Diners' Choice: Neighborhood gem restaurants in New Orleans / Louisiana

OpenTable

Updated July 05, 2025

Looking for the best restaurants that are the best neighborhood gems 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!

Ye Olde College Inn

4.8

4.8 (1793)

$30 and under

Creole

Carrollton

About the restaurant

Since 1933 Ye Olde College Inn has served generations of New Orleanians. Come join us at a true New Orleans farm to table landmark. Our menu features our latest Creole specials and plenty of twists on traditional New Orleans standards. We have a farm located adjacent to the restaurant where we get a variety of fresh produce. Next door is another New Orleans landmark, the Rock’n'Bowl®. Ask for a $5 off voucher when you dine from the entree section of our menu. - visit www.rocknbowl.com for live music listings

Top review

Brent

Dined 1 day ago

Great people. Great atmosphere. Great food! We just don’t come here enough!

The Red Maple Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (60)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Gretna

About the restaurant

The Red Maple was originally owned and operated by the Trauth Family, a German-American family of restaurateurs spanning 100 years in Gretna. And what began in 1963 continues to this day, holding to its German roots through its rustic Alpine lodge decor, extensive beer selection and annual Oktoberfest celebration. In fact, it was a red maple tree in the side yard that inspired the name of the bar – The Red Maple – with the restaurant being added in 1965.

Now for over 50 years, The Red Maple has been the rendezvous spot for West Bank movers and shakers known for its Prime cut steaks, New Orleans favorites and fresh Louisiana seafood.

Today, under the passionate guidance of Proprietor Brent Trauth and his sister, Carroll Gales, The Red Maple continues to deliver on its reputation for delicious food, exceptional service and rich Louisiana history. A rich and storied past that is only upstaged by the dining experience itself.

Top review

crystal

Dined on Jun 26, 2025

We hosted a party of 12 to celebrate the finalization of me adoption my daughter. Everything was beautiful and the food was really good. Restaurant was super accommodating

Louisiana Pizza Kitchen- French Quarter

4.7

4.7 (593)

$30 and under

Italian

French Quarter

About the restaurant

Enjoy an authentic Louisiana Pizza Kitchen experience in the French Quarter. Each gourmet pizza is fired in a wood-burning oven on either an unbleached white or untreated whole- wheat flour crust. All our meat and poultry are organic and free-range. We source quality, local Louisiana products whenever possible. And our wine cellar has won the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for four years running. Don’t forget to check out our excellent selection of local, micro-brewed, and specialty beers from around the world.

Top review

Shanella

Dined on Jun 15, 2025

The experience was phenomenal great good and excellent customer service

Ristorante Filippo

4.7

4.7 (1127)

$30 and under

Italian

Metairie

About the restaurant

Chef Philip Gagliano is a native New Orleanian of Italian descent who LOVES food! Learning his culinary skills from his mother and grandmothers, Chef Philip serves delightfully classic dishes in an elegant and inviting atmosphere. Menu specialties include Oysters al Oreganate, Chicken & Veal served in 5 classic Italian preparations and USDA Steaks alongside traditional Italian Pasta dishes.
Chef Philip says "I am very attached to my Italian roots and have been in the industry a long time. My wife Mary and I work diligently at the restaurant to make it a wonderful place to dine for all of our guests. We look forward to welcoming you into our restaurant".

Top review

Malik

Dined on Jun 11, 2025

This is a great restaurant. From the staff to the food and the atmosphere. We loved it and we will be back!

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4.7

4.7 (244)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Chalmette

About the restaurant

Casual American spot with sandwiches & salads for lunch & heartier fare for dinner, plus a full bar.

Top review

TiffanyVIP

Dined 4 days ago

Never any complaints. Everything is on point! Drinks, service and atmosphere!

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4.7

4.7 (340)

$30 and under

Mediterranean

Uptown

About the restaurant

Saj is a modern BYOB Mediterranean restaurant, offering an authentic family style concept that revolves around our freshly baked Saj bread in a fun, cozy atmosphere. Feel free to bring your own drink and we will take it from there.

Top review

SusanneVIP

Dined on Jun 26, 2025

Delicious food - fantastic service - a lovely atmosphere! I’ll be back soon and tell my friends about this incredible place!

JusTini's

4.6

4.6 (129)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Bywater

About the restaurant

Located in the Historic Bywater Neighborhood, this restaurant is the perfect ambience for a romantic date, night out with friends or a business lunch meeting.

Top review

ernest

Dined 1 day ago

The service was OUTSTANDING. Our server Cyn was AWESOME. Her food and drink recommendations were ON POINT!!! We'll definitely return whenever we're in New Orleans.

Sophie's

4.5

4.5 (22)

$31 to $50

Italian

Kenner

About the restaurant

Sophie’s is a new restaurant in River Ridge, Louisiana, offering a delightful mix of seafood and Italian cuisine. Named after the owner’s daughter, it occupies the former location of Très Bon Cajun Meats. Our menu features a variety of dishes, including pasta, pizza, steak, and fresh seafood. Enjoy a full bar and relax on our patio. We are open for lunch and dinner, but closed on Mondays. Come experience the flavors of Sophie’s!

Top review

Susanne

Dined on Jun 27, 2025

Great food, slightly slow service and very noisy making it hard to converse.

Fury's Restaurant

4.4

4.4 (39)

$30 and under

Seafood

Metairie

About the restaurant

Fury's Restaurant in Metairie has been serving authentic New Orleans-style seafood and Italian dishes since 1983.

Known for its fresh, locally sourced seafood, Fury's specializes in classic fried fish, shrimp, and crab alongside house-made sauces, dressings, and gumbo.

With 40 years of perfected family recipes, this beloved spot keeps things traditional, offering dishes like rich crawfish étouffée and crispy fried seafood platters.

Their recent remodel complements the welcoming, family-owned atmosphere, making it a must-visit for those craving flavorful, home-cooked meals in a warm, inviting setting.

Top review

Bill

Dined 3 days ago

Consistently good across the menu. Great neighborhood restaurant.

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Experience

HAPPY HOUR | Monday - Saturday (3-5pm)

Experience

DAILY SPECIALS | Monday - Saturday

Experience

HALF-PRICED WINE | Tuesdays

Mister Oso New Orleans

4.1

4.1 (300)

$30 and under

Latin American

Central Business District

About the restaurant

Mister Oso is an award-winning Restaurant located in the heart of the NOLA CBD. Our team constantly innovates, showcasing a playful & flavorful menu with rotating taco dishes, Peruvian ceviche, crudo, and enticing vegetarian options. Mister Oso originally opened in 2019 and expanded by opening in Denver’s Wash Park neighborhood in 2022 & in New Orleans’ Warehouse District in 2023. In the fall of 2023, Mister Oso was awarded the distinction of Bib Gourmand by The Michelin Guide.

The lively & energetic atmosphere at Mister Oso is ideal for a night out with friends or a casual date. This ambiance is further elevated by tropical plants & vibrant decor. The seasonal menu & agave-spirits cocktail bar offer a transportive escape from the urban hustle. Additionally, our inventive non-alcoholic Agua Fresca cocktail program ensures that everyone can savor a hand-crafted drink.

PLEASE NOTE: A small Kitchen and Staff Appreciation Fee will be added to your bill to support our hardworking team.

Top review

Robert

Dined on Jun 19, 2025

Delicious brisket tacos and margaritas. The service is attentive and friendly. It’s a great ambiance for Mexican food in New Orleans.

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