French Quarter Eats - Locals Pick
- Guide Michelle
- 4 days ago
- 5 min read
It's easy to pay too much for a mediocre meal in the French Quarter, unfortunately. As New Orleans' tourist hot spot, in a city known for its food, there is no lack of opportunist establishments cranking out overpriced, subpar dishes that they pass off as an authentic taste of Creole classics. My tour guest yesterday said she "didn't like roast beef po-boys" because the one they had the afternoon before was "mushy"- it turns out the bread wasn't French bread, but more likely a sub roll. Luckily, she changed her mind when I got a REAL po-boy in her hands. It got me thinking though- how many people leave New Orleans and tell friends back home that they don't like chicory coffee, how beignets are "overated", that they don't get the hype around jambalaya or gumbo? It breaks my heart! So, here is a list of restaurants I CAN recommend in the French Quarter- all are vouched for by service industry workers and locals alike for good eats in the French Quarter. While you're at it, see how many things you can tick off the New Orleans Edible Bingo card!
You're on vacation in one of the greatest food cities in America, so if you want a special, memorable meal that dips into the piggy bank, this is it. Chef Folse is one of the city's most influential chefs, so take the opportunity to experience this legend while he's still in the game. If you're looking to try gumbo, this is the place- get a bowl of Death by Gumbo or Seafood Gumbo- dark, rich and velvety, it is exactly what gumbo is meant to be. Beyond that, everything is a solid bet- Chef hails from Cajun country so you'll find lots of game & seafood on the menu. Consider sharing dishes so you can try as many things as possible.
One of my first "grown lady" meals was an anniversary date with my boyfriend to Bayona- a fellow New Orleanian, he knew food and Chef Susan Spicer was his idol. The space is also lovely- a romantic and picturesque cottage with courtyard, it is exactly what you think of when you picture a date night restaurant in the French Quarter. Chef was an early purveyor of "localvore" cuisine- if I recall, they pull herbs from the garden right in the courtyard. The menu is exciting- internationally influenced but comfortable dishes that feel truly special.
I recently wrote about GW Fins in "Treasures of the Deep- New Orleans Best Seafood Spots". They take sustaibability seriously & it is the top French Quarter seafood pick I hear from locals. With a recent remodel, they've leveled up the dining room to compliment the elegant, but approachable cuisine.
Chef Fredo brings a Cuban heritage to his Cajun roots with a rotating menu that features croquetas, arroz con pollo, shrimp criolla and empanadas. The Caribbean influence is one of the major components of New Orleans cuisine, so fear not- you're still having "very NOLA" feast! It also has one of the BEST bar programs in the city, so be sure to get a cocktail. Dining al fresco is also encouraged if the weather cooporates- the front of house team is also wonderful, kind and attentive.
Manolito is another bustling Cuban cafe where cocktails take the spotlight, but are fabulous accompanied with their aperitivos.
Palm & Pine is another Carribean/Latin fusion restaurant to check out on the edge of the French Quarter. Not open for long before facing the Hard Rock hotel construction collapse that limited access to their building, then the sting of Covid (they fed service industry workers with weekly "family meals"), the spirit of Palm & Pine is fierce & their menu ambitious, with owners/chefs Amarys Koenig Herndon & Jordan Herndon raking in James Beard Best Chef South noms. The atmosphere is fun and boisterous, a break from white tablecloths and crumb scrapers.
An excellent choice for breakfast & lunch (they do not have a dinner service currently), Stanley is neighborhood daytime fave for people who live in the French Quarter. In my opinion, the breakfast outshines the rest of the menu, but nothing disappoints for a casual bite.
New Orleans has an unsurprising love affair with it's French roots and Mamou captures cozy bistro and elevated dining with a simple, seasonal menu and curated wines for a laid-back night out. I've had enough French Quarter residents recommend this place that I'm betting you'll find it's a bit of a hidden gem.
Preferred for great cocktails & late night food (kitchen is open until 11pm weeknights & midnight on Friday & Saturday), Sylvain is a dark, moody vibe that drips with character. With a late-night kitchen, it's a pretty common recommendation from bartenders, as is The Will & The Way.
Cheap, Casual & Late Night Eats:
MRB recently got on the radar of tourists when local news did a story on a neighbor who reported their use of a bubble machine, which prompted a "bubble rally" protest, which was exactly what it sounds like. People who work in the Quarter swear by MRB and I get asked a lot about hearing live music with dinner, especially for the underage family members, so I'm including them here- their oysters & springtime crawfish boils are reason enough to go.
Head to Coop's for their well-priced, no-frills New Orleans food like jambalaya, gumbo & red beans. It ends up on the tourist lists often, but the price is right and they have kept the same recipes that made them a favorite in the first place. The kitchen's open late on the weekends & it's mostly a bar so 21+ only.
Verti Marte is the 24 hour staple of the working stiffs of the Quarter- a deli counter and handwritten signs let you know what's on the menu for the day, grab & go style. Their All That Jazz po-boy is a best-seller, but I LOVE their spicy muffaletta.
NOLA Poboys is at a quieter end of Bourbon St. and open really late. As soon as I walked in, I knew it was a place "for us"- locals who want a decently priced & well-made poboy. Near the gay bars, it's packed during events like Pride parade, but in general, it's a quick & reliable stop after a night of drinking or an afternoon of wandering.
CHECK OUT MY FRENCH QUARTER COCKTAIL TOUR- Rethink the drink with a tour of the vibrant French Quarter cocktail scene and a guide who will help you experience the neighborhood like a local!
Thank you! Building the ever-growing list for another trip in December, also shared with my friend who will also be visiting in December as well.