Diners' Choice: Innovative restaurants in New Orleans / Louisiana

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for the best restaurants that are fit for foodies in New Orleans / Louisiana? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Dakar NOLA

4.9

4.9 (94)

$50 and over

African

Uptown

About the restaurant

Dakar NOLA is a modern Senegalese tasting menu restaurant. The menu is inspired by Chef Serigne Mbaye’s most cherished memories of his childhood in Dakar, Senegal.
Dinner at Dakar NOLA features a pescatarian tasting menu with some dishes served family-style.
We are a reservations only concept open Tuesday through Saturday and our dinner experience lasts 2.5 hours.
Our menu changes often and is mostly dairy and gluten-free.
Reservations are open 42 days at a time with a new period opening at 10 am central time.
We are unable to accommodate the following allergies: Fin fish, soy, shellfish aroma/fumes, allium, honey
**We can accommodate shellfish allergy and peanut if noted in the reservation.
We can NOT accommodate a Vegan diet or a vegetarian that does not eat food cooked in seafood broth.
We are able to accommodate a gluten intolerance/allergy
In order to minimize disruptions to the kitchen, late arrivals will be served the current course being served

Top review

BrandyVIP

Dined 5 days ago

Amazing experience! The food and service was fantastic, a reflection of the time and thoughtfulness which goes into making each service successful.

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Experience

Tasting Menu - Communal Dining

Experience

Tasting Menu - Private Table

Tavi

4.8

4.8 (510)

$30 and under

Mediterranean

Covington

About the restaurant

Tavi is an Israeli restaurant serving made-to-order pita from a wood-fired oven, elaborately finished hummus plates, and small and large plates drawing from the same modern Israeli inspiration as its sister restaurant, Shaya. The name Tavi is inspired by the Hebrew word meaning “good or beloved” and that’s what Tavi aims to deliver to the Covington community. The menu will highlight staples from the Shaya menu plus an array of small plates, hummus, sandwiches, and slow-roasted meats.

Top review

NicoleVIP

Dined 3 days ago

Amazing Service ! Food is always exceptional. We loved our sever he was above and beyond attentive and knowledgeable.

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4.8

4.8 (20)

$30 and under

Creole / Cajun / Southern

Tremé

About the restaurant

At Lost Coyote, we believe in the beauty of wandering off the beaten path. Nestled on Esplanade Avenue in the Historic Tremé New Orleans neighborhood, our restaurant was born from a shared passion for bold flavors, unforgettable moments, and the magic of hospitality.
The name 'Lost Coyote' is inspired by the coyotes that roam our beautiful city-an untamed, resilient spirit that thrives in the wild. It's a symbol of adaptability, curiosity, and the joy of exploration, values that guide everything we do.
What started as a dream to create a space where food, creativity, and community collide has become a reality. With a chef-crafted menu influenced by local ingredients and global inspiration, signature cocktails that ignite conversation, and a setting that invites connection, Lost Coyote is more than a restaurant-it's an experience.
Lost Coyote is our tribute to the wanderers, the seekers, and the storytellers. It's a place where every visit is a new adventure. Come be part of the story.

Top review

Ashley

Dined on Jun 19, 2025

Gosh where do I start?! This place was fabulous. Shrimp boulettes and hummus were bangers. Then we had the Panzanella & Pork Chop. The Panzanella was such a unique dish and so vibrant. Our favorite cocktails were Half Day & Wanderers Call. We’ll definitely be returning for brunch & to check out the gorgeous pool they have out back! Thanks for a great date night!

Yo Nashi

4.7

4.7 (482)

$50 and over

Japanese

Central Business District

About the restaurant

Yō Nashi will be closing on July 19th. Please make your reservation to see us one last time and help give us a fond farewell!

Top review

Cristina

Dined on Jun 16, 2025

The Chef was absolutely amazing and so personable. He selected and made the best dishes for me and my husband to try. It was a new experience for me, but I am so thankful I made the reservation. I would definitely go again. 10/10 experience!!

34 Restaurant & Bar

4.7

4.7 (293)

$50 and over

Portuguese

Warehouse District

About the restaurant

34 is Chef Emeril Lagasse’s first restaurant dedicated to the cuisine of his Portuguese heritage. He was inspired by his late mother, Hilda, who influenced his interest in cooking when he was a child growing up in Fall River, MA. The 245-seat restaurant is adorned in shades of green – Emeril’s signature color – wood accents and ornate Portuguese tiles. A painting of a rooster, a national Portuguese symbol of good luck, greets guests at the entrance. Once inside, a jamon bar with countertop service and tile-clad DJ booth are focal points of the space. The restaurant celebrates not only the food and design of Portugal but also the sounds, with music from local and touring DJs.

