pop culture is reflected in the creative names of many of its dishes and drinks. Order a Lucky Lebowski or a Mango Unchained cocktail to go with the Italian Stallion po-boy or the Gotham burger. 91 French Market Pl., 504-510-2797, jinxnola.com
Le Bon Temps Roule is one of the best neighborhood bars that can be found in Uptown. The menu has many different burgers and sandwiches to choose from such as the Roule burger, the white BBQ chicken sandwich, and the "your still here sammich." Le Bon Temps Roule's signature Bloody Marys can't be beat. 4801 Magazine St., 504-897-3448, lbtrnola.com
Peacock Room is an elegant cocktail bar that is perfect for a date night with your significant other. It is located in the Kimpton Hotel Fontenot and offers tasty bites such as blue cheese stuffed dates and prosciutto. Try one of the bar's craft cocktails such as the sazerac, the hurricane, or the leche de madre. 501 Tchoupitoulas St., 504-324-3073, peacockroomnola.com
Tracey's Original Irish Channel Bar is the place to be during St. Patrick's Day or any other day. This popular sports bar has more than 20 television screens and hundreds of beer selections. Tracey's also has different po-boys on its menu such as French fry, soft-shell crab, and alligator sausage. 2604 Magazine St., 504-897-5413, traceysnola.com
The Jimani is the place to be during the next big sporting event. The French Quarter bar is open seven days a week and has all DirecTV packages on its many TV screens, including UFC fights. In addition to beer and Jell-O shots, the Jimani also serves burgers, po-boys, pizza, and Chicago-style hot dogs. 141 Chartres St., 504-524-0493, thejimani.com
The Marsh Room Patio Bar and Grill is one of Metairie's newest spots for live music, sports, and good food. Menu items include steaks, sandwiches, and different starters including quesadillas, marsh fries, and Southwest chicken eggrolls. Make sure to check the Marsh Room's Facebook page for live music events. 4740 Rye St., Metairie, 504-571-5733, facebook.com/marshroom
The Garage is a great place to have a good time in the French Quarter. The night club regularly has live music events and even sells CBD and massive "fish bowls." The Garage's food menu is filled with tasty New Orleans dishes including triple pork red beans, crawfish and shrimp etouffee, Cajun gumbo, and spicy beef yaka mein. 810 Conti St., thegaragemusicclub.com
Stumpy's Hatchet House is a place where friends and family can gather together and enjoy some hatchet throwing. When you're all done tossing, you can enjoy snack bites including nachos, pizza, hot dogs, popcorn, and more. Stumpy's also has a fully stocked bar, as well as refreshing cold drinks. 1200 Poydras St., 504-577-2937, stumpyshh.com/neworleansla
Café
Carmo is a New Orleans-based tropical restaurant that is committed to feeding great food to vegetarians and vegans, as well as omnivores. Start off with the pão de quejo and then try one of the restaurant's many salads such as the broken noodle or the Burmese tea leaf. Carmo also has interesting banquette bread plates. 527 Julia St., 504-875-4132, cafecarmo.com
Jimmy J's Café is a funky French Quarter café that attracts both locals and tourists. The restaurant's standouts are its one-of-a-kind breakfast dishes such as the beignet sticks, Bananas Foster French toast, and cochon eggs Benedict. Other tasty items include the shrimp and grits and seafood and spinach omelet. Multiple Locations, jimmyjscafe.com
The Vintage is a cozy café where customers can relax with some coffee or a glass of champagne. The restaurant's beignets are a particular favorite and can be served traditionally, as bites, or even with gravy. The Vintage also has flatbreads, pressed sandwiches, and many other small bites that can be enjoyed. 3121 Magazine St., 504-324-7144, thevintagenola.com
Willa Jean is a great place to go to in the Warehouse District for coffee and baked goods. Bring your friends and hang out while sipping on the restaurant's special blend of dark roast coffee. Some of Willa Jean's food items include a burger, BBQ shrimp toast, and biscuits with jam, gravy, or fried chicken with Tabasco honey. 611 O'Keefe Ave., 504-509-7334, willajean.com
French
Café Degas, located in the Faubourg St. John, is one of New Orleans' most romantic restaurants. The cafe specializes in incredibly made French dishes including French onion soup, escargots à la bourguignonne, and bouillabaisse. Café Degas also offers Saturday and Sunday brunch with options such as quiche and a Belgian waffle. 3127 Esplanade Ave., 504-945-5635, cafedegas.com
