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A maki roll with ginger and wasabi on a wood plan next to a bowl of ohitashi. — Sukeban is one of Lengua Madre chef Ana Castro’s favorite New Orleans restaurants.

Where New Orleans’s Top Chefs Chow Down Around Town

Go-to restaurants for chefs like Nina Compton, Ana Castro, and Mason Hereford

by Beth D'Addono Jun 22, 2023, 1:20pm CDT

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Sukeban is one of Lengua Madre chef Ana Castro’s favorite New Orleans restaurants.

| Randy Schmidt/Eater NOLA

by Beth D'Addono Jun 22, 2023, 1:20pm CDT

Spy a chef eating at the next table over, and the validation does a body good. Chances are, if a chef is spending precious downtime grazing at a favorite haunt, the eats are good, damn good.

Whether exploring a new restaurant, a trending pop-up, or visiting a business owned or managed by a pal, New Orleans chefs get around. Here are just a few real-deal restaurants beloved by local tastemakers.

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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.

Yummy House

For Sam Perry, the exuberant chef behind the breezy coastal French brasserie King and all things culinary at Kimpton Hotel Fontenot, his current craving is in Kenner. “My favorite place to eat right now is Yummy House on Loyola Drive. in Kenner. And my absolute favorite dish is the chilled jellyfish and ham hock appetizer. It has pineapple, cucumber, and cilantro and the texture of the jellyfish is crunchy and awesome.” He’s also a sucker for hot and sour soup at 9 Roses in Gretna and the smoked beef tongue at Marjie’s.

3000 Loyola Dr, Kenner, LA 70065

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Mosca's Restaurant

Chef Alon Shaya heads towards Westwego when he takes a break from his Pomegranate Hospitality restaurants Saba, Miss River, and Chandelier Bar at Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans. He is nuts over Mosca’s. “My favorite is oysters Mosca with spaghetti Bordelaise on top,” he says. Also on the West Bank, it’s Tan Dinh for spicy tofu shaken in spicy lemongrass sauce.

4137 US-90 West, Westwego, LA 70094

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27 Classic Restaurants Every New Orleanian Must Try

Cathay Inn Imperial

Cathay Inn on Airline Highway is generational for One11 Hotel chef de cuisine Kelly Grillot. When he’s not cooking at home for his partner and their little one, the craving is Chinese. “My family would always eat there when we were kids so it brings back fond memories,” says the chef. For a kid-free night, it’s Turtle Bay for a steak and an adult beverage, and a nightcap at his local bar, Pink St. Pub.

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6501 Airline Dr, Metairie, LA 70003

Frostop Clearview

Breakaways R&B chef Paul Artigues and his wife/business partner Olivia Rochon Artigues have a standing lunch date most Tuesdays, when their funky Marigny hotspot is closed. When Olivia was pregnant with their daughter Josephine, she craved cow and only the best would do. “We’d always go to Frostop for burgers, fries, and root beer. Now we go with the babe.” The former Green Goddess chef is crazy for the burgers with perfectly thin sliced onions, washed down with a milkshake.

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810 Clearview Pkwy, Metairie, LA 70001

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Kabob House NOLA

When chef Sophina Uong tears herself away from the always jammin’ Mister Mao, she’s not looking for fancy. “I live on Kabab House,” says the Cambodian-born chef, who loves her some shawarma and kofta kababs. Almasgoof is another Metairie Mediterranean haunt. Her go-to for Indian fare is Plume in Algiers Point, chef Tyler Stuart and Merritt Coscia’s hub for regional South Asian fare.

4301 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Metairie, LA 70006

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13 Halal-Friendly Dining Destinations in and Around New Orleans

Sukeban

Lengua Madre chef Ana Castro keeps plenty busy creating five-course tasting menus rooted in traditional Mexican cuisine. When she does take off, the chef craves an umami indulgence. “Sukeban! I like to treat myself to rice with toro and caviar and some sake,” says the chef, a huge fan of chef Jacqueline Blanchard’s pristine izakaya.

8126 Oak St, New Orleans, LA 70118

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Patois

The Bower chef Marcus Woodham is a big supporter of the Uptown restaurant Patois. “Chefs Aaron Burgau and Jonathan Lomonaco put out a locally sourced menu cooked from the soul,” Woodham says. He’s also a fan of Kingpin. “It’s a great dive bar Uptown that has food trucks pop up almost nightly. Chances are you will run into a chef, server, or bartender that served you earlier that evening here. Good choice for a Saints game.” He takes his kiddos to Blue Oak for the barbecue beans, mac-n-cheese, and smoked chicken. For dessert, Hansen’s Sno-Bliz. “Don’t let the line scare you. It’s just a chance to meet new friends while waiting. I’ve only ever had the satsuma sno-ball, it’s too damn good to try anything else. Pop the tailgate on the truck and enjoy.”

