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Fried green tomatoes topped with shrimp remoulade and maque choux. — Saint John shrimp remoulade.

The Essential French Quarter Dining Guide

Time-honored Creole cafes, charming cocktail havens, classic po’ boy shops, and decadent fine-dining

by Beth D'Addono and Clair Lorell Updated Feb 28, 2023, 12:49pm CST

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Saint John shrimp remoulade.

| Randy Schmidt/Saint John

by Beth D'Addono and Clair Lorell Updated Feb 28, 2023, 12:49pm CST

The French Quarter is the oldest square mile in New Orleans and home to more restaurants and bars per square block than any other neighborhood. This guide is a varied cross-section of restaurants in the Vieux Carre, from historic places that sell iconic dishes (Johnny’s Po-Boys and Brennan’s) to cocktail destinations (Jewel of the South and Manolito) to over-the-top special occasion restaurants (Restaurant R’evolution and Galatoire’s).

Consider this list a starting point for exploring the Vieux Carre table. There are surprising and delicious treasures along the way, so don’t be shy about trying them all. Looking for drinks only? Check out these essential French Quarter bars.

Did we miss your favorite spot in the Quarter? Leave a comment or send an email.

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MaMou

Since opening in late 2022, chef Tom Branighan and sommelier Molly Wismeier’s whimsical French restaurant has quickly become one of New Orleans’s most exciting new restaurants. Despite its humble, intimate corner space, it’s a fine-dining and wine world heavyweight, informed by both Branighan and Wismeier’s extensive experience around the country, and in New Orleans. Among the many elegant dishes, highlights include risotto with sauce Périgourdine, fennel sausage, and beet shoots; an escargot tartlet with suet and romesco; a salmon mi-cuit with buttermilk dill cream and carraway; and poisson a la Florentine with caviar beurre blanc and a parmesan wreath.

Open in Google Maps

942 N Rampart St, New Orleans, LA 70116

Visit Website

Escargot tartlet, blue crab remoulade, and fennel sausage risotto.

Also featured in:

Bennachin

If you’re exploring the French Quarter, Bennachin is a welcoming, casual option for comforting Gambian and Cameroonian specialties, many vegetarian-friendly, served in a cozy, funky space with eclectic furniture and colorful art covering the walls. It’s BYOB, but Sidney’s Wine Cellar is a few blocks away.

Open in Google Maps

1212 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70116

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Dian Xin

Dian Xin has met the French Quarter’s need for excellent, traditional dim sum and fiery Sichuan flavors .From the original owners of Little Chinatown in Kenner, Diane Ceng and her family operate this simple but popular kitchen on Decatur Street with a two-page menu of bao, soups, chive cakes, jianbing, and shu mai, a solid neighborhood comfort food destination. There’s now a second location with new offerings on Conti, also in the Quarter.

Open in Google Maps

1218 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116

Xiao Long Baos at Dian Xin

Also featured in:

Saint John

Eric Cook’s Saint John is certainly on the newer side when it comes to French Quarter dining, but it’s already growing into essential status. It’s one of the best new representations of contemporary Creole cuisine in the city, with a menu informed by 18th century Creole cookbooks, dishes like slow braised smothered turkey necks, chicken and shrimp maque choux, courtbouillon, whole fish almandine, and pork belly cassoulet. It’s a lovely destination for special occasion dining somewhat off the beaten path.

Open in Google Maps

1117 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Cafe Sbisa

Originally opened in 1899, this classic French-Creole restaurant is led by the talented Alfred Singleton, now chef and partner. Cafe Sbisa’s menu is old-school compared to many of the restaurants currently opening in the city, and the crab cakes are some of the best in town. Dinner, brunch, and small plates. Date night alert: this place is an atmospheric stunner, with original wood, intimate balcony and patio dining.

Open in Google Maps

1011 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA

Visit Website

Jewel of the South

On the quieter outskirts of the Quarter, cocktail enthusiasts will be delighted to find an enchanting 19th-century Creole cottage that houses this beautiful cocktail bar and restaurant. Have a seat at the bar or in the Jewel of the South courtyard and sip some of the best cocktails in town — and while the drinks may have top billing due to its cocktail-expert founders, the food is also not to be missed, with tasting menus and other special dinners available from time to time.

