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Where to Dine Solo in New Orleans

Where to eat when you’re on a date with yourself

by Beth D'Addono and Clair Lorell Updated
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LUVI
| LUVI/Official
by Beth D'Addono and Clair Lorell Updated

Dining solo can be an oasis of calm in an otherwise frantic day. A chance to center, savor and regroup without the distraction of making small talk. For a committed eater, it’s also the chance to taste exactly what is craved, without having to accommodate anyone else’s whims. That said, the best place to dine alone isn’t in the middle of a crowded dining room, surrounded by starry eyed couples, shrieking children, and rowdy groups. Here are some fab options that welcome solo diners and offer cozy seating for loners in the dining room and bar, from grabbing a bowl of pho to enjoying a four-course meal.

Did we miss your favorite spot to dine solo? Let us know.

Health experts consider dining out to be a high-risk activity for the unvaccinated; it may pose a risk for the vaccinated, especially in areas with substantial COVID transmission.

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Clancy's Restaurant

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This Uptown bastion of French-Creole cuisine is well known for its lively bar scene, and for good reason. Clancy’s is the kind of place where everybody knows everybody, so expect a few stares. That said, the bartenders are friendly, the food is traditional and good and the drinks are potent.

6100 Annunciation St, New Orleans, LA 70118
(504) 895-1111
(504) 895-1111
Clancy’s/Official Photo

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Station 6

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Chef Allison Vega-Knoll serves global finny flavors at Station 6 in Bucktown, so pull up a stool at the bar and get ready to feast. The New Orleans native is a wiz at tapas and small plates — otherwise try the gumbo and seared pompano. Love that the salads come in two sizes.

105 Metairie-Hammond Hwy, Metairie, LA 70005
(504) 345-2936
(504) 345-2936
Oysters at Station 6
Josh Brasted/Eater NOLA

Also featured in:

LUVI Restaurant

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LUVI is home to some of the best sushi in town, so settle in at chef Hao Gong’s curved raw bar and get ready for a treat. The Shanghai native, who worked for years at Sake Cafe, delivers brilliant takes on raw and nearly raw fish, pairing with the likes of cucumber and yuzu vinegar and pink dragon fruit. Shanghai comfort food also soars — dumplings, dan dan noodles, and bam bam chicken are just a few winners to try.

5236 Tchoupitoulas St, New Orleans, LA 70115
(504) 605-3340
(504) 605-3340
The chef’s counter at LUVI
Katherine Kimball/Eater NOLA

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Bearcat Cafe Uptown

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Bearcat is well-suited for a solo breakfast or lunch, with ample seating, coffee-shop style seating and options like chia pudding tofu scramble and chai pancakes with pecans, as well as a vegan-friendly menu. For lunch, sandwiches and bowls satisfy without weighing down.

2521 Jena St, New Orleans, LA 70115
(504) 309-9011
(504) 309-9011
Bearcat Cafe Uptown/Facebook

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Cafe Degas

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There are only four seats at the bar at this Bayou St. John fave, a haven of French bistro fare and warm hospitality. Snag one, and enjoy Cafe Degas’ specialties including duck breast salad, onion soup and crab salad.

3127 Esplanade Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119
(504) 945-5635
(504) 945-5635
Cafe Degas/Facebook

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Juan's Flying Burrito - LGD

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All three locations of locals favorite Juan’s Flying Burrito offer friendly bars where you can often catch fellow solo diners chowing down on chips and burritos. The original on Magazine Street in the LGD is dimly lit, with a narrow dining room lined with booths on both sides, and relaxed; solo diners can grub out in peace here.

2018 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 569-0000
(504) 569-0000

Also featured in:

Lilly's Café

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Being a longtime New Orleans lunch favorite, the dining room at Lilly’s on any given weekday is frequently occupied by solo diners slurping restorative bowls of pho on their lunch break, or before heading into their service jobs. You’ll never feel silly occupying a table here; staff is warm and friendly and the spacious dining room means you’re not adding to someone else’s wait.

1813 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 599-9999
(504) 599-9999

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Bourbon House

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The bar is an awesome spot to people watch at this solid Dickie Brennan restaurant on Bourbon Street. Then again a table by the upstairs rail on the balcony is also an ideal perch to eat crab cake Louis and charbroiled oyster pasta.

144 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 522-0111
(504) 522-0111
Bourbon House
Bourbon House
Bourbon House/Facebook

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Compère Lapin

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Chef Nina Compton’s award-winning restaurant in the Old No 77 Hotel & Chandlery features a bustling bar, a communal table and two-tops along the windows, all ideal for a solo snacker. Compere Lapin is a busy place with tons of action, thanks to stupendous cocktails and a menu of French Caribbean Creole delights. The cold smoked tuna tartare is a keeper.

