Where to Eat in New Orleans: From Dives to Fine Dining

Because I fell head over heels in love with New Orleans cuisine, and because I want to spread my love of food far and wide across all of the land, I’m passing on to you my completely top-secret, completely awesome list of where to eat in New Orleans. My favorite thing about New Orleans (other than my legendary stay at the beautiful, centrally located *Hyatt Centric French Quarter, of course) was the food.

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Where to eat in New Orleans – Breakfast/Brunch – $

I’m not at all ashamed to admit that I dined at The Ruby Slipper Café twice for breakfast during my week in New Orleans. It was just that good. Indulgence, Southern cooking, deliciousness. What else can a person ask for? Originally, I came here for the Bananas Foster Pain Perdu, but each time, something else caught my eye… So I’m going to have to go back for it one day, I suppose. And I really don’t mind if I do. I ordered the Chicken St. Charles, which is “crispy chicken breast over a buttermilk biscuit, topped with poached eggs, finished with a Tasso cream sauce,” and it savory, creamy, and all wrong for my healthy diet. But it was so right. I don’t really have words to tell you how utterly delicious my breakfast was that day. All I can say is I’m not sure which breakfast was better, that one, or my Eggs Cochon, which is “slow-cooked apple-braised pork debris sitting on a homemade buttermilk biscuit, topped with poached eggs, finished with hollandaise.” There’s no better way to start your day in New Orleans than at The Ruby Slipper Café; trust me on this one.

Where to eat in New Orleans – Lunch/Dinner – $$

Café Amelie is somewhere that you can eat for lunch or dinner, but it just so happens that I was able to get a table at lunchtime. I had to wait about 40 minutes, but it was worth it. This place is popular amongst locals and tourists, and that is because it is great. I would certainly recommend calling ahead to try and snag a reservation. Café Amelie features the most darling French-style outdoor courtyard for you to enjoy your food, as well as a menu that will knock your socks off with every bite. I ordered Café Amelie’s homemade lemonade and it was fresh, sweet, tangy, and everything the perfect lemonade should be; it was the best lemonade I’ve had in my whole life. For my meal, I started with the brussels sprouts, enjoyed the most delectable plate of chicken and vegetables, and followed it up with a dark chocolate and cherry bread pudding. This was one of the best meals I’ve had the pleasure of enjoying and it drained my bank account about $50. If there were only one place in New Orleans that you should eat at, Café Amelie would be it. I already said it, but I’ll say it again: this is one of the best dining experiences I’ve had, from the flawless food to the atmosphere, to the service. All around great, great, great.

Where to eat in New Orleans – Lunch/Dinner – $$$

For my fine-dining experience in the French Quarter, I decided to head to Mr. B’s Bistro. Ideally located near the Hyatt Centric French Quarter, I strolled over for a delicious three-course dinner and some wine, and afterward, I waddled back to my comfy bed and fell into a deep sleep. That’s called pure bliss. If you’re traveling on a budget, I wouldn’t ecommend eating here for dinner. You can find cheaper prices at lunchtime for about the sized same portions. It ran me about $100 for a three-course dinner and a glass of merlot. So if you’re traveling on an extreme budget, I wouldn’t recommend coming here at all. I ordered the crab cakes to start, the filet mignon with truffle butter and veggies for my main course, and the gooey, chocolately molten cake for dessert. Pricey, but delicious, and the atmosphere was nice as well.

Where to eat in New Orleans – Late Lunch/Dinner – $$

I didn’t think that New Orleans would possibly know what real Mexican food should be like, but since I had already enjoyed so many unforgettable meals there, I decided to put my trust in the chefs of New Orleans and give New Orleanian Mexican food a try. And New Orleanian Mexican food it was! La Casita features Mexican food with a new, fresh, creative twist that you’re sure to love! I enjoyed a delicious Pork & Sweet Potato Quesadilla that showed off the flavors of manchego cheese and ancho peppers. It was incredible because why and how could anyone ever come up with that?! We’re talking about Mexican food here! But it was delicious. I also had the pleasure of enjoying an El Fuego taco with “shredded brisket, pico de gallo, salsa verde, and flame-torched Monterey jack cheese on corn tortillas.” Nom, nom, nom. Go to La Casita when you want to escape the touristyness of the French Quarter and experience some irresistibly delicious Mexican food.

Where to eat in New Orleans – Lunch/Dinner – $$

If you’re in the mood for some good Italian food and a stroll out of the French Quarter and up on Canal Street, head over to John Besh’s Italian restaurant called Domenica. This restaurant really is going on the list for one of the most amazing chocolate desserts I’ve had. My gorgonzola pizza with speck, apples, and honey was delicious, don’t get me wrong. It’s just that Domenica’s Flambeau, “chocolate torta, biscoff caramel & meringue,” was insane. The chocolate mousse was warm, the merengue was hot and gooey, and it was all topped with caramel; it all melted in my mouth and made my eyes roll back in my head. You have got to try this stuff. I am not messing around and neither is that pastry chef.

 Infrogmation, license CC 2.5

Where to eat in New Orleans – Dessert – $

This goes without saying, but you absolutely cannot leave New Orleans without grabbing some beignets and coffee at Café Du Monde, New Orleans’s original French coffee stand, which opened its doors in 1842. They’re soooooo good. Beignets and coffee here is a New Orleans MUST no matter how long the line is.

*This post contains affiliate links. We experienced the Hyatt French Quarter as guests, but all opinions are our own.