A Fusion of Louisiana Flavors
People from all over the world come to New Orleans to eat. Whether it's gumbo, jambalaya, crawfish, shrimp, or andouille sausage, New Orleans has something to satisfy every palate.
The city's food scene is diverse and extends beyond the French Quarter to all neighborhoods. Top chefs, including Emeril Lagasse, Susan Spicer, Donald Link, and John Besh, oversee a multitude of restaurants throughout the city. The interesting mix of people who have inhabited this great river city, along with influences from Africa, France, and Spain, has helped fuse the cuisine into the unique blend it is today. Combining Creole and Cajun traditions with modern French, Italian, and Caribbean cuisine, it’s a true melting pot of flavors.
This city is also the birthplace of muffaletta, gumbo, jambalaya, and Louisiana étouffée. The interesting combination of people and cultures from Africa, France, and Spain has contributed to a unique palette of flavors. When visiting New Orleans, your days will often revolve around dining at specific restaurants.
New Orleans is a city that shares a legendary love for food, family, and community that goes beyond modern trends.American Butler
Guide to Culinary Gems
It's impossible to experience everything the city has to offer in just one visit, but for those looking to explore the best culinary traditions New Orleans has to offer, start with the restaurants featured in our top five.
Dooky Chase's Restaurant
What began as a humble sandwich shop and lottery corner transformed into a local hub for the civil rights movement. After the shop was inherited by owners Leah Chase and her husband Dooky, Dooky Chase became one of the first African American restaurants in America. The walls here are adorned with works of art by African American artists, and Chef Chase regularly visits with both old and new guests. If you don’t have a New Orleans mom to make you gumbo, Chef Chase is the culinary surrogate you will absolutely adore.
Beyond the legacy of visits from Presidents George Bush and Barack Obama and a long list of high-profile celebrities, you'll find the best Creole food here. It’s no wonder the establishment earned itself the nickname "Queen of Creole Cuisine."
Elegant and Prestigious
Emeril's New Orleans
For newcomers to New Orleans, a stop at the flagship location of the "Father of New Orleans Cuisine" is a must. Emeril's is a world-class restaurant founded by renowned chef Emeril Lagasse. Chef Lagasse's passion for culinary arts began when he was young, watching his mother cook. He started traveling and preparing French dishes.
Now he has restaurants across the United States, but his favorite location is New Orleans. Emeril’s downtown was named "Restaurant of the Year" by Esquire. Chef Lagasse received the "Lifetime Achievement Award" at the South Beach Wine & Food Festival.
The menu always features enticing aromas, prominently highlighting the restaurant's renowned cooking style. Try dishes like fried Gulf fish with local vegetables or clams with crawfish, and add the signature banana pie to your meal.
Herbsaint
Eighteen years and two James Beard Awards later, Chef Donald Link, owner of the rustic-style restaurant, is still actively working on the concept of the Franco-Southern flagship restaurant. With the freshest local ingredients, Herbsaint was one of the pioneers of the modern "farm to table" movement.
The dining room, located in the business district, looks casual and democratic, with simple lighting and unpretentious wooden furniture, but this is where you can enjoy the best dishes of the city's cuisine.
Sample elegant everyday Creole dishes like duck leg with brown rice and citrus, Louisiana shrimp and fish with cucumbers and pepitas. The dining room is cozy, and the staff moves gracefully between tables. The staff knows the menu and wine selection very well, so don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations.
Delicious and Unpretentious
Compère Lapin
Not all local traditions start at the roots. Chef Nina Compton was born and raised between St. Lucia and London. However, the former Top Chef contestant is one of the brightest new faces on the New Orleans culinary scene.
Drawing on her Caribbean roots, she seamlessly blends tropical flavors with classic Creole tastes to create something completely inventive. It's no surprise that she won the James Beard Award in 2018 for Best Chef in the South.
The menu, rich in individuality and full of vibrant dishes, can gently irritate the taste buds while offering soothing sets of familiar flavor notes. Despite modern technology, there is also a cozy atmosphere that allows you to enjoy delicious food and conversation. The joy of food — isn’t that the whole point?
Muriel's Jackson Square
Muriel’s Jackson Square is located in a building that served as a home from the 1800s until the beginning of the new millennium. Along with the history of the place, there is one unique feature that sets it apart from other restaurants.
From the very beginning, there have been many rumors of paranormal activity. The restaurant is located near the Séance Lounge, where you can hear mysterious knocks on the brick walls and a woman's voice, which is said to be heard when there are no women around. Since the ghosts have proven to be harmless, come and discover this mysterious restaurant. The extensive menu of regional dishes includes crawfish étouffée, gumbo, and jambalaya, pecan-crusted fish, and grilled shrimp.
Arrange yourself a culinary adventure with American Butler — we will reserve a table for you at any convenient time!
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