King Brasserie + Bar is a new spot, located in the Kimpton Hotel Fontenot. They have an extensive wine menu and unique small plates, as well as dinner options that incorporate local seafood and international flavors. Be sure to try the grilled octopus with bacon, sweet potato, and vadouvan. 521 Tchoupitoulas St., 504-324-3000, kingbrasserieandbar.com
Italian
A Tavola Restaurant & Wine Bar is a lively spot in Metairie featuring modern Italian cuisine. They have a large selection of wine and Neapolitan-style pizzas as well as hearty, delicious entrees such as pasta bolognese. Be sure to catch their happy hour, which offers discounted drinks and tasty small plates including fried eggplant and baked goat cheese al forno. 3413 Veterans Blvd., Metairie, 504-577-2235, atavo.la
Domenica is a great place to go to in New Orleans and try more traditional Italian cuisine. The restaurant's Neapolitan-style pizzas are particularly amazing and come with different toppings such as clams, prosciutto, smoked pork, and meatballs. Domenica also has an extensive Italian wine list to choose from. 123 Baronne St., 504-648-6020, domenicarestaurant.com
Italian Pie has been whipping up delectable American Italian food since 1992. The Uptown restaurant makes some of your favorite Italian dishes, including gourmet calzones, oven-baked sandwiches, and pasta plates such as lasagna and ravioli. Be sure to try their tiramisu. They offer so much more than pizza. Multiple Locations, italianpie.com
Josephine Estelle mixes Italian recipes with southern flavors and is open for breakfast, lunch, brunch, and dinner. The restaurant is helmed by James Beard Award-nominated chefs Michael Hudman and Andy Ticer. Some of the delicious pasta dishes that Josephine Estelle serves include rigatoni, bucatini, and gemelli. 600 Carondelet St., 504-930-3070, josephineestelle.com
Mosca's Restaurant is one of the best-known Italian restaurants in Greater New Orleans and has been serving rustic Italian fare since 1946. All of the restaurant's entrees are made from scratch and are served family-style. People come from far and wide just to try the Oysters Mosca and the Shrimp Mosca. 4137 US-90 W., Westwego, 504-436-8950, moscasrestaurant.com
PIZZA Domenica is a stylish pizzeria with locations in Uptown, Mid-City, and Lakeview. The restaurant's Margherita, lamb agrodolce, white, tutto carne pizzas are all amazing and are perfect for sharing with friends. Garlic knots, wood roasted cauliflower, crawfish artichoke dip, and a variety of salads are also available. Multiple Locations, pizzadomenica.com
Tavolino Pizza & Lounge is a charming hang out spot in beautiful Algiers Point. Take the ferry and cross over the Mississippi River to enjoy creative thin-crust pizzas such as the Behrman Hwy, Fantasy Island, and that's a spicy meatball. Consider ordering the fried olives appetizer, which is stuffed with beef and pork. 141 Delaronde St., Algiers, 504-605-3365, tavolinonola.com
Venezia has been one of New Orleans' go-to Italian restaurants since 1957. If you'd like to be creative, order the cheese pizza and customize it with the large variety of toppings on offer including anchovies, veal, crawfish, feta, crabmeat, and more. Venezia also serves steaks and different specialty pastas. 134 N. Carrollton Ave., 504-488-7991, venezianeworleans.com
Latin
Empanola is the place to be for delicious and authentic South American empanadas. Head to either Magazine Street or Freret Street and experience the restaurant's beef Argentina, chicken Peruvian, or even the NOLA-flavored gumbo empanada. Empananola's cappuccino is silky smooth and goes great with any empanada. Multiple Locations, empanolaempanadas.com
Tapas e Vino is the place to go if you love wine and small plates. Tapas e Vino is located upstairs at Bamboula's. The newest addition to Frenchmen Street offers a casual fine dining experience that includes small plate tapas with a revolving selection of entrees, paired with wines from the uncorked collection. Reservations are suggested. 514 Frenchmen St., 504-206-8027
