Thu's Guidebook for New Orleans! Great Eats and To Dos
Food Scene
It's a local favorite. Their selection range from Vietnamese desert to french pastries, meat pies, cheesecake and Vietnamese Sandwiches (Banh Mi) for as little as $1.25-$4.00 Next to the bakery is their restaurant which serves Chinese and Vietnamese cuisine.
It's a must go-to visit if you have a car rental. Uber can be expensive, but the cost of the food would make it worth while.
23 locals recommend
Dong Phuong Oriental Bakery
14207 Chef Menteur HwyIt's a local favorite. Their selection range from Vietnamese desert to french pastries, meat pies, cheesecake and Vietnamese Sandwiches (Banh Mi) for as little as $1.25-$4.00 Next to the bakery is their restaurant which serves Chinese and Vietnamese cuisine.
It's a must go-to visit if you have a car rental. Uber can be expensive, but the cost of the food would make it worth while.
They have dim sum on weekends and their menu is fusion Asian food. Located in the CBD, this place has a fun menu if you're in the mood to explore Asian food with a New Orleans twist.
22 locals recommend
Maypop
611 O'Keefe AveThey have dim sum on weekends and their menu is fusion Asian food. Located in the CBD, this place has a fun menu if you're in the mood to explore Asian food with a New Orleans twist.
Really cute restaurant with unlimited pita bread freshly baked from the oven in the back. Must visit! Vegan friendly. I personally love their Fried Chicken Hummus and Lamb Ragu Hummus.
218 locals recommend
Shaya
4213 Magazine StReally cute restaurant with unlimited pita bread freshly baked from the oven in the back. Must visit! Vegan friendly. I personally love their Fried Chicken Hummus and Lamb Ragu Hummus.
Similar to Texas de Brazil, this place is located not far from nightlife so it wouldn't be a bad idea to stop here before grabbing a drinks on Bourbon.
14 locals recommend
Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse
614 Canal StSimilar to Texas de Brazil, this place is located not far from nightlife so it wouldn't be a bad idea to stop here before grabbing a drinks on Bourbon.
It's a must visit. Get the beignets and cafe au lait. If you fancy hot coffee, dip the beignets in it and you won't be disappointed..
43 locals recommend
Cafe Du Monde French Market
800 Decatur StreetIt's a must visit. Get the beignets and cafe au lait. If you fancy hot coffee, dip the beignets in it and you won't be disappointed..
There's something for everyone here. Great cute "market" of awesome restaurants sounding a bar in the middle. IG friendly.
17 locals recommend
Auction House Market
801 Magazine StThere's something for everyone here. Great cute "market" of awesome restaurants sounding a bar in the middle. IG friendly.
Another cute little place if you can't decide what to eat for dinner, this place has a little bit of everything from asian food, fresh oysters, sandwiches, Vietnamese food, and even a market of fresh produce, oh and most importantly a bar.
466 locals recommend
St. Roch Market
2381 St Claude AveAnother cute little place if you can't decide what to eat for dinner, this place has a little bit of everything from asian food, fresh oysters, sandwiches, Vietnamese food, and even a market of fresh produce, oh and most importantly a bar.
Yes, it's ice cream with a shot of coffee. It is highly addicting. They also alcoholic shots available if you want to pregame after dinner!
8 locals recommend
Drip Affogato Bar
336 Carondelet StYes, it's ice cream with a shot of coffee. It is highly addicting. They also alcoholic shots available if you want to pregame after dinner!
They open late (2AM) so if you want to grab a bite after a late night out, it's great.
189 locals recommend
The Camellia Grill
626 S Carrollton AveThey open late (2AM) so if you want to grab a bite after a late night out, it's great.
This is a must stop when you are in Nola. Great oysters, creole foods, and bloody marys. Tip: If you want to avoid the tourist crowd, go to their Metairie location at 3000 Veterans Blvd, Metairie, LA 70002! It's not much farther.
