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The Best Bars for Foodies in New Orleans

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The Best Bars for Foodies in New Orleans

by The OpenTable Team

Updated February 26, 2020

Laissez les bons temps rouler in New Orleans! When you think of the greatest American cities for a good time, you don't have to go too far down the list before the name "New Orleans" comes up. The Big Easy is one of the best cities on the planet to grab a drink. But where are the smartest, savviest diners eating out? Welcome to our Tastemakers List. We’ve pulled data from thousands of restaurants to find the top spots among OpenTable's most expert, seasoned diners. Bars and restaurants in NOLA deliver some of the finest cuisines in America—traditional Cajun and Creole favorites, Gulf seafood, sweet treats, and so much more. Let the good times roll at these New Orleans bars.

A photo of Ye Olde College Inn restaurant

Ye Olde College Inn

4.8

4.8 (1728)

$30 and under

Creole

Carrollton

About the restaurant

One of the coolest dining experiences in New Orleans. The name might scream out cheap beers and pub food, but Ye Olde College Inn is a true farm-to-table restaurant. The proof of that? It's right next door. The Olde College Inn's urban farm is next to the restaurant. This is the place to go to with a group of friends to admire the work of true food artisans and enjoy the fruits of their labor. Dine on their fabled onion rings, shrimp remoulade, or the incredible fried green tomato shrimp po-boy sandwich, and pair the dishes with a cold beer or a cocktail.

Top review

L

Louis

Dined 3 days ago

It had been a long time since my wife and I had been to Ye Old College Inn and we had forgotten how great it is. The food was just wonderful, the prices are very reasonable, the service was perfect and the ambiance is great fun while not being too noisy. We will be going back soon!

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A photo of Breaded Veal Cutlet of a restaurant

Breaded Veal Cutlet

A photo of Shrimp Remoulade of a restaurant

Shrimp Remoulade

A photo of Oysters Bleu of a restaurant

A photo of Meril restaurant

4.5

4.5 (6521)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Warehouse District

About the restaurant

Famous Food Network chef Emeril Lagasse's fourth New Orleans restaurant is a hot spot in the town's Warehouse district. The bar scene is always lively here. Patrons can sip on a wide selection of fantastic and unique house cocktails. The food is classic Emeril. There's lots of Gulf seafood, wood oven-fired flatbread pizzas, fresh pasta, oversized salads, and sweet dessert treats.

Top review

C

ChristopherVIP

Dined 2 days ago

We are locals and regulars and we had another great dining experience at Meril: Martini and Old Fashioned excellently-crafted cocktails, shared Tuna Wraps, Red Snapper and Ribeye entrees, with sides of Mexican Corn and Gen Tsos Broccoli, and complemented by glasses of Rioja. As always, the team service was attentive and efficient, and seating hostesses were friendly and professional. Meril has the whole package, a great Warehouse District bistro.

A photo of Desi Vega's Steakhouse restaurant

Desi Vega's Steakhouse

4.7

4.7 (2715)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Warehouse District

About the restaurant

A beautiful, classic steakhouse tailored to New Orleans sensibilities, Desi Vega's is a bustling spot off of St. Charles Avenue with a dazzling white interior. It screams out Big Easy cool. There's a gorgeous bar to belly up to for a cocktail or a few glasses from the extensive wine list Desi Vega's is so famous for.

Top review

C

CallenVIP

Dined 4 days ago

Always great experience with service, food and ambiance.

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A photo of Spinach Salad of a restaurant

A photo of Petite Filet of a restaurant

A photo of Caesar Salad of a restaurant

A photo of Superior Seafood restaurant

Superior Seafood

4.8

4.8 (4900)

$31 to $50

Seafood

Uptown

About the restaurant

A prime fresh seafood destination in New Orleans that's ideal for anyone who wants to hop off the streetcar and hop into a restaurant for a delicious dinner. Oyster fans will be in briny heaven. Superior's oyster bar is the place to go to for selections from the Gulf. Stop into the bar for a classic New Orleans cocktail or one of their signature frozen drinks.

Top review

M

MarkVIP

Dined 4 days ago

We tried chargrilled oysters, the special chicken, Scallops and Shrimp Brochettes and all were very delicious. Can’t wait to go back and try the rest of the menu!

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A photo of Raw Gulf Oysters of a restaurant

Raw Gulf Oysters

A photo of Oysters Superior of a restaurant

Oysters Superior

A photo of Char-Grilled Oysters of a restaurant

Char-Grilled Oysters

A photo of GW Fins restaurant

4.9

4.9 (20089)

$50 and over

Seafood

French Quarter

About the restaurant

Amazing seafood in a beautiful location. This French Quarter institution prides itself on having some of the best seafood in the city. There's an ever-changing menu based on the daily catch that arrives at the restaurant—Louisiana bigeye tuna, local drum, and blackened swordfish are some of the favorites. Stop in for dinner in the gorgeous dining room or have a bite at the curving, modern bar with one of the GW Fins cocktails.

Top review

J

John

Dined 1 day ago

Food was delicious! Michele was awesome and very professional!