Tito's Ceviche & Pisco, located on Magazine Street and St. Charles Avenue, brings the unique cuisine of Peru to the Big Easy. Try a selection of ceviche dishes with delicious seafood such as Gulf shrimp, Gulf fish, salmon, yellowfin tuna, and more. Come for dinner and definitely try the grilled octopus appetizer with potatoes. Multiple Locations, titoscevichepisco.com
Mexican
El Gato Negro is a local Mexican kitchen featuring fare from founder Juan Contreras' family recipe book. El Gato Negro's delicious menu includes sizzling fajitas, burritos and tacos galore, and their extensive selection of signature drinks. Check out all three El Gato locations for lunch or dinner. Multiple Locations, elgatonegro.com
Felipe's Mexican Taqueria is a popular establishment that can be found in three locations around New Orleans. Walk up to the counter and customize your own tacos, burritos, nachos, quesadillas, and more with extra beans, rice, and salsas. Felipe's rocks margarita, frozen margarita, and red sangria are all refreshing and tasty. Multiple Locations, felipestaqueria.com
Juan's Flying Burrito has been serving its Creole-influenced Mexican food to New Orleanians for over 25 years. All of the restaurant's burritos, such as the gutter punk and the al pastor, are massive, filling, and delicious. Other creative dishes on Juan's menu include the banh mi tacos and the luau quesadilla. Multiple locations, juansflyingburrito.com
Mr. Tequila has a fairly large menu that includes authentic Mexican dishes along with Tex-Mex classics. Enjoy mouth-watering plates such as loco rice, the chimichanga plate, and the carne asada, which is the house specialty. Come in on a Wednesday and try the Mr. Taco Plate, which is three barbacoa tacos with consommé. 5018 Freret St., 504-766-9660, mrtequilanola.com
Tacos Del Cartel has some of the best tacos that can be found in all of Metairie. The al pastor, carne asada, and chicken tinga tacos are all delicious. The casual atmosphere and creative cocktails make it a perfect spot for a casual meal, happy hour, or weekend brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. 2901 David Dr., Metairie, 504-381-5063, tacosdelcartel.com
Middle Eastern
Gita Pita offers delicious Middle Eastern fare on both Canal and Baronne Streets. The restaurant's gita wraps are filled to the brim with different selections such as shawarma, gyro, and falafel. Gita Pita also offers both tabbouleh and fattoush salads, as well as fattah bowls with either hummus or baba ganoush. Multiple Locations, facebook.com/GitaPitaCanal
Lebanon's Café is easily one of the most popular Middle Eastern restaurants in all of New Orleans. Choose from a long list of authentic Lebanese entreés including kabobs, shawarma, and rosemary lamb chops. Bring some friends and split tasty appetizers such as the stuffed grape leaves, halloumi cheese, or safeiheh. 1500 S. Carrollton Ave., 504-862-6200, lebanonscafe.com
Shaya is a stylish, James Beard Award-winning restaurant that specializes in modern Israeli cuisine. Choose from delicious small plates and hummus dishes or go for larger options such as the chicken leg and thigh or the arayes. Shaya's fresh baked pitas with olive oil and za'atar are worth a trip by themselves. 4213 Magazine St., 504-891-4213, shayarestaurant.com
New Orleans Cuisine
Apolline serves modern Louisiana cuisine in a renovated and cozy double shotgun cottage. Delicious dishes include the crawfish bisque, panéed veal medallions, jambalaya dumplings, and seared diver scallops are all available. Order a glass of wine or classic cocktail, such as the daiquiri or the negroni. 4729 Magazine St., 504-894-8881, apollinerestaurant.com
Annunciation, located in the Warehouse District, is a great restaurant to visit for those special occasions. Expect contemporary Cajun and Creole dishes including shrimp etouffee, fried oysters, soft shell crab Monica, and much more. Decadent desserts include the Bananas Foster bread pudding and the chocolate truffle. 1016 Annunciation St., 504-568-0245, annunciationrestaurant.com
Café Normandie, housed in the Higgins Hotel, serves both French and New Orleans cuisine in a welcoming space. Mouth-watering entrees include the Cajun paella, steak frites, and the confit duck cassoulet. Cafe Normandie also serves breakfast items, flatbreads, and desserts include the berry trifle beignet. 1000 Magazine St., 504-528-1941, higginshotelnola.com
Chef Ron's Gumbo Stop has been serving incredible Louisiana cuisine in its unassuming location since 2012. Boudin balls, po-boys, and many other NOLA favorites are on the menu. Try the Mumbo Gumbo, which is filled with shrimp, chicken, crawfish, sausage, crabmeat, tomato, and okra. 2309 N. Causeway Blvd., Metairie, 504-835-2022, gumbostop.com
