The Best Restaurants in New Orleans

Mother's

The history of Mother’s and the calm, enjoyable atmosphere is enough to make you want to go to this restaurant. The fact that it has a delicious and fresh assortment of dishes available will make you want to keep coming back. What started out as the Marines’ favorite spot for a Po’ boy during WWII soon became a tradition for any and almost every working New Orleans local on their lunch break. 

Open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., Mother’s restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and everything in between. From a stack of three pancakes to red beans and rice, all the way to the soft shell crab platter, this home-style eatery also serves as one of the best restaurants in New Orleans. 

La Bayou

Located in the heart of the French Quarter, La Bayou is full of flavor, fine Cajun food, and southern hospitality. Sit inside and enjoy an intimate meal with friends or listen to the animated sounds of Bourbon Street from La Bayou’s balcony as you indulge in some of the freshest crawfish pasta in New Orleans. 

The animated personality of the staff also adds to the dining experience as you sure to find yourself highly entertained throughout the meal. Before a day of touring the French Quarter or after an evening out on the lively Bourbon Street, take a break from it all at La Bayou and treat yourself to one of the best restaurants in New Orleans.

Mr. B's Bistro

Mr. B’s Bistro can always be counted on to offer an array of genuine Louisiana Creole cuisine. Dine in for lunch and you can expect to find specialty cocktails that start from the low price of $1.50. Make your way down the menu to Mr. B’s weekly 2-course luncheon specials that include an appetizer and an entrée that are affordable for anyone. 

If you’d rather go to Mr. B’s Bistro for dinner, the specials consist of delectable desserts that include hot buttered pecan pie, profiteroles and chocolate sauce, and more. If you decide that ordering a special would be too much, you have the option of ordering off of the a la carte menu that includes even more appetizing dishes. 

August

When looking for the best of the best in New Orleans, look no further than August. Whether it’s lunch or dinner you desire, be prepared to feel wowed as you walk into this restaurant, located on Tchoupitoulas Street. Leave the jeans and flip flops at home if you wish to dine at August as it has more of an upscale feel to it than others in the area. Not only will the ambiance of the restaurant have you feeling more extravagant than ever, but the service will have you believing that you are royalty. 

The staff is always willing to alter the menu if you don’t see what you like, but that only happens on a rare occasion, as the menu will satisfy even the pickiest eater. Even with the first-class atmosphere, August is one of the best restaurants in New Orleans for a weekday lunch with friends, or a Friday night with that special someone.

Learn more about the particulars of New Orleans food with this detailed guide of the cultural flavors.