Best Authentic Restaurants in New Orleans

55 restaurants available nearby

1. Domenica

4.5

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Central Business District

Booked 90 times today

Domenica translates to “Sunday,” in Italian, it is the day of the week to explore and cook leisurely, abundant meals. At Domenica restaurant, our chefs seek to transport guests to those coveted moments, offering passionately prepared dishes that marry pure, local ingredients with revered techniques.While the menu is rooted in tradition, our chefs focus on elevating Italian ingredients and classic flavors to create modern classics, adapted for the contemporary palate of New Orleans. The fresh pastas made by hand daily, roasted vegetables, meats and Napolitano style pizzas, all prepared in the restaurant’s iconic wood oven, are perfectly complemented by custom-brewed beers, seasonal craft cocktails and an Italian-focused wine list.

A photo of 34 Restaurant & Bar restaurant

2. 34 Restaurant & Bar

4.5

Awesome(99)

Price: Very Expensive

• Portuguese • Central Business District

Booked 41 times today

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.

A photo of Good Catch | Thai Urban Bistro restaurant

3. Good Catch | Thai Urban Bistro

4.7

Exceptional(60)

Price: Expensive

• Thai • Central Business District

Booked 9 times today

Authentic Thai bistro offering a unique lunch, happy hour, and dinner experience - your oasis in the heart of New Orleans Central Business District. Specializing in Thai seafood dishes that highlight the abundance of locally-availability fresh Gulf fish and seafood. With a full Thai menu and a creative bar menu designed to accompany the tropical flavors of Thai food and the New Orleans cultural heritage, Executive Chef Aom Srisuk brings together the best flavors of the East with the best of the Big Easy. Good Catch is the sister restaurant to our smaller but more established uptown restaurant Pomelo.Two blocks from Canal Street, and one-and-a-half blocks to St. Charles Ave. and less than a block away from the uptown (green) streetcar line. Short walk to the Saenger, Orpheum, Roosevelt, Ritz Carlton, and so much more.Authentic Thai | Gulf Seafood Specialties | Savory Sips | Lunch / Dinner / Happy HourPlenty of space to host your party, or let us cater your next event!

4. Tacos del Cartel

4.6

Exceptional(206)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Central Business District

Booked 52 times today

At Tacos del Cartel, tacos, brunch, lunch and dinner are an art form. The menu is a culinary love letter, a symphony of flavors that dance on the taste buds. The culinary rebels in the kitchen experiment with traditional Mexican recipes, infusing them with the boldness of cultures.

A photo of The Italian Barrel restaurant

5. The Italian Barrel

4.7

Exceptional(3462)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • French Quarter

Booked 32 times today

The Italian Barrel is a genuine Italian restaurant in New Orleans. Reviews rave about the authentic Italian cuisine, with phrases like 'Food was authentic and terrific!', 'Classic, Italian, style restaurant' and 'Wonderful Authentic Italian food'. The owner, Samantha Castagnetti, brings the essence of Northern Italy to the dining table with overnight shipments of imported Italian foods. The ambiance is also praised, with a cozy and romantic atmosphere.

A photo of Tujague's - New Orleans restaurant

6. Tujague's - New Orleans

4.2

Awesome(3487)

Price: Expensive

• Creole / Cajun / Southern • French Quarter

Booked 47 times today

Tujague's is the second oldest restaurant in New Orleans. This French Quarter institution has been serving traditional New Orleans cuisine to locals and visitors alike for more than 160 years. Lore states that brunch originated here, as did the Grasshopper cocktail. Homages to the restaurant's long and colorful history abound within the interior of the building from the classic 19th century architecture to memorabilia on the walls.Menu items such as the seared gulf fish and the daily gumbo meld French traditions with New Orleans fare and flare. Our famous five course menu is still served nightly; but have no fear, the menu is no longer pre-fixe, so those less ravenous diners can join in too.If you want a quintessential New Orleans experience filled with history and local fare, Tujague's is your place.

A photo of Broussard's Restaurant restaurant

7. Broussard's Restaurant

4.5

Awesome(4023)

Price: Expensive

• Creole • French Quarter

Booked 69 times today

Broussard's Restaurant is a quintessential New Orleans dining experience, known for its elegant French Quarter Courtyard, beautifully appointed Empire Bar, and Contemporary interpretations of Classic Creole Cuisine. The restaurant is highly rated for its exceptional service, unique and delicious food, and beautiful ambiance. One reviewer noted, 'Classic white table restaurant. Our reservation was on the early side so the dining room was quiet on arrival. As the evening progressed, more diners arrived and there was a noticeable hum in the air. The service was incredible.' Another reviewer highlighted, 'Broussard's Restaurant is highly recommended for its beautiful interior for ambience, outstanding service from its very knowledgeable Maitre d and wait staff and their absolutely delicious appetizers, entrees and desserts.'

