Top Best French Restaurants in New Orleans

"New Orleanians are not only loyal to this traditional bastion of Creole dining, they're loyal to their waiter, and if they're old enough, to their waiter's son. Generations come and go, but Galatoire's, with its classic seafood-centric menu focused on in-season fish and shellfish treated to artful preparations like trout meuniere, shrimp remoulade and oysters Rockefeller. Not only can your order well known local fish like drum, redfish and pompano, you can also get the sweet goodness of sheepshead and lemon fish if the waters are right."

"This New Orleans stalwart provides a sophisticated reprieve from Bourbon Street’s frenetic party scene. The dining rooms are elegant, with chandeliers and mahogany, the waiters wear tuxedos and the menu features French-Creole favorites. One menu staple not to be missed are the Soufflé Potatoes, which were featured on The Best Thing I Ever Ate."

"This Bourbon Street landmark is famous for its Friday lunch, where the drinks are strong and the menu is bursting with classics— Oysters Rockefeller, Eggs Sardou, Galatoire Goute, Pompano with crabmeat. Show up early to stand in line (and bring a jacket, gentlemen)."

"Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2020, Herbsaint is the flagship restaurant in chef Donald Link's culinary empire. Herbsaint's food menu reflects southern, French, and Italian influences, such as the housemade spaghetti with guanciale (an Italian cured meat made of pork cheek), and fried-poached farm egg. More substantial dishes include duck leg confit with dirty rice, a crispy goat with lentils, and lamb and mushroom lasagna."

"Although Herbsaint has scattered sidewalk tables under umbrellas and of course that lovely courtyard, there’s also a covered sidewalk area with seating out of the rain. Pull up a chair and enjoy some of chef de cuisine David Rouse’s savory takes on contemporary, seasonal French-Southern cuisine along with rustic Italian dishes. Open for dine-in, takeout, or delivery."

"Located right on Jackson Square, Tableau is a fabulous place to go for traditional New Orleans cuisine. Even though it was a rainy day on my visit, I still was able to get beautiful photos of their picturesque courtyard. You can also dine on the outside balcony with a view overlooking Jackson Square."

"Tableau, an elegant French Quarter establishment from Dickie Brennan’s group, specializes in modern Creole cuisine. It’s open daily from 11 a.m. until late on weekdays, and from 10..."

"Escape to the south of France at this incredibly charming Bywater restaurant that features a delicious sake-cured salmon and goat cheese tartine, duck a l’orange, and a wine list that’s far from mainstream. Pro tip: N7’s only dessert option is a cheese plate, so expect to go elsewhere for dessert if your sweetie likes sweets. 1117 Montegut St.; an establishment so French there’s no phone number listed"

"BywaterSeafood, cocktails, and natural shine at this hidden gemThis is the kind of place where it feels like you’re making a discovery every time you eat here. From its nondescript entrance to the cozy indoor seating and the menu of natural wines, you’ll find something new to enjoy. Hopefully your dining partner feels the same way."

"For an awesome fusion of French and Japanese cuisine, check out N7!. The perfect mix of classy and casual, and their outdoor dining area is one of the cutest in New Orleans!. Try their squid and you’ll want to return in no time at all!"

"If it's a truly French brasserie setting you crave with the emphasis on locally sourced seafood and Southern hospitality, you've come to the right spot. Offering a trendy, convivial atmosphere, top notch service and an extensive raw bars to boot, Luke is a dream come true for shellfish enthusiasts. If selections like fresh local oysters and littleneck clams don't pique your appetite, choose from a host of other menu items like the local crabmeat omelet or the signature Luke burger."

"Luke is a French-style brasserie serving French and German inspired cuisine with a Louisiana twist. The menu here is very ‘old world’ and uses slow and traditional cooking techniques. We recommend ordering their Blue Crab Gratin plate to share which is made with spinach, Emmenthaler cheese and country bread croutons."

"With New Orleans’ strong Gallic history—it was established as a French colony way back in 1718—it’s no surprise that the city is dotted with French cafés and bistros both new-wave and traditional. One of the best examples of the latter is Café Degas, New Orleans’ longest-running French restaurant; it's beloved by locals for its cozy atmosphere, romantic back patio and spot-on renditions of classic French fare. Order a bottle of vin rouge, settle in with a plate of house-made pâtés or a hearty steak-frites, and pretend you’re in Paris for the night."

"Named after the 19th-century painter Edgar Degas, Café Degas is a cozy French bistro that features reasonably priced French-inspired cuisine with a touch of Creole. On warm days and evenings, the front windows are opened up to the street. Don’t forget to order the La Gratinée d’Oignons, which is French onion soup with crispy croutons and bubbly Swiss cheese."

"Cafe Degas — named, as one might think, for the famous painter Jose Degas — was once voted the “Most Romantic Restaurant in New Orleans.” Now, it has the distinction of also being ..."

"French QuarterThough it dates back to 1920, Broussard’s recently reopened after a lengthy hiatus, and it’s not just back in business, it’s back to its old, pre-Prohibition form, and absolutely killing it. The restaurant’s logo is a bee, the very same as Napoleon Bonaparte’s personal symbol. You also might note that, in addition to the glorious dining room, Broussard’s is home to the lavishly renovated Empire Bar, where you’ll find legendary barman Paul Gustings, who will shake you a pitch-perfect Ramos Fizz, among other important New Orleans tipples."