6078 Laurel St, New Orleans, LA 70118

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New Orleans’s Most Romantic Restaurants

Saffron

“Creole cuisine is ever-evolving,” says Jack Rose chef Brian Landry. “With their restaurant Saffron, the Vilkhu family is helping define what modern Creole cuisine can be by highlighting local fare and delicacies throughout their modern Indian menu. The oyster bed roast and curried seafood gumbo should not be missed.”

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4128 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115

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Saffron NOLA's oysters with naan — Saffron NOLA’s oysters with naan.

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Mattina Bella Restaurant

When Higgins Hotel executive chef Virgile Brandel takes the family to brunch, the sweet spot is Mattina Bella, a low-key breakfast charmer in Covington. He advises ordering the crawfish Benedict. For later in the day, he heads to Tchefuncte’s for a glass of Champagne and river views. “We love going to Compere Lapin in New Orleans for great food and atmosphere. And close to the hotel, the St. James Cheese Company is the perfect spot for cheese and wine.”

421 E Gibson St, Covington, LA 70433

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Toups Meatery

Hayley VanVleet, catering chef at Gris-Gris to Go Go and founding chef at Belle Epoque, has a strong frontrunner. “My favorite place to eat on my day off has to be Toups Meatery. There is something special about the lamb neck, it absolutely slaps down every iteration of the dish that I have had, so tender and succulent! And I never leave Toups without an order of cracklins to go, their recipe is the absolute best in the city.”

845 N Carrollton Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119

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Crispy turkey necks.

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Flour Moon Bagels

When she has a precious day off, Copper Vine chef Amy Mehrtens loves starting her day at Flour Moon Bagels for pumpernickel bagels. She’s also a fan of Lilly’s Café for pho, with extra crispy shallots and vegetables, and Liuzza’s by the Track for shrimp po’ boy. “I add the garlic butter!” She seeks out pals like chef Eric Cook at Gris-Gris, chef Mack Broquet at Yo Nashi, or chef Serigne Mbaye at Dakar NOLA. “And I can’t live without crispy pork knuckles at Marjie’s Grill, soup dumplings at Dian Xin, and a #3 meatball banh mi from Hong Kong Market.”

457 N Dorgenois St, New Orleans, LA 70119

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McHardy's Chicken & Fixin'

Innovative chef Mason Hereford is one busy guy, working with his creative teams at Molly’s Rise and Shine, Turkey and the Wolf, and his new funky ’80s resto-lounge Hungry Eyes. But he makes time for Mchardy’s Chicken and Fixin’, hands down his fave around town. “I also had a dope meal the other night from Budsi’s,” Marigny’s Thai hotspot, Hereford says.

1458 N Broad St, New Orleans, LA 70119

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The Bower

“I love hitting up the Bower for happy hour and some cocktails with friends,” says Saint John chef Daren Porretto. “The GM Andrea Dominach is a friend and always shows great hospitality, which is just what I need after a long day at work.”

1320 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130

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La Boca Steakhouse

When he needs to turn his brain off and enjoy dinner, Coquette chef/owner Michael Stoltzfus heads to La Boca for consistently delicious skirt steak, asparagus, and sweetbreads. “Enjoying food as a diner is so important as a chef. Also, a burger and a martini at Houston’s is a go-to for its excellent service. As someone who continually works to evolve a menu, it’s nice to have an experience where you can expect a good meal each time.”

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870 Tchoupitoulas St, New Orleans, LA 70130

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21 of New Orleans’s Finest Restaurants for Group Dinners and Private Parties

Budsi’s Authentic Thai

Mike Hampton, chef de cuisine at Cane & Table in the Quarter, has a solid go-to. “I’m at Budsi’s Authentic Thai nearly every week. I love the space, the vibe, and of course, the food. At this point, I’ve probably had everything on the menu, and it’s all great, But there’s one dish I get every time. The bamboo shoot salad! It’s hands down one of my fave dishes in the city. It’s like sautéed bamboo shoots with chili, fish sauce, and lime. So good.” Bakery Bar chef Lydia Solano concurs. “My favorite place to eat in town when the timing is right. I love their drunken noodles and the crispy pork never disappoints.”

