World famous for its cuisine, New Orleans has a diverse selection of restaurants. From high-end fine dining to cheap, simple and tasty comfort food, there are hundreds of excellent restaurants in the New Orleans area serving every imagine cuisine and dish.

Below, we’ve listed some of the best restaurants in New Orleans, ranging from high-end dining options to some of the city’s most popular affordable food. Our restaurant recommendations are grouped by price, with more expensive options towards the beginning and cheaper options later.

High-End Restaurants in New Orleans

New Orleans has a great selection of high-end restaurants, ranging from steakhouses and fine Creole and Cajun food to French, Italian and more. We’ve listed the top high-end restaurants in the New Orleans area below, with a quick summary of each restaurant’s dining options.

GW Fins

One of the top-rated restaurants in New Orleans, GW Fins is a seafood restaurant famous for its exceptional service, multiple course dining and attention to detail. From soft shell crab to lobster dumplings, red snapper and more, GW Fins serves a huge range of high-quality seafood dishes.
Located in the heart of the French Quarter, GW Fins is located close to some of New Orleans’ top nightlife, making it a great high-end dining choice for the start of the evening.

Upperline Restaurant

Upperline puts a modern spin on traditional Cajun and Creole food, serving a great selection of famous New Orleans dishes. There’s also an extensive menu of traditional favorites, from lamb shank to turtle soup, oysters, shrimp remoulade and more.
Located 15 minutes from the French Quarter, Upperline is within walking distance of most of the top New Orleans hotels. The restaurant has an upscale atmosphere, with dressy attire required for men (although jackets are not necessary).

Commander’s Palace

Open since 1893, Commander’s Palace is a New Orleans landmark. The menu here is made up of a variety of traditional Cajun and Creole dishes, ranging from delicious turtle soup and gumbo to lobster and grilled corn pudding, pecan crusted gulf fish and more.
Commander’s Palace is located close to the center of the Garden District, across from Lafayette Cemetery. The restaurant has a relatively formal dress code, with closed-toe shoes and jackets required for men.

Cheap and Simple Dining in New Orleans

Enjoying the wonderful food of New Orleans doesn’t need to be expensive. Below, we’ve listed some of the city’s top affordable restaurants and eateries, ranging from hearty comfort food to Cajun and Creole favorites.

Daisy Dukes Express

Open until late, this local favorite on Carondelet Street offers a great selection of local comfort dishes, ranging from sandwiches and burgers to Cajun omelets. One of the better options in New Orleans if you like a late, hearty breakfast.

Meals From The Heart Cafe

Located a short walk from the Mississippi River in the French Quarter, Meals From The Heart Cafe serves excellent burgers, salads, po boys, tacos and other dishes. It’s also famous for its crab cakes, which are worth trying if you’re a visitor to New Orleans.

Parkway Bakery & Tavern

Gumbo, po boys and other comfort food make Parkway Bakery & Tavern a great place to stop if you’re feeling hungry. This restaurant is located close to Mid-City New Orleans, making it a fairly long detour if you’re staying around the French Quarter.