The Best Bars for Foodies in New Orleans

Laissez les bons temps rouler in New Orleans! When you think of the greatest American cities for a good time, you don't have to go too far down the list before the name "New Orleans" comes up. The Big Easy is one of the best cities on the planet to grab a drink. But where are the smartest, savviest diners eating out? Welcome to our Tastemakers List. We’ve pulled data from thousands of restaurants to find the top spots among OpenTable's most expert, seasoned diners. Bars and restaurants in NOLA deliver some of the finest cuisines in America—traditional Cajun and Creole favorites, Gulf seafood, sweet treats, and so much more. Let the good times roll at these New Orleans bars.

The OpenTable Team

13 Restaurants

Updated February 26, 2020

Restaurants:	Ye Olde College Inn, Meril, Desi Vega's Steakhouse…
Price Range:	$$ - $$$
Cuisines:	Creole, Contemporary American, Steakhouse…
Neighborhoods:	Carrollton, Warehouse District…

Ye Olde College Inn

$$$$

Creole

Carrollton

4.7

1415 reviews

One of the coolest dining experiences in New Orleans. The name might scream out cheap beers and pub food, but Ye Olde College Inn is a true farm-to-table restaurant. The proof of that? It's right next door. The Olde College Inn's urban farm is next to the restaurant. This is the place to go to with a group of friends to admire the work of true food artisans and enjoy the fruits of their labor. Dine on their fabled onion rings, shrimp remoulade, or the incredible fried green tomato shrimp po-boy sandwich, and pair the dishes with a cold beer or a cocktail.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Meril

$$$$

Contemporary American

Warehouse District

4.7

5157 reviews

Famous Food Network chef Emeril Lagasse's fourth New Orleans restaurant is a hot spot in the town's Warehouse district. The bar scene is always lively here. Patrons can sip on a wide selection of fantastic and unique house cocktails. The food is classic Emeril. There's lots of Gulf seafood, wood oven-fired flatbread pizzas, fresh pasta, oversized salads, and sweet dessert treats.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Desi Vega's Steakhouse

$$$$

Steakhouse

Warehouse District

4.8

2200 reviews

A beautiful, classic steakhouse tailored to New Orleans sensibilities, Desi Vega's is a bustling spot off of St. Charles Avenue with a dazzling white interior. It screams out Big Easy cool. There's a gorgeous bar to belly up to for a cocktail or a few glasses from the extensive wine list Desi Vega's is so famous for.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Takeout available

View Takeout Menu

Restaurant R'evolution

$$$$

Creole / Cajun / Southern

French Quarter

4.8

6101 reviews

Creativity explodes onto the plate here at Restaurant R'evolution, which is dedicated to the modern reimagining of Creole and Cajun cuisines. Traditional dishes have fascinating, delicious twists like beer-battered crab beignets and sheep ricotta gnocchi with lobster. The lovely, welcoming Bar R'evolution pays homage to New Orleans' history as a cocktail pioneer, serving up powerhouse drinks alongside craft beer and fine wine.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Superior Seafood

$$$$

Seafood

Uptown

4.6

3781 reviews

A prime fresh seafood destination in New Orleans that's ideal for anyone who wants to hop off the streetcar and hop into a restaurant for a delicious dinner. Oyster fans will be in briny heaven. Superior's oyster bar is the place to go to for selections from the Gulf. Stop into the bar for a classic New Orleans cocktail or one of their signature frozen drinks.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

GW Fins

$$$$

Seafood

French Quarter

4.9

16476 reviews

Amazing seafood in a beautiful location. This French Quarter institution prides itself on having some of the best seafood in the city. There's an ever-changing menu based on the daily catch that arrives at the restaurant—Louisiana bigeye tuna, local drum, and blackened swordfish are some of the favorites. Stop in for dinner in the gorgeous dining room or have a bite at the curving, modern bar with one of the GW Fins cocktails.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Mr. B's Bistro

$$$$

Creole

French Quarter

4.7

4550 reviews

One of the coolest restaurants in all the city. Stylish lamps light Mr. B's entrance off of Royal Street in the French Quarter. There's plenty of seafood on the menu—jumbo scallops, lump crab cakes, fried oysters, seafood gumbo—along with excellent filet mignon, chicken, pork chops and a whole lot more. Get in there and groove with Mr. B's famous Sunday jazz brunch.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Ruth's Chris Steak House - New Orleans

$$$$

Steakhouse

Central Business District

4.5

2572 reviews

Ruth's Chris is an institution around America. You know exactly what you're going to get here—delicious and sizzling steaks delivered on hot plates. Being New Orleans, this Ruth's Chris also offers excellent seafood and excellent cocktails alongside an extensive wine list.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Experiences available

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Mr. John's Steakhouse

$$$$

Steakhouse

Garden District

4.8

2611 reviews

Mr. John's Steakhouse is a mixture of styles. It blends the atmosphere of classic New Orleans bar with the rich and elegant feel of a traditional steakhouse spot. It's earned accolades for its luxurious design and the excellent food and drinks served. There is a wonderful selection of fine wines, craft beer, and tasty cocktails.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

The Pelican Club

$$$$

Creole / Cajun / Southern

French Quarter

4.6

3638 reviews

A New Orleans bar that guests must visit—it's one of the finest Creole restaurants in the whole city. A French Quarter hot spot for tourists and locals, The Pelican Club is a gorgeous spot for dinner or for a quick bite and drink. There's a rich wine list from around the world with exotic selections from Argentina, Spain, Portugal, and elsewhere. Plus, they offer creative mixed drinks like the "Cool Hand Luke."

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

NOLA Restaurant

$$$$

Creole

French Quarter

4.3

11073 reviews

Another fine option for anyone looking to sample from Emeril Lagasse's New Orleans bars and restaurants. NOLA is a relaxed spot with modern-style decor, and is a favorite among the locals. It's also an excellent place to enjoy a few treats from the Happy Hour menu, with $5 drinks and snacks.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Muriel's Jackson Square

$$$$

Creole / Cajun / Southern

French Quarter

4.7

8649 reviews

A spookily delicious dining experience. Muriel's Jackson Square has a fascinating ghost story that comes along with your drink or meal. There's a fine menu of New Orleans favorites and classic cocktails; be sure to stop in for the Sunday jazz brunch for some tunes and food.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Takeout available

View Takeout Menu

Revel Cafe and Bar

$$$$

American

Mid-City / City Park

4.5

75 reviews

The party is right there in the name. Revel is famous for its legendary New Orleans bartender and owner Chris McMillan—a man who co-founded a museum that celebrates the American cocktail. McMillan's classic cocktail menu is full of his colorful creations and some old New Orleans favorites, alongside tasty local bar snacks and filling meals.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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