26 Dishes to Eat in New Orleans in 2026, According to Local Experts

For the past seven years, we’ve compiled an annual list of the dishes we love more than anything else in New Orleans. And we gotta tell ya, it’s not an easy task. Pretty much every meal we eat here has the potential for “best thing I ate all year” greatness to the point where we’re almost overwhelmed by options–the struggles of living in a world-renowned food city, I guess.

1. Whole Fried Snapper from Addis Nola

I absolutely love the whole fried red snapper from Addis NOLA. It’s seasoned with bold, aromatic Ethiopian spices that make my palate dance with every bite. The fish is fried to absolute perfection, crisp on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, and when you pair it with their fluffy rice and rich tomato sauce? Chef’s kiss! It’s one of those dishes that keeps you coming back because it hits every single time

- Tamsy Kambi

Local Influencer, @TamLovesToEat on Instagram and TikTok

2. Gnocchi with Jumbo Lump Crabmeat from Saint Claire

Saint Claire’s Gnocchi with jumbo lump crab is easily one of the most memorable dishes I’ve had all year. The pillowy gnocchi is tossed in a silky lemon beurre that’s bright, rich, and perfectly balanced with the sweetness of the crab. Every bite feels luxurious but still comforting, and it’s one of those dishes you think about long after the meal is over.

- Caitlin Minshew

Local Influencer, @EatingWithCaitt on Instagram and TikTok

3. BBQ Shrimp Pie from Gabrielle Restaurant

Walking into Gabrielle immediately felt like New Orleans, warm and familiar in an almost nostalgic way. Then this dish came out and completely wowed me and my husband. The New Orleans-style Barbeque Shrimp Pie has a handmade shell filled with smashed sweet potato, topped with rich, buttery BBQ shrimp. It brings Cajun food and New Orleans flair together in one bite. My husband and I were truly amazed by the explosion of flavor. Also, don’t sleep on Chef Paul’s House Salad with fried oysters and green onion dressing. This meal will make you miss New Orleans.

- Scot Pilié

Local Meteorologist and Foodie, @ScotPilie_WX on Instagram

4. Sloppy Joe from Avegno

When Avegno announced that not only would they do a reverse happy hour (starting at 8 p.m.), but that a sloppy Joe would be on it, I knew it was gonna be a match. And it was! I immediately told my friends about it. Sloppy Joes have so much nostalgia to them, and the one at Avegno is just that and more. It’s a great sandwich for a great late night.

Also, so happy to have Avegno in the hidden area that it is. I love a good neighborhood bar, and the fact that it has incredible food, too? A must visit! While you are there, also try their French onion soup- another favorite!

- Evie Bories

Local Influencer, @Evie_Eats on Instagram

6. Shrimp and Alligator Sausage Cheesecake from Jacques-Imo’s

The alligator cheesecake at Jacques-Imo’s might sound like dessert, but it arrives as one of the most unique savory appetizers in New Orleans. Stacked with alligator sausage, shrimp, cheese, and peppers, all baked into a fluffy, flavorful bite on a Parmesan panko crust. It sets the tone for all the other creative New Orleans dishes on the menu, and every visitor should try it at least once.

- Chase Guillory

Local Influencer, @HowNOLA and @ChasingMyAppetite on Instagram

7. Ban Cuon Thit Nuong from Ba Mien

The Banh Cuon Thit Nuong (steamed roll with grilled pork) dish is a must-try for everyone!

This is one of the best bites of food I have ever had! The freshness and texture of the steamed roll, paired with the char of the grilled pork and fresh cilantro, is to die for. Not sure exactly what’s in the dipping sauce, but it reminds me of a salty lemon sauce mixed with peanut sauce. I always get two orders and eat them immediately!

- Chef Sue Zemanick

Owner/Chef of Zasu: One Star (MICHELIN), Best Chef: South (James Beard, 2013)

8. Hamachi Crudo from Acamaya

The hamachi crudo at Acamaya is one of my all-time favorites. I truly love everything Chef Ana (Castro) creates.

- Chef E.J. Lagasse

Owner, Emeril’s (Two MICHELIN Stars) and 34 (MICHELIN-Recognized)

9. Oysters Mosca from Mosca’s Restaurant

No oyster culture anywhere features the array of cooked oyster dishes found in New Orleans area restaurants. My favorite is Oysters Mosca: a shallow platter of molten oysters under a top crust of breadcrumbs and hard Italian cheese. You can't visit this Creole-Italian roadhouse restaurant without ordering at least one. 

