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It’s not new to call New Orleans one of the best food cities in the country. We’ve been planning trips to eat powdered-sugar-dusted beignets at Café du Monde and the iconic pecan-crusted gulf fish at Commander’s Palace for over 60 years. But in addition to Cajun, Creole, and soul food institutions, the city continues to welcome new spots serving inventive contemporary Mexican, West African, and Indian cuisines—all which play into the diverse, lively vibe of New Orleans.
Here, we break down the main neighborhoods, where to eat within them, and where to stay so that you don’t miss a single place to eat (and drink).
The Marigny down through the French Quarter
Start with grab-and-go pastries to savor while you stroll the quiet residential neighborhood of Marigny. A little walk to Ayu Bakehouse, especially in the early morning while most of the neighborhood is still dozing, is a great start to the day. Try the soft and savory Parmesan-and-chive biscuit with butter and the slightly sweet kaya bun (trust us and get some chili oil on the side) with whatever seasonal drink is available.
Loretta’s Pralines is a great place to go for your next pastry fix. Beyond traditional beignets and some of the best pralines in the city, it has beignets stuffed with pralines (a natural marriage), cheeseburger, and crabmeat. Speaking of beignets, there are quite a few Cafe du Monde locations across greater New Orleans, but the outpost in City Park is something of a hidden gem: Indoor seating keeps you from melting while you wait for your treats—which shouldn't be long because this location is never mobbed the way the more famous spot off of Jackson Square can be. Order a hot cafe au lait, frozen cafe au lait, or hot cocoa to wash down your beignets.
Walking along the Mississippi River or cruising the mall with a frozen cocktail from Fat Tuesday is a simple, affordable joy. In addition to the classic flavors like 190 Octane, piña colada, and margarita, you can also get off-menu daiquiri specials.
Hotel Peter and Paul
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At Hotel Peter and Paul, you might find yourself taking a photo of every last charming corner. The property was once a 19th-century Catholic school and church campus, complete with a rectory and nunnery, and each room has a rotary phone and other touches of the not-so-distant past. The stellar team at Ash NYC is behind the property’s revival in late 2018 and didn’t miss a beat—service is warm and welcoming, the hotel’s own map of the neighborhood comes handily marked with the staff’s favorite bars and restaurants, and even the custom-blended toiletries are a real treat.
During your stay, include a stop at Elysian Bar, where you can sample fresh dishes like snapper crudo with marinated grapes and cocktails like the Dearly Beloved, a Prince-purple blend of green chili vodka, chamomile grappa, yuzu, butterfly pea, habañero tincture, and lemon.
Visited by Megan Braden-Perry and Kate Kassin
Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans
It's hardly groundbreaking to say that the traveler seeking pure luxury should check in to the Four Seasons, but the chain's riverfront location really is special. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer views of both the city skyline and river that will have you itching to get out and experience all the Big Easy has to offer—even while the white Carrara marble bathrooms tempt you to stay in your room all day. The hotel sits at the foot of Canal Street set back from the bustle of the French Quarter while still being a stone's throw away from all the attractions. Plus, in true Four Seasons fashion, you can expect some of the best service around.
Don’t miss a stop at the Chandelier Bar with its show-stopping chandelier made with 15,000 crystals. And even with NOLA's deep bench of fantastic dining options, it's worth saving a spot on your dance card for one of the hotel's two chef-driven restaurants, Miss River and Chemin à la Mer, from Alon Shaya and Donald Link, respectively.
Visited by Megan Braden-Perry
The Windsor Court
A stay at The Windsor Court is a trip to England, no passport required. Large oil paintings, florals everywhere, marble bathrooms, and gorgeous views throughout feel straight from Bridgerton, but its location just steps from the French Quarter mean you can jump right into the New Orleans spirit in minutes.
Tea service at Le Salon is worth a booking to experience the delights of delicate finger sandwiches, pastel-colored confections, and A-plus people-watching. Holiday Tea during the festive winter season is especially popular, so plan accordingly.
Visited by Megan Braden-Perry
Virgin Hotels New Orleans
Quirky, colorful interiors at the Virgin Hotel in the Central Business District are sure to please design-lovers. Rooms have fabric-lined bed frames and Smeg mini fridges all in Virgin's signature bold red hue. Foodies, meanwhile, will want to check out both the rooftop pool and the downstairs restaurant Commons Club, where New Orleans native chef Chris Borges heads up the kitchen.
Visited by Megan Braden-Perry
On to the Garden District and Uptown
Head upriver for traditional New Orleans Creole flavors. Walking into Surrey’s Cafe and Juice Bar, feels like stepping through the back door of a shotgun home to smell Maw Maw making breakfast. It's real New Orleans food on the menu, full of fresh seasoning. Get whatever is on special, or you can't go wrong with the French toast or anything with crab.
Before taking a stroll down Magazine Street, get filled up at Gris-Gris. This is the type of food you eat to fuel up a long day of duck hunting, so it will certainly sustain you while you're window shopping. Try the double-cut pork chop or chicken gizzard grillades.
Later in the day, hit Pascal's Manale, which has been serving traditional New Orleans Creole Italian food since 1913. Make sure to try the barbecue shrimp—more of a sautee—as Manale’s is where it was invented. Also order the veal parmesan and crab cake.
If you like going off-menu, you’ll love Charlie's Steakhouse. There’s literally no menu—the servers come to your table and tell you what the kitchen is offering. Steaks are great but save room for the sides, especially the onion rings, crabmeat au gratin, and creamed spinach. And don’t forget to order some of the unique spritzes from the bar.
Hotel Saint Vincent
In the Lower Garden District, away from the hubbub of downtown, you'll find the stylish orphanage-turned-boutique-hotel Hotel Saint Vincent. While many hotels across New Orleans feel like they were made for the bachelor/bachelorette party crew, Hotel Saint Vincent is adored by locals. It has convenient parking, fun events, a tranquil pool, and unique dining options like Italian restaurant San Lorenzo, French-Vietnamese restaurant Elizabeth Street Cafe (yes, the same one from Austin), and a guest-only Chapel Club. It’s also one of the most beautiful places in town, with vintage art on the walls, pink tile in the bathrooms, and shaded porches that beg you to linger.
Visited by Megan Braden-Perry
The Chloe
If you’re looking for a hotel that exudes romance, The Chloe is the one. The 19th-century building with only 14 rooms is decorated with sumptuous fabrics in rich jewel tones, muted lighting, flowers in the bedroom, and locally-made Oxalis Apothecary toiletries in the bath.
In the morning, you can choose to eat your complimentary, cooked-to-order breakfast wherever you’d like—try the front patio full of rocking chairs to take in the magic of the Saint Charles streetcar. The Chloe’s shares its spin on New Orleans cuisine at the all-day restaurant and lounge from chef Ben Triola, who worked in kitchens like the acclaimed Sylvain and the since-closed Borgne. Oh yeah, and the pool—a godsend after a day eating and drinking in New Orleans's muggy climate—is open 24 hours for guests.
Visited by Megan Braden-Perry
More travel tips for food lovers:
- NYC is huge—these hotels make great launching pads for exploring the city's food scene
- Add all the Best New Restaurants of 2025 to your to-try list now
- Where to stay in Chicago (if you love to eat)
