New Orleans is known around the world for some of its spicy cuisine, which includes gumbo, jambalaya, red beans and rice, boudin, crawfish, and deep-fried seafood. This is a city that loves to eat, and it is no surprise that it has one of the most overweight populations and highest heart cancer rates in the country!
Finding a good place to eat in New Orleans is as easy as finding beer in a bar:
Mike Anderson's Seafood, 215 Bourbon St., +1 (504) 524 3884 (also in the Riverwalk Mall) is open daily from 11:30 to 10 p.m. (11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays) and serves fried, broiled, and boiled seafood with an assortment of etoufees, gumbos, and bisques and raw oysters
Ralph Brenan's Red Fish Grill, 115 Bourbon St. +1 (504) 598 1200, has only been open a few years, yet has been the rave of the town and its visitors. Set in a casual environment, they serve spectacular plates and platters of New Orleans cuisine.
Ralph and Kacoo's, 519 Toulouse St. +1 (504) 522 5226 is an old-time locals favorite that serves traditional deep-fried spicy seafood, gumbos, raw oysters, and jambalaya.
If you are looking for a restaurant with great food and entertainment, consider heading to Michaul's, 840 St. Charles Ave. between Julia and St. Joseph. Entrees range from $9 to $25, and the restaurant also features live Cajun music and dancing. They also offer Grand Stands on the parade route for Mardi Gras, and the waiters and waitresses may sometimes ask you to dance.
Another local favorite is Deanie's Seafood, in the suburbs of Metairie at 1713 Lake Ave., +1 (504) 831 4141. They are most famous for their giant seafood platters (enough for 3-5 people) that come piled high with catfish, oysters, soft shell crabs, hush puppies, shrimp, and fries.
For the best burgers in town, head to the Port of Call, 838 Esplanade Ave., +1 (504) 523 0120. It's open 11 a.m.-1 a.m. daily and has a port decor.
Taqueria Corona, 5932 Magazine St., +1 (504) 897 3974, has been rapidly expanding through franchises and is one of the best deals in town for cheap Mexican eats. Lunch specials run from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., and dinner is 5-9:30 p.m.. Look for other new locations around the city.
For late-night, 24-hour grub, St. Charles Tavern is the place to be. Also recommended is The Trolley Stop, 1923 St. Charles Ave., +1 (504) 523 0090.
This got you hungry? Then check out the Food section of the New Orleans Guide, for all else you need to know about Cajun cuisine.
Questions?
If you want more information about this area you can email the author or check out our North America Insiders page.
