Nola Guide
Food scene
One of the better restaurants in the city, and they also own Cochon Butcher, which is located right next door. At Cochon Butcher, make sure to try the Cubano sandwich, brussel sprouts, and mac & cheese.
448 locals recommend
Cochon RESTAURANT
930 Tchoupitoulas StOne of the better restaurants in the city, and they also own Cochon Butcher, which is located right next door. At Cochon Butcher, make sure to try the Cubano sandwich, brussel sprouts, and mac & cheese.
One of our favorite restaurants in Nola. It has won a James Beard award as well as Restaurant of the Year. They boast a wonderful menu that mixes seafood and southern food. Peche is located in the Arts District where there are tons of great art galleries to visit. We would recommend ordering the whole fish, the fried bread, and oysters.
261 locals recommend
Pêche Seafood Grill
800 Magazine StOne of our favorite restaurants in Nola. It has won a James Beard award as well as Restaurant of the Year. They boast a wonderful menu that mixes seafood and southern food. Peche is located in the Arts District where there are tons of great art galleries to visit. We would recommend ordering the whole fish, the fried bread, and oysters.
Healthy (and not so healthy) dishes, including tons of vegetarian and vegan options!
19 locals recommend
BEARCAT CBD
845 Carondelet StHealthy (and not so healthy) dishes, including tons of vegetarian and vegan options!
Drip Affogato Bar
336 Carondelet StCute spot combining coffee + ice cream.
The Daily Beet
1000 Girod StHealthy bites, juices, and smoothies
Located in the South Market District, this spot is great for some after dinner dessert. We highly recommend getting the milk & cookies. They also have delicious brunch!
94 locals recommend
Willa Jean
611 O'Keefe AveLocated in the South Market District, this spot is great for some after dinner dessert. We highly recommend getting the milk & cookies. They also have delicious brunch!
The Company Burger
611 O'Keefe AveAmazing burgers and shakes.
Located on Freret Street, this spot has delicious breakfast tacos as well as savory and sweet kolaches. Don't miss out on the egg + potato breakfast taco or the classic kolache.
The Kolache Kitchen - CBD
314 Carondelet StLocated on Freret Street, this spot has delicious breakfast tacos as well as savory and sweet kolaches. Don't miss out on the egg + potato breakfast taco or the classic kolache.
Located across from Jackson Square, this institution serves nothing but beignets and coffee. Just walk in and enjoy!
703 locals recommend
Cafe Du Monde French Market
800 Decatur StLocated across from Jackson Square, this institution serves nothing but beignets and coffee. Just walk in and enjoy!
Make sure to try the New Orleans iced coffee - fully dressed.
183 locals recommend
French Truck Coffee
1200 Magazine StMake sure to try the New Orleans iced coffee - fully dressed.
Barracuda
3984 Tchoupitoulas StOne of our favorite outdoor spots for tacos and delicious margaritas.
One of our favorite bakeries - don’t miss out on their almond croissants and other fresh baked pastries.
188 locals recommend
La Boulangerie
4600 Magazine StOne of our favorite bakeries - don’t miss out on their almond croissants and other fresh baked pastries.
Humble Bagel
4716 Freret StGreat homemade bagels.
Traditional and speciality Jewish deli sandwiches, including bagels and breakfast sandwiches.
216 locals recommend
Stein's Market and Deli
2207 Magazine StTraditional and speciality Jewish deli sandwiches, including bagels and breakfast sandwiches.
Windowsill Pies
4714 Freret StNew spot on Freret featuring savory and sweet pies.
Delicious Israeli and Mediterranean food by famous chef Alon Shaya. Don’t miss out on the salatim and cauliflower hummus with their amazing fresh made pita.
90 locals recommend
Saba
5757 Magazine StDelicious Israeli and Mediterranean food by famous chef Alon Shaya. Don’t miss out on the salatim and cauliflower hummus with their amazing fresh made pita.
Our favorite ice cream spot, with tons of inventive, homemade flavors. Try the Cookie Monster, Black and Gold Crunch, and Lavender Honey.
142 locals recommend
Creole Creamery
4924 Prytania StOur favorite ice cream spot, with tons of inventive, homemade flavors. Try the Cookie Monster, Black and Gold Crunch, and Lavender Honey.
A local favorite for charcuterie boards and delicious sandwiches.