Open in Google Maps

1026 St Louis St, New Orleans, LA 70112

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Manolito

Manolito is a Havana-inspired bar and cafe from a trio of top New Orleans restaurant and bar proprietors, and the vibe and drinks reflect the expertise behind it. Though the main attraction at Manolito would have to be its cocktails, the Cuban menu is worth your attention. One of Manolito’s best signature cocktails is the Jazz Daiquiri — made with Jamaican rum, lime, agave nectar, Creme de Cacao, and coffee beans, but all the drinks are fantastic. This spot is not to be missed.

Open in Google Maps

508 Dumaine St, New Orleans, LA 70116

Visit Website

A frozen drink in a glass with aloe leaves and a Luxardo cherry.

Also featured in:

Palm and Pine

Palm and Pine has officially established itself in the French Quarter after a few years on the scene. Its refreshing, ever-changing food offerings mix Southern, Central American, and South American influences, and has also become known for special menus, a late-night happy hour, and fresh, Caribbean-inspired cocktails. Try the crudo, Oaxacan mole, and any specials on tap.

Open in Google Maps

308 N Rampart St, New Orleans, LA 70112

Visit Website

Oaxacan mole from Palm and Pine.

Also featured in:

Bayona

One of the most refined options on the list, Bayona has been charming diners since Regina Keever and chef Susan Spicer opened the doors in 1990. Set in a 200-year-old Creole cottage in the heart of the Quarter, Bayona drips with romance, but the vibe is casual and inviting. Spicer’s award-winning global cuisine and a great wine list are ideal for a special lunch or a leisurely dinner on the patio.

430 Dauphine St, New Orleans, LA 70112

Visit Website

Colorado lamb carpaccio from Bayona

Also featured in:

Sylvain

This charming and romantic spot in the French Quarter is known for exceptional ambiance and satisfying, unexpected food, from a Southern fried chicken sandwich to a Champagne and fries special to refined versions of Southern classics. Sylvain’s beauty lies in the unpredictable, and ever-changing, twists weaved throughout the menu — and it’s all good.

625 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Brennan's

Famous for breakfast, Brennan’s stuns all day long under the leadership of owner Ralph Brennan and head chef Ryan Hacker. Six years ago, the historic restaurant went through a massive, multi-million dollar renovation that extended the bar area and brought the whole place up to date after ownership changed hands. No longer the old dowager of the French Quarter, this restaurant is now relevant and dazzling. But, by all means, try the bananas Foster. It’s well-known for a reason.

417 Royal St, New Orleans, LA

Visit Website

Brennan’s

Also featured in:

Arnaud's Restaurant

Arnaud’s is known for a few things. 1. It’s a historic restaurant in the French Quarter. 2. Its James Beard Award-winning bar, the French 75 bar. 3. The souffle potatoes with béarnaise sauce are among the best that can be found, anywhere. What’s not as well-known is that the rest of the restaurant’s dishes also impress. Try the oysters Ohan, which are baked with eggplant and andouille. Whatever you do, end your meal with a fire show and order the cafe brulot.

813 Bienville St, New Orleans, LA

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Killer PoBoys

Killer Poboys still rocks its original location at the rear of the Erin Rose bar, but the spot on Dauphine (next to the Museum of Death) has an expanded menu and a little more breathing room. The po’ boys range from barbecue chicken confit with coffee barbecue sauce and ranch slaw to seared gulf shrimp with coriander lime sauce to black beer debris. Vegetarian options, like a sweet potato po’ boy black-eyed pea and pecan spread and braised greens or a whiskey grilled cheese, are available and excellent — vegetarian or not.

219 Dauphine St, New Orleans, LA 70112

Visit Website

Barbecue Chicken Confit Po’ Boy — Barbecue chicken confit po’ boy.

Also featured in:

GW Fins

Fish is serious business at GW Fins, where chef Michael Nelson is a leading proponent for Gulf-to-plate dining and using the entire fish in innovative ways. The menu changes constantly, based on what fish is fresh and always sustainable, but recent menus can be viewed on the website. The lobster dumplings are delicious little clouds and are almost always on the menu, as is the Scalibut, its famed scallop-encrusted halibut dish.

808 Bienville St, New Orleans, LA

Visit Website

Chicken skin crusted fish.

Also featured in:

Johnny's Po-Boys

Johnny’s is an unassuming classic, a counter-service spot with red and white checkered tablecloths and humble, paper-wrapped po’ boys. Stop in for a quick lunch and choose from over 30 kinds of sandwiches, like a shrimp and oyster po’boy or a Jack Cheese melt — it also serves a great, classic breakfast.