A photo of Muriel's Jackson Square restaurant

8. Muriel's Jackson Square

4.7

Exceptional(10299)

Price: Very Expensive

• Creole / Cajun / Southern • French Quarter

Booked 87 times today

The Bistro at Muriel’s Jackson Square offers contemporary Creole cuisine with New Orleans classics like Seafood Gumbo, Turtle soup, Shrimp & Grits and Wood Grilled Pork Chop while the Courtyard Bar is the perfect place to drop by for drinks and appetizers. The Séance Lounge is the place for a relaxed, comfortable meeting before or after dining. Comprised of two areas, The Outer Seance and The Inner Séance, the Séance also tells the story of a mystic checkered past. The Outer Séance addresses the New Orleans era of Storyville when Muriel's Jackson Square was one of the French Quarter's top bordellos! The Inner Séance is the preferred domain of the resident ghost, Pierre Antoine Lepardi Jourdan; it's the perfect spot for an intimate conversation or a drink among its plush surroundings. The 170 foot wrap-around balcony is a splendid spot for enjoying our specialty cocktails or our extensive wine list featuring over 300 selections from around the world.

9. Toups Meatery

4.8

Exceptional(2439)

Price: Expensive

• Cajun • Mid-City / City Park

Booked 30 times today

Toups' Meatery is a contemporary Cajun restaurant featuring fine food, wine, specialty cocktails, extensive Bourbon selection and charcuterie inspired by deep-rooted Louisiana family traditions. Chef Isaac Toups represents the new guard of Cajun chefs for his updated refined approach to rustic dishes. Cooking the food that’s closest to his heart has earned him rave reviews including recently being named a James Beard Semi-Finalist for Best Chef of the South 2014 & 2015. Located in beautiful Mid City near City Park and the New Orleans Museum of Art.

A photo of Atchafalaya Restaurant restaurant

10. Atchafalaya Restaurant

4.9

Exceptional(6460)

Price: Expensive

• Creole / Cajun / Southern • Garden District

Booked 74 times today

Atchafalaya is a true New Orleans neighborhood eatery where the eclectic yet elegant atmosphere is only outshone by the attentive service and delicious local fare. Nestled under the oaks on the edges of the Irish Channel, Magazine Street, and historic Garden districts, this hidden gem is one the best contemporary Creole dining experiences that one can find in the city. Neighbors, locals, and out of towners alike will become regulars after experiencing the brand of hospitality offered by New Orleans’ only five “A” restaurant. If having standards such as a gumbo du jour, blue crab raviolo, or shrimp & grits, a nightly seafood special, or a filet paired with a selection from the world class wine program you will not be disappointed. The introductions of brunch, live music, cocktails, and now an extensive happy hour continue the newest culinary chapter for a storied local haunt, embracing New Orleans’ culinary culture while placing contemporary spin on traditional New Orleans cuisine.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

R
RobertVIP
New Orleans / Louisiana •64 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Highly recommend trying the happy hour snack menu and cocktails. Cat, our server was warm, welcoming, and patient as she explained the menu, which can be a little overwhelming. We shared five small plates, each unique in texture and flavor and extremely delicious. The prices are very reasonable for the quantity of each serving. It’s unique to find such a friendly bar staff team, as all employees spoke to us. This was our second visit and the restaurant seems to be getting better each and every time.
More info
34 Restaurant & BarPrice: Very Expensive• Portuguese• Central Business District
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4.5
J
JohnVIP
New Orleans / Louisiana •16 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Wonderful food and service! Our annual Christmas celebration with friends!!!!
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The Italian BarrelPrice: Expensive• Italian• French Quarter
•
4.7
W
WilliamVIP
New Mexico •105 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
The food, timing of the food and service were outstanding. Very energetic atmosphere. We have never been disappointed with this restaurant!
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Tacos del CartelPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Central Business District
•
4.6
K
Kelly
Houston •16 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Domenica was recommended by friends of ours and it did not disappoint! Food was outstanding - black truffle pecorino romano, spaghetti carbonara (CRAZY good), a rabbit/pasta dish (can’t remember the name), topped off by a banana dessert. Every table was taken the entire time we were there on 12.18. Highly recommend you book a reservation. LOVED our server, Heather. A fun evening.
More info
DomenicaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Central Business District
•
4.5
J
Jessica
San Antonio •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on 15 Dec 2024
Our first trip to Good Catch today was great! The menu has a great selection of seafood and our dishes were fresh and delicious. Our server too great care of even though she was one her own having had a coworker call out. We will definitely go back soon!
More info
Good Catch | Thai Urban BistroPrice: Expensive• Thai• Central Business District
•
4.7

Best Authentic Restaurants in New Orleans

Price

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55 restaurants available nearby

1. Domenica

2. 34 Restaurant & Bar

3. Good Catch | Thai Urban Bistro

4. Tacos del Cartel

5. The Italian Barrel

6. Tujague's - New Orleans

7. Broussard's Restaurant

8. Muriel's Jackson Square

9. Toups Meatery

10. Atchafalaya Restaurant

See what locals rave about

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