Chargrilled on the half shell, deep-fried and piled high on a po-boy, or even raw - there are plenty of ways to enjoy oysters in New Orleans.
Available year-round (but best enjoyed between the months of September and April), oysters are a must on any seafood lover’s list of what to eat when visiting New Orleans. And what better way to do so than to share a few of our favorite oyster spots and happy hours?
Check out our guide to New Orleans’ Best Oysters below for a shucking delicious meal!
- Drago's
- Acme Oyster House
- Dickie Brennan’s Bourbon House
- The Blue Crab
- Felix's Restaurant & Oyster Bar
- Chemin à la Mer
- Basin Seafood & Spirits
- Neyow’s Creole Cafe
- Superior Seafood
- Sidecar Patio & Oyster Bar
- Mosquito Supper Club
- Fives Bar
- Pigeon and Whale
- Pêche Seafood Grill
- The Bell
- Porgy's
- Maria's Oyster + Wine Bar
- Seaworthy
Drago's
Back to Top of ListDrago’s Original Charbroiled Oysters have been described as “the single best bite of food in town.” The secret is in the sauce! It’s so decadent and flavorful that it can be purchased in local grocery stores around New Orleans. Grab a dozen to eat while in town and make sure to bring the secret sauce back home with you!
Acme Oyster House
Back to Top of ListAcme is no stranger to NOLA when it comes to serving oysters Cajun-Creole style. From raw to chargrilled, or just shooters, Acme has the options! You can even try their oyster soup if you're trying to keep it light.
Dickie Brennan’s Bourbon House
Back to Top of ListSeafood is the name of the game at Dickie Brennan's Bourbon House, and oysters are the star of the show. They’ve got oysters on the half-shell and charbroiled oysters with Bordelaise Sauce, plus a raw oyster bar to satisfy your cravings. Grab a bourbon milk punch while you’re there.
The Blue Crab
Back to Top of ListThey might be named for their crabs, but their oysters are a strong second! The Blue Crab is a great go-to for seafood delicacies like boiled crawfish, BBQ shrimp, crab claws, and of course, oysters on the half-shell. You can enjoy them by the whole or half dozen, raw or chargrilled.
They even have oyster shooters available for folks who just want a taste! The best time to go? Swing by for happy hour Tuesday - Thursday from 4-6:30 p.m. and take advantage of $1 raw oysters and chargrilled 'sters for just $1.50 each. Grab a seat at one of their two outdoor patios and soak up the sun and sounds of live music.
Felix's Restaurant & Oyster Bar
Back to Top of ListFelix's prides itself on putting oyster bars on the map in New Orleans. And with a menu as robust and oyster-focused as theirs, we can’t deny it. Raw oysters on the half shell, chargrilled oysters, buffalo oysters, Oysters Rockefeller, oysters du jour, oyster pasta, platters, salads, and more. If you don’t walk in an oyster fanatic, you’ll have no choice but to leave as one!
Chemin à la Mer
Back to Top of ListAt Chemin á la Mer, located within the Four Seasons Hotel, the oysters are just as good as the view. This Donald Link restaurant features specialty steaks, local and French-inspired cuisine, and, of course, a picturesque oyster bar with a panoramic view of the Mississippi River. Enjoy a classic serving of a half-dozen oysters or try a bit of everything with the Seafood Tower, which includes crab claws, steamed shrimp, and ceviche along with the half-dozen oysters.
Basin Seafood & Spirits
Back to Top of ListBasin is a Magazine Street must for dining and drinks, and oysters come raw or chargrilled by the dozen. Or you can opt for a lighter approach with an oyster Caesar salad. It’s the perfect midday meal to tackle an afternoon full of boutique hopping along Magazine. Join them from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Mondays and experience the thrill of indulging in delicious raw oysters for just 75 cents when you purchase any item from their menu!
Neyow’s Creole Cafe
Back to Top of ListHome of the Bow-Wow and some of the best oysters in New Orleans! Neyow’s has a tremendous menu that features a number of local classics such as red beans, po-boys, gumbo, BBQ shrimp, and their famous chargrilled oysters. This neighborhood eatery is a must-visit.
Superior Seafood
Back to Top of ListAn iconic seafood eatery nestled along St. Charles Avenue, Superior is best known as the home of the Frozen French 75, but their oysters have an identity of their own. You can have them raw, chargrilled, or choose from Bienville or Rockefeller style. No matter what you opt for, they’re delicious.
