New Orleans’ French Quarter is a culinary haven, renowned for its rich history, vibrant atmosphere, and mouth-watering Creole cuisine. When visiting this iconic neighborhood, one of the most pressing questions is, “Where to eat in New Orleans French Quarter?” With its plethora of restaurants, cafes, and eateries, the options can be overwhelming, making it difficult to decide where to indulge in the city’s famous flavors.
Get ultimate traveler plannerDiscovering the Best Eats in the French Quarter
The French Quarter is a melting pot of culinary delights, offering everything from traditional Creole and Cajun dishes to modern twists and international flavors. From beignets and po’ boys to gumbo and jambalaya, the neighborhood is a food lover’s paradise. In this guide, we’ll delve into the best places to eat in New Orleans French Quarter, highlighting must-try restaurants, hidden gems, and local favorites that will make your taste buds dance with joy.
Exploring the Neighborhood’s Culinary Landscape
In the following sections, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through the French Quarter, exploring the best restaurants, cafes, and eateries in the area. From historic institutions to trendy newcomers, we’ll cover it all, providing you with the inside scoop on where to find the most authentic and delicious Creole cuisine, as well as some unexpected surprises along the way. Whether you’re a foodie, a history buff, or simply looking for a unique dining experience, this guide has got you covered.
Where to Eat in New Orleans French Quarter
New Orleans’ French Quarter is a culinary paradise, offering a diverse range of dining options to suit every taste and budget. From traditional Creole cuisine to modern twists on classic dishes, the French Quarter is a food lover’s dream come true. In this article, we’ll explore the best places to eat in the French Quarter, including iconic restaurants, hidden gems, and everything in between.
Iconic Restaurants
These restaurants are institutions in the French Quarter, offering a taste of the city’s rich culinary history.
- Dooky Chase’s Restaurant: This legendary eatery has been serving up Creole classics like gumbo, jambalaya, and fried chicken since 1941. Be sure to try their famous gumbo z’herbes, a flavorful soup made with a variety of herbs and spices.
- Cafe du Monde: This iconic cafe is a must-visit for beignets and coffee. Open 24/7, it’s the perfect spot to people-watch and fuel up for a day of exploring the French Quarter.
- Antoine’s: Established in 1840, Antoine’s is the oldest continuously operating restaurant in the United States. This elegant eatery serves up haute Creole cuisine, including dishes like oysters Rockefeller and Baked Alaska.
- Galatoire’s: This beloved restaurant has been a French Quarter staple since 1905, offering a range of Creole classics like shrimp Creole, crabmeat maison, and bread pudding soufflé.
Seafood Lovers
The French Quarter is surrounded by water, making it the perfect place to indulge in fresh seafood. Here are some top spots for seafood enthusiasts: (See Also: Where To Eat In Orlando Florida)
- Red Fish Grill: Located on Bourbon Street, Red Fish Grill offers a range of seafood dishes, including alligator sausage, seafood pasta, and grilled fish tacos.
- Deanie’s Seafood: This casual eatery has been a French Quarter favorite for over 50 years, serving up seafood staples like gumbo, shrimp Creole, and oyster po’ boys.
- The Oyster Bar: Located in the historic Hotel Monteleone, The Oyster Bar offers a range of oyster dishes, including char-grilled oysters, oyster po’ boys, and oyster stew.
Breakfast and Brunch Spots
Start your day off right with a delicious breakfast or brunch at one of these French Quarter hotspots:
- Cafe Beignet: This charming cafe serves up beignets, coffee, and a range of breakfast dishes, including eggs Benedict and quiche Lorraine.
- Atchafalaya: This popular brunch spot offers a range of creative dishes, including shrimp and grits, eggs sardou, and a decadent chocolate croissant.
- Willie Mae’s Scotch House: This beloved eatery has been serving up Southern comfort food since 1957, including breakfast staples like fried chicken and waffles and grits and eggs.
Casual Eats
Sometimes you just need a quick, delicious meal that won’t break the bank. Here are some top casual eats in the French Quarter:
- Johnny’s Po-Boys: This no-frills eatery has been serving up po’ boys, sandwiches, and salads since 1950. Try their famous fried catfish po’ boy or a classic muffuletta.
- Central Grocery: This historic deli has been around since 1906, offering a range of sandwiches, salads, and soups. Be sure to try their famous muffuletta, a Sicilian-style sandwich made with cured meats, cheese, and olive salad.
- Parkway Bakery and Tavern: This casual eatery serves up po’ boys, sandwiches, and salads, as well as a range of craft beers. Try their famous Parkway poor boy, made with fried catfish, shrimp, and oysters.
Sweet Treats
Indulge your sweet tooth at one of these French Quarter sweet spots:
- Cafe du Monde Beignet Cafe: This cafe is dedicated to all things beignet, offering a range of sweet and savory beignet flavors, including classic powdered sugar, strawberry, and chocolate-filled.