"This nearly 100-year old restaurant was scooped up by Creole Cuisine Restaurant Concepts, a huge local restaurant group that dusted it off and gave it a good polishing in a million dollar renovation in 2013. The restaurant is white tablecloth, but the dress code is casual, so diners in flip flops and shorts sip wine at tables next to those in ties and jackets. Have drinks at Broussard’s swanky Empire Bar and dine in the lush courtyard if the weather permits."

"Creole Restaurant – open for dinner and weekend brunch Historic fine-dining spot for high-end Creole fare. Open for dinner everyday and brunch also on weekends. Open for dinnerDress code: Smart CasualPhone: +1 504-581-3866"

"Located on the corner of St. Louis at Royal Street, the Rib Room has been the haunt of literary greats and the politically infamous for over 50 years. The Rib Room’s rotisserie remains a focal point of the menu of classic to contemporary dishes."

"Omni Royal Orleans Hotel, 621 St. Louis St., (504) 529-7045; www.ribroomneworleans.com. Pan-seared Gulf fish amandine is served with sauteed garlic kale and parsley potatoes. Reservations recommended."

"Superior Seafood and Oyster Bar sits at the intersection of Napoleon and Charles avenues. Grab a window seat to watch all of the neighborhood locals and tourists as they move down ..."

"Superior Seafood and Oyster Bar is in historic Uptown New Orleans and serves authentic Louisiana seafood and Creole-inspired dishes. They are casual, affordable, and one of the mos..."

"Although we were tempted to try popular Sno-Bliz flavors like watermelon and satsuma, we kept our Snoball simple with bright red strawberry shaved ice and creamy milk. Don’t confuse Hansen’s Sno-Bliz with typical snow cones stands and ice cream shops. The Hansen clan has been shaving ice at Sno-Bliz and topping it with homemade syrup since 1934."

"Open since 1939, this location still uses the same ice-shaving machine its owner invented in 1934. Expect the lines to be long, even on those oppressively hot days."

"On the block of Plum and Burdette Street in Uptown New Orleans sits Plum Street Snowballs, a colorful neighborhood stand first established in 1945. Serving over 50+ sno-balls from March through October, this vintage spot, which represents NOLA’s authentic culture, serves its house-made creations with real snow made from a generations-old patented ice machine, fruit-flavored syrups and delicious condensed milk. 1300 Burdette St, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA, +1 (504) 866-7996"

"The shaved ice here is beloved for its smooth, soft texture (not an ice chunk in sight), and comes in a miles-long list of flavors, including options like plum (of course), strawberry, piña colada, mocha, and passionfruit. Remember to bring some bills, as this spot is cash-only. And put your phone away when you approach the counter (or else)."

"5039 Freret St., (504) 875-4447; www.libertycheesesteaks.com. An Original Philadelphia-style cheese steak is filled with chopped New York strip steak, provolone or American cheese and Sriracha or garlic mayonnaise."

"(Various street corners in the French Quarter) The popular hot dogs and iconic weenie-in-bun-shaped carts have been part of the late-night Quarter scene for years; the company website claims over 21 million hot dogs have been sold in the past half-century. Lucky Dog makes a pretty good weenie, perfect for slowing your roll when you’ve had one too many Hurricanes at Pat O’Brien’s."

"These ubiquitous hot dog carts, immortalized as "Paradise Dogs" in the brilliant Pulitzer Prize-winning A Confederacy of Dunces, are all over the place in the Quarter. The enormous hot dogs taste like, well, something you bought off of a hot dog cart, but if you've had a few drinks and like the idea of connecting to some literary history, give 'em a try."

"From here, you’ve got Jackson Square literally across the street, or if you walk out and to the right you can go to the French Market. Do both in whatever order you like then head into the center of the French Quarter. Some key points to check out in this small zone are: the artists along the street at Jackson Square, St Lous Cathedral (you can’t miss it), New Orleans Pharmacy Museum, Marie Laveau’s House of Voodoo, and shopping for antiques on Royal Street. Of course, Bourbon street is here too and always popping even in the daytime."

"Once a military parade ground at the very centre of the city Jackson Square was first laid out in 1720s in the style of Place des Vosges in Paris. After the Battle of New Orleans in 1815 the plaza was renamed in honour of the victorious General Andrew Jackson who would become the seventh president of the United States between 1829 and 1837. At the very centre of formal gardens is the equestrian statue for Jackson by sculptor Clark Mills and unveiled in 1856."

"Jackson Square is pretty famous in New Orleans, Louisiana, and tourists gravitate towards it like nobody’s business in their quest for what to do for fun while visiting. Once upon a time, Jackson Square was a ground for military parades back in the 1720s, somewhat similar to Paris’ Place des Vosges. In 1815, once the Battle of New Orleans drew to a close, the area was renamed to honor General Andrew Jackson."

"Features an impressive collection of original paintings, works on paper, and sculpture by some of history’s most revered artists. Representing over five centuries of fine art, we specialize in original works from the old masters to the modern masters, as well as a select group of renowned contemporary artists."