This isn’t every restaurant in New Orleans, of course. It is a few of the places that we know have some combination of world-class chefs and distinctively local New Orleans flavor. Okay, this isn’t anywhere near an exhaustive list even by these criteria. We’ll try to add to this list when we get the time. But here are a few places that would be good to visit:
CAFÉ at the Square
500 St. Charles Avenue
504/ 304-7831 Open: M-F 7am-2pm, Sat-Sun 8am-2pm
Breakfast, lunch, weekend brunch, catering –local comfort food and full bar.
Carmo
527 Julia Street
504/ 875-4132 Open: T-Sat 11:30am – 3pm
Carmo is a tropical café built upon the rich, multi-cultural culinary influences found throughout the Caribbean, Central and S. America, Gulf South, Southeast Asia, West Africa & beyond. The menu features uniquely-flavorful dishes which are both healthy and satisfying, and which cater to vegans, vegetarian and omnivorous palates.
COCHON / COCHON BUTCHER
930 Tchoupitoulas St
504/ 588-2123 Open: Lunch & Dinner M-F 11–10 Dinner Sat 5:30-10
Cochon offers true Cajun and Southern cooking—the food is focused and simple, roast meats with natural sauces, homemade boudin and andouille, and seafood delivered fresh by local fishermen. Cochon Butcher specializes in house made artisan meats and sausages, serves specialty sandwiches, small plates and offers eclectic wines and local brews.
HERBSAINT
701 St. Charles Avenue
504/ 524-4114 Open: Lunch: M-F 11:30-1:30 Dinner: M-Sat 5:30-10
Simply prepared yet creative dishes; affordable yet distinctive wines; and a spirited, informal atmosphere. A contemporary take on French-American “bistro” food by Chef/Owner Donald Link, named “Best Chef South” by the James Beard Foundation.
LA BOCA
857 Fulton St 504/ 525-8205 Open: M-W 6-10 Th-Sat 6-12
Argentine style steakhouse opened by the owners of Rio Mar with a variety of meats and home-made pasta.
LEONARDO TRATTORIA
709 St. Charles Avenue
504/ 558-8986 Open: M-TH 11-10pm; F-S 11-11 Call for Sunday Hours
The only authentic Sicilian Trattoria in New Orleans! Chef Leonardo Daniele brings together Sicilian classics and sophisticated contemporary fare in a fun-filled family atmosphere.
MULATE’S, THE ORIGINAL CAJUN
RESTAURANT
201 Julia Street
504/ 522-1492 Open: Sun-Th 11-10 F-Sat 11-11
For a true taste of Cajun culture, come to the restaurant that made it famous! Authentic Cajun cuisine, live Cajun music and dancing nightly!
PJ’s COFFEE & Tea Company
644 Camp Street
504/ 529-3658
Open: M-F 6:30-5, Sat-Sun 6:30-2
https://www.pjscoffee.com/
The first PJ’s Coffee Shop opened in New Orleans in 1978. It quickly became a
local favorite for fresh brewed coffee, tea and fresh pastries. Their
second location is at the World War II Museum, 945 Magazine St. 504/ 525-0522.
THE AMERICAN SECTOR AT THE NATIONAL WORLD WAR II MUSEUM
945 Magazine Street
504/ 528-1940
Open: Sun-Th 11-9, F-Sat 11-11
Chef John Besh puts a sassy new spin on classic American cuisine! Open 7 days for lunch, dinner, snacks, and spirits. Don’t miss the “R&R” Happy Hour.
TOMMY’S CUISINE & WINE BAR
746 Tchoupitoulas Street
504/ 581-1103 Open: Sun-Th 5:30-10, F-Sat 5:30-11
Upscale restaurant featuring classic Creole and distinctive Italian cuisine, imported to New Orleans by immigrants in the late 1800’s. ‘Next to Parisians, the people of New Orleans have the most refined taste for food of any city in the world.” – Chef Paul Bocuse