Visiting Louisiana’s best party city just isn’t complete without dining out on some spicy Cajun dishes. These best Cajun restaurants in New Orleans deliver dishes with a kick, both traditional and some with modern twists.
Best Cajun restaurants in New Orleans
How do these rankings work?
Located Uptown in a rust and gold corner store, Atchafalaya is off the well-worn path but easily worth the trip. Dressed down for brunch with a killer Bloody Mary bar and a live jazz set, guests can expect an elevated dinner seating. If you go for breakfast, order the crab omelet or try the shrimp and grits for dinner.
With either meal, the fried green tomatoes topped with butter-poached crab is a must to start.
2. Brigtsen’s Restaurant
Chef Frank Brigtsen is practically a Cajun and Creole rockstar in New Orleans. And his modern take on traditional dishes always hits home. Expect great service and even better food in this Victorian cottage. Don’t skip the softshell crab either.
3. Gris-Gris
For lunch or dinner in a more relaxed atmosphere in the Lower Garden District, look no further. Gris-Gris has a 15-seat chef’s table on the first floor, but plenty of seating both inside and out on the second floor. If you’re feeling adventurous, order the chicken gizzard grillades to start with and the oyster-Cajun caviar poboy for lunch.
4. Gabrielle Restaurant
You can’t miss this blue and yellow cottage bistro. Run by a neighbourhood family, the cozy setting is just a prelude to the refined yet casual Cajun food being prepared here. Go for lunch simply to order the Andouille slider appetiser which is served on Gruyere biscuits and topped with honey-lavender Creole mustard.
5. Liuzza’s By The Track
Liuzza’s by the Track is a Mid-Town staple. An easy and casual option in town, this restaurant is best known for their gumbo, but the garlic fried oysters and barbecue shrimp poboy are top picks too. Get a Bloody Mary too.
6. Cafe SbisaÂ
A New Orleans French-Creole classic, this romantic French Quarter restaurant has a history that dates to 1899. Expect classic dishes from a veteran culinary team. For dinner, begin with a classic, turtle soup, and move on to the Trout Eugene.
7. Restaurant Rebirth
This Warehouse District farm-to-table serves creative Cajun-Creole fare with an artistic flair. Many of the small plates are paired with local craft beer, but ask the waiter for a suggestion if you can’t decide. Try the double-cut Cheshire pork chop for a break from seafood.