174 locals recommend
Acme Oyster House
724 Iberville StThis is a must stop when you are in Nola. Great oysters, creole foods, and bloody marys. Tip: If you want to avoid the tourist crowd, go to their Metairie location at 3000 Veterans Blvd, Metairie, LA 70002! It's not much farther.
I order their fried chicken at least once a week. Yes, it is that good! You can order on door dash and Ubereats to the house as well :)
7 locals recommend
Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken
308 S Diamond StI order their fried chicken at least once a week. Yes, it is that good! You can order on door dash and Ubereats to the house as well :)
Adorable neighborhood uptown, it is on the famous Magazine St. The food is amazing. If you haven't had Korean BBQ before, Beef Bulgogi and Cheese corn are must try items! Great place to walk around after stuffing yourself. The street is full of shopping and there's a mural down the street! Walk towards the boutique Monomin and the mural is right on the side of the building.
9 locals recommend
Little Korea BBQ
2240 Magazine StAdorable neighborhood uptown, it is on the famous Magazine St. The food is amazing. If you haven't had Korean BBQ before, Beef Bulgogi and Cheese corn are must try items! Great place to walk around after stuffing yourself. The street is full of shopping and there's a mural down the street! Walk towards the boutique Monomin and the mural is right on the side of the building.
On Saturday and Sundays, they serve dim sum until 3pm and it is such a treat! They roll carts of a la cart items that you can pick and choose. Food items ranges from dumpling, eggrolls, stir fry noodles, fried chicken, desserts, and other amazing foods all at very affordable prices. The prices ranges from $3-7 per plate.
Panda King
925 Behrman HwyOn Saturday and Sundays, they serve dim sum until 3pm and it is such a treat! They roll carts of a la cart items that you can pick and choose. Food items ranges from dumpling, eggrolls, stir fry noodles, fried chicken, desserts, and other amazing foods all at very affordable prices. The prices ranges from $3-7 per plate.
best brunch in the city! get the catdaddy or crab daddy or crab omelet with crispy potatoes. Their lemonade selection is amazing. I personally love the blueberry lemonade.
No reservations, first come first serve. There's always a waitlist but it's worth the wait. TRUST me.
85 locals recommend
BEARCAT CAFE UPTOWN
2521 Jena Stbest brunch in the city! get the catdaddy or crab daddy or crab omelet with crispy potatoes. Their lemonade selection is amazing. I personally love the blueberry lemonade.
No reservations, first come first serve. There's always a waitlist but it's worth the wait. TRUST me.
A beautiful dining experience, must try when you're in Nola! It is my absolute FAVORITE fine dining experience in New Orleans. Hands down. Book your reservation because they get booked up very quickly!
79 locals recommend
August
301 Tchoupitoulas StA beautiful dining experience, must try when you're in Nola! It is my absolute FAVORITE fine dining experience in New Orleans. Hands down. Book your reservation because they get booked up very quickly!
great bbq spot close to the house, stop by City park to grab some cafe du monde afterwards, it's not far from this bbq spot
189 locals recommend
Blue Oak BBQ
900 N Carrollton Avegreat bbq spot close to the house, stop by City park to grab some cafe du monde afterwards, it's not far from this bbq spot
Beautiful french cuisine and even better vibes, they have the coolest decor, there's a rooftop bar in the same hotel called Hot Tin, must visit!
37 locals recommend
Jack Rose
2031 St Charles AveBeautiful french cuisine and even better vibes, they have the coolest decor, there's a rooftop bar in the same hotel called Hot Tin, must visit!
This bakery is such a gem, from the decor on the outside to the baked goods and the coffee. They have breakfast food as well that is sure to get your morning off to a great start. I love the Nutella Brioche, Bret Paris, Almond Croissant, Quiche, and Mocha Coffee!
