New Orleans is known for its food scene, especially the restaurants. There’s gumbo from Dooky Chase’s, muffulettas from Napoleon House, and Arnaud’s soufflé potatoes, all worthy of a visit in their own right. 

The year of 2022 saw fabulous new restaurant openings, including re-openings and permanent homes for some of the city’s favorite pop-ups. Several of these new restaurants are featured in 23 Dishes to Try in 2023, our guide to the best meals in New Orleans, according to locals. Make it your new year’s resolution to check out a few of these recent restaurant openings below. 

Beggar's Banquet

Head on over to the Lower Garden District for this new addition to the neighborhood’s culinary scene! The DiIonno family has ingeniously created a dining destination that will take your taste buds on an unforgettable ride. Here you will find unique seafood dishes, including succulent calamari, perfectly seared scallops, mouthwatering grilled swordfish, and a Caribbean spin on mahi-mahi, just to name a few. Their menu is a true masterpiece. Complementing these delectable dishes is their sensational wine and cocktail program.

Chapter IV

Indulge in the culinary prowess of Edgar "Dook" Chase, the grandson of iconic Leah Chase! Dedicated solely to breakfast, brunch, and lunch delights., this magnificent establishment is open six days a week until 3 p.m. six days a week. Step into a world of artistry and beauty as stunning works of art by Black artists adorn every corner while you let the rich and flavorful Creole cuisine transport you to the heart of New Orleans with every bite.

Chinese Kitchen Club

Chinese Kitchen Club, conveniently located next to the Fat Boy Pantry (same owners) hosts a mouthwatering menu that pays homage to the unforgettable Blue Giant, keeping the tradition of absolute deliciousness alive on that very corner. Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of their iconic salt-and-pepper catfish, dan dan noodles, and fiery dry chili chicken that will have your taste buds dancing! This fabulous American Chinese spot takes your palate on a thrilling joyride of flavors.

Dahla

Hold onto your taste buds, because Dahla is about to blow your mind with their crispy duck curry! It's a flavor explosion that will leave you wanting more. Dahla has you covered for both lunch and dinner with contemporary Thai cuisine. From tantalizing cocktails to an irresistible menu, Dahla is such a treat! 

Devil Moon BBQ

Unleash your inner BBQ fanatic at Devil Moon BBQ! This sizzling hot spot celebrates the smoky traditions of Southern Louisiana, Texas, and the Carolinas. Here you’ll find a finger-licking-good BBQ menu with everything from ribs to house-made sausages. Located in Downtown New Orleans and conveniently attached to Brewery Saint X, Devil Moon BBQ is the perfect place to fuel up and soak in the big weekend energy, and its proximity to the Dome and Smoothie King Center makes it a great addition to your game-day tailgate rotation!

Fives Bar

Fives Bar is *iconic culinary behavior* in the heart of the French Quarter! This hidden gem is nestled in plain sight as part of the historic Pontalba buildings that surround Jackson Square. Inside, the horseshoe-shaped bar gives Paris vibes, transporting you to a world of tantalizing flavors and vibrant, chic energy. From exquisite martinis to a mouthwatering raw bar of oysters and caviar, Fives Bar is a must for lovers of raw seafood. Don't miss out on this instant classic!

Francolini’s

You know what they say- do you know what it means to miss New Orleans? However, in this case, do you know what it means to miss a New Jersey deli sandwich? Well, if not then you are in for a treat and new obsession from owner Tara Francolini, the ultimate New Jersey-raised deli aficionado! Treat yourself to a sando experience like no other as she shares her passion for mouthwatering deli fare that fills your hearts and bellies with love. With over 18 delectable cold and hot sandwiches on the menu, the only challenge you'll face is choosing which one to savor now and which one to take home for later.

Hungry Eyes

A culinary trifecta like no other! Molly’s Rise and Shine for breakfast, Turkey and the Wolf for lunch, and for the grand finale: Hungry Eyes for dinner! This hot spot operates on a thrilling first-come-first-serve basis, so seize the moment and indulge in their 1980s-themed interiors. One bite and you’ll instantly understand why they already have a cult-like following.

King Brasserie & Bar

This dynamic sister restaurant, born from the success of the Peacock Room, is poised to serve up an amazing meal. Chef Samuel Peery's innovative menu showcases an exceptional raw bar and tantalizing seafood offerings in a sleek, contemporary space with cocktails that ignite the senses, a meal that leaves your soul buzzing, and desserts that are pure bliss.

