The 10 Best Restaurants In New Orleans' French Quarter

Café Amelie is the place to go for brunch in the French Quarter. Upon entering the restaurant, you will feel transported to another time and place; the atmosphere is whimsical and precious. Patrons are seated within a beautiful garden courtyard that provides the perfect backdrop for a romantic date or wedding, and the vibe of the quintessential French Quarter experience is unmistakable. But don’t worry, Café Amelie avoids being too kitsch. The romance and whimsy is perfectly tempered by its authentic history: the cafe is named for Amelie Miltonberger, mother of Alice Heine, who eventually became the first American Princess of Monaco.

Pierre Maspero’s offers an authentic taste of Cajun fare, and they are known for their classic takes on staples of New Orleans cuisine. Their crab cakes, bloody Marys, and craw fish are all worth the visit, but the real draw to Pierre Maspero’s is its location. Set inside one of the oldest buildings in the French Quarter, the original Pierre Maspero’s Slave Exchange was first erected in 1788 by Don Lafitte. This building was also the site where the Lafitte brothers met with Andrew Jackson to plan the battle of New Orleans, a historic battle which cemented America’s independence.

The Golden Feather is an eclectic, hidden gem located in New Orleans’ historic French Quarter, and the food served reflects the city’s fusion-based vibe. Combining elements of both West African and Caribbean flavors, The Golden Feather offers a unique taste experience, not to mention the opportunity to experience the traditions of the Mardi Gras Indian culture first-hand. Located in the historic Congo Square, the co-owner, Shaka Zulu, is a Mardi Gras Indian chief himself and he is only too happy to sit down with tourists and locals alike to share his wealth of knowledge on this fascinating culture.

Nestled in the heart of the French Quarter, Oceana Grill serves up amazing seafood until late, so it is the perfect dinner option for after hours. It is also very conveniently located right near Bourbon Street, perfect for a delicious meal after exploring New Orleans. Notable dishes to try include the turtle soup, red beans and rice, or, if you are feeling adventurous, the gator sausage. Known for their exemplary service and spectacular seafood, the Oceana Grill has a top-rate reputation and they deliver!
Address & phone number: 739 Conti Street, New Orleans, LA, 70130 +1 504-525-6002 The Crepe Cart| Courtesy of The Crepe Cart

This little food cart may not be the fanciest, but the crepes they serve are certainly to-die-for! Offering up crepes both sweet and savory, the one thing all of these crepes have in common is their high quality and low price. Perfect for a quick and healthy lunch on the go or an easy snack while wandering the French Quarter, these crepes do not disappoint. Try the peanut butter-banana-nutella crepe if you are craving something sweet, or, if something a little more substantial is in order, the crepe made with dill sauce, savory mozzarella, tomato, and spinach comes highly recommended.

Known for their fresh and flavorful local food, Angeline offers up a refined take on traditional southern fare. Chef Alex Harrell creates food inspired by northern Mediterranean cuisine, while also focusing on highlighting and accentuating simple southern flavors. On offer at Angeline are exemplary service and great wine pairing recommendations for the perfect drink with your dinner. For dinner, the rabbit entree and gulf shrimp are two dishes you don’t want to miss. Also, be sure to check out the extensive cocktail list.

The French Quarter Grill is one of New Orleans’ best kept secrets! You won’t find many tourists here, but you will find buckets of delicious fresh crawfish on offer. The restaurant is located in the back of the Mississippi River Bottoms bar, though it is run independently. In addition to the craw fish, a few other notable menu items include the gator sausage, and the char-grilled oysters. Don’t forget to bring cash, as they do not accept credit cards, and the drinks must be ordered and paid for separately from the bar but the food is well-worth any hassle.

The locals go crazy for the gyros and falafal of Ali Baba’s Gyros. Located in the French Quarter, the location is convenient, and the price is right. While Greek food may not be the traditional New Orleans food of choice, this is part of its charm, finding a place that serves authentic, delicious Greek food, second only to that which you’d find in Greece, is a delightful surprise, and it fits in very well with the cultural ethos of fusion and unexpected combinations. When dining in the French Quarter, do not count out Greek.

Beachbum Berry’s Latitude 29 is the French Quarter’s premiere Hawaiian beach restaurant. The owner is Jeff ‘Beachbum’ Berry, and he has spent over 20 years rediscovering, republishing, and sometimes revising old and forgotten tiki cocktail recipes. If you are in the market for an unusual or rare tropical cocktail, then Beachbum Berry’s Latitude 29 is your best bet. The fun and tropical ambiance, combined with the playful Polynesian-Asian fusion cuisine, offers a fun alternative twist to the traditional local fare.

Restaurant R’evolucion has become something of a classic in the French Quarter, attracting both locals and tourists, and the fare served is cooked by one of the most well-known and decorated chefs in New Orleans. Chef John Folse has won over 20 different awards for his cooking over a 30-year-long career, and he specializes in traditional Louisiana ingredients served up with a twist. The ambiance in Restaurant R’evolucion is one of casual elegance, perfect for a special occasion.