Celtica Bakery
This bakery is such a gem, from the decor on the outside to the baked goods and the coffee. They have breakfast food as well that is sure to get your morning off to a great start. I love the Nutella Brioche, Bret Paris, Almond Croissant, Quiche, and Mocha Coffee!
If you're in the mood for bread and croissants, this is it! This bakery is located uptown and would be a great addition to your itinerary if you plan on exploring Magazine St area.
41 locals recommend
Gracious Bakery
2854 St Charles AveIf you're in the mood for bread and croissants, this is it! This bakery is located uptown and would be a great addition to your itinerary if you plan on exploring Magazine St area.
For Vietnamese food lovers, this place is a must visit for authentic Viet food. They also serve Chinese food with lunch specials that are $10. Great place to eat and head downtown New Orleans afterwards since it's only 15min away.
6 locals recommend
9 Roses Restaurant
1100 Stephens StFor Vietnamese food lovers, this place is a must visit for authentic Viet food. They also serve Chinese food with lunch specials that are $10. Great place to eat and head downtown New Orleans afterwards since it's only 15min away.
Want Seafood Nola style and craves Vietnamese Pho and Bun Bo Hue (BBH)? This place is it! You can get garlic butter crawfish and order their famous BBH. They also have a SPICY BBH challenge if you're down for the heat!
TD Seafood & Phở House
Want Seafood Nola style and craves Vietnamese Pho and Bun Bo Hue (BBH)? This place is it! You can get garlic butter crawfish and order their famous BBH. They also have a SPICY BBH challenge if you're down for the heat!
Dubbed as the best friend chicken in NOLA, it's definitely a gem of the city and a must visit. Their chicken is... divine. They use peanut oil so it's extra crispy. Chicken is very well seasoned. Love the cornbread and the fried okra. Everything is good here.
Willie Mae's Scotch House
Dubbed as the best friend chicken in NOLA, it's definitely a gem of the city and a must visit. Their chicken is... divine. They use peanut oil so it's extra crispy. Chicken is very well seasoned. Love the cornbread and the fried okra. Everything is good here.
I love Katies when I crave chargrilled oysters and crawfish beignet! It's like no other in the city. They also serve really good pasta, seafood platters, and pizza. I'm drooling just thinking about it.
294 locals recommend
Katie's
3701 Iberville StI love Katies when I crave chargrilled oysters and crawfish beignet! It's like no other in the city. They also serve really good pasta, seafood platters, and pizza. I'm drooling just thinking about it.
Great place, low key, yet delicious food! It has a great bar inside as well!
9 locals recommend
Station 6
105 Metairie-Hammond HwyGreat place, low key, yet delicious food! It has a great bar inside as well!
I recommend this gem when you arrive from the airport OR on the way to the airport because it's super close to the airport.
They serve authentic Chinese food but also have the Americanized version too if you're into that. Lunch specials are super cheap and hefty portions.
I always get Salt n Pepper Fish and Pepper Chili Chicken with rice. The lamb and leeks are good too!
Little Chinatown - Kenner
I recommend this gem when you arrive from the airport OR on the way to the airport because it's super close to the airport.
They serve authentic Chinese food but also have the Americanized version too if you're into that. Lunch specials are super cheap and hefty portions.
I always get Salt n Pepper Fish and Pepper Chili Chicken with rice. The lamb and leeks are good too!
Looking for a mom and pop Korean joint? This is it! The side dishes (banchan) are delicious! That alone tells you a lot about the quality of the food. I love their Jjamppong (seafood noodles), it's always filling and delicous. Another favorite is the seafood pancakes and tteokbokki (korean rice cake street food).
NolaKorea Korean Restaurant
Looking for a mom and pop Korean joint? This is it! The side dishes (banchan) are delicious! That alone tells you a lot about the quality of the food. I love their Jjamppong (seafood noodles), it's always filling and delicous. Another favorite is the seafood pancakes and tteokbokki (korean rice cake street food).
