New Orleans truly embodies the essence of "new" when it comes to its restaurant scene, and she continues to outdo herself. The culinary landscape here is constantly evolving, and the latest additions are nothing short of exciting. With a food culture as renowned as New Orleans', and a flavor profile that attracts foodies from all corners of the globe, the stakes are always high for new establishments making their debut.

But fret not, y’all! It's challenging to disappoint a city that embraces novelty with such open arms. Whether you're craving pizza, Greek and Jewish soul food, or seafood-focused Thai cuisine, the options are as diverse as they are delicious. There's something to satisfy every palate in every nook and cranny of the Crescent City!

Nighthawk Napoletana

They say that when one door closes, another one opens, and in the case of Adrian Chelette, a local chef with an impressive knack for crafting standout pizza in New Orleans, this couldn't be truer. You might already be familiar with his work from Margot’s, an iconic pizza joint in the Seventh Ward. Now, with his latest venture in Algiers Point, Nighthawk Napoletana, Chelette is taking his pizza game to new heights.

At Nighthawk Napoletana, a large wood-burning pizza oven takes center stage, flanking the dining counter and setting the scene for an unforgettable pizza experience. From the inviting bar to the cozy covered patio, this spot exudes the passion that pizza lovers crave. And here's the kicker: the menu boasts eight sourdough Neapolitan-style pizzas, each one more tempting than the last. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that celebrates the art of pizza like never before!

Tana

Ever wondered what would happen if you blended the rich flavor profiles of Louisiana, Sicily, and Liguria? Look no further than Tana in Old Metairie to satisfy your curiosity. Here, the menu is a fusion of influences, reflecting the New Orleans Sicilian upbringing of local Chef Michael Gulotta and his training in Liguria.

Step into Tana and you're greeted with a lavish setting – jewel-toned plush booths and enchanting ambient lighting set the stage for an unforgettable dining experience. Offering multiple dining experiences, Tana beckons you to embark on a culinary journey that will tantalize your taste buds and transport you around the globe. Get ready for a dining adventure like no other!

Blake’s Place

Italian food already brings a sense of comfort and joy, but when you infuse it with fresh ingredients and skillful cooking techniques, the result is truly magical. Enter Blake’s Place, where every dish is made from scratch with the utmost care, creating a symphony of flavors that delight the senses.

From their delectable Salmon Cakes to the flavorful Carrolton Linguine, each dish at Blake’s Place is a testament to Chef Blake Cressey's culinary expertise and passion for food. And don't forget to indulge in their tantalizing cocktails, like the Lavender Passion Fruit Lemonade, which complements the meal perfectly.

This place is a must-visit for anyone who appreciates food made with love and infused with passion, all thanks to the talented Chef Blake Cressey!

Smoke & Honey

Chef Vassiliki Ellwood Yiagazis has brought a taste of Greek and Jewish soul food to New Orleans with the opening of Smoke & Honey. Raised in Greece, Chef Yiagazis draws inspiration from her great-grandmothers' traditional recipes, infusing them with the Jewish family recipes she acquired from close friends and loved ones.

Formerly an actor and filmmaker, Yiagazis found herself in New Orleans, where her longing for comfort foods led to the creation of Smoke & Honey through a pop-up venture. Now, diners can savor the unique blend of flavors and heritage that Chef Yiagazis brings to every dish, a true testament to her cultural background and culinary passion.

Jolie

Welcome to a captivating world of its own nestled in the heart of the Warehouse District! This immersive lounge and restaurant transports you to a stylish escape like no other.

Helmed by an extraordinary team, including Kiah Darion of Bar Marilou, Will Lester (formerly of  Longway Tavern) overseeing the bar program, the culinary expertise of Indigo “Soul” Martin of Indigo Soul Cuisine, and Adrian Martinez, former chef de cuisine at Sylvain, this establishment is nothing short of extraordinary.