88 locals recommend
St. James Cheese Company - Uptown
5004 Prytania StA local favorite for charcuterie boards and delicious sandwiches.
Blue Oak BBQ
900 N Carrollton AveLocal favorite spot for BBQ.
Brunch favorite with lots of New Orleans specialties, like an amazing Fried Green Tomato Eggs Benedict. They are known for their DIY Bloody Mary Bar. They also have live music during brunch and a great outdoor spot.
222 locals recommend
Atchafalaya
901 Louisiana AveBrunch favorite with lots of New Orleans specialties, like an amazing Fried Green Tomato Eggs Benedict. They are known for their DIY Bloody Mary Bar. They also have live music during brunch and a great outdoor spot.
Dat Dog
5030 Freret StInventive hot dogs and delicious fries abound at this cool outdoor spot.
Big O's Original Pops
3300 Royal StreetDelicious and creative popsicles served out of a tiny window.
Pizza Delicious
617 Piety StDelicious NY-style pizza in the Bywater neighborhood.
Satsuma has three locations (Uptown, Bywater, LGD) and serves delicious and healthy juices, soups, salads, and sandwiches, including breakfast items.
83 locals recommend
Satsuma Café
1320 Magazine StSatsuma has three locations (Uptown, Bywater, LGD) and serves delicious and healthy juices, soups, salads, and sandwiches, including breakfast items.
Red's Chinese
3048 St Claude AveFun and inventive Chinese food.
Delicious and inventive Chinese food- with a new outdoor patio spot!
8 locals recommend
Blue Giant Chinese
1300 Magazine StDelicious and inventive Chinese food- with a new outdoor patio spot!
Saffron nola
4128 Magazine StGreat Indian food and a great atmosphere.
Central Grocery & Deli
923 Decatur StFamous spot for muffuletta sandwiches.
Vals
4632 Freret StNew outdoor spot for Mexican food and great drinks.
Recently voted the best po’boy in town! It’s definitely our favorite. Try the surf and turf po'boy!
681 locals recommend
Parkway Bakery & Tavern
538 Hagan AveRecently voted the best po’boy in town! It’s definitely our favorite. Try the surf and turf po'boy!
Picnic Provisions & Whiskey
741 State StSouthern picnic-style food.
Our favorite spot for sno-balls. Make sure to get it with condensed milk!
49 locals recommend
Williams Plum Street Snowballs
1300 Burdette StOur favorite spot for sno-balls. Make sure to get it with condensed milk!
Turkey and the Wolf
739 Jackson AvenueGet the collard green melt- you won’t be disappointed!
Funky, nostalgic brunch spot. Their grand slam and other breakfast sandwiches are a must try!
38 locals recommend
Molly's Rise and Shine
2368 Magazine StFunky, nostalgic brunch spot. Their grand slam and other breakfast sandwiches are a must try!
Located in the gorgeous Hotel Peter + Paul, The Elysian Bar is an aesthetically pleasing spot to grab drinks and bites.
76 locals recommend
The Elysian Bar
2317 Burgundy StLocated in the gorgeous Hotel Peter + Paul, The Elysian Bar is an aesthetically pleasing spot to grab drinks and bites.
The Chloe just opened up as a boutique hotel, and it does not disappoint in the food and drinks department. Grab a drink on their porch or patio and enjoy.
29 locals recommend
The Chloe
4125 St Charles AveThe Chloe just opened up as a boutique hotel, and it does not disappoint in the food and drinks department. Grab a drink on their porch or patio and enjoy.
1000 Figs
3141 Ponce De Leon StWe love this Mediterranean restaurant. Be sure to try their falafel.
One of our favorite bakeries in the city! Get there early to enjoy all the fresh baked pastries and breads. Some of our favorites include: the morning bun, croissant, and focaccia.
8 locals recommend
Levee Baking Co.
3138 Magazine StOne of our favorite bakeries in the city! Get there early to enjoy all the fresh baked pastries and breads. Some of our favorites include: the morning bun, croissant, and focaccia.
Bakery Bar
1179 Annunciation StDistrict Donuts Sliders Brew
2209 Magazine StCommander's Palace
1403 Washington AveBywater American Bistro
2900 Chartres StLa Petite Grocery
4238 Magazine StSneaky Pickle
3200 Burgundy StPiece Of Meat
3301 Bienville StGracious Bakery
2854 St Charles AveBywater Bakery
3624 Dauphine StHivolt
1829 Sophie Wright PlCoffee Science
410 S Broad StMammoth Espresso
821 Baronne StSightseeing
Located in Mid City, this park is over 2 times the size of Central Park in NY. Make sure to visit the sculpture garden, which is free!