- Brett Anderson

Food Writer, The New York Times

10. Not Yo Mama’s Corn Cakes from Who Dat Coffee Café

I am a huge fan of breakfast food! We have an amazing gem in the Marigny called Who Dat Cafe. They make a dish called “Not Ya Mama’s Corn Cakes” and it features two homemade corncakes topped with candied bacon and warm Steen’s Cane Syrup to pour over it. It’s decadent and perfect.

- Bella Blue

Burlesque Performer/Producer, Owner of Pulcinella! and The Original Nite Cap

11. Shrimp Po-Boy from Guy’s Po-Boys

I love po-boys. That truly is a dish I think about whenever I am away from New Orleans for a few weeks and one of the first things I get when I return from a trip. Guy's shrimp po-boy is my favorite. It is quintessentially New Orleans and something that reminds me of home. 

- Chef Serigne Mbaye

Owner/Chef, DAKAR NOLA (Best New Restaurant, James Beard 2024)

12. BBQ Shrimp from Mr. B’s

Bold, buttery, and full of rich New Orleans flavor, the Barbecued Shrimp at Mr. B's Bistro is some of the best I've ever had. The succulent Gulf shrimp are served in the most delectable peppery butter sauce. They come with French bread, and you'll want to use that to soak up every last drop. I think about this dish very often, and I would recommend it to either someone visiting New Orleans who wants to try this classic delicacy or a local who is looking for one of the best barbecued shrimp dishes out there! 

- Mattlan Ladner

Local Influencer and Videographer, @Big.Eatsy on Instagram and TikTok

13. Khao Soi Noodle Soup from Budsi’s Authentic Thai

I get the Khao Soi Noodle Soup with chicken at Budsi’s Authentic Thai at least once a week. The heat from the chili oil balanced by the cream base and the crunch from the noodles, along with greens (so you can check off that ya ate your vegetables) makes it perfection in a bowl. I literally crave it after long days because it’s the type of soup that warms your soul.  

- Trixie Minx

Burlesque Performer, Owner of Trixie Minx Productions and Trixie’s Burlesque Boutique

14. The Bandeja Paisa from El Caimán Gordo in St. Roch Tavern

This is such a no-brainer for me this year! The Bandeja Paisa at El Caimán Gordo, a Colombian pop-up from Chef Marc Bruckel inside St Roch Tavern, is easily my most craved meal in New Orleans right now. This dish is a traditional plate from Colombia, loaded with a choice of meat (the steak is amazing) in addition to chicharron, sausage, patacones, arepas, rice, beans, avocado, salad, and a fried egg! It's a massive shareable platter that easily feeds 2-3 people at an incredibly affordable price. Don't let the diveyness of St. Roch Tavern scare you away from one of the best meals in the city.

- Kat Kimball

Food Photographer, @KatKimballPhoto on Instagram

15. Confit Duck Leg from The Kingsway

The dish I've been dreaming about is this confit duck leg at the Kingsway. Perfectly crispy skin, served over a Kabocha Squash purée, finished off with a sour cherry gastrique to balance out the richness. Best enjoyed at the bar alongside a cocktail (or two) from Colin and his crew.

- James O’Donnell

Mixologist, The Double Club

16. Seared Scallops with Cacio e Pepe Beans from Zasu + Catfish Po-Boy from North Broad Seafood

Kitten: The seared scallop with cacio e pepe beans with blistered tomatoes and preserved lemon at Zasu - truly unreal. Our table ordered one to share, and immediately ordered another one after the first bite. A perfect balance of richness and brightness that Chef Sue Z excels in.

Lou: The catfish po-boy at North Broad Seafood aka “The Blue Store” -  lots of locals go here for crawfish, but the po-boys are not to be missed!

- Kitten La Rue and Lou Henry Hoover

Drag/Burlesque Performers, Kitten N’ Lou; Owners, Chance in Hell Sno-Balls

17. Corn & Crabmeat Bisque and Shrimp Fettucine from Vincent’s Italian Cuisine

Vincent's on St. Charles has been a date night staple for my wife and I for almost twenty years. We love the intimate setting and authentic vibe that hits you right when you walk in from the corner. Our must-have items each time we eat at Vincent's are their Corn & Crabmeat Bisque in a bread bowl and their Shrimp Tagliatelle Pasta.