1760 N Rampart St, New Orleans, LA 70116

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Paladar 511

Palladar 511 is a favorite of many chefs around town, much loved for its solid modern Italian menu that is just about perfect, every single time. Melissa Araujo is in that number. The chef/owner of Alma in Bywater and Oscar, the casual kitchen in Pirogue’s Whisky Bar in Arabi, adores the arancini, squid ink spaghetti pappardelle, and spicy pork sausage ragu with basil and parmesan.

511 Marigny St, New Orleans, LA 70117

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Bao & Noodle

“Pre-pandemic, the restaurant I would find myself at most frequently was Bao & Noodle in the Marigny,” recalls Brian Burns, Osteria Lupo. He and chef Doug Crowell worked together at Herbsaint back in the day. ”Doug and his team produce some of the most interesting, delicious, and consistent food in the city.” Although now open for takeout only Friday and Saturday evenings, rumor has it that hours will expand this summer. “I can’t wait to put it back in regular rotation,” Burns says.

2266 St Claude Ave, New Orleans, LA 70117

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Small Mart

When Compere Lapin and Bywater American Bistro chef Nina Compton is zipping around on her red scooter, she points it towards Small Mart, the bagel and vegan emporium, on Chartres Street (just a few blocks from Bywater American Bistro). “Larry and I like to cook simple meals at home like roasted chicken and vegetables from the garden,” says the chef. “But I can’t live without Small Mart, it really sets my day off right.” The couple also love Addis and Jewel of the South, “when we want to dine with our pinkies out,” says Compton.

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2700 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70117

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Bywater American Bistro

For a neighborhood spot, BABs is a go-to for Shannon Bingham, chef and pitmaster at new downtown barbecue destination Devil Moon BBQ. “We live a few blocks away and my daughter is hooked on their spaghetti al pomodoro. It’s a frequent family dinner destination. R&O’s in Bucktown is also a personal day-off favorite.”

2900 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70117

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The chef’s counter at Bywater American Bistro.

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Yummy House

3000 Loyola Dr, Kenner, LA 70065

For Sam Perry, the exuberant chef behind the breezy coastal French brasserie King and all things culinary at Kimpton Hotel Fontenot, his current craving is in Kenner. “My favorite place to eat right now is Yummy House on Loyola Drive. in Kenner. And my absolute favorite dish is the chilled jellyfish and ham hock appetizer. It has pineapple, cucumber, and cilantro and the texture of the jellyfish is crunchy and awesome.” He’s also a sucker for hot and sour soup at 9 Roses in Gretna and the smoked beef tongue at Marjie’s.

3000 Loyola Dr, Kenner, LA 70065

Visit Website

Mosca's Restaurant

4137 US-90 West, Westwego, LA 70094

Chef Alon Shaya heads towards Westwego when he takes a break from his Pomegranate Hospitality restaurants Saba, Miss River, and Chandelier Bar at Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans. He is nuts over Mosca’s. “My favorite is oysters Mosca with spaghetti Bordelaise on top,” he says. Also on the West Bank, it’s Tan Dinh for spicy tofu shaken in spicy lemongrass sauce.

4137 US-90 West, Westwego, LA 70094

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Mosca’s Restaurant (@moscas1946)

Cathay Inn Imperial

6501 Airline Dr, Metairie, LA 70003

Cathay Inn on Airline Highway is generational for One11 Hotel chef de cuisine Kelly Grillot. When he’s not cooking at home for his partner and their little one, the craving is Chinese. “My family would always eat there when we were kids so it brings back fond memories,” says the chef. For a kid-free night, it’s Turtle Bay for a steak and an adult beverage, and a nightcap at his local bar, Pink St. Pub.

Open in Google Maps

6501 Airline Dr, Metairie, LA 70003

Frostop Clearview

810 Clearview Pkwy, Metairie, LA 70001

Breakaways R&B chef Paul Artigues and his wife/business partner Olivia Rochon Artigues have a standing lunch date most Tuesdays, when their funky Marigny hotspot is closed. When Olivia was pregnant with their daughter Josephine, she craved cow and only the best would do. “We’d always go to Frostop for burgers, fries, and root beer. Now we go with the babe.” The former Green Goddess chef is crazy for the burgers with perfectly thin sliced onions, washed down with a milkshake.