1516 locals recommend
City Park
1 Palm DrLocated in Mid City, this park is over 2 times the size of Central Park in NY. Make sure to visit the sculpture garden, which is free!
This street is a local favorite where you can enjoy live music at over 20 different spots.
655 locals recommend
Frenchmen Street
This street is a local favorite where you can enjoy live music at over 20 different spots.
One of our favorite streets in the city. This is the only remaining pedestrian mall in America, meaning that they close the street for live performers to play music. There are plenty of art galleries and local shops to enjoy as well.
156 locals recommend
Royal Street
Royal StreetOne of our favorite streets in the city. This is the only remaining pedestrian mall in America, meaning that they close the street for live performers to play music. There are plenty of art galleries and local shops to enjoy as well.
Magazine Street is 7 miles of local food and shops. This is a great street to pop in and out of. We recommend starting at Louisiana and Magazine and walking downtown.
396 locals recommend
Magazine Street
Magazine StreetMagazine Street is 7 miles of local food and shops. This is a great street to pop in and out of. We recommend starting at Louisiana and Magazine and walking downtown.
Take the famous streetcar (the only remaining moving monument in America) up and down St. Charles Avenue, where you can see gorgeous, old southern homes.
150 locals recommend
Saint Charles Avenue
Saint Charles AvenueTake the famous streetcar (the only remaining moving monument in America) up and down St. Charles Avenue, where you can see gorgeous, old southern homes.
Located in the gorgeous Audubon Park, this zoo is a lovely, family-friendly place to visit. Make sure to look out for the giraffes on your drive!
157 locals recommend
Audubon Zoo
6500 Magazine StLocated in the gorgeous Audubon Park, this zoo is a lovely, family-friendly place to visit. Make sure to look out for the giraffes on your drive!
A truly amazing museum - devote at least half a day to this.
804 locals recommend
The National WWII Museum
945 Magazine StA truly amazing museum - devote at least half a day to this.
Get a behind-the-scenes peek at the work and creativity that goes into making the Mardi Gras floats.
134 locals recommend
Mardi Gras World
1380 Port of New Orleans PlGet a behind-the-scenes peek at the work and creativity that goes into making the Mardi Gras floats.
NOMA in City Park is particularly noteworthy for its collection of late-19th- and early-20th-century French paintings and an Americas collection too.
782 locals recommend
New Orleans Museum of Art
1 Collins Diboll CirNOMA in City Park is particularly noteworthy for its collection of late-19th- and early-20th-century French paintings and an Americas collection too.
Locally known as "the fly", this grassy spot near the river is a great place to picnic and enjoy the outdoors. Bring some food and drinks and enjoy watching the boats pass by.
110 locals recommend
Audubon Riverview Park
6500 Magazine StLocally known as "the fly", this grassy spot near the river is a great place to picnic and enjoy the outdoors. Bring some food and drinks and enjoy watching the boats pass by.
Shopping
Vintage, antique, and unique items located on Magazine Street. Merchant House also has tons of cool pop-ups, like Copa drinks, Fait plants, and Waysides floral installations.
23 locals recommend
Magazine Pizza
1068 Magazine StVintage, antique, and unique items located on Magazine Street. Merchant House also has tons of cool pop-ups, like Copa drinks, Fait plants, and Waysides floral installations.
This shop on Magazine Street is one of our absolute favorites! Liz, the owner and designer of this shop, curates a wonderful retail experience with tons of handmade letterpress greeting cards and all sorts of gifts and stationery items.
6 locals recommend
Lionheart Prints
3312 Magazine StThis shop on Magazine Street is one of our absolute favorites! Liz, the owner and designer of this shop, curates a wonderful retail experience with tons of handmade letterpress greeting cards and all sorts of gifts and stationery items.
A unique shop featuring tons of nola-themed apparel and accessories. They have a few locations, including Uptown, the LGD, and French Quarter.
43 locals recommend
Dirty Coast
5415 Magazine StA unique shop featuring tons of nola-themed apparel and accessories. They have a few locations, including Uptown, the LGD, and French Quarter.
One of our favorite local shops for nola apparel. Make sure to pick up some of their free stickers!
20 locals recommend
DNO Garden District
1101 First StOne of our favorite local shops for nola apparel. Make sure to pick up some of their free stickers!
Fleurty Girl
3137 Magazine StreetHome Malone
629 N Carrollton AveSaint Claude Social Club
1933 Sophie Wright PlSunday Shop
2025 Magazine StThe Good Shop
1114 Josephine StreetKREWE
619 Royal StDrinking
Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop Bar
941 Bourbon StA must visit! This outdoor wine patio has delicious charcuterie boards and food you can order, as well as an extensive wine list. You can enjoy all this while listening to live jazz music.