Open in Google Maps

511 St Louis St, New Orleans, LA 70130

Johnny’s Po-Boys

Also featured in:

22 Essential Po’ Boy Spots in and Around New Orleans

Restaurant R'evolution

Chefs John Folse and Rick Tramonto came together to open this over-the-top, special occasion restaurant in the Quarter. Each glorious, well-appointed room represents a different influence on New Orleans cuisine. The sweeping menu includes the famed Death by Gumbo, caviar service, and quail three ways: Southern-Fried, boudin-stuffed, and absinthe-glazed. Be warned: R’evolution will raise the bar on what you expect from dining, but it’s expensive so don’t get addicted.

Open in Google Maps

777 Bienville St, New Orleans, LA

Visit Website

Trio of quail: Southern-Fried, boudin-stuffed, and absinthe-glazed.

Galatoire's

The front of the house is as important as the back of the house at this historic restaurant. Locals ask for their waiter by name upon entering the family-run staple that has long been known for lines down the street for Friday lunch. Word to the wise: Ask your waiter what to order and take that suggestion. Soft shell crab is a must when it’s in season.

209 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA

Visit Website

Inside a crowded main floor dining room at Galatoire’s for Friday lunch in 2015.

Also featured in:

Irene's

Irene’s may be in newish digs on Bienville Street, but this family-owned Creole Italian restaurant remains the gold standard for homey, cheesy Italian goodness. Open since 1992, Irene’s is much loved for its lasagne Bolognese and crispy duck St. Philip. Although it now accepts reservations, cutting down on the wait for a table, it’s still fun to have a martini in the piano bar before tucking into a feast.

529 Bienville St, New Orleans, LA 70130

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Beachbum Berry's Latitude 29

When tiki historian Jeff Beachbum Berry opened this fun upscale lounge in the Quarter in 2014, the cocktail world rejoiced. The award-winning bar program from the leading authority on tiki culture features dozens of resurrected tiki drinks, from Sinatra’s favorite sipper to crazy communal wonders. The cool, laid-back atmosphere and in-the-know staff have made it a favorite in the local service industry, as well as attracting national attention from entities like Tales of the Cocktail and Miracle Christmas, which has partnered with Berry for the now-annual Sippin’ Santa pop-up.

Open in Google Maps

321 N Peters St, New Orleans, LA 70130

Visit Website

Customers sit at a bar while a bartender makes drinks. — Latitude 29.

Also featured in:

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MaMou

942 N Rampart St, New Orleans, LA 70116

Since opening in late 2022, chef Tom Branighan and sommelier Molly Wismeier’s whimsical French restaurant has quickly become one of New Orleans’s most exciting new restaurants. Despite its humble, intimate corner space, it’s a fine-dining and wine world heavyweight, informed by both Branighan and Wismeier’s extensive experience around the country, and in New Orleans. Among the many elegant dishes, highlights include risotto with sauce Périgourdine, fennel sausage, and beet shoots; an escargot tartlet with suet and romesco; a salmon mi-cuit with buttermilk dill cream and carraway; and poisson a la Florentine with caviar beurre blanc and a parmesan wreath.

Open in Google Maps

942 N Rampart St, New Orleans, LA 70116

Visit Website

Escargot tartlet, blue crab remoulade, and fennel sausage risotto.

Bennachin

1212 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70116

If you’re exploring the French Quarter, Bennachin is a welcoming, casual option for comforting Gambian and Cameroonian specialties, many vegetarian-friendly, served in a cozy, funky space with eclectic furniture and colorful art covering the walls. It’s BYOB, but Sidney’s Wine Cellar is a few blocks away.

Open in Google Maps

1212 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70116

Visit Website

Dian Xin

1218 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116

Dian Xin has met the French Quarter’s need for excellent, traditional dim sum and fiery Sichuan flavors .From the original owners of Little Chinatown in Kenner, Diane Ceng and her family operate this simple but popular kitchen on Decatur Street with a two-page menu of bao, soups, chive cakes, jianbing, and shu mai, a solid neighborhood comfort food destination. There’s now a second location with new offerings on Conti, also in the Quarter.