- Gerald Gruenig

Local Influencer, @GeraldGruenig on Instagram and TikTok

18. Bread Pudding Soufflé from Commander’s Palace

It feels like everybody and their mama’s restaurant serves bread pudding in New Orleans. But this Creole Bread Pudding Soufflé at Commander’s Palace truly takes the cake…well, pudding technically. The texture and flavor on the soufflé is such a unique and elevated experience for a bread pudding dish. And baby, don’t get me started on that whiskey sauce on top?!? Listen, this is the bread puddings of all bread puddings, so add it to your must-try list in 2026!

- Kortlynn Jenae’ Johnson

Local Influencer, @KortlynnJenae on Instagram and TikTok

20. Chicken & Sausage Gumbo from Chef Donald Link

Donald Link’s gumbo. Chicken & Sausage. It’s clearly rooted in his family and has grown up in his restaurants. I have it every time I’m at La Boulangerie or Herbsaint.

- Chef Melissa Martin

Owner, Mosquito Supper Club and Saint Claire

21. Le Pig Mac from Cochon Butcher

My guilty pleasure is Cochon Butcher’s Le Pig Mac. Swine is so dang fine in this nostalgic ode to that first American burger my dad would occasionally treat my brother and I to when we were babes. Le Pig Mac is not something I share when I bring out-of-town guests. I just show them the way to roll up their sleeves and lean in. A great Gold Belly gift to boot!

Honorable Mentions: The ham & cheese croissant from La Boulangerie, I know it’s not a wildly creative thing, but it’s a classic staple. It’s always delicious, and it’s my stress-eating treat, usually in between prep and dinner service. Also, my bestie Chef Nikki’s (Nicole Mills) shrimp noodles from Peche are incredible. It’s like a meaty bolognese but 100% Gulf shrimp. It floors me every time!

- Sophina Uong

Chef/Owner, Mister Mao

22. Duck Leg Confit with Dirty Rice from Herbsaint

This dish is excellently prepared every single time…with perfectly crispy skin and meat that falls off the bone and melts in your mouth. It’s served over dirty rice with a sweet citrus Gastrique to cut through the richness and round everything out. It’s got all the elements of a good, Southern, home-cooked meal, but elevated to give it a special touch. I come back for it every time.

- Eric Cook

Executive Chef/Owner, Gris-Gris and Saint John

23. Omakase at Shogun

I love sitting at Shogun's sushi bar with Chef Atsushi Morishita for omakase rolls and sashimi platters. When you sit at the sushi bar, you can ask the sushi chefs to make their choice of specialty sushi and sashimi plates for you. This is typically referred to as "omakase" in Japanese, which translates to "up to you." But what's great about Shogun verses many other omakase spots is that you don't have to order an entire omakase meal; you can ask for just one or two items.

- Aom Srisuk

Chef/Owner, Good Catch Urban Thai and Pomelo

24. Floribbean Fish Chowder at Hot & Soul

The dish I can't stop thinking about is the Floribbean Fish Chowder at Hot & Soul, prepared by Chefs Christy Samoy and Mike Hampton.

Hot & Soul is a small but mighty, chef-driven counter-service restaurant on Banks Street—the type of place where people in hospitality go on their day off. The chowder, made with local Drum (one of the great bounties of our fishery), features habanero, tomato, and allspice.

At a time in the food business when there is so much sameness because of trend chasing, this chowder is a wonderful departure. It’s homey, yet executed with a light touch that only truly talented chefs can administer. I cannot recommend it enough.

- Neal Bodenheimer

Founder/Partner, CureCo Hospitality (Cure, Cane & Table, and VALS)

25. Fried Chicken from Hot Stuff

Fried chicken at Hot Stuff. Nathan Barfield does a really good job. Everything he makes tastes like it was made with special care and attention. I can go there and just order sides. His fried chicken has been our go-to meal after a Mardi Gras parade. It's my go-to meal when I'm coming back from a work trip and don't feel like cooking.

- Nicole Mills

Chef de Cuisine, Pêche

26. Tom Kha Coconut Milk Soup with Chicken and Crispy Pork from Budsi's Authentic Thai

Budsi’s Authentic Thai in the Marigny is my go-to. I once asked Tommy behind the counter to surprise me, and ended up with an incredible bowl of their Tom Kha Coconut Milk Soup with chicken and crispy pork. I couldn’t even name everything in it, but I’ve been thinking about that dish ever since.

- Kelly Jacques

Co-Owner and Chef at Ayu Bakehouse