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Best Authentic Restaurants in Lower Garden District

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155 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of The Bower restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(808)
Price: Moderate
• American • Lower Garden District
Booked 16 times today
The Bower is a culinary gem in the heart of New Orleans, where Southern charm meets modern American cuisine. Experience an inviting ambiance with lush greenery and industrial accents, illuminated by candlelight for an intimate dining experience. Executive Chef Marcus Woodham has crafted a menu that showcases locally sourced ingredients and innovative techniques. Delight in small plates like Truffled Parmesan Bread and Whipped Feta, or enjoy house-made pastas that highlight the chef's skill. The beverage program features expertly crafted cocktails and a curated selection of wines, ensuring the perfect pairing for your meal. Whether celebrating a special occasion or seeking a memorable night out, The Bower offers warm hospitality, exquisite cuisine, and a captivating atmosphere that promises an unforgettable evening.
A photo of Lula Restaurant Distillery restaurant
4.5
Awesome(1964)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary Southern • Lower Garden District
Booked 11 times today
Lula Restaurant Distillery is authentic Southern cuisine at its best, with a unique twist. The reviews speak volumes about the delicious food, excellent service, and the ambiance. The restaurant-distillery's offering of 'unique drinks', 'Cajun cuisine', and 'on-site distilled spirits' are just a few of the many aspects that make it stand out. One reviewer praised the food as 'Cajun cuisine with great drinks', while another mentioned the 'great food and reasonably priced'. The reviews consistently mention the exceptional service, with phrases like 'customer service at its best!!'.
A photo of SeaWitch restaurant
4.5
Awesome(87)
Price: Expensive
• American • Garden District
Booked 6 times today
$1 Raw Oysters Happy Hour Mon - Fri 3 - 6pm!!!Experience the MagicLocated on the iconic St. Charles Avenue, Seawitch offers an upscale seafood dining experience like no other. Enjoy fresh, locally sourced seafood, crafted cocktails, and a vibrant atmosphere. With indoor and outdoor seating, a raw bar, and prime views of Mardi Gras parades, every visit promises something special. Dive into the flavors of New Orleans and make unforgettable memories with us.Indulge in our carefully curated menu featuring the freshest local seafood, innovative dishes, and timeless classics. From our raw bar to our signature entrees, every bite is a celebration of New Orleans’ rich culinary heritage. Discover the flavors that make Seawitch a true gem on St. Charles Avenue.Chef Richard Bickford
A photo of Cafe Normandie at The Higgins restaurant
4.1
Excellent(76)
Price: Expensive
• French American • Warehouse District
Booked 4 times today
Indulge in sophisticated French-influenced casual fare in the Higgins Hotel's full-service restaurant.
A photo of Antoine's restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(11763)
Price: Expensive
• Creole • French Quarter
Booked 118 times today
Antoine's is an authentic Creole restaurant in the heart of New Orleans' French Quarter. It has been serving traditional fare for 183 years, earning praise from reviewers for its 'classic New Orleans ambiance' and 'exceptional service'. The menu boasts 'traditional dishes' and the atmosphere is 'old school New Orleans'. It's clear that Antoine's is a beloved institution with a rich history, offering an authentic New Orleans dining experience.
A photo of Meril restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(6690)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary American • Warehouse District
Booked 66 times today
Located in the Warehouse District, Meril is Chef Emeril Lagasse’s lively restaurant in New Orleans. Meril’s casual restaurant interior is marked by a signature open style kitchen and a large bar area, featuring a varied wine selection and craft cocktails. Named after his daughter, the restaurant showcases some of Chef Emeril’s favorite dishes that he loves to eat, featuring everything from Wood Fired Flatbreads to Korean Chicken Wings. Lagasse brings his expertise and distinguished hospitality to Meril, creating a deliciously spirited dining experience.
A photo of Luke restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(9373)
Price: Moderate
• French • Central Business District
Booked 92 times today
Luke is a genuine French restaurant located in New Orleans. It's praised for its Creole-inspired cuisine, with a special emphasis on using local purveyors and farmers’ market ingredients. Reviewers highlight the fresh seafood and the extraordinary food, as well as the great service and ambiance. The restaurant is considered a top choice for seafood aficionados and offers a perfect blend of authenticity and excellent quality.
A photo of Brennan's restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(12248)
Price: Expensive
• Creole • French Quarter
Booked 144 times today
Finalist "Outstanding Restaurant" James Beard Foundation 2022. “Best Restaurants in the World” -Condé Nast Traveler. “Top 10 Best Restaurant in the South” -Southern Living. “Top 10 Restaurant in New Orleans” -NOLA.com. Welcome to Brennan's! Our menus marry classic Creole traditions with inspired, contemporary influences. Breakfast at Brennan’s is a spirited, indulgent way to begin your day! Bubbles at Brennan's Happy Hour features discounted bottles of premium Champagne. Flaming Bananas Foster, invented at Brennan's, is a timeless New Orleans tradition. Dine in one of 8 glamorous dining rooms, our famously lush courtyard, or our spectacular wine cellar.
