Best Dining Options In The French Quarter… Calling all Foodies!
Nowhere have I ever been where I have been full to my limit only left wanting to eat again! Not a cruise, not an all-inclusive… nowhere have I ever enjoyed food as much as in New Orleans! Food in New Orleans is as much a part of their culture as their music, flare for celebration, and rich history.
The options are endless and there is something for everyone! I’ve put together a list focussing on Best Dining In The French Quarter with the understanding that most of us visiting are on foot and not able to venture too far from this area if we want to keep costs low. No need to venture outside as the Quarter has plenty of succulent options which will leave you wanting to go back… for a second and third helping!
If you’ve read my blog on Things to Do in New Orleans, you read about the Culinary Tour. This is a great way to start your trip, learning the different cuisines, where to score the best deals, and even the layout of the French Quarter so you can rush to your favorite Oyster House when the hunger hits! Below are a few of my all time favorite places to eat. Trust me when I say there are plenty… so sharing plates is a great way to experience as many as you can. The portions are generous and you can always order a second helping! This trick will stretch your dollar further and leave you (your tummy) room to explore more!
Let’s Pack For This Trip…
That’s easy…stretchy pants. And a fairly good sized roll of cash… NOLA is a Foodie’s paradise, but it comes at a cost. Average meal will run you about $20-$25. Sharing plates is the way to go so you can spread your love of food (and money) across this great buffet of choices!
1- The Best Oysters in The French Quarter
Hands down the best oysters I have ever had! There are so many different methods of presenting oysters… cooked, loaded, chargrilled, raw… where do you start? YOU START AT FELIX’s!
Eat AT the counter if you can snag a seat. You can watch the guys shucking the oysters…and they often slide you a few while you are waiting for your meal. Very cool experience to watch and feel a part of. Disregard the lineup outside… trust me, it moves along quickly and well worth it. Felix’s is the real deal. The bustling “Diner” vibe and the no-nonsense wait staff just add to the authenticity of it all! My first time I tried to order what I thought was going to be a great meal… the waitress said “Is this your first time? Yes? You don’t want that. You want Chargrilled and Blackened gator.”… She left no room for discussion and I have been forever grateful since! 208 Bourbon st and 739 Iberville St. Get there.
Across the street from Felix’s is Acme. You will surely see the lineup outside its doors. It is a little more commercial than Felix’s and a bit more expensive, however people flock there. I did my due diligence trying it and although the oysters were fantastic, it didn’t quite have the authentic, homegrown vibe of some of the smaller, less commercial oyster houses. The building itself is newer, perhaps that had something to do with it. 724 Iberville
The “Royal House” on Royal St. is a classier feeling place and really just about as good. Don’t be fooled by the fancy Doorman. Casual dress is totally fine. Again, sit AT the counter and take it all in. Their Caprese salad is a fresh change from rich N’Awlins food, so if your palate needs a break or a side dish… caprese all the way! Never have I had such a fresh explosion of taste
2- The Best Po Boy in The French Quarter
You HAVE to try this No-Gluten-Left-Behind sandwich! If you are gluten-free or vegetarian… you’re in trouble. Po Boys are a traditional Louisiana sandwich on a French roll that almost always has meat or seafood and loaded with lettuce and tomatoes, it will rival any sandwich you’ve ever had. Louisiana is dotted with Po-Boy shops serving traditional options such as fried shrimp, roast beef, sausage, crab. My favorite is the Roast Beef Po Boy dripping with gravy and the best (HANDS DOWN) place to grab one is at the famous JOHNNY’S. Slinging Po-Boy’s since 1950, this no-frills lunch counter gets crammed and chaotic. The experience is almost as entertaining as the taste is delicious! You’ll find this gem at 511 Saint Louis St.
Great for a late night snack as they are open 24/7! They are located just outside the French Quarter over in the Marigny area, so if your travels take you to Frenchman St. for some live music, you’re in the right neighborhood. 1040 Elysian Fields Ave
4-The Best Muffaletta in The French Quarter
On the subject of Sandwiches, you will most likely encounter this one too on your culinary tour… the Muffaletta! Salami and an olive mixture with cheese on Sicilian bread. Drenched in olive oil, this is a sharing sandwich and the only place to really experience one is at the Napolean House. This restaurant is gorgeous (yet as casual as it’s French Quarter surroundings) and full of history!
The walls are filled with photos of times past in this establishment. Articles framed with stories that will make you smile or bring a tear to your eye. It’s not just lunch here… it’s an experience. In 1821, the city’s mayor offered refuge here in this house to Napolean himself during his exile. Napoleon never made it but the name stuck, and so will memories of this sandwich if you try it! Try pairing it with a Pimm’s Cup… practically as famous here as the Muffaletta! Found at 500 Chartres St
5-The Best Crawfish In The French Quarter
THE ORIGINAL FRENCH MARKET RESTAURANT & BAR…
The name is a mouthful and so is the food! A literal BOAT-LOAD of Louisiana mudbugs is always boiling, enticing each passer-by to duck in and see what all the fuss (and scent!) is about! If you have an affection for these little succulent critters, you’ve found your stop. If you haven’t ever attempted eating them before… no time like the present!
Served in a “boat” big enough to share, this will be one of your more memorable meals in the Big Easy for sure! Don’t forget to suck the head! Known for their Louisiana Gulf Seafood and 100% made from scratch Creole cuisine, you will come to understand how this French Quarter staple has lasted over 200 years! 1001 Decatur St.
6-The Best Gumbo/Jambalaya/ Étouffée in The French Quarter
One stop shopping here! Although they have been awarded “Best Gumbo” year after year, this is a great stop if you want to TRY a few different dishes. They offer combo plates enticing you to take a dip into bowls of their thick brown creole soup they call Gumbo, their simmering spicy seafood Etouffée, and a smoky seasoned helping of Jambalaya! All served with a hearty selection of red beans and rice and more side dishes than you could ask for! One stop here and you will be well on your way to eating like a local! 630 Saint Peter St.
7-Fine Dining in The French Quarter
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One of New Orleans finest
Let’s Unpack This…
New Orleans will leave you feeling a lot of things… a word I keep coming back to is “FULL”. Full of history, culture, and definitely food and drink! It will leave you always wanting more, as it’s aromas and tastes stick with you.
I often say if I could jet off for dinner anywhere my travels have taken me, I would choose NOLA and
I once spent 10 days in NOLA not ONCE eating ANYTHING that wasn’t authentic N’Awlins fare. That meant grits for breakfast on occasion (not my favorite but ok with the right amount of maple syrup and milk! I know… terrible of me!) and when all I wanted was a plate of French fries… I ordered a French Fry Po Boy! Yes… it’s a thing! Leave your diet at home, go hungry and be adventurous. You won’t be sorry. Now if your thirsty check out this article. Bars on Bourbon Street.
