The Best Cheap Eats in New Orleans
New Orleans is undoubtedly one of the most fun and soulful cities in America. This bayou town is the birthplace of jazz music and it has an incredible arts scene. However, if there is one thing that people celebrate New Orleans for the most, it's probably the food. The Crescent City is home to countless celebrated restaurants that serve unforgettable Cajun-style meals and more. But where are the smartest, savviest diners eating out? We’ve pulled data from thousands of restaurants to find the top spots among OpenTable's most expert, seasoned diners. Lucky for diners in New Orleans, many of the best restaurants in NOLA aren't only delicious—they're also affordable. Here are some of the best places in New Orleans to eat and drink on the cheap.
| Restaurants: | Meril, Ye Olde College Inn, Superior Seafood… |
|---|---|
| Price Range: | $$ - $$ |
| Cuisines: | Contemporary American, Creole, Seafood… |
| Neighborhoods: | Warehouse District, Carrollton, Garden District… |
For 2 people today
Meril
$$$$·Contemporary American·
Warehouse District
- Creative Cuisine
- Good for a Date
- Special Occasion
One of the best places to eat affordable but gourmet food in New Orleans is Meril, Emeril Lagasse's fourth and most casual restaurant in the city. Meril is in the warehouse distric…Read more
Ye Olde College Inn
$$$$·Creole·
Carrollton
- Neighborhood Gem
- Local Ingredients
- Casual
Go to Ye Old College Inn in New Orleans for cheap eats and a bit of history. The restaurant has been around since 1933. Today, they are focused on being a real farm-to-table restau…Read more
There aren’t any available tables for 2 today at 7:00 pm
View AvailabilitySuperior Seafood
$$$$·Seafood·
Garden District
- Good for a Date
- Special Occasion
- Good for Groups
There is no shortage of seafood restaurants in New Orleans, a town on a bayou, river, and ocean. But, for one of the best cheap places to eat high-quality seafood in NOLA, go to Su…Read more
NOLA Restaurant
$$$$·Creole·
French Quarter
- Creative Cuisine
- Special Occasion
- Good for a Date
NOLA Restaurant is another one of Emeril Lagasse's casual outposts, located in the heart of the French Quarter. Its menu features traditional Louisiana cooking with a contemporary,…Read more
Mr. B's Bistro
$$$$·Creole·
French Quarter
- Special Occasion
- Good for a Date
- Good for Anniversaries
Mr. B's is a true classic when it comes to New Orleans dining staples. Long considered a local favorite, Mr. B's is in the heart of the French Quarter and offers a dress code-free …Read more
Desi Vega's
$$$$·Steakhouse·
Warehouse District
- Special Occasion
- Good for a Date
- Romantic
Wine lovers can enjoy delicious cheap eats and an exceptional wine list at Desi Vega's. Desi Vega's is also in the French Quarter, but they're a little different than most of the C…Read more
There aren’t any available tables for 2 today at 7:00 pm
View AvailabilityEmeril's Restaurant
$$$$·Creole·
Warehouse District
- Special Occasion
- Good for Anniversaries
- Good for a Date
This is the flagship restaurant for Emeril Lagasse. It opened in 1990, and since its debut, has become legendary for offering outstanding Creole cuisine. Diners can find dishes lik…Read more
There aren’t any available tables for 2 today at 7:00 pm
View AvailabilityMr. John's Steakhouse
$$$$·Steakhouse·
Garden District
- Special Occasion
- Good for a Date
- Good for Anniversaries
To find the best cheap places to eat in the Garden District, head to Mr. Johns Steakhouse. The menu at Mr. Johns is a typical steakhouse menu, but most dishes have a New Orleans tw…Read more
There aren’t any available tables for 2 today at 7:00 pm
View AvailabilityMuriel's Jackson Square
$$$$·Creole / Cajun / Southern·
French Quarter
- Special Occasion
- Good for a Date
- Good for Anniversaries
Muriel's Jackson Square has long had the reputation for being a great choice for casual, affordable dining in the French Quarter. Muriel's sits right off of Jackson Square, making …Read more
GW Fins
$$$$·Seafood·
French Quarter
- Special Occasion
- Good for a Date
- Good for Anniversaries
Opened in 2001, GW Fins is a restaurant that specializes in fish. The restaurant itself buzzes with energy, so it's a fun place to go for a meal that feels enlivening and electrify…Read more
There aren’t any available tables for 2 today at 7:00 pm
View AvailabilityRuth's Chris Steak House - New Orleans
$$$$·Steakhouse·
Central Business District
- Good for Birthdays
- Good for a Date
- Special Occasion
People might not think of cheap eats when they think of Ruth's Chris Steak House. However, when it comes to upscale dining in this town, Ruths Chris offers options that won't break…Read more
La Boca Steakhouse
$$$$·Steakhouse·
Warehouse District
- Special Occasion
- Good for Anniversaries
- Good for a Date
La Boca Steakhouse is another one of the top steakhouses ins New Orleans. This place has an Argentinian flair, with a large menu of meats and a selection of salads, pasta, and side…Read more
Restaurant R'evolution
$$$$·Creole / Cajun / Southern·
French Quarter
- Special Occasion
- Good for a Date
- Romantic
People looking for cheap eats in New Orleans that are also inventive should check out Restaurant R'evolution. The menu here boasts both classic takes on Creole fare and inventive n…Read more
There aren’t any available tables for 2 today at 7:00 pm
View AvailabilityLilette
$$$$·Contemporary American·
Garden District
- Romantic
- Good for a Date
- Creative Cuisine
Sometimes the hustle and bustle of New Orleans can get overwhelming. For something more intimate and quiet, have a meal at Lilette, on Magazine Street. For the cheapest eats at Lil…Read more
The Pelican Club
$$$$·Creole / Cajun / Southern·
French Quarter
- Special Occasion
- Good for a Date
- Good for Anniversaries
The Pelican Club has been a lively and happening place in the French Quarter since 1990. The restaurant boasts a Creole menu with Asian influences, and it has a reputation for bein…Read more
Galatoire's Restaurant
$$$$·Creole / Cajun / Southern·
French Quarter
- Special Occasion
- Good for Anniversaries
- Good for a Date
For a truly authentic traditional New Orleans cuisine experience, try eating at Galatoires. Galatoires isn't fast food cheap. But, they do offer the opportunity to sample the most …Read more
There aren’t any available tables for 2 today at 7:00 pm
View AvailabilityRestaurant Patois
$$$$·French·
Uptown
- Neighborhood Gem
- Fit for Foodies
- Special Occasion
One of the best cheap New Orleans restaurants is Restaurant Patois. Patois is a Louisiana restaurant with a “French Accent,” so there's a good blend of classic French dishes with t…Read more
Not available on OpenTable
View More InfoBayona
$$$$·Contemporary American·
French Quarter
- Fit for Foodies
- Special Occasion
- Romantic
Bayona is another New Orleans staple, and it's a good choice for cheap eats. Since their opening 26 years ago, Bayona shined for having an affordable, global menu. At Bayona, try d…Read more
Not available on OpenTable
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The Best Cheap Eats
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