6 of the Coolest Restaurants in New Orleans You Need to Visit

New Orleans is perhaps one of the most magical cities in the United States. Thousands of people visit this lively and bustling city for its rich culture and electric nightlife every year. Of course, due to the pandemic, people are bunkering down at home. But if you’re a local, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some fine New Orleans cuisine from the comfort of your own home or outside in a socially distant space. Looking for new restaurant ideas? Check out our top 7 picks of the coolest restaurants in New Orleans!

Searching for the perfect gift for your loved one? Surprise them with a virtual GiftYa card! Within seconds, you can send your favorite friends and family members a virtual gift card to their favorite restaurants. GiftYa cards can be applied to a number of different restaurants around New Orleans, including the ones we featured below. Before sending your card, don’t forget to add a special message for your loved one!

1. Mosca's Restaurant

Popular family-style restaurant that offers hearty portions of delicious Italian food

4137 US Highway 90 West | Westwego | moscasrestaurant.com

Located in Westwego, Mosca’s Restaurant has enjoyed a stellar reputation among New Orleans residents for its savory and authentic Italian cuisine for over 60 years. Everything from spaghetti and meatballs to oysters mosca can be found at this family-owned restaurant. In addition to its traditional Italian family-style meals, Mosca’s also offers delicious cheesecake and pineapple fluff for dessert. A full bar and wine list is also available for guests. 

Mosca’s is open for indoor dining. However, the owners are encouraging guests to make reservations before coming, as space is limited. Mosca’s doesn’t accept credit cards, so make sure you bring cash with you as well. 

“The Oysters Mosca could be your only reason to come here. Fresh Oysters topped with Italian breadcrumbs and cheese baked to perfection. You will be eating the seasoning after you have devoured all of the oysters. It is truly perfect! The rest of the menu is superb, not one bad bite in the whole lot.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Mosca's Restaurant.

2. Brigtsen's Restaurant

Contemporary restaurant that is known for its traditional Louisiana cuisine

723 Dante St. | Leonidas | brigtsens.com

Most restaurants nowadays boast a modern and contemporary design. While there isn’t anything wrong with that, it can get tiresome to see the same restaurant design over and over again. Brigsten’s brings you back to the old days with its classic and hospital design. Both dine-in and take out services are offered, making it easy to enjoy Brigsten’s your way.

As for the food, you can find delicious meals including Shrimp Remoulade, Oyster Soup, and Fried Des Allemands Catfish. If you decide to dine at home, you can order creative take home cocktails to enjoy with your family! Still hungry for dessert? We recommend trying the Sweet Potato Bread Pudding with Pecan Praline Sauce. 

“Classic Creole New Orleans food. The flavor of every dish we tried was bold and flavorful. I recommend the seafood platter if you like seafood and you came with an empty stomach. It has small portions of different types of seafood, all prepared differently; all delicious. The cornbread was amazing (I need to get the recipe). Also, you can't go wrong ordering the BBQ shrimp.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Brigtsen's Restaurant.

3. Domilise's Po-Boys & Bar

Low-key restaurant serving massive po’ boys and beer counter-style

5240 Annunciation St. | West Riverside | domilisespoboys.com

If you’re craving a hearty po’ boy, you need to stop by Domilise's Po-Boys & Bar. This lively restaurant serves some of the best po’ boys in New Orleans. Both small and large options are available. In addition to its classic po’ boy sandwiches, Domilise also serves Hot Smoked Sausage Sandwiches, Cheeseburgers, Shrimp Sandwiches, and more. If you’re a Tulane or Loyola student, make sure you stop by on Tuesday or Thursday, as Domilise will take 20% off your sandwich if you show a valid student ID. 

“Now that's what you call a Po Boy!!! I ordered the Off the Menu Special Po Boy of the Fried Shrimp with Swiss Cheese & Roast Beef Gravy and boy was it delicious. Their Po Boy is so savory. Domilise Po Boys is the real deal Holyfield. Order the large Po Boy with their French Fries as well. Awesome, awesome, awesome. C'est Bon!!!” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Domilise's Po-Boys & Bar.

4. Gautreau's Restaurant

Upscale restaurant serving a fine selection of New American-French cuisine

1728 Soniat St. | Uptown | gautreausrestaurant.com

Looking for something a little more sophisticated and upscale? Try Gautreau’s Restaurant. This Uptown restaurant is known for its elegant yet approachable atmosphere. In addition to complying to all local and federal COVID-19 guidelines, Gautreau’s also installed UV lighting inside to help further protect both workers and guests. 

Gautreau’s offers a small, specialized menu for guests. Savory appetizers as well as light soups and salads are available to help you start your night off on the right foot. The main menu offers appetizing selections like the Roasted Chicken with Natural Jus and Seared Red Snapper with Ruby Red Grapefruit Beurre Blanc. Dessert dishes are also available with a recommended drink pairing. 

“I am not one of those people who is really big on "rich people food," but this place changed my mind! The selections were unique,not overwhelming, and had a great option for everyone!! The restaurant itself is beautiful, comfortable, and relaxing! They make you feel like you are a friend coming in to have dinner! The service is spectacular! You can make the dinner as long or as short as you want, the staff is great at listening to your requests and executing them timely!” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Gautreau's Restaurant.

5. Upperline Restaurant

Popular Creole restaurant situated inside a classic 1877 townhouse

1413 Upperline St. | Uptown | upperline.com

Named the Restaurant of the Year by The Time-Picayune, Upperline is considered to be one of the best Creole restaurants in New Orleans. While the restaurant is temporarily closed, we recommend adding it to your bucket list once it finally opens up. We promise that it will be worth the wait.

Inside, you’ll find a cozy atmosphere and interior lined with stunning artwork. Professional servers are also ready to guide you through their different dining options. Upperline Restaurant offers Prix Fixe menus. You can try the Taste of New Orleans Dinner, which features tasting portions of seven Creole favorites that are served in three courses. You could also try the Three Course Dinner, which features an appetizer, main course, and dessert. 

“I've never tried turtle soup or gumbo and I was initially torn about trying more familiar flavors vs the 'taste of New Orleans' 7-course dinner. I'm so happy I went with the latter. The soups were rich and flavorful, with just the right amount of heat, and the meats and seafood were succulent and cooked perfectly. If you're unsure what to order, the half-toasted duck is probably one of the best things I've ever tasted.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Upperline Restaurant. 

6. Casamento's Restaurant

Fresh oysters and other delicious seafood dishes await you at this popular New Orleans restaurant

4330 Magazine St. | East Riverside | casamentosrestaurant.com

If you’re a seafood lover, you’ll love Casamento's Restaurant. This popular restaurant has blessed the city of New Orleans-style seafood since 1919. Both indoor dining and take out are available, making it easy to enjoy Casamento’s your way. On the menu, you’ll find classic seafood dishes like fried calamari, crab claws, seafood gumbo, and fish sandwiches. Stopping by for dinner? All of their dinner meals are served with french fries and toast. If you come with a group, we recommend sharing the Big Easy Platter. This popular platter features oysters, crab claws, catfish, shrimp, and french fries. 

“If a God exists, and she or he has a favorite sandwich in all creation, it HAS to be the Oyster Loaf.  Freshly shucked oysters battered and deep friend in REAL LARD in pots on a stove.  Served on soft, grilled and butter Bunny Bread.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Casamento's Restaurant.

New Orleans is home to one of the best dining scenes in the country. There is no shortage of fun and interesting restaurants to try out. If you don’t feel comfortable dining out, you can still order delivery or take out from most of these restaurants. What restaurants have you added to your bucket list? Let us know!