Sidecar Patio & Oyster Bar
Back to Top of ListSome of the best happy hour oyster deals can be found at Sidecar NOLA. This tucked-away treat can be found in New Orleans’ Warehouse District. Get a taste of a little bit of everything from the Gulf Coast to the West Coast. Feeling fancy? Opt for their oysters and champagne. Feeling frugal? Join them Monday-Friday from 4-6 p.m. for their Shucker's Special, featuring half-off the shucker's choice of a dozen oysters, plus drink specials.
Mosquito Supper Club
Back to Top of ListChef Melissa Martin’s Mosquito Supper Club is an ode to Louisiana’s coastal fishing communities and sustainable consumption. The main restaurant is largely a communal take on dining, with a pre-fixe menu and family-style service, but smaller, private tables are also available. The menu rotates due to seasonality, but you can expect regional specialties like stuffed crabs, seafood gumbo, and–of course–Louisiana oysters. While the main dining experience requires reservations, those looking for a quicker bite can stop into their bar (no reservation needed), where you’ll find cocktails, a thoughtful wine list, and raw oysters served on the half shell.
Fives Bar
Back to Top of ListA welcome addition to the shops along the Pontalba buildings of Jackson Square in the historic French Quarter, Fives Bar is serving up some of the most prime cocktails on the block. And if you've made it this far on the list, you already know they've got something goin’ on when it comes to oysters. Trust us, their West, Gulf, and East selections are absolutely dazzling. Oh, and don't forget to check out their martini menu, especially the Lavender Cold Press - it's an all-star!
Pigeon and Whale
Back to Top of ListCalling all cocktail and raw bar enthusiasts! Pigeon and Whale is a dream come true with its iconic cocktail and raw bar menu, and when it comes to oysters, they've got you covered with high-grade selections from all over the coast. They even offer a dealer's choice, so you can indulge in this delicious treat with a rush of mystery and excitement!
Pêche Seafood Grill
Back to Top of ListLocated in New Orleans' Warehouse District, Pêche Seafood Grill takes a unique, modern approach to Old World cooking methods when serving up simply prepared coastal seafood. Their rustic dishes and divine raw bar showcase the excellence of Gulf seafood, and with chefs like Donald Link and Ryan Prewitt behind the scenes, you know you're in for a true culinary experience.
The Bell
Back to Top of ListNestled along a picturesque stretch of Esplanade, The Bell brings British pub charm to New Orleans oyster culture. The adorable al fresco raw bar on their side patio is the perfect spot to enjoy Gulf oysters on the half shell, or try their broiled oysters topped with melted cheddar for a decadent twist. The British-meets-NOLA vibes extend to proper Guinness pours and an impressive tap selection, plus frozen gin and tonics that are perfect for those warm Louisiana afternoons. It's the kind of spot where you can settle in for the long haul!
Porgy's
Back to Top of ListPorgy's is a sustainable seafood market is making waves with its creative approach to Gulf seafood, emphasizing bycatch and rarer fish finds that you won't see everywhere else. When it comes to oysters, Porgy's delivers options for every mood: raw on the half shell for purists, fried oysters piled high on po-boys or platters for those craving that classic NOLA crunch, and chargrilled oysters available in both traditional style and an inventive lemongrass chili preparation. It's sustainable eating that doesn't skimp on flavor or variety!
Maria's Oyster + Wine Bar
Back to Top of ListThis cute upscale spot in the Warehouse District has become a go-to for oyster lovers seeking quality and variety. Maria's showcases a wide selection of raw Gulf oysters alongside their signature chili butter roasted oysters that pack just the right amount of heat. The menu also features rotating oyster and seafood specials that keep things interesting, so there's always something new to discover. Pair your oysters with a selection from their thoughtfully curated wine list for the full experience!
Seaworthy
Back to Top of ListLocated alongside The Barnett, Seaworthy brings a moody, sultry ambiance to the oyster experience. This spot specializes in fresh, wild-caught oysters sourced from all over the United States, giving you a true coast-to-coast tasting journey. Beyond oysters, indulge in other luxuries like caviar service, refreshing ceviches, and delicate tartare preparations, plus larger plates when you're ready for something more substantial. It's the kind of place that turns oyster eating into a full-on indulgent affair!