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Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Central Business District

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19 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of M bistro restaurant
1. M bistro
4.4
Awesome(841)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary american • French Quarter
Booked 4 times today
Nestled in the heart of the French Quarter at The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans, M bistro is a beacon of authentic Creole, Cajun, and Southern cuisine. The farm-to-table approach ensures that every dish is crafted with the freshest meats, seafood, and produce sourced from local farmers across Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, and Alabama. Guests rave about the “delicious food and great service,” with standout dishes like gumbo and crab beignets. The restaurant’s ambiance is enhanced by the live jazz performances in the adjacent lounge, making dining here a truly unforgettable experience. For a genuine taste of New Orleans, M bistro is unparalleled.
A photo of Curio restaurant
2. Curio
4.3
Awesome(1294)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • French Quarter
Booked 9 times today
Curio, nestled in the heart of New Orleans' French Quarter, offers an unparalleled Creole, Cajun, and Southern culinary experience that captivates both locals and visitors alike. With its vibrant "circus of flavor," Curio delights diners with a menu that artfully blends tradition and innovation. The Jambalaya and Shrimp & Grits are standout dishes, praised for their "rich flavors and creativity." The restaurant's enchanting ambiance, combined with its first-rate service, elevates every visit to a memorable experience. Curio's sophisticated yet whimsical atmosphere makes it a must-visit destination for those seeking authentic Southern cuisine in an unforgettable setting. "10/10 highly recommend."
A photo of The Grill Room restaurant
3. The Grill Room
4.9
Exceptional(1623)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary american • Central Business District
Booked 8 times today
The Grill Room at The Windsor Court is recognized as a local leader in Modern American cuisine with a distinct New Orleans flair. Join us for a truly remarkable breakfast, lunch or dinner at one of the finest restaurants in the world - and one of only three, four-star/four-diamond restaurants in all of Louisiana.
A photo of Peacock Room at The Hotel Fontenot restaurant
4. Peacock Room at The Hotel Fontenot
4.7
Exceptional(868)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • Warehouse District
Booked 13 times today
The Peacock Room at The Hotel Fontenot in the Warehouse District of New Orleans is a shining example of authentic Creole, Cajun, and Southern cuisine. With a menu crafted by Chef Samuel Peery, the restaurant offers "refined shareable interpretations" of regional classics, ensuring an elevated dining experience. Guests rave about the "amazing food," with standout dishes like the "best Shrimp & Grits ever had" and an unforgettable gumbo that delights with its spicy kick. The vibrant atmosphere, complemented by thoughtful cocktails and attentive service, makes every visit memorable. This "jewel box" of a restaurant truly captures the heart of Southern hospitality.
A photo of The Pelican Club restaurant
5. The Pelican Club
4.6
Exceptional(4699)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • French Quarter
Booked 11 times today
The Pelican Club in the French Quarter of New Orleans is a haven for seafood aficionados, offering an authentic taste of south Louisiana's rich culinary heritage. Chef Richard Hughes crafts an exceptional menu that beautifully blends French, Italian, and Asian influences, ensuring a "sensational" dining experience. Diners rave about the "unbelievably good" scallops and the "excellent" Louisiana Cioppino, highlighting the freshness and quality of the seafood. The "perfectly cooked" dishes and "exceptional" service create an unforgettable atmosphere, making The Pelican Club a must-visit for anyone seeking an extraordinary seafood experience in New Orleans. "Highly recommended" by all who visit!
A photo of Meril restaurant
6. Meril
4.6
Exceptional(6740)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • Warehouse District
Booked 26 times today
Meril, nestled in the vibrant Warehouse District of New Orleans, offers an authentic taste of Creole, Cajun, and Southern cuisine under the expert guidance of Chef Emeril Lagasse. The lively atmosphere is complemented by a menu that delights with dishes like shrimp tacos, pork dumplings, and the renowned banana cream pie, which reviewers rave as "absolutely delicious." The open kitchen style and large bar area create an inviting space perfect for both intimate dinners and lively celebrations. With "impeccable service" and "outstanding gourmet food," Meril stands out as a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a true Southern culinary experience.
A photo of Brennan's restaurant
7. Brennan's
4.8
Exceptional(12456)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • French Quarter
Booked 131 times today
Brennan's, nestled in the heart of New Orleans' French Quarter, exemplifies the art of Contemporary American cuisine by skillfully blending classic Creole traditions with modern culinary innovations. Chef Ryan Hacker's inspired menu delights diners with "exceptional" dishes that consistently earn rave reviews. Guests praise the "outstanding service and food," with highlights including the inventive Artisanal Eggs Benedict and the famed Flaming Bananas Foster, a New Orleans staple invented at Brennan's. The restaurant boasts numerous accolades, such as being a James Beard Foundation finalist and topping lists by Condé Nast Traveler. Dining at Brennan's ensures a "memorable experience" with a vibrant atmosphere and impeccable service.