Love their Lengua (beef tongue) tacos! I know it sounds weird but it is just the juiciest rich flavorful taco I've ever had in NOLA.
This joint is definitely a hidden gem, a local favorites. Authentic Mexican food for sure! The menu is mostly in Spanish with English descriptions, that's how you know the food will be good!
21 locals recommend
Taqueria Guerrero Mexico Inc
208 N Carrollton AveLove their Lengua (beef tongue) tacos! I know it sounds weird but it is just the juiciest rich flavorful taco I've ever had in NOLA.
This joint is definitely a hidden gem, a local favorites. Authentic Mexican food for sure! The menu is mostly in Spanish with English descriptions, that's how you know the food will be good!
This cute hidden gem is not far from the night life in NOLA. I love their lamb with roti, it is simply delightful. Their Thai food selection is great! They do a modern twist on Thai food which is a nice experience. The inside is beautiful for those who loves aesthetics (for social media content of course)!
I would plan lunch or dinner here before hitting downtown since it's not far from downtown.
9 locals recommend
Banana Blossom Thai Restaurant
500 9th StThis cute hidden gem is not far from the night life in NOLA. I love their lamb with roti, it is simply delightful. Their Thai food selection is great! They do a modern twist on Thai food which is a nice experience. The inside is beautiful for those who loves aesthetics (for social media content of course)!
I would plan lunch or dinner here before hitting downtown since it's not far from downtown.
If you love sushi, this spot is located in Uptown New Orleans, not far from downtown. Reservations is required since they get booked up quickly. The sushi is fresh and presented beautifully.
Sesame ice cream is a must try!
14 locals recommend
LUVI Restaurant
5236 Tchoupitoulas StIf you love sushi, this spot is located in Uptown New Orleans, not far from downtown. Reservations is required since they get booked up quickly. The sushi is fresh and presented beautifully.
Sesame ice cream is a must try!
This place is a vibe if you're in the mood for Italian food! They have a great bar too. Located in the CBD so super convenient for a day in the city or night out.
7 locals recommend
Sofia
516 Julia StThis place is a vibe if you're in the mood for Italian food! They have a great bar too. Located in the CBD so super convenient for a day in the city or night out.
Love this place, absolutely amazing brunch spot to hit up after a night out of town. Must visit! I repeat. Must Visit.
This location is bigger than the NOLA location.
19 locals recommend
BEARCAT CBD
845 Carondelet StLove this place, absolutely amazing brunch spot to hit up after a night out of town. Must visit! I repeat. Must Visit.
This location is bigger than the NOLA location.
Looking for an omakase experience? Look no further, though it is on the higher end in terms of price, the experience is completely worth it. A la carte is also available. Great sushi selection!
Yakuza House
Looking for an omakase experience? Look no further, though it is on the higher end in terms of price, the experience is completely worth it. A la carte is also available. Great sushi selection!
This hole in the wall Indian/Pakistani restaurant is a local SECRET. You will not see this on Yelp or review pages. This is a hidden gem and has the best spinach lamb I've ever had anywhere. They even adjust spice level to your liking. I personally love to kick things up a notch and Shyan's deliver!
Shyan's kitchen
This hole in the wall Indian/Pakistani restaurant is a local SECRET. You will not see this on Yelp or review pages. This is a hidden gem and has the best spinach lamb I've ever had anywhere. They even adjust spice level to your liking. I personally love to kick things up a notch and Shyan's deliver!
The vibe here is nice and the food is very good. They're known for their tap wine bar which you can pair with your food. It's great for an adult night out!
16 locals recommend
Copper Vine
1001 Poydras StThe vibe here is nice and the food is very good. They're known for their tap wine bar which you can pair with your food. It's great for an adult night out!
Drinks & Nightlife
It's a great local party scene. Follow them on IG for their weekend lineups.
