New Orleans is known for its incredible nightlife in the French Quarter, its live music scene, and undeniable southern charm. Its restaurant scene though, can (and does!) rival all of those. If you currently live in New Orleans, or are looking to move to NOLA, you’re in for a culinary treat. To help you decide
The post The Best Restaurants in New Orleans appeared first on The Zumper Blog.
New Orleans is known for its incredible nightlife in the French Quarter, its live music scene, and undeniable southern charm. Its restaurant scene though, can (and does!) rival all of those. If you currently live in New Orleans, or are looking to move to NOLA, you’re in for a culinary treat. To help you decide where to begin, we’ve compiled a list of the best restaurants in New Orleans. So, with that we say, bon appétit!
Restaurant Rebirth
Looking for the best cajun food in New Orleans? Welcome to Restaurant Rebirth. From the Quail Louisiana that melts in your mouth to the ever-changing variety of fish-filled gumbo, this place offers some seriously tasty grub. The executive chef, Ricky Cheramie, grew up hunting and fishing in the Louisiana bayous, then refined his Creole cooking style through stints at some of the top restaurants on the East Coast. Stop in at Restaurant Rebirth and see for yourself just how delicious this cajun food is.
The Joint
Not only is it one of the best restaurants in New Orleans, The Joint is also nationally recognized for having some of the most mouth-watering BBQ in the country. The brisket and mac and cheese are crowd pleasers, as are the ribs and pulled pork. In fact, there isn’t much locals don’t like here. Grab a cold beer, take a seat on the rocking chairs that are permanent mainstays in front of the restaurant, and get ready for some downright delicious BBQ.
Clancy’s Restaurant
One of New Orleans’ finest local restaurants, Clancy’s is the perfect spot for a work event, a night out on the town, or showing out-of-towners what this city is all about. Clancy’s cooks up the best fried oysters and brie in New Orleans and their smoked duck is nothing to skip. It’s located in the Audubon neighborhood so you can get out of the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy an evening in a more laid-back area.
Pêche
Fresh seafood is the standard at Pêche, but that’s not all they do. With favorites like their creamed corn, baked drum, smoked tuna dip, and shrimp bisque, it’s easy to see why fresh oysters on the half shell and a whole grilled fish aren’t the immediate clear winners. Bottom line: you can order just about anything here and you’re guaranteed to be in for a mouth-watering meal. Just make sure you make a reservation because this place is popular and, as such, can get pretty crowded.
Maypop Restaurant
Chef Michael Gulotta’s unique creations at Maypop are probably unlike anything you’ve ever had before. The restaurant lies in the heart of New Orleans on the outskirts of the French Quarter and serves up crazy good Southern-Asian fusion food. Menu items include everything from pork and cane syrup sausage stuffed sesame balls with chili oil to hand pulled pasta noodles tossed with a spicy mapo sauce and crabmeat. When we said unique, we meant it! Come on the weekends and enjoy their tasty dim sum and a brunch cocktail. Or, head here during happy hour (4-6pm) and snag $5 glasses of wine, $4 beers, and cheap bar bites like $7 Vindaloo Curry Hot Wings and $3 steam buns.
Willie Mae’s Scotch House
If you want the Southern classics done (maybe better than) just right, head straight to Willie Mae’s. There’s a reason locals line up outside the restaurant on any given day; Willie Mae’s has been voted the “Best Fried Chicken in America” by both the Food Network and the Travel Channel. Not only that, Willie Mae was honored with the James Beard Award for “America’s Classic Restaurant for the Southern Region.” Best fried chicken in New Orleans? Check. One of the best restaurants in New Orleans? Check. Willie Mae’s is a NOLA staple in its own right.
Cochon Restaurant
Credits: Cochon Restaurant
Chef Link serves the best in tradition cajun fare at Cochon. Using locally sourced meat, produce, and seafood, Cochon has created a mouthwatering menu housed in a charming and historic New Orleans warehouse space. Unique to Cochon is their wood-burning oven, which produces some of the best dishes to experience. For an adventurous starter we recommend trying the fried alligator with a chili garlic mayo. Entrees include wood fired gulf fish, fried catfish with grits, and louisiana cochon. And of course, for the full NOLA experience you have to get the chicken & andouille sausage gumbo. Enjoy your meal on the patio or at the chef’s counter where you can watch all the action.
There you have it, the best New Orleans restaurants. From local hot spots and BBQ joints to fresh seafood restaurants and places cooking up all the southern classics, NOLA has it all. Ready to move to New Orleans and start experiencing the best eats in the Big Easy? Start in on your apartment search and get ready to eat your way through the city.
The post The Best Restaurants in New Orleans appeared first on The Zumper Blog.
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