Open in Google Maps

1218 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116

Xiao Long Baos at Dian Xin

Saint John

1117 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116

Eric Cook’s Saint John is certainly on the newer side when it comes to French Quarter dining, but it’s already growing into essential status. It’s one of the best new representations of contemporary Creole cuisine in the city, with a menu informed by 18th century Creole cookbooks, dishes like slow braised smothered turkey necks, chicken and shrimp maque choux, courtbouillon, whole fish almandine, and pork belly cassoulet. It’s a lovely destination for special occasion dining somewhat off the beaten path.

Open in Google Maps

1117 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116

Visit Website

Cafe Sbisa

1011 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA

Originally opened in 1899, this classic French-Creole restaurant is led by the talented Alfred Singleton, now chef and partner. Cafe Sbisa’s menu is old-school compared to many of the restaurants currently opening in the city, and the crab cakes are some of the best in town. Dinner, brunch, and small plates. Date night alert: this place is an atmospheric stunner, with original wood, intimate balcony and patio dining.

Open in Google Maps

1011 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA

Visit Website

Jewel of the South

1026 St Louis St, New Orleans, LA 70112

On the quieter outskirts of the Quarter, cocktail enthusiasts will be delighted to find an enchanting 19th-century Creole cottage that houses this beautiful cocktail bar and restaurant. Have a seat at the bar or in the Jewel of the South courtyard and sip some of the best cocktails in town — and while the drinks may have top billing due to its cocktail-expert founders, the food is also not to be missed, with tasting menus and other special dinners available from time to time.

Open in Google Maps

1026 St Louis St, New Orleans, LA 70112

Visit Website

Manolito

508 Dumaine St, New Orleans, LA 70116

Manolito is a Havana-inspired bar and cafe from a trio of top New Orleans restaurant and bar proprietors, and the vibe and drinks reflect the expertise behind it. Though the main attraction at Manolito would have to be its cocktails, the Cuban menu is worth your attention. One of Manolito’s best signature cocktails is the Jazz Daiquiri — made with Jamaican rum, lime, agave nectar, Creme de Cacao, and coffee beans, but all the drinks are fantastic. This spot is not to be missed.

Open in Google Maps

508 Dumaine St, New Orleans, LA 70116

Visit Website

A frozen drink in a glass with aloe leaves and a Luxardo cherry.

Palm and Pine

308 N Rampart St, New Orleans, LA 70112

Palm and Pine has officially established itself in the French Quarter after a few years on the scene. Its refreshing, ever-changing food offerings mix Southern, Central American, and South American influences, and has also become known for special menus, a late-night happy hour, and fresh, Caribbean-inspired cocktails. Try the crudo, Oaxacan mole, and any specials on tap.

Open in Google Maps

308 N Rampart St, New Orleans, LA 70112

Visit Website

Oaxacan mole from Palm and Pine.

Bayona

430 Dauphine St, New Orleans, LA 70112

One of the most refined options on the list, Bayona has been charming diners since Regina Keever and chef Susan Spicer opened the doors in 1990. Set in a 200-year-old Creole cottage in the heart of the Quarter, Bayona drips with romance, but the vibe is casual and inviting. Spicer’s award-winning global cuisine and a great wine list are ideal for a special lunch or a leisurely dinner on the patio.

430 Dauphine St, New Orleans, LA 70112

Visit Website

Colorado lamb carpaccio from Bayona

Sylvain

625 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA

This charming and romantic spot in the French Quarter is known for exceptional ambiance and satisfying, unexpected food, from a Southern fried chicken sandwich to a Champagne and fries special to refined versions of Southern classics. Sylvain’s beauty lies in the unpredictable, and ever-changing, twists weaved throughout the menu — and it’s all good.

625 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA

Visit Website

Brennan's

417 Royal St, New Orleans, LA

Famous for breakfast, Brennan’s stuns all day long under the leadership of owner Ralph Brennan and head chef Ryan Hacker. Six years ago, the historic restaurant went through a massive, multi-million dollar renovation that extended the bar area and brought the whole place up to date after ownership changed hands. No longer the old dowager of the French Quarter, this restaurant is now relevant and dazzling. But, by all means, try the bananas Foster. It’s well-known for a reason.

417 Royal St, New Orleans, LA

Visit Website

Brennan’s

Arnaud's Restaurant

813 Bienville St, New Orleans, LA

Arnaud’s is known for a few things. 1. It’s a historic restaurant in the French Quarter. 2. Its James Beard Award-winning bar, the French 75 bar. 3. The souffle potatoes with béarnaise sauce are among the best that can be found, anywhere. What’s not as well-known is that the rest of the restaurant’s dishes also impress. Try the oysters Ohan, which are baked with eggplant and andouille. Whatever you do, end your meal with a fire show and order the cafe brulot.

