Looking for the best seafood restaurant in New Orleans? Maybe the one with the best fried catfish, best poboy or best seafood platter? Or perhaps your palate is looking for upscale New Orleans dining with wine and desserts to match. Whatever you’re in the mood for, you can be sure there’s a New Orleans restaurant that will satisfy even the most discerning taste buds. Take a look at some of our top picks!
Souffle potatoes are a classic at Arnaud’s Restaurant in the French Quarter.
What: Arnaud’s
Where: 813 Rue Bienville
Why: Serving upscale classic Creole cuisine in the heart of the French Quarter, Arnaud’s has remained true to tradition since opening in 1918. Fresh seafood is a cornerstone of the menu with dishes like Oysters Bienville, Arnaud’s Crab Cakes, Pompano Duarte and more, along with soups, salads and desserts.
Info: www.arnaudsrestaurant.com
Barrow’s Catfish is known for its fried catfish platters, a tradition dating back generations for the Barrow family. The Hollygrove restaurant is continuing takeout service in the pandemic crisis.
What: Barrow’s Catfish
Where: 8300 Earhart Boulevard
Why: This family-owned eatery has been a New Orleans favorite since 1943 and is known far and wide for its crispy fried catfish that many proclaim to be the best in the city. Eat it on a platter, on a po-boy, as part of a combo plate with other catfish or with sides like potato salad, fries, baked beans, sauteed spinach and more.
Info: www.barrowscatfish.com
Soup dumplings from Dian Xin in New Orleans, served for takeout during the pandemic restrictions.
What: Dian Xin
Where: 1218-A Decatur Street
Why: Authentic Chinese may not be the first thing most people think of when they think New Orleans, but that’s exactly what this relatively new dim sum restaurant offers. The menu includes dumplings, wings, rice, noodles, Jian Bing and much more, with plenty of flavor options.
Info: www.dianxinnola.com
Gumbo z’herbes packed for takeout with fried chicken and cornbread muffins from Dooky Chase’s Restaurant, where the meaty “green gumbo” is a Holy Thursday tradition that endured in 2020.
What: Dooky Chase’s Restaurant
Where: 2301 Orleans Avenue
Why: Since 1941, Dooky Chase’s has been a nationally-recognized hub for both cuisine and New Orleans culture, entertainment and civil rights. Still proudly run by the Chase family, the restaurant has a popular lunch menu with classic favorites like gumbo, poboys, chicken or shrimp creole and much more. The dinner menu adds on dishes like barbecue shrimp, Dooky’s Toast, braised duck, Southern fried chicken and others.
Info: www.dookychaserestaurants.com
“Fins wings” are cut from the collar of whole fish and fried with Asian style tempura batter at GW Fins, a seafood restaurant that uses a whole fish approach.
What: GW Fins
Where: 808 Bienville Street
Why: Since GW Fins opened 20 years ago, it has earned numerous accolades for its unrelenting attention to detail and commitment to only serving the best and freshest fish from around the world. That means the menu can change often depending on what’s available, but premier cuts of swordfish, yellowfin, red snapper and more make regular appearances. Bonus: The wine list is top notch and the knowledgeable staff can recommend the perfect pairing.
Info: www.gwfins.com
Country ham with sliced peaches, torn mint and crushed peanuts at Herbsaint restaurant in New Orleans, photographed July 9, 2020.
What: Herbsaint
Where: 701 St. Charles Avenue
Why: Two chefs have taken home prestigious James Beard Awards for their work at this flagship of the Link Restaurant Group, which offers seasonal French-Southern cuisine with elements of rustic Italian cooking. Dive into small plates like Louisiana shrimp and fish ceviche, beef short rib or baked asiago. Main courses include Muscovy duck leg confit, grilled tuna sandwich, grilled chicken and more.
Info: www.herbsaint.com
Oysters Slessinger, broiled with bacon, spinach, shrimp and gooey Provel cheese, is a specality at Katie’s Restaurant in New Orleans.
What: Katie’s
Where: 3701 Iberville Street
Why: What began as a corner lunch restaurant in 1984 has evolved into one of the Crescent City’s favorite places for a homey meal in a neighborhood-style eatery. You may have seen notable menu items like the crawfish beignet on the Food Network. The extensive options also include salads, gumbo, seafood platters, pasta, po-boys and so much more.
Info: www.katiesinmidcity.com
A po-boy piled high with shrimp at Parkway Bakery & Tavern.
What: Parkway Bakery and Tavern
Where: 538 Hagan Avenue
Why: Whether you use the newer term “po-boy” or what many consider the true name, “poor boy,” the New Orleans sandwiches at Parkway have often been called some of the best in the city. The loaves are filled with Parkway’s version of favorites like fried shrimp, roast beef with gravy, turkey, ham and catfish, along with special creations like the James Brown (BBQ beef, fried shrimp, melted pepper jack cheese, hot sauce mayo).
Info: www.parkwaypoorboys.com
Hummus served with curried fried cauliflower, caramelized onions, cilantro and mint at Shaya, located at 4213 Magazine Street, New Orleans Monday, July 13, 2015. (Photo by David Grunfeld, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune)
What: Shaya
Where: 4213 Magazine Street
Why: Diversity is the theme at Shaya, which combines Israeli staples, Southern flavors and influences from Africa, the Middle East and Europe. The result is a unique spin on dishes like slow-cooked lamb, hanger steak, falafel and hummus, plus can’t-miss desserts like warm cinnamon babka and vanilla custard.
Info: www.shayarestaurant.com
A croque madame awaits at Toast, a breakfast spot on Laurel Street.
What: Toast
Where: 5433 Laurel Street, 1845 Gentilly Boulevard, 1035 Decatur Street
Why: Whether you want to sit for coffee or grab something to go, Toast has plenty of breakfast-oriented choices for both the sweet and savory palates. There’s a seemingly endless array of options for crepes, omelettes and, of course, toast. Have a bigger appetite? The entrees give a bit of everything to fill you up for the day.
Info: www.toastneworleans.com