Open in Google Maps

810 Clearview Pkwy, Metairie, LA 70001

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Frostop on Clearview (@frostopclearview)

Kabob House NOLA

4301 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Metairie, LA 70006

When chef Sophina Uong tears herself away from the always jammin’ Mister Mao, she’s not looking for fancy. “I live on Kabab House,” says the Cambodian-born chef, who loves her some shawarma and kofta kababs. Almasgoof is another Metairie Mediterranean haunt. Her go-to for Indian fare is Plume in Algiers Point, chef Tyler Stuart and Merritt Coscia’s hub for regional South Asian fare.

4301 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Metairie, LA 70006

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kabob House (@kabobhousenola)

Sukeban

8126 Oak St, New Orleans, LA 70118

Lengua Madre chef Ana Castro keeps plenty busy creating five-course tasting menus rooted in traditional Mexican cuisine. When she does take off, the chef craves an umami indulgence. “Sukeban! I like to treat myself to rice with toro and caviar and some sake,” says the chef, a huge fan of chef Jacqueline Blanchard’s pristine izakaya.

8126 Oak St, New Orleans, LA 70118

Visit Website

Patois

6078 Laurel St, New Orleans, LA 70118

The Bower chef Marcus Woodham is a big supporter of the Uptown restaurant Patois. “Chefs Aaron Burgau and Jonathan Lomonaco put out a locally sourced menu cooked from the soul,” Woodham says. He’s also a fan of Kingpin. “It’s a great dive bar Uptown that has food trucks pop up almost nightly. Chances are you will run into a chef, server, or bartender that served you earlier that evening here. Good choice for a Saints game.” He takes his kiddos to Blue Oak for the barbecue beans, mac-n-cheese, and smoked chicken. For dessert, Hansen’s Sno-Bliz. “Don’t let the line scare you. It’s just a chance to meet new friends while waiting. I’ve only ever had the satsuma sno-ball, it’s too damn good to try anything else. Pop the tailgate on the truck and enjoy.”

6078 Laurel St, New Orleans, LA 70118

Visit Website

Saffron

4128 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115

“Creole cuisine is ever-evolving,” says Jack Rose chef Brian Landry. “With their restaurant Saffron, the Vilkhu family is helping define what modern Creole cuisine can be by highlighting local fare and delicacies throughout their modern Indian menu. The oyster bed roast and curried seafood gumbo should not be missed.”

Open in Google Maps

4128 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115

Visit Website

Saffron NOLA's oysters with naan — Saffron NOLA’s oysters with naan.

Mattina Bella Restaurant

421 E Gibson St, Covington, LA 70433

When Higgins Hotel executive chef Virgile Brandel takes the family to brunch, the sweet spot is Mattina Bella, a low-key breakfast charmer in Covington. He advises ordering the crawfish Benedict. For later in the day, he heads to Tchefuncte’s for a glass of Champagne and river views. “We love going to Compere Lapin in New Orleans for great food and atmosphere. And close to the hotel, the St. James Cheese Company is the perfect spot for cheese and wine.”

421 E Gibson St, Covington, LA 70433

Visit Website

Toups Meatery

845 N Carrollton Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119

Hayley VanVleet, catering chef at Gris-Gris to Go Go and founding chef at Belle Epoque, has a strong frontrunner. “My favorite place to eat on my day off has to be Toups Meatery. There is something special about the lamb neck, it absolutely slaps down every iteration of the dish that I have had, so tender and succulent! And I never leave Toups without an order of cracklins to go, their recipe is the absolute best in the city.”

845 N Carrollton Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119

Visit Website

Crispy turkey necks.

Flour Moon Bagels

457 N Dorgenois St, New Orleans, LA 70119

When she has a precious day off, Copper Vine chef Amy Mehrtens loves starting her day at Flour Moon Bagels for pumpernickel bagels. She’s also a fan of Lilly’s Café for pho, with extra crispy shallots and vegetables, and Liuzza’s by the Track for shrimp po’ boy. “I add the garlic butter!” She seeks out pals like chef Eric Cook at Gris-Gris, chef Mack Broquet at Yo Nashi, or chef Serigne Mbaye at Dakar NOLA. “And I can’t live without crispy pork knuckles at Marjie’s Grill, soup dumplings at Dian Xin, and a #3 meatball banh mi from Hong Kong Market.”