Lufu NOLA

Chefs Sarthak Samantray and Aman Kota have taken the Indian cuisine scene by storm, starting with their beloved "Let Us Feed U" pop-up, and now with their incredible array of comforting and flavorful dishes at their downtown brick-and-mortar. Enter their exquisitely curated space and allow yourself to be captivated by the vibrant atmosphere. Trust us, you won't be able to resist the temptation of ordering every single dish on their all-star menu.

Medium Rare

This spunky micro-chain of restaurants has just landed in the city, and it's time to spark your steak frites love affair! Their pre fixe menu is a mouthwatering three-course steal at $30, which includes their heavenly bread, a fresh mixed greens salad, and their award-winning Culotte Steak with hand-cut fries, smothered in their secret, taste-bud tantalizing sauce! Make sure to clear your schedule, because Medium Rare is serving up these culinary delights daily for dinner, and for brunch on weekends!

Mister Oso

Get ready to bid farewell, as Barcadia makes way for the arrival of the legendary Mister Oso! This acclaimed Denver taco joint is now making its mark right here in our city. Here you’ll find an exceptional addition to the local taco scene, as Mister Oso joins the ranks of the extraordinary upcoming spots from The Culinary Creative Group in our city!

Namaste NOLA

Feast on the robust flavors of Namaste, the sensational new Indian eatery in the heart of the Central Business District! Led by the dynamic duo Kumud Ranjan and Rani Masgalli, along with the extraordinary chef Sudhardshan "Suda" Kasarapu, Namaste will transport your taste buds to southern India! Full of flavors, Namaste expertly combines traditional curries, lip-smacking vindaloo, and succulent tandoori chicken! But that's not all – explore their Indo-Chinese fusion too!

Osteria Lupo

Be enchanted by the culinary treat that is Osteria Lupo, a must-visit gem featured in our Best Italian Food Guide of New Orleans! Located in the vibrant Uptown area, this place has taken the city by storm with its Italian fares. Renowned Costera chefs, Brian Burns, and Reno De Ranieiri come together to deliver a menu bursting with fresh pasta, wood-fired pizza, and exquisite seafood delights. Osteria Lupo has swiftly become the talk of the town, cementing its status as an absolute icon in the uptown neighborhood!

Pigeon & Whale

Get ready to satisfy your seafood cravings and ignite your taste buds at this Freret St. sensation! Seafood enthusiasts, rejoice! This is the ultimate spot to indulge in your love for oceanic delicacies, from squid ink pasta to steamed clams, lobster rolls, raw bar offerings, steak, and daily fresh fish, this New Orleans gem offers a plethora of mouthwatering delights. The atmosphere flawlessly blends the charm of New England with the vibrant spirit of the Crescent City. And don't miss out on their sensational cocktail menu, where you can savor all the vibrant hues of the Negroni rainbow.

The Post

The Post, nestled in the picturesque and lively Bayou St. John on Esplanade Ave., is a hidden gem that exudes an irresistible and modern family-friendly American menu that will leave you yearning for more. Restaurateur Matthew Foody and local builder John Segura have come together to celebrate their beloved neighborhood. From the tantalizing Crispy Roast Duck to the mouthwatering Lobster & Goat Cheese Salad, The Post is all about bringing serious charm to your plate.

Sammy’s Ethiopian Kitchen

Sammy’s Ethiopian Kitchen is a culinary sensation brought to you by Samuel Shifferaw. As a veteran of the beloved Addis NOLA, Samuel has returned to the vibrant Broad Street area. With an impressive 30 years of expertise, he has perfected the art of Ethiopian delicacies, and the results are nothing short of extraordinary!

Sun Chong

Larry Morrow, the creative force behind the beloved Morrow's and Monday, introduces his latest culinary masterpiece: Sun Chong! Inspired by the incredible legacy of his grandmother, this new addition to the family brings a fusion of Korean flavors to the table, featuring mouthwatering specialties like bulgogi and bibimbap, that showcase Morrow's boundless creativity while also paying homage to the classics of Asian American cuisine.

Emeril’s

Emeril Lagasse's legendary New Orleans restaurant, a true icon since 1990, has reopened after months of closure, and its stunning rebirth will leave you breathless. Prepare to be enchanted by the brand-new Emeril's, where extensive renovations and a refined menu await to take you on an unparalleled culinary celebration of New Orleans. This extraordinary revival pays homage to the city's rich culinary heritage while embracing the vibrant flavors of modern-day New Orleans. And guess what? There is a new addition to the vision behind this exhilarating new chapter and it is none other than Chef E.J. Lagasse, the exceptionally talented 20-year-old son of Emeril Lagasse himself. Raise your glasses and toast to this thrilling new era.