33 locals recommend
Republic NOLA
828 S Peters StIt's a great local party scene. Follow them on IG for their weekend lineups.
It's a great place to spend a Saturday night with friends. It's always crowded around 1am-2am and usually runs until 4-5am. The party doesn't stop until you stop at Metro.
41 locals recommend
Metropolitan Events
310 Andrew Higgins BlvdIt's a great place to spend a Saturday night with friends. It's always crowded around 1am-2am and usually runs until 4-5am. The party doesn't stop until you stop at Metro.
Bourbon Street falls between bar, music venue, karaoke venue, clubs, gay clubs, gay bar, strip clubs, etc. All on one street. There's something for everyone. It is a 21+ kind of place so make sure everyone has his or her ID.
347 locals recommend
Bourbon Street
Bourbon StreetBourbon Street falls between bar, music venue, karaoke venue, clubs, gay clubs, gay bar, strip clubs, etc. All on one street. There's something for everyone. It is a 21+ kind of place so make sure everyone has his or her ID.
Great drinks and music! This place is located close to Harrah's Casino. Some people like to park inside Harrah's casino and walk over.
13 locals recommend
Après Lounge
608 Fulton StGreat drinks and music! This place is located close to Harrah's Casino. Some people like to park inside Harrah's casino and walk over.
Gorgeous bar that has the appeal straight out of a magazine cover and small bites. I recommend their drinks more than their food, so plan to make dinner reservation somewhere else and head here for a drink! They take reservations as there are limited seatings.
29 locals recommend
Bar Marilou
544 Carondelet StGorgeous bar that has the appeal straight out of a magazine cover and small bites. I recommend their drinks more than their food, so plan to make dinner reservation somewhere else and head here for a drink! They take reservations as there are limited seatings.
Chandelier Bar
Pretty bar inside the Four Seasons, it's pretty inside!
beautiful rooftop bar with a view of the city. If you go to Jack Rose for dinner, I recommend going up to this rooftop bar since they share the same building!
137 locals recommend
Hot Tin
2031 St Charles Avebeautiful rooftop bar with a view of the city. If you go to Jack Rose for dinner, I recommend going up to this rooftop bar since they share the same building!
Formerly known as Barcadia, it is now Mister Oso showcasing a playful and flavorful menu with rotating taco dishes, Peruvian ceviche, crudo, and enticing vegetarian options. In the fall of 2023, Mister Oso was awarded the distinction of Bib Gourmand by The Michelin Guide.
Ohm lounge is a night club located inside Mister Oso Friday- Saturday 4pm-3AM. Call in advanced for bottle service.
Mister Oso New Orleans
Formerly known as Barcadia, it is now Mister Oso showcasing a playful and flavorful menu with rotating taco dishes, Peruvian ceviche, crudo, and enticing vegetarian options. In the fall of 2023, Mister Oso was awarded the distinction of Bib Gourmand by The Michelin Guide.
Ohm lounge is a night club located inside Mister Oso Friday- Saturday 4pm-3AM. Call in advanced for bottle service.
Sightseeing
Right across the street from Cafe Du Monde. There's also art market surrounding this Cathedral.
106 locals recommend
St. Louis Cathedral
615 Pere Antoine AlleyRight across the street from Cafe Du Monde. There's also art market surrounding this Cathedral.
Interactive museum great for photos and exploring New Orleans through a new lens. You can take great photos here too!
57 locals recommend
JAMNOLA
2832 Royal StInteractive museum great for photos and exploring New Orleans through a new lens. You can take great photos here too!
I really want to recommend City Park because of all the amazing activities inside but it wasn't available so NOMA it is. City Park is our biggest park and includes many outdoors as well as indoors activities for families or if you just want to explore nature. Great for picnics and play dates with the kids. They have a theme park inside for kids. There's a few restaurants that you can check out as well.
The sculpture garden and botanical garden are highly recommended.