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A photo of Salty Malty Ice Cream Pie of a restaurant

Salty Malty Ice Cream Pie

A photo of Lobster Dumplings of a restaurant

Lobster Dumplings

A photo of Snapper Ceviche of a restaurant

Snapper Ceviche

A photo of Mr. B's Bistro restaurant

4.7

4.7 (6387)

$31 to $50

Creole

French Quarter

About the restaurant

One of the coolest restaurants in all the city. Stylish lamps light Mr. B's entrance off of Royal Street in the French Quarter. There's plenty of seafood on the menu—jumbo scallops, lump crab cakes, fried oysters, seafood gumbo—along with excellent filet mignon, chicken, pork chops and a whole lot more. Get in there and groove with Mr. B's famous Sunday jazz brunch.

Top review

A

Art

Dined 1 day ago

4 peeps got 3 apps & 3 entries, cocktails, desert & coffee. The vintage style jazz trio came around, played & took pics with us. Fun DELICIOUS adventure.

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A photo of Bacon Wrapped Shrimp & Grits of a restaurant

Bacon Wrapped Shrimp & Grits

A photo of Hot Buttered Pecan Pie of a restaurant

Hot Buttered Pecan Pie

A photo of Crispy Fried Oysters of a restaurant

Crispy Fried Oysters

A photo of Ruth's Chris Steak House - New Orleans restaurant

Ruth's Chris Steak House - New Orleans

4.3

4.3 (3557)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Central Business District

About the restaurant

Ruth's Chris is an institution around America. You know exactly what you're going to get here—delicious and sizzling steaks delivered on hot plates. Being New Orleans, this Ruth's Chris also offers excellent seafood and excellent cocktails alongside an extensive wine list.

Top review

T

Tiffany

Dined today

Always a wonderful experience at Ruth’s. Loved the food. Ordered the stuff chicken, cremini mushrooms, and sweet potato casserole. Everything was cooked to perfection. Waitress had too many tables to service so service wasn’t on point but she was good.

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A photo of Filet of a restaurant

A photo of Valentine's Dinner of a restaurant

Valentine's Dinner

A photo of Mr. John's Steakhouse restaurant

Mr. John's Steakhouse

4.6

4.6 (3072)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Garden District

About the restaurant

Mr. John's Steakhouse is a mixture of styles. It blends the atmosphere of classic New Orleans bar with the rich and elegant feel of a traditional steakhouse spot. It's earned accolades for its luxurious design and the excellent food and drinks served. There is a wonderful selection of fine wines, craft beer, and tasty cocktails.

Top review

OT

OpenTable Diner

Dined 4 days ago

The ambiance and food was far beyond our expectations!! My steak was perfect!!

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A photo of Ribeye of a restaurant

A photo of New York Strip of a restaurant

A photo of The Pelican Club restaurant

The Pelican Club

4.6

4.6 (4579)

$31 to $50

Creole / Cajun / Southern

French Quarter

About the restaurant

A New Orleans bar that guests must visit—it's one of the finest Creole restaurants in the whole city. A French Quarter hot spot for tourists and locals, The Pelican Club is a gorgeous spot for dinner or for a quick bite and drink. There's a rich wine list from around the world with exotic selections from Argentina, Spain, Portugal, and elsewhere. Plus, they offer creative mixed drinks like the "Cool Hand Luke."

Top review

J

James

Dined on Dec 24, 2024

There were 8 of us and the Revellion menu had something for us all. Not one of the group was dissatisfied with any part of the meal. Two meals of particular brilliance were the chopping and the roasted duck. The ciopino was all Louisiana in style and in flavor. The roasted duck in a grape blueberry confit was genius and easily the best game bird I ever tasted. An honorable mention and very honorable indeed was the pork chop which was thick delicious and tender. Randy provided an excellent night of service, knowledgeable and attentive. A very professionable waiter.

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A photo of Valentine's Day 2025 of a restaurant

Valentine's Day 2025

A photo of Muriel's Jackson Square restaurant

Muriel's Jackson Square

4.7

4.7 (10370)

$50 and over

Creole / Cajun / Southern

French Quarter

About the restaurant

A spookily delicious dining experience. Muriel's Jackson Square has a fascinating ghost story that comes along with your drink or meal. There's a fine menu of New Orleans favorites and classic cocktails; be sure to stop in for the Sunday jazz brunch for some tunes and food.

Top review

D

Daniel

Dined 2 days ago

One of the best meals we ever had. Went for brunch. Exceeded all of our expectations. my wife had the French toast and I had the Jackson Square omelette. I also had the brandy milk punch. It was excellent. Will definitely go back there again if I’m in New Orleans.

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A photo of Wood Grilled Pork Chop of a restaurant

Wood Grilled Pork Chop

A photo of Shrimp and Grits of a restaurant

Shrimp and Grits

A photo of Pain Perdu Bread Pudding of a restaurant

Pain Perdu Bread Pudding

A photo of Revel Cafe and Bar restaurant

Revel Cafe and Bar

4.5

4.5 (75)

$30 and under

American

Mid-City / City Park

About the restaurant

The party is right there in the name. Revel is famous for its legendary New Orleans bartender and owner Chris McMillan—a man who co-founded a museum that celebrates the American cocktail. McMillan's classic cocktail menu is full of his colorful creations and some old New Orleans favorites, alongside tasty local bar snacks and filling meals.

Top review

S

shornkochVIP

Dined on Aug 13, 2021

Really great food very affordable. Attentive and friendly service

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