535 Tchoupitoulas St, New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 599-2119
(504) 599-2119
Inside Compere Lapin
The bar seating at Compere Lapin
Josh Brasted/Eater New Orleans

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Emeril's

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Treat yourself to a meal at Emeril Lagasse’s flagship restaurant and you’re likely to encounter other solo diners on a fine-dining outing; whether people in town for conventions sneaking away for a breather and glass of wine or a resident looking to experience the legendary spot for the first time. The bar is particularly appealing, tucked to the side near the entrance, but table-dining alone will also feel natural — each table is somewhat intimate, and the vibe is low-key. If there’s ever a time to order personal caviar service, now is it.

800 Tchoupitoulas St, New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 528-9393
(504) 528-9393
Emeril’s

Also featured in:

Brennan's

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Retreat to Brennan’s Roost Bar, a tropical oasis with painted flamingos, parrots and macaws. Savor the likes of baked oysters, tea-brined chicken wings, and cheddar gourgeres during Bubbles at Brennan’s, the promo offered Thursday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the bar and lovely courtyard.

417 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 525-9711
(504) 525-9711
brennans
Brennan’s
Josh Brasted/Eater NOLA

Also featured in:

Bennachin

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If you’re exploring the French Quarter, Bennachin is one of the most welcoming options for solo diners, both in atmosphere and food. Comforting Gambian and Cameroonian specialties, many vegetarian-friendly, are 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.

1212 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70116
(504) 522-1230
(504) 522-1230
Bennachin

Also featured in:

Arabella Casa Di Pasta

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This quiet St. Claude Avenue pasta staple has a long, comfortable bar and friendly bartenders, great for a casual solo outing of fresh pastas and Italian small plates. As a bonus, it’s super affordable, so there doesn’t have to be an occasion in order to take yourself out.

2258 St Claude Ave, New Orleans, LA 70117
(504) 533-9223
(504) 533-9223
Josh Brasted/Eater NOLA

Also featured in:

The Franklin

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This suave neighborhood spot in the Marigny is a locals favorite for inventive dining and good drinks and wine. The Franklin’s bar is the best, a relaxing spot to slurp oysters and drink martinis during happy hour. A menu of interesting starters (grilled lamb ribs, Gulf fish crudo) is a swell alternative to eating an entree.

2600 Dauphine St, New Orleans, LA 70117
(504) 267-0640
(504) 267-0640
The Franklin Burger
The Franklin/Official Photo

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Clancy's Restaurant

6100 Annunciation St, New Orleans, LA 70118

This Uptown bastion of French-Creole cuisine is well known for its lively bar scene, and for good reason. Clancy’s is the kind of place where everybody knows everybody, so expect a few stares. That said, the bartenders are friendly, the food is traditional and good and the drinks are potent.

6100 Annunciation St, New Orleans, LA 70118
(504) 895-1111
(504) 895-1111
Clancy’s/Official Photo

Station 6

105 Metairie-Hammond Hwy, Metairie, LA 70005

Chef Allison Vega-Knoll serves global finny flavors at Station 6 in Bucktown, so pull up a stool at the bar and get ready to feast. The New Orleans native is a wiz at tapas and small plates — otherwise try the gumbo and seared pompano. Love that the salads come in two sizes.

105 Metairie-Hammond Hwy, Metairie, LA 70005
(504) 345-2936
(504) 345-2936
Oysters at Station 6
Josh Brasted/Eater NOLA

LUVI Restaurant

5236 Tchoupitoulas St, New Orleans, LA 70115

LUVI is home to some of the best sushi in town, so settle in at chef Hao Gong’s curved raw bar and get ready for a treat. The Shanghai native, who worked for years at Sake Cafe, delivers brilliant takes on raw and nearly raw fish, pairing with the likes of cucumber and yuzu vinegar and pink dragon fruit. Shanghai comfort food also soars — dumplings, dan dan noodles, and bam bam chicken are just a few winners to try.

5236 Tchoupitoulas St, New Orleans, LA 70115
(504) 605-3340
(504) 605-3340
The chef’s counter at LUVI
Katherine Kimball/Eater NOLA

Bearcat Cafe Uptown

2521 Jena St, New Orleans, LA 70115

Bearcat is well-suited for a solo breakfast or lunch, with ample seating, coffee-shop style seating and options like chia pudding tofu scramble and chai pancakes with pecans, as well as a vegan-friendly menu. For lunch, sandwiches and bowls satisfy without weighing down.