782 locals recommend
New Orleans Museum of Art
1 Collins Diboll CirI really want to recommend City Park because of all the amazing activities inside but it wasn't available so NOMA it is. City Park is our biggest park and includes many outdoors as well as indoors activities for families or if you just want to explore nature. Great for picnics and play dates with the kids. They have a theme park inside for kids. There's a few restaurants that you can check out as well.
The sculpture garden and botanical garden are highly recommended.
Neighborhoods
If you come to New Orleans, you have got to stop in the French Quarter and visit Cafe Du Monde for some beignets.
Explore the city, street artist, haunted tours, and dine.
Happy hours starts when you wake up!
French Quarter
If you come to New Orleans, you have got to stop in the French Quarter and visit Cafe Du Monde for some beignets.
Explore the city, street artist, haunted tours, and dine.
Happy hours starts when you wake up!
This is a local's favorite due to its chill vibe compared to its wilder counterpart, Bourbon Street.
Frenchmen St, New Orleans, LA, USA
This is a local's favorite due to its chill vibe compared to its wilder counterpart, Bourbon Street.
Shopping
Lakeside Shopping Mall
This is our biggest mall in the city. Includes huge variety of department stores and lots of restaurants nearby if you need to grab some last minute outfits.
6 locals recommend
Mall New Orleans
3301 Veterans Memorial BlvdLakeside Shopping Mall
This is our biggest mall in the city. Includes huge variety of department stores and lots of restaurants nearby if you need to grab some last minute outfits.
High end shopping center downtown. They have a great food court that opens out into the Mississippi River. There's a Cafe Du Monde inside as well last I remember if you don't want to get in line in the main location.
160 locals recommend
Canal Place
333 Canal StHigh end shopping center downtown. They have a great food court that opens out into the Mississippi River. There's a Cafe Du Monde inside as well last I remember if you don't want to get in line in the main location.
Lots of food and shopping here! The vendors set up their booths all next to each other and there is even a food section inside. Located right in the French Quarter, it's definitely a must visit. Best to have cash at places like this. You can buy food, art, souvenirs, clothes, jewelry, pretty much anything you might want here!
French Market Corporation
Lots of food and shopping here! The vendors set up their booths all next to each other and there is even a food section inside. Located right in the French Quarter, it's definitely a must visit. Best to have cash at places like this. You can buy food, art, souvenirs, clothes, jewelry, pretty much anything you might want here!
Grocery Stores
This market has a lot of asian produce, a fish market that cleans your fish for you on the spot (tip your cleaners), and a couple of food stalls inside. You can get roasted pig and duck inside the stand and they also sell an assortment of asian desserts and to-go foods.
It's in the same strip as Panda King (dim sum), so I would recommend you stopping here afterwards.
13 locals recommend
Hong Kong Food Market
925 Behrman HwyThis market has a lot of asian produce, a fish market that cleans your fish for you on the spot (tip your cleaners), and a couple of food stalls inside. You can get roasted pig and duck inside the stand and they also sell an assortment of asian desserts and to-go foods.
It's in the same strip as Panda King (dim sum), so I would recommend you stopping here afterwards.
This asian supermarket is located in Metairie if you're in the area and needs to pickup something quick, this is the spot. They have a great selection of frozen dumplings and foods as well as fresh veggies. I go here for hot pot ingredients!
Golden City Asian Food Market
2712 N Arnoult RdThis asian supermarket is located in Metairie if you're in the area and needs to pickup something quick, this is the spot. They have a great selection of frozen dumplings and foods as well as fresh veggies. I go here for hot pot ingredients!
Whole Foods Market
Wholefoods in Metairie
Costco Wholesale
3900 Dublin StCostco in New Orleans
Trader Joe's
2949 Veterans BlvdTJ in Metairie.
New Market that just opened in our neighborhood in Gentilly. Great selections of everything.
48 locals recommend
Canseco's Market
2221 Elysian Fields AveNew Market that just opened in our neighborhood in Gentilly. Great selections of everything.