Dining Bayona bayona.com / 430 Dauphine St., NO, 70112 / 504-525-4455 Located in a romantic Creole cottage in the historic French Quarter. Chef Susan Spicer prepares her nationally acclaimed international cuisine, which has given Bayona the distinction as one of the top restaurants in the United States. L $$$ D $$$$$ — French Quarter Velvet Cactus thevelvetcactus.com / 6300 Argonne Blvd., NO, 70124 / 504-301-2083 The Velvet Cactus is a traditional Mexican restaurant with New Orleans flare. Offering delicious tacos and a wide selection of margaritas, it's a great location for those looking to treat themselves to a classic happy hour experience. L $$ D $$$ — Lakeview/Lakefront Johnny's Po-Boys 511 St. Louis St., NO, 70130 / 504-524-8129 The oldest family-owned restaurant in the city of New Orleans, serving everything from breakfast to their famous po-boys. Accolades include Good Housekeeping's "Top 100 Value in the U.S." B $ BR $ L $ — French Quarter Melba's Poboys Saba eatwithsaba.com / 5757 Magazine St., NO, 70115 / 504-324-7770 Meaning Grandfather in Hebrew, Saba reflects chef Alon Shaya's heritage, a journey through food and beverage that pays homage to the culinary landscape of Israel. With influences that stem from the Middle East, Europe, and North Africa, Saba reflects a collection of moments where food and culture have crossed paths, offering a taste of this ever-evolving cuisine. BR $$ L $$ D $$ — Garden District/Uptown RESTAURANTS -PIZZA Fat Boy's Pizza eatfatboyspizza.com / 714 St. Peter St., NO, 70130 / 504-788-2182 Housemade, fresh New York-style pizza served with New Orleans hospitality. Made-fresh-daily dough and sauce. The finest cheese and meats combine for the highest quality authentic New York-style pizza. L $$ D $$ — French Quarter Francesca by Katie's melbas.com / 1525 Elysian Fields Ave., NO, 70117 / 504-912-6262 Melba's was born from the rubble of Hurricane Katrina, turning a blighted corner into a New Orleans landmark. Located at the intersection of North Claiborne Avenue and Elysian Fields Avenue, this po-boy shop has become the cornerstone of the neighborhood and a favorite among the locals. It's the perfect place to experience authentic New Orleans cuisine, where what you see is what you get. B $ BR $ L $ D $ — Faubourg Marigny/Bywater Shaya shayarestaurant.com / 4213 Magazine St., NO, 70115 / 504-891-4213 Marries Israeli staples with Southern flavors and modern techniques, striking a balance between innovation and tradition. The contemporary menu reflects the ongoing evolution of Israeli food and celebrates the abundance of Louisiana. L $$$ D $$$ — Garden District/Uptown francescadeli.com / 515 Harrison Ave., NO, 70124 / 504-266-2511 Francesca by Katie's is a deli and pizzeria located in Lakeview. Enjoy specialty sandwiches, salads, po-boys, and pizza near the Orleans Avenue Canal. Francesca's offers the comfort of a casual eatery while enjoying a savory meal inspired by local flavors. L $$ D $$ — Lakeview/Lakefront Parkway Bakery & Tavern parkwaypoorboys.com / 538 Hagan Ave., NO, 70119 / 504-482-3047 Family-owned restaurant and bar. Parkway was founded in 1911 and continues the 100-year tradition of serving comfort food and drink, including more than 25 po-boys. L $ D $ — Mid-City Paulie's RESTAURANTS -MEXICAN Espiritu espiritunola.com / 520 Capdeville St, NO, 70130 / 504-267-4975 Espiritu Mezcaleria and Cocina restaurant known for its food, Mezcal selection, and craft cocktails. — Central Business District Pizza Domenica pizzadomenica.com / 4933 Magazine St., NO, 70115 / 504-301-4978 We serve pizza alongside a selection of antipasti, salad, desserts, and craft drinks. It is the perfect spot to enjoy a meal with your family, catch up with friends, watch a game, or unwind after work. L $$$ D $$$ — Garden District/Uptown pauliesneworleans.com / 8201 Oak St., NO, 70118 / 504-412-8326 Paulie's New Orleans is a vibrant restaurant, banquet hall, and live entertainment venue offering authentic cuisine, a full bar, and unforgettable catered events in the heart of Oak Street. B $$ L — Garden District/Uptown St. James Cheese Company Felipe's Mexican Taqueria felipestaqueria.com / 301 N. Peters St., NO, 70130 / 504-288-TACO (8226) It's our mission to throw our neighborhood a party everyday. We specialize in scratch-made Mexican cuisine and fresh, hand-squeezed key-lime margaritas in a lively atmosphere. Also, our second-floor private event space is open for booking. L $$ D $$ — French Quarter RESTAURANTS -SANDWICH SHOP/DELI Butcher cochonbutcher.com / 930 Tchoupitoulas St., NO, 70130 / 504-588-7675 A modern tribute to Old World butcher and charcuterie shops. More than 2,000 pounds of meats and sausages are butchered, smoked, and cured weekly by a dedicated team. The menu highlights specialty sandwiches, small plates, and rotating lunch and dinner features, all built around these house-made meats. L $$ D $$$ — Convention/Warehouse/Arts District stjamescheese.com / 5004 Prytania St., NO, 70115 / 504-899-4737 This family-owned and -operated artisan cheese shop provides the highest quality, most delicious, and diverse cheese assortments. In addition to unique cheeses from around the world, the restaurant also offers gourmet sandwich and salad dishes. L D — Garden District/Uptown Turkey and the Wolf Juan's Flying Burrito juansflyingburrito.com / 515 Baronne St., NO, 70113 / 504-529-5825 New Orleans' favorite Creole taqueria offers delicious margaritas, tacos, burritos, and vegetarian-friendly options. L $ D $ — Central Business District Café Maspero Tacos del Cartel tacosdelcartel.com / 1010 Girod St., NO, 70113 / 504-354-9038 A vibrant and welcoming space that transports our guests to the heart of Mexico. Upon entering, the aroma of sizzling meats and lively chatter create a festive and comforting atmosphere. Walls adorned with colorful "carteles" (posters) depicting Mexican culture and the rhythmic melodies of traditional music provide an authentic backdrop to the dining experience. B $$$$ BR $$$$ L $$$$ D $$$$ — Central Business District cafemaspero.com / 601 Decatur St., NO, 70130 / 504-523-6250 Since 1971, Café Maspero has been known by locals as a staple for hearty sandwiches and local favorites. B L D — French Quarter turkeyandthewolf.com / 739 Jackson Ave., NO, 70130 / 504-218-7428 Dubbed the "Best New Restaurant in America" by Bon Appétit and listed as one of the most important restaurants of the decade by Food & Wine and Esquire, Turkey and the Wolf serves some of the best sandwiches in the city with great signature cocktail selections. B L $$ D $$ — Garden District/Uptown RESTAURANTS -SEAFOOD Acme Oyster House acmeoyster.com / 724 Iberville St., NO, 70130 / 504-522-5973, 877-815-6412 Just off Bourbon Street, Acme is a timeless New Orleans establishment, popular with locals for generations. A vintage slice of New Orleans life in a casual, down-home atmosphere. Recommended: oyster, shrimp, fish plates. L $$ D $$ — French Quarter Central Grocery Co. centralgrocery.com / 923 Decatur St., NO, 70116 / 504-523-1620 Established in 1906, Central Grocery Store is home of the original muffuletta sandwich and the famous Sicilian olive salad made daily. Imitated by many, duplicated by none. Owned and operated by the Tusa family. L $ D $ — French Quarter VALS valsnola.com / 4632 Freret St. , NO, 70115 / 504-356-0006 Enjoy modern Mexican in a casual setting at Vals NOLA. The menu is simple and well done. Street food favorites such as elotes, tacos, fresh chips, guacamole, and salsa, not to mention a marvelous lineup of margaritas. BR L $$$ D $$$ — Garden District/Uptown Francolini's Deli Basin Seafood & Spirits francolinis.com / 3987 Tchoupitoulas St., NO, 70115 We are an Italian-style deli specializing in freshly made subs and focaccia sandwiches. Our sandwich platters are excellent, easy catering options or we can do bagged lunches for corporate events. L $$ — Garden District/Uptown basinseafood.com / 3222 Magazine St., NO, 70115 / 504-302-7391 A seafood restaurant serving modernized versions of traditional Louisiana dishes. Locally sourcing the best possible ingredients, highlighting seasonal vegetables and Gulf fish in daily specials by Chef Edgar Carro. BR $$$ L $$$ D $$$ — Garden District/Uptown 74
New Orleans Official Visitors Guide 2026 Summer/Fall: Page 74