A photo of Jewel of the South restaurant
8. Jewel of the South
4.9
Exceptional(186)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • French Quarter
Booked 18 times today
Jewel of the South is a beacon of exceptional Cocktail Bar cuisine nestled in the heart of the French Quarter, New Orleans. With its roots tracing back to an influential 1850s bar, this establishment offers a "magical culinary adventure" that delights all senses. Celebrated bartender Chris Hannah crafts both classic and contemporary cocktails that are "absolutely incredible," earning the spot accolades like James Beard and Best Bar South (North America). Guests rave about the "creative and delicious cocktails" that perfectly complement the warm, inviting atmosphere of the old brick Creole cottage. Experience a cocktail journey like no other at Jewel of the South!
A photo of Commons Club Bar & Restaurant restaurant
9. Commons Club Bar & Restaurant
4.4
Awesome(565)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • Central Business District
Booked 2 times today
Commons Club Bar & Restaurant in New Orleans offers an authentic slice of Southern hospitality with its reinvented takes on contemporary Southern dishes. Located in the Central Business District, it promises a "truly memorable dining experience" that locals and tourists alike rave about. Guests are treated to a vibrant atmosphere, where "the food was phenomenal," especially the Shrimp Gumbo and Grits, which one reviewer declared as "the best Gumbo I’ve ever had!" The service is lauded as attentive and friendly, making every visit a joyous occasion. With its eclectic menu and chic ambiance, Commons Club is a culinary gem in the heart of The Big Easy.
A photo of Tableau restaurant
10. Tableau
4.5
Awesome(4946)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • French Quarter
Booked 19 times today
Tableau, nestled in the heart of New Orleans' vibrant French Quarter, offers an exquisite journey into Contemporary French / American cuisine. Guests praise its “amazing food” and “exceptional service,” highlighting dishes like escargot beignets and gulf fish almondine as standout creations. The restaurant’s innovative approach to traditional Creole dishes sets it apart, ensuring a “great dining experience” every time. With breathtaking views of Jackson Square from its charming balconies, Tableau combines “beautiful venue” and “wonderful atmosphere,” making it a must-visit for both locals and visitors. Whether celebrating a special occasion or enjoying a casual meal, Tableau promises a memorable culinary adventure.
‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Chef Kalen
    New Orleans / Louisiana •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    I had a wonderful experience at this restaurant! The food was absolutely delicious — we ordered the brunch tower and mimosas, and both were outstanding. The brunch tower was beautifully presented and packed with fresh, flavorful selections that made it perfect for sharing. What really elevated the experience was the service. The staff was incredibly knowledgeable about the menu and offered great recommendations. Their attentiveness and warm hospitality made us feel truly welcomed from start to finish. Overall, it was a fantastic brunch outing, and I would highly recommend this spot to anyone looking for great food, drinks, and service. I’ll definitely be coming back!
    More info
    Peacock Room at The Hotel FontenotPrice: Moderate• Cocktail Bar• Warehouse District
    •
    4.7
  • jay
    New Orleans / Louisiana •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    Erin was fantastic. Best escargot in town. Always delivers
    More info
    The Pelican ClubPrice: Expensive• Creole / Cajun / Southern• French Quarter
    •
    4.6
  • Tai
    Los Angeles •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    I tried Curio for lunch during Restaurant week. I went at an early time and got seated immediately as requested on the patio. Staff is friendly and welcoming. I opted for the RW special and enjoyed the appetizer more than the meal. The app was grit tots and the entree was crawfish cavatappi. The pasta was also great and had a good amount of crawfish, unfortunately it was a little heavy for lunch on a HOT day. I still recommend it, but I should have tried something lighter.
    More info
    CurioPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• French Quarter
    •
    4.3
  • carol
    Asheville / Western North Carolina •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    Excellent service. The plate lunch option was the perfect size for lunch. Our new lunch stop when we spend the day in New Orleans.
    More info
    The Grill RoomPrice: Very Expensive• American• Central Business District
    •
    4.9
  • MelissaVIP
    New Orleans / Louisiana •33 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Jun 11, 2025
    We went for the NOWFE dinner and it was absolutely outstanding! All the dishes were delectable and beautiful!
    More info
    M bistroPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary American• French Quarter
    •
    4.4

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