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The backyard at N7.
Josh Brasted/Eater NOLA

21 Essential Outdoor Dining Spots in New Orleans

From kid-friendly patios to romantic courtyards, it’s all about ambiance at these al fresco powerhouses

by Clair Lorell and Eater Staff Updated
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The backyard at N7.
| Josh Brasted/Eater NOLA
by Clair Lorell and Eater Staff Updated

Outdoor dining is a pillar of New Orleans's food and drink scene, given the city’s affinity for lush courtyards, intricate balconies, and welcoming front porches. There’s such an abundance of al fresco options in every New Orleans neighborhood, so let this map serve as a selection of some of the finest. A mix of new and old, backyard party vibes and chic sanctuaries, these are some of New Orleans’s best patios and courtyards for outdoor dining. The criteria? It’s all about food and ambiance, here. For the best outdoor setting for drinks, check out this guide to New Orleans’s best bar patios.

Don’t miss our other outdoor dining maps, including covered patios for when it rains, date night dining under the stars, and restaurants with heated outdoor dining for cold nights. Did we miss your favorite restaurant patio in New Orleans? Send us a tip.

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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process. If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

Rosedale Restaurant

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Rosedale is Susan Spicer’s casual, neighborhood spot in Lakeview, a family-friendly restaurant serving some of the best versions of Creole and Southern American comfort food to be found in New Orleans. The restaurant has recently decked out its outdoor seating setup, with new tables and chairs, shaded pergola and covered areas, and landscaping.

801 Rosedale Dr, New Orleans, LA 70124
(504) 309-9595
(504) 309-9595

Also featured in:

Santa Fe

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This Faubourg St. John restaurant draws crowds with simple but tasty New Mexico/Tex-Mex food, great margs and most importantly, its pretty, covered outdoor seating overlooking beautiful and bustling Esplanade Avenue.

3201 Esplanade Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119
(504) 948-0077
(504) 948-0077
Santa Fe

Also featured in:

Lola's

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Lola’s paellas and fideuàs (same idea but with angel-hair pasta) are legend in these parts. A tiny dining room is a sweet backdrop for Spanish peasant fare, but the charming sidewalk seating accompanied by sangria is beyond dreamy.

3312 Esplanade Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119
(504) 488-6946
(504) 488-6946

Also featured in:

Monday | Restaurant + Bar

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New Orleans entrepreneur Larry Morrow has brought his signature touch to Bienville Street with Monday, a restaurant and bar he opened with his mother, chef Lenora Chong. The space was built for outdoor dining for its original debut as Trep’s, and its destination-worthy patio is a hot setting for an eclectic mix of bar food, Creole specialties, and creative twists on Southern specialties — and for happy hour and brunch.

4327 Bienville St, New Orleans, LA 70119
(504) 581-8900
(504) 581-8900

Also featured in:

N7

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N7 is still a hotspot, and the outdoor setting is no small reason — the chic bistro boasts a lovely candlelit outdoor space, one of the best in town. Add to that some dishes not easily found on New Orleans menus — smoked mackerel, wagyu tataki, and duck l’orange, for example — and a huge menu of wines from small producers across the globe (including lots of natural varieties), as well as rare spirits, and sipping drinks out back can feel like a mini-vacation. 

1117 Montegut St, New Orleans, LA 70117
N7.
Josh Brasted/Eater NOLA

Also featured in:

The Elysian Bar

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At Hotel Peter and Paul, the cool renovation of a Catholic church complex in the Marigny, the Elysian Bar offers a dramatic center patio for nibbling under the stars. Order small to medium plates and choose from a huge cocktail menu of spritzes, aperitif-forward concoctions, and for after dinner, plenty of amaros and other digestifs. 

2317 Burgundy St, New Orleans, LA 70117
(504) 356-6769
(504) 356-6769
Elysian Bar

Also featured in:

Marjie's Grill

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The ever-chill, ever-delicious Marjie’s also boasts a picture-perfect back patio for a fun evening out. Delve into the likes of smoked eggplant with naam phrik awng sauce, herbs, and fried garlic; crispy pork knuckles tossed with fish sauce and cane syrup; and a cocktail and wine list that can compete with any in town.

