Louisiana is a state unlike any other in the United States — a vibrant gumbo of French, Spanish, African, and Native American cultures simmering along the Gulf Coast. Home to New Orleans' legendary French Quarter, Cajun country's cypress swamps, and world-class cuisine ranging from crawfish étouffée to beignets, Louisiana captivates visitors with jazz-drenched streets, extravagant Mardi Gras celebrations, and antebellum plantation grandeur set against a backdrop of moss-draped live oaks.
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Commander's Palace
Popular Haute Creole restaurant in Louisiana.
Known for: Legendary Haute Creole cuisine; 25-cent martinis at weekday lunch
1403 Washington Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130
Dooky Chase's Restaurant
Popular Creole Soul Food restaurant in Louisiana.
Known for: Civil Rights Movement history; Leah Chase fed MLK and Presidents; African American art collection
2301 Orleans Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119
Café Du Monde
Popular Café / Beignets restaurant in Louisiana.
Known for: The city's most iconic café; beignets coated in powdered sugar since 1862
800 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116
Galatoire's
Popular Classic Creole / French restaurant in Louisiana.
Known for: New Orleans institution since 1905; white tablecloths, tuxedoed waiters, no printed menu specials
209 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Willie Mae's Scotch House
Popular Southern Fried Chicken restaurant in Louisiana.
Known for: James Beard Award-winning fried chicken; arrive early as they often sell out
2401 St Ann St, New Orleans, LA 70119
Compère Lapin
Popular Caribbean-Creole Fusion restaurant in Louisiana.
Known for: Chef Nina Compton; James Beard Award winner; Caribbean-Creole creative fusion
535 Tchoupitoulas St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Mother's Restaurant
Popular Creole / Southern restaurant in Louisiana.
Known for: Open since 1938; famous po'boys with roast beef debris; long lines but fast-moving
401 Poydras St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Clancy's
Popular Creole / New American restaurant in Louisiana.
Known for: Neighborhood favorite away from the tourist corridor; where locals dine for special occasions
6100 Annunciation St, New Orleans, LA 70118
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
Seafood
Southern
American
Café
Caribbean
Creole
Creole Soul Food
French
Haute Creole
Italian
Muffuletta
New New Orleans Cuisine
Po'Boys
Sandwiches
Southern Fried Chicken
Southern Soul Food
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Tipping practices vary — check local customs. Service charge is often included.
Restaurants may close between lunch and dinner. Plan meals around local dining hours.
Popular restaurants may not take reservations — arrive early or be prepared to wait.
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $5-15/meal | Street food, local eateries, and simple restaurants. |
| Mid-range | $15-40/meal | Sit-down restaurants with good service and varied menus. |
| Upscale | $40+/meal | Fine dining, international cuisine, and premium experiences. |