839 locals recommend
Bacchanal Fine Wine & Spirits
600 Poland AveA must visit! This outdoor wine patio has delicious charcuterie boards and food you can order, as well as an extensive wine list. You can enjoy all this while listening to live jazz music.
Great outdoor bar patio with an extensive beer list- you can even bring your pup!
184 locals recommend
The Bulldog, Uptown
3236 Magazine StGreat outdoor bar patio with an extensive beer list- you can even bring your pup!
Barrel Proof
1201 Magazine StCool bar with extensive whiskey list.
Great outdoor patio spot. They also have some big screens to watch the game, if that's your thing!
8 locals recommend
Sidecar Patio & Oyster Bar
1114 Constance StGreat outdoor patio spot. They also have some big screens to watch the game, if that's your thing!
Miel Brewery & Taproom
405 Sixth StGreat outdoor spot for unique beer.
The Tchoup Yard
405 Third St
Cure
4905 Freret St
Jewel of the South
1026 St Louis StNeighborhoods
The Bywater and Marigny are funky, artsy neighborhoods, filled with lots of art and murals, trendy restaurants, live music venues, and other hidden gems.
Some of our favorite spots in the Bywater/Marigny are:
-Elysian Bar in the Hotel Peter and Paul
-Bacchanal Wine
-Bywater American Bistro
-St. Roch Market
-The Country Club
-Elizabeth's
-Paladar 511
-Satsuma Café
106 locals recommend
Bywater
The Bywater and Marigny are funky, artsy neighborhoods, filled with lots of art and murals, trendy restaurants, live music venues, and other hidden gems.
Some of our favorite spots in the Bywater/Marigny are:
-Elysian Bar in the Hotel Peter and Paul
-Bacchanal Wine
-Bywater American Bistro
-St. Roch Market
-The Country Club
-Elizabeth's
-Paladar 511
-Satsuma Café
Mid-City is one of our favorite places to go for meals. With it's proximity to City Park and The Fairgrounds as well as Bayou St. John, this neighborhood has tons to offer.
Some of our favorites in Mid-City are:
-Parkway Bakery & Tavern
-Bayou Beer & Wine Garden
-Piece of Meat
-Coffee Science
-Blue Oak BBQ
73 locals recommend
Mid-City
Mid-City is one of our favorite places to go for meals. With it's proximity to City Park and The Fairgrounds as well as Bayou St. John, this neighborhood has tons to offer.
Some of our favorites in Mid-City are:
-Parkway Bakery & Tavern
-Bayou Beer & Wine Garden
-Piece of Meat
-Coffee Science
-Blue Oak BBQ
City advice
Customs and culture
"Go-Cups"
One of the many great things about New Orleans is that you can drink on the streets! This is where the "go-cup" comes in handy. Glassware is not permitted, and neither is drinking and driving (obviously), but you can certainly grab a drink at your favorite bar and continue walking the gorgeous city. One of the most popular "to-go" drinks is the frozen daiquiris.
Customs and culture
Second Line
One of our favorite traditions down here. Down in Nola, this tradition involved a brass band parading down the street, either for a celebration or even for a funeral. The "first line" is the main section of the parade, and those who follow constitute the "second line". If you see one, you are welcome to join the "second line" and parade down the street with them.
Customs and culture
Birthdays
There's an easy way to tell if it's someone's birthday - look for a dollar bills pinned on someone's shirt. If you see this, make sure to pin a dollar or two to the birthday boy's/girl's shirt, which they will use to buy their friends a round of drinks at the end of the night.
Useful phrases
Lagniappe
A little something extra (pronounced LAN-yap).
Useful phrases
Dressed
When you say you want something "dressed", it usually means you want everything included. For example, if you order your po'boy dressed, that means you want lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and mayo on it.
Useful phrases
Laissez les bon temps rouler
French for let the good times roll, our motto here in New Orleans.
Useful phrases
Neutral Ground
The median or grassy strip in the middle of a road.
What to pack
Essentials
- Don't wear Mardi Gras beads unless it's Mardi Gras
- Men - pack a sports jacket or suit for some of the fancier restaurants that have a dress code
- Bring comfortable walking shoes
- Bring a lightweight rain jacket or umbrella