320 S Broad St, New Orleans, LA 70119
(504) 603-2234
(504) 603-2234

Also featured in:

Bratz Y'all! Bistro • Bakery • Biergarten

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Schnitzel hanging over the plate, German beer and wine on tap, fresh baked pretzels, all kinds of sausages, and a roomy area for kids to roam. That’s the gist of this friendly spot in the Bywater next door to Pizza D. Bratz Ya’ll has a few indoor high tops, but try for a seat at the communal picnic tables, where dogs are welcome, kids can be loud, and the vibe is chill.

617-B, Piety St, New Orleans, LA 70117
(504) 301-3222
(504) 301-3222
Bratz Y’all!

Also featured in:

Cane and Table

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Cane & Table delivers super cocktails on lower Decatur, along with a vegetable-forward menu that is best enjoyed in one of the most beautiful outdoor spaces in the Quarter. Done up in tropical oasis meets tiki, this is the spot to enjoy the likes of avocado salad, tuna ala plancha, and garlic soup with sourdough croutons.

1113 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116
(504) 581-1112
(504) 581-1112

Also featured in:

Bacchanal Fine Wine & Spirits

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Head out back at Bacchanal, after choosing a bottle of wine and cheeses and meats for what might just be one of the tastiest cheese platters in town. Welcome to the funkiest yard party in Bywater, where there’s live music on the patio, bright Mediterranean small plates on deck, and good vibes all around.

600 Poland Ave, New Orleans, LA 70117
(504) 948-9111
(504) 948-9111
Bacchanal’s outdoor courtyard
Josh Brasted/Eater NOLA

Also featured in:

Jewel of the South

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Jewel of the South’s 19th century Creole cottage offers a classy respite from French Quarter chaos, whether inside the elegant dining room or on the enchanting courtyard out back, strung with lights and tucked away from its busy surroundings. One sip of a cocktail and you’ll want to try them all, but make sure to try Chris Hannah’s expert Brandy Crusta.

1026 St Louis St, New Orleans, LA 70112
(504) 265-8816
(504) 265-8816
Jewel of the South

Also featured in:

Bayona

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Bayona, set in an 18th-century Creole cottage, has been charming diners since Regina Keever and chef Susan Spicer opened the doors in 1990. Bayona drips with romance, but the vibe is casual and inviting. Pair chef Spicer’s award-winning global cuisine with one of the city’s most serene patios for fine dining in New Orleans.

430 Dauphine St, New Orleans, LA 70112
(504) 525-4455
(504) 525-4455

Also featured in:

Sylvain

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Grab a seat on the intimate back patio at Sylvain and prepare to be pleased. While the gastropub cuisine is stellar, the impeccable cocktails, good wine list, and candlelit outdoor space make it destination-worthy. 

625 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 265-8123
(504) 265-8123
Josh Brasted/Eater NOLA

Also featured in:

Brennan's

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This quintessential French Quarter courtyard is home to a champagne-based happy hour every Thursday to Monday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. with a special menu, bubbly discounts, and champagne sabering at 5 p.m. on Fridays.

417 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 525-9711
(504) 525-9711
Brennan’s

Also featured in:

Vyoone’s Restaurant

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Vyoone’s is one of the Warehouse District’s best restaurants, a romantic French-meets-Creole spot oozing with ambiance. Love the walk to the charming patio through an enchanting brick hallway covered in a seemingly impossible number of string lights.

412 Girod St, New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 518-6007
(504) 518-6007
Vyoone’s

Also featured in:

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Sidecar Patio & Oyster Bar

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If it’s in the name, you know the patio must be a priority. And really, it doesn’t get much better than Sidecar’s patio — pretty, lush, and spacious. Plus, some of the best oysters in town by the piece or dozen, ceviche and tartare, and natural wine.