- La Divina Gelateria: This artisanal gelato shop offers a range of unique flavors, including Creole cream cheese, strawberry balsamic, and pistachio cardamom.
- Croissant d’Or Patisserie: This charming bakery serves up a range of French-inspired pastries, including croissants, quiches, and tarts.
Special Dietary Needs
The French Quarter has plenty of options for those with special dietary needs, including gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options.
- Seed: This vegan eatery offers a range of plant-based dishes, including vegan “cheese” boards, salads, and sandwiches.
- The Daily Beet: This health-focused cafe serves up a range of gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options, including bowls, salads, and sandwiches.
- Breads on Oak: This artisanal bakery offers a range of gluten-free breads and pastries, as well as vegan and vegetarian options.
Tips and Tricks
Before you start planning your culinary adventure in the French Quarter, here are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind: (See Also: Where To Eat In Nantwich)
- Make reservations: Many of the French Quarter’s top restaurants can be quite popular, so be sure to make reservations in advance to avoid long wait times.
- Be prepared for crowds: The French Quarter is a popular tourist destination, so be prepared for crowds and long lines, especially during peak season.
- Try new things: The French Quarter is the perfect place to try new and exotic flavors, so don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try something new.
- Bring cash: Some of the French Quarter’s smaller eateries and cafes may not accept credit or debit cards, so be sure to bring some cash with you.
Recap
In conclusion, the French Quarter is a culinary paradise, offering a diverse range of dining options to suit every taste and budget. From iconic restaurants to hidden gems, seafood lovers to sweet treats, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant neighborhood. By following these tips and tricks, you’ll be well on your way to a culinary adventure in the French Quarter.
| Restaurant | Cuisine | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Dooky Chase’s Restaurant | Creole | $15-$30 |
| Cafe du Monde | Cafe | $5-$10 |
| Antoine’s | Haute Creole | $30-$50 |
| Galatoire’s | Creole | $20-$40 |
| Red Fish Grill | Seafood | $20-$40 |
| Deanie’s Seafood | Seafood | $15-$30 |
| The Oyster Bar | Seafood | $20-$40 |
| Cafe Beignet | Cafe | $5-$10 |
| Atchafalaya | Brunch | $15-$30 |
| Willie Mae’s Scotch House | Southern | $15-$30 |
| Johnny’s Po-Boys | Casual | $10-$20 |
| Central Grocery | Casual | $10-$20 |
| Parkway Bakery and Tavern | Casual | $10-$20 |
| Cafe du Monde Beignet Cafe | Sweet Treats | $5-$10 |
| La Divina Gelateria | Sweet Treats | $5-$10 |
| Croissant d’Or Patisserie | Sweet Treats | $5-$10 |
| Seed | Vegan | $10-$20 |
| The Daily Beet | Health-Focused | $10-$20 |
| Breads on Oak | Gluten-Free | $10-$20 |
By following this guide, you’ll be well on your way to a culinary adventure in the French Quarter. Bon appetit!
Frequently Asked Questions: Where to Eat in New Orleans French Quarter
What are the must-try dishes in the French Quarter?
When visiting the French Quarter, be sure to try some of the city’s signature dishes, including beignets at Cafe du Monde, gumbo at Dooky Chase’s Restaurant, and po’ boys at Parkway Bakery and Tavern. You should also try some chargrilled oysters, jambalaya, and bananas Foster for a truly authentic New Orleans culinary experience.
What is the best restaurant for breakfast in the French Quarter?
Willie Mae’s Scotch House is a popular spot for breakfast in the French Quarter, serving up delicious Southern-style dishes like shrimp and grits, eggs sardou, and biscuits and gravy. Another great option is Cafe Amelie, which offers a charming courtyard setting and a menu featuring dishes like eggs benedict and quiche.
Are there any good restaurants in the French Quarter that won’t break the bank?
Yes, there are many affordable dining options in the French Quarter. For a quick and delicious meal, try Johnny’s Po-Boys, which has been serving up po’ boys and other Creole favorites since 1950. Another budget-friendly option is Cafe Maspero, which offers a variety of sandwiches, salads, and soups in a casual setting. (See Also: Where To Eat In Toledo Ohio)
What is the best place to get beignets in the French Quarter?
Cafe du Monde is the most famous place to get beignets in the French Quarter, and for good reason. This iconic cafe has been serving up these sweet fried dough treats since 1862, and they’re a must-try when visiting the city. However, if you’re looking for a smaller, less touristy spot, try Morning Call, which offers beignets and coffee in a charming setting.
Are there any restaurants in the French Quarter that offer outdoor seating?
Yes, many restaurants in the French Quarter offer outdoor seating, which is perfect for taking in the sights and sounds of the city. Some popular options include Cafe Amelie, which has a charming courtyard, and Port of Call, which offers outdoor seating with views of the Mississippi River. Another great option is the Napoleon House, which has a beautiful courtyard and serves up delicious Creole cuisine.