Commons Club New Orleans, located in the Virgin Hotels New Orleans, provides customers with contemporary American dishes with southern sensibility. Start with the Breaux Bridge crawfish hushpuppies or the roasted Gulf shrimp. The Commons Club also has a killer weekend brunch on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. 550 Baronne St., virginhotels.com
Crescent City Brewhouse is a microbrewery where customers can enjoy good food, live music, and even a courtyard. Definitely try one of the restaurant's "brewtails," all of which incorporate the brewhouse's original beers. The shrimp and crawfish pasta, andouille sausage po-boy, and raw oysters are all great. 527 Decatur St., 504-522-0571, crescentcitybrewhouse.com
Evangeline offers a beautiful French Quarter courtyard, craft beer, and delicious Louisiana cuisine. The Cajun-inspired menu features dishes including alligator creole, southern-fried okra, and grilled redfish with crawfish pesto pasta. Come on in for Saturday and Sunday brunch and bottomless mimosas. 329 Decatur St., 504-373-4852, evangelineneworleans.com
House of Blues New Orleans is the perfect place to enjoy a night out with your closest friends. Dishes to enjoy include the fried chicken, baby back ribs, blackened salmon, and a range of tasty burgers. Make sure to check the House of Blues' website to see who will be performing live music when you visit. 225 Decatur St., 504-310-4999, houseofblues.com/neworleans
Kingfish, named after Louisiana governor Huey P. Long, is where you go to eat like a king. This French Quarter restaurant has delicious New Orleans cuisine and creative cocktails including the Vieux Carré margarita and the hurricane. Enjoy great seafood entrees such as the barbeque scallop fettuccine or the shrimp and grits. 337 Chartres St., 504-598-5005, kingfishneworleans.com
Lakeview Harbor is a terrific Lakeview restaurant that has been family-owned and operated for over 30 years. The expansive menu has steaks, seafood, po-boys, salads, and all kinds of different appetizers. Lakeview Harbor is also the home of Lakeview's original burger, so give that a try. 8550 Pontchartrain Blvd., 504-486-4887, lakeviewharbor.us
Lil' Dizzy's Cafe is a Tremé staple that serves up authentic Creole, classic Southern dishes. Their rich, hearty gumbo and crawfish bisque are some of the best in town, while their delicious po-boys will satisfy any appetite. The cozy atmosphere and friendly service make it a perfect spot for a casual meal. 1500 Esplanade Ave., 504-766-8687, lildizzyscafe.net
Mandina's Restaurant is a very popular restaurant that has been family-owned since 1932. The menu is Creole Italian and has amazing dishes such as turtle soup au sherry, veal parmesan and spaghetti, and fried seafood plates. Mandina's has classic cocktails: the sazerac, the Pimm's Cup, the French 75, and the mint julep. 3800 Canal St., 504-482-9179, mandinasrestaurant.com
Meril is a Chef Emeril Lagasse establishment that offers a globally-inspired menu of small plates and shareable dishes. The wood-fired oysters, charcuterie board, and crispy Brussels sprouts are standout options. The chic decor and lively atmosphere make Meril's a great spot for a night out with friends. 424 Girod St., 504-526-3745, emerilsrestaurants.com
Mother's Restaurant has been a popular hangout for New Orleanians since 1938. Beloved local dishes such as red beans and rice, seafood gumbo, crawfish etouffee, and jambalaya are all on offer. Definitely be sure to try the Ferdi special po-boy, which is filled with baked ham, roast beef debris, and gravy. 401 Poydras St., 504-523-9656, mothersrestaurant.net
Nice Guys Bar & Grill is a lively joint that offers its own twist of classic New Orleans food. The bar's different oyster dishes are fan favorites and include chargrilled, Rockafeller, loaded, and ohh lala. Nice Guys also offers wings, sandwiches, loaded fries, Mexican-inspired dishes, and more. 7910 Earhart Blvd., 504-302-2404, niceguysbarandgrillnola.com
New Orleans Creole Cookery serves amazing and traditional Creole cuisine not too far from Jackson Square. Sit outside in the restaurant's beautiful courtyard and enjoy the pecan-crusted redfish or the Chicken Pontalba. Visit during happy hour for $0.75 raw oysters or $1.25 chargrilled oysters. 510 Toulouse St., 504-524-9632, neworleanscreolecookery.com