Prepare to be dazzled by live entertainment, featuring a monthly "Cirque De Jolie" lineup of performers, adding to the enchantment of your experience.

As for the menu, expect sharable plates with a French flair, including delicacies like escargot, foie gras toast, tempura frog legs, and carpaccio, all which pair perfectly with their invigorating list of cocktails to sip and share. Get ready for an unforgettable culinary journey filled with style, sophistication, and sensational flavors!

St. Pizza

This sibling of Patron Saint,  a chic and intimate wine shop and bar, serves up none other than delicious pizza, cocktails, and “red sauce” Italian favorites! Leslie Pariseau and Tony Biancosino have crafted a mouthwatering menu where you can enjoy a perfect sip-and-slice experience.

From their irresistible charred pepperoni to their flavorful fennel sausage, every pizza at this joint is a culinary delight. And let's not forget about their sea salt chocolate cookies – a sweet treat that's not to be missed!

Prepare to fall head over heels for their irresistible pizzas. This place is a true heart-stealer!

Plates Restaurant & Bar

Spanning Spanish, Vietnamese, German, Mediterranean, Cajun, African, Italian, and, of course, New Orleans cuisine, this restaurant is a melting pot of flavors under one roof. Step inside and you'll be greeted with an eclectic array of shareable delights, each presented on beautiful antique dishware that adds to the charm of the experience.

Led by Chef Farrell Harrison of Chalmette, Plates serves up a love song to all these diverse culinary influences and more. Nestled within a reimagined warehouse space in the Warehouse District, this establishment promises an unforgettable dining adventure.

Wild South

The former Lengua Madre space has undergone a remarkable transformation, reopening its doors with Chef Michael Stoltzfus' innovative concept, Wild South. Renowned for his divine culinary creations at Coquette, Chef Stoltzfus brings his expertise to this new venture.

Wild South retains its intimate ambiance, offering a 40-seat tasting menu experience that celebrates traditional Louisiana cuisine while showcasing the best of each season's regional offerings. Reservations are a must for this exclusive dining experience, so be sure to plan ahead.

The menu itself tantalizes with unexpected twists on familiar flavors. From steamed oysters with swordfish bacon to sourdough-fried Lion's Mane mushrooms, and shrimp paired with strawberries and caviar, the menu promises a culinary adventure like no other. Wild South is already making waves, teasing diners with a taste of what's to come.

Good Catch

Pomelo (Good Catch's older sibling) has already won over the hearts of the city, and now, get ready for the next chapter of divine cuisine with Good Catch, brought to you by Chef Aom Srisuk and Frakie Weinberg. Drawing inspiration from all four main regions of Thailand, Good Catch takes it a step further by focusing primarily on seafood.

Indulge in delights that reflect the essence of Thai cuisine, with dishes like Clay Pot Baked Glass Noodles featuring Gulf Shrimp, and Seafood Tom Yum Ramen that promise to tantalize your taste buds. At Good Catch, the options are endless, and each dish is as inspiring as the next.

Crack’d Brunch

OnePack Hospitality, known for successful ventures like The Vintage, Legacy Kitchen’s Steak & Chop, and Mr. Ed’s Oyster Bar & Fish House, has now delved into the realm of breakfast and brunch, taking over the former Munch Factory location.

Prepare yourself for a culinary experience that blends classic brunch favorites with innovative offerings. Indulge in delights such as Monkey Bread and Steak and Eggs, alongside unique creations like the Duck Bacon Tower, Shakshuka, and Toasted Croissant Benedict.

At this establishment, quality and efficiency are at the forefront. Whether you're craving a golden brunch fix, a cup of coffee, or a sweet treat to kickstart your day, you can count on top-notch service and delicious fare. Get ready for a breakfast and brunch experience like no other!

___

What are you waiting for, y'all? It's time to step out and try something new – trust us, you won't regret it! Why not plan a few excursions and explore these culinary wonders? We can guarantee one thing for sure: each of these establishments is bound to impress.