1114 Constance St, New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 381-5079
(504) 381-5079

Also featured in:

Casa Borrega: Taqueria & Mezcaleria

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Fans of the lively, artsy scene and tasty Mexican food at Casa Borrega rejoiced in Spring 2023 when the longtime Central City restaurant from Hugo Montero returned after a nearly year-long closure. It’s back just in time for patio dining, where diners flocked on nice nights for its funky feel and eclectic components. It’s now open for counter-service tacos, tostadas, and tortas for lunch and dinner, with live music on weekends.

1719 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70113
Josh Brasted/Eater NOLA

Mosquito Supper Club

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Reserve a spot in the garden at Mosquito Supper Club and imagine yourself sitting along a Louisiana bayou as you slurp raw oysters and scrape the meat off of crab claws. The prix fixe, modern Cajun meal is best enjoyed outside, on the courtyard previously only used for private events, or on the porch. Note: the restaurant now also offers bites and drinks that can be had at the bar, no commitment necessary.

3824 Dryades St, New Orleans, LA 70115
(504) 494-9777
(504) 494-9777

Also featured in:

The Delachaise Wine Bar

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Drive by this St. Charles Avenue favorite in the evenings or late at night and the front patio is bound to be packed with people. With epic cheese plates, duck fat fries, cocktails, cutting-edge wine, and a streetcar view, it’s long been a destination for a casual, Parisian-inspired outing.

3442 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70115
(504) 895-0858
(504) 895-0858
Josh Brasted/Eater NOLA

Also featured in:

Hungry Eyes

Copy Link

Hungry Eyes’ patio resembles a deconstructed Airstream trailer, an on-theme extension of the restaurant’s ’80s-centric interior aesthetic. It’s also fenced-in and lush, two keys to ideal outdoor dining settings in New Orleans. Sip on classic martinis or savory cocktails and snack on light but satisfying medium plates like artichokes on the half-shell, grilled pastrami skewers, halibut crudo, and savory seafood curry. On weekends, you can enjoy drinks under the stars until midnight (the kitchen closes at 10 p.m.).

4206 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115
(504) 766-0054
(504) 766-0054
The patio at Hungry Eyes.
Randy Schmidt/Eater NOLA

Also featured in:

Barracuda

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Think patio meets margarita garden meets funky picnic space and you’ll get the drift of what Barracuda has going for it. Order food inside and then grab a picnic table out back. The crowd is a fun mix of families with kids, pals, and date-night couples. Oh, and the food is across the board excellent.

3984 Tchoupitoulas St, New Orleans, LA 70115
(504) 266-2961
(504) 266-2961

Also featured in:

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Rosedale Restaurant

801 Rosedale Dr, New Orleans, LA 70124

Rosedale is Susan Spicer’s casual, neighborhood spot in Lakeview, a family-friendly restaurant serving some of the best versions of Creole and Southern American comfort food to be found in New Orleans. The restaurant has recently decked out its outdoor seating setup, with new tables and chairs, shaded pergola and covered areas, and landscaping.

801 Rosedale Dr, New Orleans, LA 70124
(504) 309-9595
(504) 309-9595

Santa Fe

3201 Esplanade Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119

This Faubourg St. John restaurant draws crowds with simple but tasty New Mexico/Tex-Mex food, great margs and most importantly, its pretty, covered outdoor seating overlooking beautiful and bustling Esplanade Avenue.

3201 Esplanade Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119
(504) 948-0077
(504) 948-0077
Santa Fe

Lola's

3312 Esplanade Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119

Lola’s paellas and fideuàs (same idea but with angel-hair pasta) are legend in these parts. A tiny dining room is a sweet backdrop for Spanish peasant fare, but the charming sidewalk seating accompanied by sangria is beyond dreamy.

3312 Esplanade Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119
(504) 488-6946
(504) 488-6946

Monday | Restaurant + Bar

4327 Bienville St, New Orleans, LA 70119

New Orleans entrepreneur Larry Morrow has brought his signature touch to Bienville Street with Monday, a restaurant and bar he opened with his mother, chef Lenora Chong. The space was built for outdoor dining for its original debut as Trep’s, and its destination-worthy patio is a hot setting for an eclectic mix of bar food, Creole specialties, and creative twists on Southern specialties — and for happy hour and brunch.