A photo of Domenica restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(7574)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Central Business District
Booked 61 times today
Domenica translates to “Sunday,” in Italian, it is the day of the week to explore and cook leisurely, abundant meals. At Domenica restaurant, our chefs seek to transport guests to those coveted moments, offering passionately prepared dishes that marry pure, local ingredients with revered techniques.While the menu is rooted in tradition, our chefs focus on elevating Italian ingredients and classic flavors to create modern classics, adapted for the contemporary palate of New Orleans. The fresh pastas made by hand daily, roasted vegetables, meats and Napolitano style pizzas, all prepared in the restaurant’s iconic wood oven, are perfectly complemented by custom-brewed beers, seasonal craft cocktails and an Italian-focused wine list.
A photo of Compère Lapin restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(2825)
Price: Expensive
• American • Central Business District
Booked 31 times today
Compère Lapin - noun - "kom-pare la-pan" - 1. anthropomorphic rabbit character who served as the mischievous protagonist in Creole and Caribbean folk tales; 2. Chef Nina Compton's restaurant at the Old No 77 Hotel & Chandlery in the Warehouse Arts District of New Orleans. Meals aren’t about trends, shock value, or opulence.Meals are about moments, memories and those who surround you at your table.We believe in the complexity of simplicity, and the power of pure flavors. Our histories, vast and varied, deserve to be memorialized and romanticized by dishes that at once remind us of home and transport us to somewhere new.We don’t make food for everyone else, we make food for you.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Russell
    Detroit / Eastern Michigan •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined today
    Good food and great service in historic restaurant.
    More info
    Antoine'sPrice: Expensive• Creole• French Quarter
    4.6
  • BobbieVIP
    New Orleans / Louisiana •151 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Another visit with out of town friends that did not disappoint!!! Monica was our server and she could not have been more attentive! Egg rolls and pickles are always a hit as are the ribs and the FABULOUS crawfish Mac and cheese is a great choice!!
    More info
    Lula Restaurant DistilleryPrice: Moderate• Contemporary Southern• Lower Garden District
    4.5
  • NancyL
    New Orleans / Louisiana •13 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Jackson , our waiter was excellent! Tip of his game ! Family Celebration.. love the food, cocktails and vibe ! Consistently delicious
    More info
    The BowerPrice: Moderate• American• Lower Garden District
    4.6
  • Geraldine
    New Orleans / Louisiana •11 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    We got the mother shucker for appetizers and I was not a fan of the oyster shooters but everything else was amazing. The duck was phenomenal and the pork chop was cooked perfect.
    More info
    SeaWitchPrice: Expensive• American• Garden District
    4.5
  • Tocoma
    Houston •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on Apr 20, 2025
    My husband and I recently celebrated our anniversary with dinner at Café Normandie inside the beautiful Higgins Hotel in New Orleans and it was nothing short of epic, thanks to the incredible hospitality of the restaurant manager, Avery. From the start, the ambiance was lovely, and our waiter was friendly and attentive. We’re both big foodies (my husband is a chef), so we were excited to try the menu. The shrimp pasta looked amazing, but unfortunately, it didn’t quite hit the mark for us flavor-wise. We shared our thoughts with our server, who passed them along to Avery—and that’s when the experience went from good to unforgettable. Avery personally came to our table, listened to our concerns, and then went ABOVE AND BEYOND to turn the night around. He asked my husband what flavors he liked and then had the chef customize a meal just for him. And let me tell you it was absolutely phenomenal. The care, creativity, and attention to detail made us feel like VIPs, even though we weren’t expecting anything special. I ordered the redfish over spinach, and it was nothing short of mouthwatering. Perfectly seasoned, beautifully presented, and cooked to perfection. Avery turned what could’ve been a disappointing dish into a dining experience we’ll never forget. He embodies the very best of customer service, hospitality, and leadership. Higgins Hotel and Café Normandie, you have a star on your team!
    More info
    Cafe Normandie at The HigginsPrice: Expensive• French American• Warehouse District
    4.1

Discover best authentic restaurants in Lower Garden District

Discover the essence of authentic dining in Lower Garden District, New Orleans, where culinary tradition meets vibrant culture. This area boasts a diverse array of restaurants that excel in offering genuine flavors and traditional cooking methods, reflecting the rich culinary heritage of Louisiana. Whether you're seeking traditional Cajun cuisine or the unique charm of Southern comfort food, the Lower Garden District serves as a hub for authentic eating experiences. Each eatery prides itself on creating dishes that are both rooted in tradition and bursting with originality, ensuring that every meal is a memorable one. Patrons can expect not only exquisite food but also warm, welcoming service that epitomizes Southern hospitality. The dining scene here is characterized by its laid-back yet sophisticated atmosphere, making it a perfect destination for food lovers looking to indulge in true New Orleans flavors. This district is a culinary treasure, promising an authentic dining adventure that’s as rich in history as it is in taste.

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