Top review

Gabe

Dined 7 days ago

Amazing food and they were very accommodating when it came to a gluten free/celiac safe dining experience.

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Experience

An evening with Esporão- Summer Wine Dinner Series

Saltgrass Steak House - Metairie

4.6

4.6 (345)

$30 and under

Steakhouse

Metairie

About the restaurant

Saltgrass Steak House is an award-winning steakhouse in Metairie, LA famous for serving Angus Beef steaks. Each steak is cooked to perfection with Saltgrass-7 Steak Spice, and topped with garlic butter. All breads, dressings, soups and desserts are made from scratch daily. Great food and legendary hospitality make Saltgrass an enjoyable experience for the whole family.

Top review

Amy

Dined on Jun 21, 2025

Our waitress was great! She was such a sweetheart! Thank you, Dasia!

Social

4.6

4.6 (37)

$31 to $50

Peruvian

Madisonville

About the restaurant

Welcome to Social, where every meal is an invitation to connect and be social. Our modern peruvian dishes are meant to be enjoyed in good company, because the best moments happen around the table.

Top review

PATRICKVIP

Dined 3 days ago

New restaurant, it seems they are still getting settled in re: staff, service, etc. so I can’t judge harshly for small issues. Servers were friendly and knowledgeable, food and drinks were delivered promptly. The vibe, decor etc is very cool and a much needed addition to the madisonville/mandeville scene

Lighthouse Coastal Brasserie

4.5

4.5 (12)

$30 and under

Seafood

Hammond

About the restaurant

Lighthouse Coastal Brasserie - Hammond, LA
Nestled in the heart of Hammond, Lighthouse Coastal Brasserie offers a delightful culinary escape inspired by the vibrant flavors of coastal cuisine. Developed by the talented duo of Chef Ryan Haigler and Jaime Castro, our menu features an array of delectable dishes, including chargrilled oysters, fresh pastas, and expertly grilled fish, perfect for both a casual meal and special occasions.
Join us for brunch on weekends and indulge in a selection of mouthwatering options that highlight the best of coastal flavors.
Our inviting brasserie boasts a stunning courtyard with a beautiful close and open roof, providing a perfect atmosphere for dining al fresco. Enjoy our renowned happy hour.

Whether you’re stopping in for a quick lunch or a leisurely dinner, Lighthouse Coastal Brasserie promises a memorable dining experience filled with fresh ingredients and warm hospitality. Come and discover your new favorite coastal getaway!

Top review

Sundi

Dined 3 days ago

There was some kind of construction going on in the ceiling that was very loud. The food was great and our server was outstanding. I did order the steak and asked for it medium and it came out rare, I had already cut into it so I didn’t see the point in sending it back.

True Food Kitchen - New Orleans

3.9

3.9 (721)

$30 and under

American

Warehouse District

About the restaurant

True Food Kitchen is a chef-driven restaurant and scratch bar that was founded by Dr. Andrew Weil, the pioneer of integrative medicine, to provide food that tastes great and is good for you. At our table, delicious dining and conscious nutrition go hand in hand, without sacrificing flavor, creativity or indulgence. Our expertly trained chefs craft flavor-forward dishes, handcrafted cocktails and freshly pressed refreshers so you can enjoy epic food experiences that aren’t just good for you, but good to you. Join us in New Orleans for lunch, dinner, or weekend brunch. Located in New Orleans below The Julia at St. Charles apartments at the corner of Julia Street and Saint Charles Avenue, near F45 Training. New flavors, new combinations, new obsessions. Come see us for something completely new and delicious.

Top review

Carolin

Dined on Jun 21, 2025

We had a wonderful experience! We loved the charred cauliflower and the burgers. Our waiter was so sweet and did the best job. We definitely wanna come back!

Legacy Kitchen's Tacklebox

3.7

3.7 (314)

$30 and under

Seafood

Central Business District

About the restaurant

New Orleans born and Louisiana inspired, we are an independent polished casual Southern restaurant offering daily brunch & breakfast (including award winning beignets!), lunch & plate specials (best lunch in CBD and home of the $3 lunch beer), happy hour & drink features, raw bar, and dinner for everyone with fresh gulf seafood, chicken & waffles, chargrilled oysters, burgers, and MORE. Conveniently located adjacent to the Renaissance Pere Marquette Hotel and steps from the French Quarter.

Top review

Lionel

Dined on May 20, 2025

Service was excellent, most of the food was very good. I was disappointed in the Gumbo.

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