4327 Bienville St, New Orleans, LA 70119
(504) 581-8900
(504) 581-8900

N7

1117 Montegut St, New Orleans, LA 70117

N7 is still a hotspot, and the outdoor setting is no small reason — the chic bistro boasts a lovely candlelit outdoor space, one of the best in town. Add to that some dishes not easily found on New Orleans menus — smoked mackerel, wagyu tataki, and duck l’orange, for example — and a huge menu of wines from small producers across the globe (including lots of natural varieties), as well as rare spirits, and sipping drinks out back can feel like a mini-vacation. 

1117 Montegut St, New Orleans, LA 70117
N7.
Josh Brasted/Eater NOLA

The Elysian Bar

2317 Burgundy St, New Orleans, LA 70117

At Hotel Peter and Paul, the cool renovation of a Catholic church complex in the Marigny, the Elysian Bar offers a dramatic center patio for nibbling under the stars. Order small to medium plates and choose from a huge cocktail menu of spritzes, aperitif-forward concoctions, and for after dinner, plenty of amaros and other digestifs. 

2317 Burgundy St, New Orleans, LA 70117
(504) 356-6769
(504) 356-6769
Elysian Bar

Marjie's Grill

320 S Broad St, New Orleans, LA 70119

The ever-chill, ever-delicious Marjie’s also boasts a picture-perfect back patio for a fun evening out. Delve into the likes of smoked eggplant with naam phrik awng sauce, herbs, and fried garlic; crispy pork knuckles tossed with fish sauce and cane syrup; and a cocktail and wine list that can compete with any in town.

320 S Broad St, New Orleans, LA 70119
(504) 603-2234
(504) 603-2234

Bratz Y'all! Bistro • Bakery • Biergarten

617-B, Piety St, New Orleans, LA 70117

Schnitzel hanging over the plate, German beer and wine on tap, fresh baked pretzels, all kinds of sausages, and a roomy area for kids to roam. That’s the gist of this friendly spot in the Bywater next door to Pizza D. Bratz Ya’ll has a few indoor high tops, but try for a seat at the communal picnic tables, where dogs are welcome, kids can be loud, and the vibe is chill.

617-B, Piety St, New Orleans, LA 70117
(504) 301-3222
(504) 301-3222
Bratz Y’all!

Cane and Table

1113 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116

Cane & Table delivers super cocktails on lower Decatur, along with a vegetable-forward menu that is best enjoyed in one of the most beautiful outdoor spaces in the Quarter. Done up in tropical oasis meets tiki, this is the spot to enjoy the likes of avocado salad, tuna ala plancha, and garlic soup with sourdough croutons.

1113 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116
(504) 581-1112
(504) 581-1112

Bacchanal Fine Wine & Spirits

600 Poland Ave, New Orleans, LA 70117

Head out back at Bacchanal, after choosing a bottle of wine and cheeses and meats for what might just be one of the tastiest cheese platters in town. Welcome to the funkiest yard party in Bywater, where there’s live music on the patio, bright Mediterranean small plates on deck, and good vibes all around.

600 Poland Ave, New Orleans, LA 70117
(504) 948-9111
(504) 948-9111
Bacchanal’s outdoor courtyard
Josh Brasted/Eater NOLA

Jewel of the South

1026 St Louis St, New Orleans, LA 70112

Jewel of the South’s 19th century Creole cottage offers a classy respite from French Quarter chaos, whether inside the elegant dining room or on the enchanting courtyard out back, strung with lights and tucked away from its busy surroundings. One sip of a cocktail and you’ll want to try them all, but make sure to try Chris Hannah’s expert Brandy Crusta.

1026 St Louis St, New Orleans, LA 70112
(504) 265-8816
(504) 265-8816
Jewel of the South

Bayona

430 Dauphine St, New Orleans, LA 70112

Bayona, set in an 18th-century Creole cottage, has been charming diners since Regina Keever and chef Susan Spicer opened the doors in 1990. Bayona drips with romance, but the vibe is casual and inviting. Pair chef Spicer’s award-winning global cuisine with one of the city’s most serene patios for fine dining in New Orleans.