2521 Jena St, New Orleans, LA 70115
(504) 309-9011
(504) 309-9011
Bearcat Cafe Uptown/Facebook

Cafe Degas

3127 Esplanade Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119

There are only four seats at the bar at this Bayou St. John fave, a haven of French bistro fare and warm hospitality. Snag one, and enjoy Cafe Degas’ specialties including duck breast salad, onion soup and crab salad.

3127 Esplanade Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119
(504) 945-5635
(504) 945-5635
Cafe Degas/Facebook

Juan's Flying Burrito - LGD

2018 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130

All three locations of locals favorite Juan’s Flying Burrito offer friendly bars where you can often catch fellow solo diners chowing down on chips and burritos. The original on Magazine Street in the LGD is dimly lit, with a narrow dining room lined with booths on both sides, and relaxed; solo diners can grub out in peace here.

2018 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 569-0000
(504) 569-0000

Lilly's Café

1813 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130

Being a longtime New Orleans lunch favorite, the dining room at Lilly’s on any given weekday is frequently occupied by solo diners slurping restorative bowls of pho on their lunch break, or before heading into their service jobs. You’ll never feel silly occupying a table here; staff is warm and friendly and the spacious dining room means you’re not adding to someone else’s wait.

1813 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 599-9999
(504) 599-9999

Bourbon House

144 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70130

The bar is an awesome spot to people watch at this solid Dickie Brennan restaurant on Bourbon Street. Then again a table by the upstairs rail on the balcony is also an ideal perch to eat crab cake Louis and charbroiled oyster pasta.

144 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 522-0111
(504) 522-0111
Bourbon House
Bourbon House
Bourbon House/Facebook

Compère Lapin

535 Tchoupitoulas St, New Orleans, LA 70130

Chef Nina Compton’s award-winning restaurant in the Old No 77 Hotel & Chandlery features a bustling bar, a communal table and two-tops along the windows, all ideal for a solo snacker. Compere Lapin is a busy place with tons of action, thanks to stupendous cocktails and a menu of French Caribbean Creole delights. The cold smoked tuna tartare is a keeper.

535 Tchoupitoulas St, New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 599-2119
(504) 599-2119
Inside Compere Lapin
The bar seating at Compere Lapin
Josh Brasted/Eater New Orleans

Emeril's

800 Tchoupitoulas St, New Orleans, LA 70130

Treat yourself to a meal at Emeril Lagasse’s flagship restaurant and you’re likely to encounter other solo diners on a fine-dining outing; whether people in town for conventions sneaking away for a breather and glass of wine or a resident looking to experience the legendary spot for the first time. The bar is particularly appealing, tucked to the side near the entrance, but table-dining alone will also feel natural — each table is somewhat intimate, and the vibe is low-key. If there’s ever a time to order personal caviar service, now is it.

800 Tchoupitoulas St, New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 528-9393
(504) 528-9393
Emeril’s

Brennan's

417 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70130

Retreat to Brennan’s Roost Bar, a tropical oasis with painted flamingos, parrots and macaws. Savor the likes of baked oysters, tea-brined chicken wings, and cheddar gourgeres during Bubbles at Brennan’s, the promo offered Thursday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the bar and lovely courtyard.

417 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 525-9711
(504) 525-9711
brennans
Brennan’s
Josh Brasted/Eater NOLA

Bennachin

1212 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70116

If you’re exploring the French Quarter, Bennachin is one of the most welcoming options for solo diners, both in atmosphere and food. Comforting Gambian and Cameroonian specialties, many vegetarian-friendly, are 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.

1212 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70116
(504) 522-1230
(504) 522-1230
Bennachin

Arabella Casa Di Pasta

2258 St Claude Ave, New Orleans, LA 70117

This quiet St. Claude Avenue pasta staple has a long, comfortable bar and friendly bartenders, great for a casual solo outing of fresh pastas and Italian small plates. As a bonus, it’s super affordable, so there doesn’t have to be an occasion in order to take yourself out.

2258 St Claude Ave, New Orleans, LA 70117
(504) 533-9223
(504) 533-9223
Josh Brasted/Eater NOLA

The Franklin

2600 Dauphine St, New Orleans, LA 70117

This suave neighborhood spot in the Marigny is a locals favorite for inventive dining and good drinks and wine. The Franklin’s bar is the best, a relaxing spot to slurp oysters and drink martinis during happy hour. A menu of interesting starters (grilled lamb ribs, Gulf fish crudo) is a swell alternative to eating an entree.

2600 Dauphine St, New Orleans, LA 70117
(504) 267-0640
(504) 267-0640
The Franklin Burger
The Franklin/Official Photo

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