Best Southern American Restaurants in Central Business District

99 restaurants available nearby

1. Luke

4.6

Exceptional(9210)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Central Business District

Booked 144 times today

Luke, nestled in the vibrant Central Business District of New Orleans, just steps from the French Quarter, is a French brasserie that exudes authenticity and culinary excellence. This Creole-inspired gem, led by Chef Erick Loos, specializes in dishes that showcase the freshest local ingredients and seafood from the Gulf of Mexico. Guests consistently rave about their experiences, with one patron noting, "every bite was superb!" The restaurant's commitment to quality is mirrored in its meticulous service and a lively atmosphere that complements its exquisite French offerings. Whether it’s the locally famed French 75 cocktail or the freshly procured oysters, Luke guarantees a French dining experience that is both genuine and memorable.

A photo of Chophouse New Orleans – Prime Steaks restaurant

2. Chophouse New Orleans – Prime Steaks

4.6

Exceptional(5185)

Price: Expensive

• Southern american • Central Business District

Booked 85 times today

Chophouse New Orleans – Prime Steaks is celebrated as the highest-rated steakhouse in New Orleans, located in the vibrant Central Business District. This culinary gem stands out with its exclusive use of USDA prime-only meat, ensuring each cut, from the barrel filets to the Pittsburgh Style charred steaks, is of supreme quality. Diners consistently rave about the "succulent, perfectly cooked steaks" and the "impeccable service," highlighting the restaurant's commitment to excellence. Live entertainment adds to the already inviting atmosphere, making it a must-visit for both locals and tourists. Whether it’s for a special occasion or a delightful dinner, Chophouse New Orleans promises an unmatched dining experience, making every visit memorable with its "amazing food" and "outstanding service."

3. Palace Café

4.5

Awesome(5582)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • French Quarter

Booked 84 times today

Palace Café, nestled at the entrance of the French Quarter in New Orleans, is a beacon of Bistro cuisine with a unique Creole twist. Celebrated for over two decades, this Dickie Brennan & Co. restaurant consistently impresses with its “award-winning, contemporary Creole cuisine.” Guests rave about the authenticity and quality of dishes, like the "flavorful and generous seafood pasta" and the "incredible crabmeat cheesecake." The ambiance, enhanced by live jazz, complements the culinary experience, making every visit memorable. As one diner put it, Palace Café is "always a delight and enjoyable experience" with "service that is outstanding." Whether it’s the jazz brunch or a decadent dinner, this venue remains a cherished gem in the heart of the French Quarter, promising not just a meal but a momentous dining adventure.

4. Red Fish Grill

4.5

Awesome(8511)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • French Quarter

Booked 101 times today

Celebrating 25 years at the heart of Bourbon Street in New Orleans' French Quarter, Red Fish Grill has become a beacon of exceptional Creole, Cajun, and Southern cuisine. Owned by Ralph Brennan, this vibrant seafood haven has earned accolades such as the Diner's Choice Award from OpenTable and recognition from USA Today as a "Top Place for Seafood in the U.S." Patrons rave about the authenticity and innovation in dishes like the BBQ Oysters and Alligator Sausage & Seafood Gumbo. Reviews consistently praise not only the "excellent food" and "decadent desserts" like the Double Chocolate Bread Pudding but also highlight the "impeccable" service. As one reviewer puts it, Red Fish Grill is a place where "every dish is a celebration of Southern flavor," making it a must-visit for anyone craving a true taste of New Orleans.

A photo of Peacock Room at The Hotel Fontenot restaurant

5. Peacock Room at The Hotel Fontenot

4.8

Exceptional(773)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Warehouse District

Booked 53 times today

Experience the heart of Creole, Cajun, and Southern cuisine at the Peacock Room in The Hotel Fontenot, located in the vibrant Warehouse District of New Orleans. With a menu that brilliantly captures the essence of local flavors, patrons rave about dishes like the "delicious shrimp & grits" and the "crawfish Benedict." The atmosphere is described as "whimsical and elegant," perfectly complementing the sophisticated Southern fare. Reviews consistently highlight the "amazing food and service," with one guest noting the "perfectly crafted" drinks and another celebrating the "incredible live show, meal, and drinks after Jazz Fest." The Peacock Room is highly recommended for a truly authentic and memorable dining experience in the Big Easy.

6. The Pelican Club

4.6

Exceptional(4564)

Price: Expensive

• Southern american • French Quarter

Booked 28 times today

At the heart of New Orleans' vibrant French Quarter, The Pelican Club stands out as a premier destination for exceptional seafood cuisine. Celebrated for its "amazing whole redfish deep fried" and the "best oysters they ever had," the restaurant has consistently wowed diners with its fresh and flavorful offerings. The Pelican Club skillfully blends local culinary traditions with innovative twists, ensuring each dish is both authentic and unique. Guests rave about the seafood's freshness and the impeccable presentation, with one diner noting, "The whole fish was outstanding." With its storied setting in a beautifully renovated 19th-century Creole townhouse, The Pelican Club offers not just a meal, but a memorable dining experience, making it a must-visit for seafood lovers exploring New Orleans.