813 Bienville St, New Orleans, LA

Visit Website

Killer PoBoys

219 Dauphine St, New Orleans, LA 70112

Killer Poboys still rocks its original location at the rear of the Erin Rose bar, but the spot on Dauphine (next to the Museum of Death) has an expanded menu and a little more breathing room. The po’ boys range from barbecue chicken confit with coffee barbecue sauce and ranch slaw to seared gulf shrimp with coriander lime sauce to black beer debris. Vegetarian options, like a sweet potato po’ boy black-eyed pea and pecan spread and braised greens or a whiskey grilled cheese, are available and excellent — vegetarian or not.

219 Dauphine St, New Orleans, LA 70112

Visit Website

Barbecue Chicken Confit Po’ Boy — Barbecue chicken confit po’ boy.

GW Fins

808 Bienville St, New Orleans, LA

Fish is serious business at GW Fins, where chef Michael Nelson is a leading proponent for Gulf-to-plate dining and using the entire fish in innovative ways. The menu changes constantly, based on what fish is fresh and always sustainable, but recent menus can be viewed on the website. The lobster dumplings are delicious little clouds and are almost always on the menu, as is the Scalibut, its famed scallop-encrusted halibut dish.

808 Bienville St, New Orleans, LA

Visit Website

Chicken skin crusted fish.

Johnny's Po-Boys

511 St Louis St, New Orleans, LA 70130

Johnny’s is an unassuming classic, a counter-service spot with red and white checkered tablecloths and humble, paper-wrapped po’ boys. Stop in for a quick lunch and choose from over 30 kinds of sandwiches, like a shrimp and oyster po’boy or a Jack Cheese melt — it also serves a great, classic breakfast.

Open in Google Maps

511 St Louis St, New Orleans, LA 70130

Johnny’s Po-Boys

Related Maps

Restaurant R'evolution

777 Bienville St, New Orleans, LA

Chefs John Folse and Rick Tramonto came together to open this over-the-top, special occasion restaurant in the Quarter. Each glorious, well-appointed room represents a different influence on New Orleans cuisine. The sweeping menu includes the famed Death by Gumbo, caviar service, and quail three ways: Southern-Fried, boudin-stuffed, and absinthe-glazed. Be warned: R’evolution will raise the bar on what you expect from dining, but it’s expensive so don’t get addicted.

Open in Google Maps

777 Bienville St, New Orleans, LA

Visit Website

Trio of quail: Southern-Fried, boudin-stuffed, and absinthe-glazed.

Galatoire's

209 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA

The front of the house is as important as the back of the house at this historic restaurant. Locals ask for their waiter by name upon entering the family-run staple that has long been known for lines down the street for Friday lunch. Word to the wise: Ask your waiter what to order and take that suggestion. Soft shell crab is a must when it’s in season.

209 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA

Visit Website

Inside a crowded main floor dining room at Galatoire’s for Friday lunch in 2015.

Irene's

529 Bienville St, New Orleans, LA 70130

Irene’s may be in newish digs on Bienville Street, but this family-owned Creole Italian restaurant remains the gold standard for homey, cheesy Italian goodness. Open since 1992, Irene’s is much loved for its lasagne Bolognese and crispy duck St. Philip. Although it now accepts reservations, cutting down on the wait for a table, it’s still fun to have a martini in the piano bar before tucking into a feast.

529 Bienville St, New Orleans, LA 70130

Visit Website

Beachbum Berry's Latitude 29

321 N Peters St, New Orleans, LA 70130

When tiki historian Jeff Beachbum Berry opened this fun upscale lounge in the Quarter in 2014, the cocktail world rejoiced. The award-winning bar program from the leading authority on tiki culture features dozens of resurrected tiki drinks, from Sinatra’s favorite sipper to crazy communal wonders. The cool, laid-back atmosphere and in-the-know staff have made it a favorite in the local service industry, as well as attracting national attention from entities like Tales of the Cocktail and Miracle Christmas, which has partnered with Berry for the now-annual Sippin’ Santa pop-up.

Open in Google Maps

321 N Peters St, New Orleans, LA 70130

Visit Website

Customers sit at a bar while a bartender makes drinks. — Latitude 29.

Related Maps

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