New Orleans’ rich culinary scene is as vibrant as its culture, offering flavors that captivate both locals and visitors. From the fiery Cajun dishes at Ernst Café to the iconic beignets at Café du Monde, the city’s food tells a story of tradition and indulgence. Hidden gems like Fresh Organic Market provide fresh, organic treats, while Lebanon Grill brings authentic Lebanese flavors to the heart of the French Quarter. For those craving South Asian cuisine, Shyan’s Kitchen in Metairie offers a taste of home-cooked Indian and Pakistani delights. Here’s a guide to the best food experiences in Jazz City

Mark Twain said, “New Orleans food is as delicious as the less criminal forms of sin” – and I agree to that. As a culturally rich place with a substantial history, New Orleans is also known for its versatile food. I’ll take you through some of the best eating spots I tried during my visit to Jazz city!

1. Ernst Café

This café has to be the top eating spot to try in New Orleans for the right reasons. As soon as I walked in the streets in Downtown New Orleans, I couldn’t resist the American ambience in the French street radiating from the café. You experience southern country music in a street made of red bricks. It’s famous for its fiery, zesty seafood and chicken entrees. It reflects the traditional New Orleans vibe with Cajun Jambalaya, Gumbo, and Po’boy (filled pot of tender, juicy meat). 

I ordered the Boss Chicken Tenders for $19 and was blown away with it. The fried chicken was crispy and irresistibly tasty, while the special Ernst sauce with it enhanced its juiciness. I can say it was the best fried chicken I’ve ever had! The serving staff was great and I had the best time there – if you want the best food and ambience, then make sure you try Ernst Café.

2. Café du Monde

This French classic eating spot is a must try if you’re traveling to New Orleans. The French beignets are enjoyed by visitors and locals alike. Café du Monde is one of the legacies of New Orleans and for a long time it has been serving French Beignets and their signature coffee. The beignets are a classic take on your typical doughnut but twice as better! 

I ordered my Beignets in the Riverwalk outlet mall – the crispy, gooey-licious treat with icing sugar gives food-gasms! However, you will absolutely love the restaurant in the French Quarter. The jazz playing, people dancing, coffee and lights give a celebratory vibe – it’s phenomenal! I even bought a pre-mix of the Beignets from the airport to take back home with me. I will recommend you take a bunch since the French Beignets make an addicting afternoon tea snack!

3. Fresh Organic Market 

Although the third one on our list is not the typical restaurant you would think of, it is worth mentioning. While I was visiting Uptown, I got my eyes on the Fresh Organic Market – it’s your classic New Orleans uptown house painted in white from the outside. But as soon as you go inside, it is a grand organic grocery store and café to your surprise! For me the experience was joyful as I could spot all sorts of fresh produce in the craziest of varieties. Also, their café section had among the best cookies, cakes, roast chicken, and ready-to-eat meals. The cookies come in various options and have tastes ranging from cherries to coconut. I will also give a shoutout to the different cheeses and cold cuts over there. You can also get your hands on dried fruits which serve best as snacks. 

I had a salmon salad for lunch and pumpkin cheesecake as dessert as I sat outside the “house”. It’s a great experience especially at noon on a sunny day – when you can enjoy a meal while watching their classic trams passing through, the greenery lifting your mood – it can’t get any better than this! The salmon salad was refreshing and nutritious. The greens and Italian dressing with lime and salmon gave me a boost of nutrients and fiber that I needed during my long day in Uptown. The pumpkin cheesecake was one of its own. It was creamy and nutty, and the pumpkin spice added a perfect kick to it. I must say it was one hearty meal I had in Uptown under $20!

4. Lebanon Grill

I can say I visited Lebanon for a few hours WHILE being in New Orleans! The famous Lebanon Grill is in the heart of the French Quarter and Bourbon Street. The first thing I saw was their original Lebanese craft beautifully decorating a wall. A Lebanese family runs the restaurant and they have the best service. You can see them preparing the shawarma on the grill right before your eyes as you sit there waiting for your meal. The vibe gives you a feeling of being in the heart of Lebanon. 

 We ordered Chicken Shawarma with French fries as a side. The butter and garlic sauce melted in my mouth as soon as I took the first bite. Classic “Hareesa” – a Lebanese dessert made with semolina and coconut was served at the end, which had flowery notes to it. It was a refreshing end to the meal. If you’re looking for something middle eastern in New Orleans, Lebanon Grill is the place I would highly recommend. You may also want to order their classic Lebanese kebab pizza or shish touk kebabs if you’re looking for an original lamb taste. 

5. Shyan’s Kitchen

If you’re looking for something Indian, then Shyan’s Kitchen is your go-to place. It is especially relevant if it is convenient for you to go to places beyond Downtown and Uptown. It is located in Metairie, a town which is 30 minutes’ drive away from Downtown. You can enjoy spicy Biryani, Naan, Karahi, Daal, and everything Indian and Pakistani you want to enjoy. The best thing I found about Shyan’s Kitchen was that the meals were prepared from scratch, so they were hot and fresh. The owner is Pakistani Kashmiri and is a great server especially if you know a bit of Urdu. I could see Indian and Pakistani families coming in there and enjoying the food so I could feel the food was authentic. 

I went with a team and we ordered Mutton Biryani, Makhni Daal, Chicken Karahi, Chicken Kebab, and Afghani Naan. All of the food was cooked and served neatly and hot. I’d also give a shout out to the Chai Latte he served us at the end. It tasted great and the serving lasted till I reached my hotel in Downtown – that massive!

Conclusion

In short, New Orleans is famous for its food , especially places like Ernst Café, Café du Monde, Lebanon Grill, and others are some of the best spots to try.