If you know anything about New Orleans, you know just how good the local food is. Much of that food is Creole cuisine – think, gumbo, jambalaya, and étouffée alongside a bevy of seafood options. Learn about our favorite spots for Creole dining below. 

History of Creole Cuisine in New Orleans 

“Creole” is a famously complex word whose meaning varies along the lines of time, place, context, and audience. It derives from criollo, a variation of the Spanish verb criar, meaning to raise, or bring up. Louisiana Creole generally refers to a person of mixed European and African descent.

Today, Creole culture can be found everywhere in New Orleans, especially in the food. Seafood and okra gumbo, shrimp Creole, and étouffée are just a few of the most famous Louisiana Creole dishes. Read on below for where to find a taste of Creole cuisine. 

Read more on New Orleans Creole history here

Traditional Creole restaurants in New Orleans 

Dooky Chase’s Restaurant 

Among New Orleans’ most famous restaurants is Dooky Chase’s. Open since 1941, this Creole restaurant is a Tremé neighborhood staple started by the late great Chef Leah Chase. Enjoy a cup of their world-famous gumbo along with some golden-fried stuffed shrimp with tartar sauce.  

Li’l Dizzy’s 

Known for their Creole classics, Li’l Dizzy’s is a must-visit for lunch in Tremé. Enjoy fried chicken, seafood gumbo, and daily specials, including Friday’s Catfish Jourdain – fried catfish filet topped with shrimp & crabmeat in a lemon butter sauce. 

Neyow’s Creole Café 

Indulge in a cup of file gumbo, red beans, smothered okra, and po-boys at Neyow’s. 

Broussard’s  

Enjoy bronzed redfish, Creole turtle soup, and BBQ shrimp make the menu at this upscale French Quarter restaurant. 

Antoine’s 

Known as New Orleans’ oldest restaurant, Antoine’s famous dishes include Oysters Rockefeller, Eggs Sardou, and soufflé potatoes.

Modern Creole restaurants in in New Orleans 

Chapter IV

Another restaurant from the Chase family, this breakfast and lunch spot serves Creole classic like gumbo alongside innovative cuisine. Enjoy corn and crab bisque, seafood linguine, grilled redfish with crab fried rice, and more. 

The Munch Factory 

Try creative Creole cuisine at The Munch Factory such as hot sausage patty melt, bayou nachos, and the Munch bowl, grits topped with cheddar cheese and slow cooked roast beef. 

Beaucoup Eats 

We love Beaucoup Eats for their crawfish bread and jambalaya pasta – yum! 

Sweet Soulfood 

This vegan lunch spot is perfect for those who want a taste of traditional Creole cuisine turned vegan. Jambalaya, okra gumbo, stuffed bell peppers, red beans, and much more are on the menu. Their generous portions provide you will likely have leftovers! 

Criollo 

Enjoy fine dining at this modern Creole restaurant, with seafood and andouille gumbo, shrimp scampi, and caviar service during dinner. Located in Hotel Monteleone, cap off your meal with a visit to the Carousel Bar

Cajun vs. Creole dining in New Orleans 

Though oftentimes used interchangeably, Cajun and Creole are two distinct ethnic groups with their own unique history, traditions and culture. From the food to the music, each culture has a distinct flavor that goes hand in hand. 

Among the many unique differences between the two, the most delicious and intriguing are those between their cuisine. Cajun and Creole food are both native to Louisiana and can be found in restaurants throughout New Orleans. One of the simplest differences between the two cuisine types is that Creole food typically uses tomatoes and tomato-based sauces while traditional Cajun food does not. However, the distinction runs much deeper into the history of New Orleans.  

In Cajun cuisine, enjoy meat-based dishes such as boudin and other smoked meats. Creole cuisine is heavy on seafood, utilizing locally caught fish and shellfish paired with rich, roux-based soups and sauces. Both cuisines make liberal use of what New Orleanians call the "holy trinity" of cooking: chopped green peppers, onions and celery. Find our list of top Cajun restaurants here

Read more about Cajun vs. Creole cuisine in NOLA here

Top Creole Restaurants in New Orleans

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Top Creole Restaurants in New Orleans