430 Dauphine St, New Orleans, LA 70112
(504) 525-4455
(504) 525-4455

Sylvain

625 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70130

Grab a seat on the intimate back patio at Sylvain and prepare to be pleased. While the gastropub cuisine is stellar, the impeccable cocktails, good wine list, and candlelit outdoor space make it destination-worthy. 

625 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 265-8123
(504) 265-8123
Josh Brasted/Eater NOLA

Brennan's

417 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70130

This quintessential French Quarter courtyard is home to a champagne-based happy hour every Thursday to Monday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. with a special menu, bubbly discounts, and champagne sabering at 5 p.m. on Fridays.

417 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 525-9711
(504) 525-9711
Brennan’s

Vyoone’s Restaurant

412 Girod St, New Orleans, LA 70130

Vyoone’s is one of the Warehouse District’s best restaurants, a romantic French-meets-Creole spot oozing with ambiance. Love the walk to the charming patio through an enchanting brick hallway covered in a seemingly impossible number of string lights.

412 Girod St, New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 518-6007
(504) 518-6007
Vyoone’s

Related Maps

Sidecar Patio & Oyster Bar

1114 Constance St, New Orleans, LA 70130

If it’s in the name, you know the patio must be a priority. And really, it doesn’t get much better than Sidecar’s patio — pretty, lush, and spacious. Plus, some of the best oysters in town by the piece or dozen, ceviche and tartare, and natural wine.

1114 Constance St, New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 381-5079
(504) 381-5079

Casa Borrega: Taqueria & Mezcaleria

1719 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70113

Fans of the lively, artsy scene and tasty Mexican food at Casa Borrega rejoiced in Spring 2023 when the longtime Central City restaurant from Hugo Montero returned after a nearly year-long closure. It’s back just in time for patio dining, where diners flocked on nice nights for its funky feel and eclectic components. It’s now open for counter-service tacos, tostadas, and tortas for lunch and dinner, with live music on weekends.

1719 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70113
Josh Brasted/Eater NOLA

Mosquito Supper Club

3824 Dryades St, New Orleans, LA 70115

Reserve a spot in the garden at Mosquito Supper Club and imagine yourself sitting along a Louisiana bayou as you slurp raw oysters and scrape the meat off of crab claws. The prix fixe, modern Cajun meal is best enjoyed outside, on the courtyard previously only used for private events, or on the porch. Note: the restaurant now also offers bites and drinks that can be had at the bar, no commitment necessary.

3824 Dryades St, New Orleans, LA 70115
(504) 494-9777
(504) 494-9777

The Delachaise Wine Bar

3442 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70115

Drive by this St. Charles Avenue favorite in the evenings or late at night and the front patio is bound to be packed with people. With epic cheese plates, duck fat fries, cocktails, cutting-edge wine, and a streetcar view, it’s long been a destination for a casual, Parisian-inspired outing.

3442 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70115
(504) 895-0858
(504) 895-0858
Josh Brasted/Eater NOLA

Hungry Eyes

4206 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115

Hungry Eyes’ patio resembles a deconstructed Airstream trailer, an on-theme extension of the restaurant’s ’80s-centric interior aesthetic. It’s also fenced-in and lush, two keys to ideal outdoor dining settings in New Orleans. Sip on classic martinis or savory cocktails and snack on light but satisfying medium plates like artichokes on the half-shell, grilled pastrami skewers, halibut crudo, and savory seafood curry. On weekends, you can enjoy drinks under the stars until midnight (the kitchen closes at 10 p.m.).

4206 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115
(504) 766-0054
(504) 766-0054
The patio at Hungry Eyes.
Randy Schmidt/Eater NOLA

Barracuda

3984 Tchoupitoulas St, New Orleans, LA 70115

Think patio meets margarita garden meets funky picnic space and you’ll get the drift of what Barracuda has going for it. Order food inside and then grab a picnic table out back. The crowd is a fun mix of families with kids, pals, and date-night couples. Oh, and the food is across the board excellent.

3984 Tchoupitoulas St, New Orleans, LA 70115
(504) 266-2961
(504) 266-2961

Related Maps