7. Bourbon House

4.3

Awesome(3623)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • French Quarter

Booked 50 times today

At Bourbon House, nestled in the vibrant French Quarter of New Orleans, you're promised an authentic Creole/Cajun/Southern culinary experience that is as rich in flavor as it is in culture. Renowned for its "arguably the best oyster bar" as described by the Times-Picayune, this establishment prides itself on serving only in-season local seafood, ensuring each dish, from Gulf fish on the Halfshell to New Orleans style Barbeque Shrimp, is fresh and flavorful. Patrons consistently rave about the "heavenly charbroiled oysters" and the diverse bourbon selection, highlighting the restaurant's commitment to quality. Whether it’s the lively atmosphere, the 200 bourbons at the bar, or the exceptional service, Bourbon House is a cornerstone for anyone seeking the true taste of New Orleans.

8. Couvant

4.4

Awesome(361)

Price: Expensive

• Southern american • Central Business District

Booked 16 times today

Nestled in the vibrant Central Business District of New Orleans, Couvant shines as a beacon of Creole / Cajun / Southern cuisine with a French flair. Housed in the historic Peychaud Cocktail Bitters factory, this bistro marries French techniques with the rich culinary traditions of New Orleans. Diners consistently praise the "exceptional" food and "top-notch" service, highlighting dishes like the cochon de lait and Creole-inspired mussels. The charming ambiance, coupled with the attentive staff, makes every meal memorable. As one reviewer put it, Couvant offers an "outstanding experience" with its blend of local flavors and French sophistication, making it a must-visit for anyone craving authentic Southern cuisine with a unique twist.

9. Trenasse

4.5

Awesome(1959)

Price: Expensive

• Southern american • Central Business District

Booked 31 times today

Dive into the heart of New Orleans at Trenasse, where the seafood is not just a dish, but a celebration of Gulf Coast flavors with a South Louisiana flair. Praised for its authenticity, Trenasse serves up seafood that diners describe as "superb variety" and "buttery" scallops that "melt in your mouth." The restaurant's signature "Oyster Log" comes highly recommended, leaving even the most discerning oyster aficionados raving about its excellence. Located in the bustling Central Business District, Trenasse is a gem for both locals and visitors, ensuring a memorable dining experience with every visit. As one enthusiastic reviewer puts it, "The Louisiana crawfish Pie was amazing!"

10. Compère Lapin

new

4.7

Exceptional(2716)

Price: Expensive

• Southern american • Central Business District

Booked 47 times today

Compère Lapin - noun - "kom-pare la-pan" - 1. anthropomorphic rabbit character who served as the mischievous protagonist in Creole and Caribbean folk tales; 2. Chef Nina Compton's restaurant at the Old No 77 Hotel & Chandlery in the Warehouse Arts District of New Orleans. Meals aren’t about trends, shock value, or opulence.Meals are about moments, memories and those who surround you at your table.We believe in the complexity of simplicity, and the power of pure flavors. Our histories, vast and varied, deserve to be memorialized and romanticized by dishes that at once remind us of home and transport us to somewhere new.We don’t make food for everyone else, we make food for you.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

M
Micah
Charlotte •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Great experience! Love the creativity of the food and drinks! They did not disappoint. We got a dish complements of the chef which was nice and I really enjoyed myself. My wife and I are spending a couple days here and we love good food and drinks. This place is so good, I actually may go back while we are on this trip. If you are considering good food, drink, and value please look no further and do not fall for the tourist restaurants. This place is the real deal.
More info
Jewel of the SouthPrice: Expensive• Contemporary British• French Quarter
•
4.8
A
Andrea
Orlando / Central Florida East •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Great Christmas dinner. The service was excellent and the manager did a great job on the floor. The short rib is a must try. 10/10
More info
Commons Club Bar & RestaurantPrice: Moderate• Southern• Central Business District
•
4.4
A
Aungie
New Orleans / Louisiana •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Shrimp tacos were great and chicken is always hot and fried to perfection! Ordered gumbo as well and it was delightful.
More info
Willie Mae’s NolaPrice: Expensive• Southern• Warehouse District
•
4.7
A
Angelle
New Orleans / Louisiana •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on 7 Dec 2024
Great service! We were disappointed that Papa Noel did not provide a sussie gift to our daughter as in years past. However, the kitchen was able to accommodate my gluten and dairy intolerance. The substitutions were so tasty!
More info
The Davenport LoungePrice: Moderate• American• French Quarter
•
4
S
Sharon
Philadelphia County •8 reviews
5.0
Dined on 20 Sept 2024
We were getting in to the city late and decided just to eat dinner in our hotel so we wouldn’t have to find anything. Luckily for us, we picked the right hotel! I of course got the sampler of three different traditional NOLA items: red beans and rice; gumbo; and jambalaya. Perfect way to start our vacation. A few days later we just popped down to the bar lounge for a final beer and dessert and pleasant conversation with the bartender.
More info
Legacy Kitchen's TackleboxPrice: Moderate• Seafood• Central Business District
•
4.1

Explore OpenTable

Central Business District

Southern american

Best Southern American Restaurants in Central Business District

Price

Regions

Areas

Top Rated

Dining Options

Seating options

Award-winning

Accessibility

99 restaurants available nearby

1. Luke

2. Chophouse New Orleans – Prime Steaks

3. Palace Café

4. Red Fish Grill

5. Peacock Room at The Hotel Fontenot

6. The Pelican Club

7. Bourbon House

8. Couvant

9. Trenasse

10. Compère Lapin

See what locals rave about

Explore OpenTable