New Orleans is home to world-class restaurants that reflect its coastal location and rich culinary history. At these seven must-book Black-owned restaurants in New Orleans, you can sample everything from Caribbean- and French-influenced dishes from an acclaimed chef in the Central Business District to West African cuisine with a Louisiana twist at an award-winning spot in Uptown.
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Read on to discover the 7 best Black-owned restaurants in New Orleans right now.
For elevated French and Caribbean fare from one of the top Black-owned restaurants in New Orleans — check out Compère Lapin (Central Business District)
Compère Lapin showcases the exceptional talent of James Beard Award-winning chef Nina Compton. Expect elegant dishes that marry her Caribbean upbringing with her French fine dining pedigree—think curried goat with sweet potato gnocchi and fried chicken with jerk honey butter and coconut grits. The dining room combines exposed brick, vibrant artwork, dark wood furnishings, and small accent mirrors for a cozy vibe. Don’t miss the award-winning cocktails.
For some of the city’s best fried chicken at a New Orleans icon — book a table at Willie Mae’s Nola (Warehouse District)
Willie Mae’s is a New Orleans institution known for its stellar Southern comfort food. After a fire forced the temporary closure of its original location, owner Kerry Seaton Stewart opened a new one in November 2024. This location continues to serve the spot’s famous fried chicken alongside New Orleans staples like seafood gumbo. The restaurant’s interior has large windows and neutral-colored walls, floors, and furnishings, making it an ideal spot for casual meals with family and friends.
For West African cuisine in the heart of New Orleans — head over to Dakar NOLA (Uptown)
At Dakar Nola, celebrated chef Serigne Mbaye weaves the flavors and traditions of his native Senegal with those of Louisiana. Dig into seasonal, seven-course tasting menus that include seafood-forward dishes like sea bass and Gulf crabs. The James Beard Award-winning restaurant is located in a beautifully renovated double-shotgun house, providing an intimate dining experience complete with bright walls, dark furnishings, and African art.
For Southern cuisine with Asian influences in one of the best Black-owned restaurants in New Orleans — book a table at Morrow’s (Bywater)
Founded in 2018 by mother-son duo Lenora Chong and Larry Morrow, Morrow’s has established itself as one of the top restaurants in New Orleans. Renowned for its fusion cuisine, the menu is full of innovative dishes that reflect the family’s Southern and Korean roots—think Cajun crawfish pasta and gumbo ramen. The lively ambiance is accentuated by black-walled interiors with neon accents, creating an ideal setting for casual meals and happy hour gatherings.
For top-notch Creole cuisine at one of the best Black-owned restaurants in New Orleans — try Cafe Sbisa (French Quarter)
Open since 1899, Cafe Sbisa and one of the first fine-dining spots in the French Quarter. The menu is full of elegant Cajun and Creole- influence dishes like barbecue shrimp and grits, turtle soup, and court bouillon. The spacious interiors have a timeless charm, with a century-old mahogany bar, exposed beams, and antique mirrors. Bonus points for a lush outdoor terrace.
For an acclaimed chef’s charming neighborhood bistro — try BABs (Bywater)
Award-winning chef Nina Compton’s BABs is the quintessential neighborhood bistro. The compact menu features refined dishes like wagyu beef lasagna and crab fingers with chili aioli. Pair them with clever cocktails—including standout zero-proof options—like a daiquiri riff with jerk-spiced molasses. Enjoy it all in a charming, cozy space complete with exposed brick walls and colorful artwork.
For top-notch Cajun cuisine at one of the best Black-owned restaurants in New Orleans — reserve a table at JusTini’s (Bywater)
In 2023, local entrepreneur Jessica Robinson founded JusTini’s, a lively neighborhood bar known for traditional Cajun and Creole cuisine. The menu is focused on small plates named after streets in the Ninth Ward, including catfish Dauphine and Burgundy Street seafood tacos. Linger over one of the inventive cocktails in the modern space decked with vibrant work from local artists.
Whether you’re in the mood for a jazz brunch or a jerk burger, the Black-owned restaurants in New Orleans have you covered. Book a reservation at any of these seven incredible Black-owned restaurants in New Orleans to ensure a fantastic dining experience you won’t find anywhere else.
Grab a seat at one of the best Black-owned restaurants in New Orleans by booking ahead on OpenTable today.
Discover more noteworthy restaurants in New Orleans with these guides:
- These 12 New Orleans restaurants crush the outdoor dining game
- 10 romantic restaurants ideal for date night in New Orleans
- 7 top vegetarian-friendly restaurants in New Orleans
Taryn White is a Washington, DC-area travel and food writer and founder of travel and lifestyle website The Trip Wish List. Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, Forbes, and other outlets.