457 N Dorgenois St, New Orleans, LA 70119

Visit Website

McHardy's Chicken & Fixin'

1458 N Broad St, New Orleans, LA 70119

Innovative chef Mason Hereford is one busy guy, working with his creative teams at Molly’s Rise and Shine, Turkey and the Wolf, and his new funky ’80s resto-lounge Hungry Eyes. But he makes time for Mchardy’s Chicken and Fixin’, hands down his fave around town. “I also had a dope meal the other night from Budsi’s,” Marigny’s Thai hotspot, Hereford says.

1458 N Broad St, New Orleans, LA 70119

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Mchardys Chicken (@mchardyschicken)

The Bower

1320 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130

“I love hitting up the Bower for happy hour and some cocktails with friends,” says Saint John chef Daren Porretto. “The GM Andrea Dominach is a friend and always shows great hospitality, which is just what I need after a long day at work.”

1320 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130

Visit Website

La Boca Steakhouse

870 Tchoupitoulas St, New Orleans, LA 70130

When he needs to turn his brain off and enjoy dinner, Coquette chef/owner Michael Stoltzfus heads to La Boca for consistently delicious skirt steak, asparagus, and sweetbreads. “Enjoying food as a diner is so important as a chef. Also, a burger and a martini at Houston’s is a go-to for its excellent service. As someone who continually works to evolve a menu, it’s nice to have an experience where you can expect a good meal each time.”

Open in Google Maps

870 Tchoupitoulas St, New Orleans, LA 70130

Visit Website

Budsi’s Authentic Thai

1760 N Rampart St, New Orleans, LA 70116

Mike Hampton, chef de cuisine at Cane & Table in the Quarter, has a solid go-to. “I’m at Budsi’s Authentic Thai nearly every week. I love the space, the vibe, and of course, the food. At this point, I’ve probably had everything on the menu, and it’s all great, But there’s one dish I get every time. The bamboo shoot salad! It’s hands down one of my fave dishes in the city. It’s like sautéed bamboo shoots with chili, fish sauce, and lime. So good.” Bakery Bar chef Lydia Solano concurs. “My favorite place to eat in town when the timing is right. I love their drunken noodles and the crispy pork never disappoints.”

1760 N Rampart St, New Orleans, LA 70116

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Budsisauthenticthai (@budsisauthenticthai)

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Paladar 511

511 Marigny St, New Orleans, LA 70117

Palladar 511 is a favorite of many chefs around town, much loved for its solid modern Italian menu that is just about perfect, every single time. Melissa Araujo is in that number. The chef/owner of Alma in Bywater and Oscar, the casual kitchen in Pirogue’s Whisky Bar in Arabi, adores the arancini, squid ink spaghetti pappardelle, and spicy pork sausage ragu with basil and parmesan.

511 Marigny St, New Orleans, LA 70117

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Paladar 511 (@paladar511)

Bao & Noodle

2266 St Claude Ave, New Orleans, LA 70117

“Pre-pandemic, the restaurant I would find myself at most frequently was Bao & Noodle in the Marigny,” recalls Brian Burns, Osteria Lupo. He and chef Doug Crowell worked together at Herbsaint back in the day. ”Doug and his team produce some of the most interesting, delicious, and consistent food in the city.” Although now open for takeout only Friday and Saturday evenings, rumor has it that hours will expand this summer. “I can’t wait to put it back in regular rotation,” Burns says.

2266 St Claude Ave, New Orleans, LA 70117

Visit Website

Small Mart

2700 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70117

When Compere Lapin and Bywater American Bistro chef Nina Compton is zipping around on her red scooter, she points it towards Small Mart, the bagel and vegan emporium, on Chartres Street (just a few blocks from Bywater American Bistro). “Larry and I like to cook simple meals at home like roasted chicken and vegetables from the garden,” says the chef. “But I can’t live without Small Mart, it really sets my day off right.” The couple also love Addis and Jewel of the South, “when we want to dine with our pinkies out,” says Compton.

Open in Google Maps

2700 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70117

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Small Mart Cafe (@smallmart)

Bywater American Bistro

2900 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70117

For a neighborhood spot, BABs is a go-to for Shannon Bingham, chef and pitmaster at new downtown barbecue destination Devil Moon BBQ. “We live a few blocks away and my daughter is hooked on their spaghetti al pomodoro. It’s a frequent family dinner destination. R&O’s in Bucktown is also a personal day-off favorite.”

2900 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70117

Visit Website

The chef’s counter at Bywater American Bistro.

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