Neyow's Creole Café is a popular Mid-City spot that serves up classic New Orleans dishes with a modern twist. Their fried catfish, shrimp and grits, and stuffed bell peppers are all delicious options. The casual atmosphere and friendly service make it a great spot for a casual meal with friends. 3332 Bienville St., 504-827-5474, neyows.com
Neyow's XL is a fine dining establishment that is located right next to Neyow's Creole Café. In addition to authentic Creole dishes, the restaurant is known for its high quality steaks: filet mignon, ribeye, and tomahawk. Pick out a regularly sized drink and splurge on one of Neyow's XL specials such as the XL hurricane. 3336 Bienville St., 504-503-1081, xl.neyows.com
Nonno's in the Marigny offers great authentic Cajun cuisine in New Orleans. The shrimp and grits and homemade French toast is delicious, and the drink list is extensive. The cozy atmosphere and friendly service make it a great place for a casual meal or date night. 1940 Dauphine St., 504-354-1364, nonnoscajuncuisineandpastries.com
Orleans Grapevine Wine Bar & Bistro is a charming French Quarter wine bar that offers a selection of delicious small plates. The charcuterie board, cheese plate, and truffle fries are all popular options. The intimate atmosphere and knowledgeable staff make it a perfect spot for a romantic night out. 720 Orleans Ave., 504-523-1930, orleansgrapevine.com
Parkway Bakery & Tavern first opened its doors in 1911, and it has been a NOLA staple ever since. People from all over the country come to the shop for its famous po-boy sandwiches including roast beef, fried shrimp, and more. Bring some friends and take on the bayou beast, which is a massive, three-foot long po-boy. 538 Hagan Ave., 504-482-3047, parkwaypoorboys.com
Please U Restaurant is a place where breakfast is served all day. In addition, classic New Orleans hot plates such as red beans and rice, gumbo, and seafood platters are offered. The restaurant has been recognized as a home away from home by being pleasant, quirky, and tasty, all at a reasonable price. 1751 St. Charles Ave., 504-525-9131, pleaseunola.com
Short Stop Po-boys has been serving Metairie since 1966 and offers over 30 different kinds of po-boys. Their debris-style roast beef is excellent, tender, and juicy every time. Customers can take it to the next level by adding unique sides including jambalaya, gumbo, and chicken fires to go with their po-boys. 119 Transcontinental Dr., Metairie 504-885-4572, shortstoppoboysno.com
Seafood
Bon Temps Boulet Seafood is a fun neighborhood eatery with friendly service and tasty dishes. They are known best to customers for their spicy, boiled seafood including their crawfish and chargrilled oysters. They also have shrimp or pulled pork platters and the seafood po-boys are also incredible. 4701 Airline Dr., Metairie, 504-885-5003, bontempsboulets.com
Briquette is a classic Creole restaurant with delectable modern and coastal meals such as Snapper Pontchartrain and Louisiana Redfish on the half shell. Located in the Warehouse District, Briquette's restaurant decor is modern but informal with a unique open kitchen. Definitely try the caramelized scallops. 701 S. Peters St., 504-302-7496, briquette-nola.com
Legacy Kitchen's Tacklebox is one of three great restaurants that are under the ownership of Legacy Kitchen. This restaurant has a mix of Southern and seafood dishes including shrimp and grits, catfish pecan, and beignets. Tacklebox also has an oyster bar, which offers raw, charbroiled, fried, and crafted oysters. 817 Common St., 504-827-1651, legacykitchen.com
Middendorf's Restaurant is a Louisiana seafood institution and has been serving up their famous thin-fried catfish for over 80 years. Located on the shores of lakes Pontchartrain and Maurepas, the views are as impressive as the food. The menu also features other seafood dishes including shrimp, oysters, and crawfish. Multiple Locations, middendorfsrestaurant.com
Seaworthy celebrates all things seafood and puts an emphasis on using locally sourced fish and game. Dishes including lobster cocktail, scallop crudo, fish and chips, red snapper ceviche, and charbroiled oysters are available. Go extra fancy by ordering one of Seaworthy's three caviar plates. 630 Carondelet St., 504-930-3071, seaworthynola.com
