Diners' Choice: Best Overall restaurants in New Orleans

OpenTable

Updated 05 December 2024

Looking for the best overall restaurants in New Orleans? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyses nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favourite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Bistro Daisy

5.0

5 (1326)

$30 and under

American

Uptown

About the restaurant

A quaint eatery nestled in the heart of Uptown New Orleans, Bistro Daisy -named for the daughter of owners Anton & Diane Schulte-opened in the summer of 2007. The Restaurant features fresh, seasonal and often local ingredients prepared in the American bistro style. Daisy's award-winning dishes and charming atmosphere have established this Uptown bistro as one of the city's premier dining experiences.

Top review

Susan

Dined 1 day ago

An incredible evening. The staff was very attentive and fun. The food was outstanding and the ambiance could not have been better. Perfect lighting and decor. We’ll be back for sure.

Irene's

4.9

4.9 (4188)

$31 to $50

Italian

French Quarter

About the restaurant

*Please note that if your desired reservation time is not available online, or your party is larger than those accepted through this service, please call the restaurant. We are happy and excited to make great effort in accommodating you. *

RESERVATION POLICY: Reservations requiring a credit card are subject to a $10/person fee as a result of no call-no show, or if not cancelled before 4:00pm central time on the reservation date.

Our cuisine is country French and Italian with a New Orleans influence. Although a majority of our seating is available for walk-in guests we do take reservations. While you wait we have a piano player and serve cocktails. We look forward to serving you.
"Love and Cuisine, Sempre con Passione"

Top review

Kellie

Dined 2 days ago

Absolutely awesome!!! Can’t wait until next time. Giovanni was a crazy good server!!

Discover more

4.9

4.9 (5060)

$31 to $50

Israeli

Uptown

About the restaurant

Originally inspired by the many amazing meals with family and dear friends throughout the Middle East, Shaya has been a trailblazer in modern Levantine cuisine. Drawing inspiration from the diverse cuisines & cultures of the Middle East, Meditteranean, and across North Africa, Shaya has set the benchmark for contemporary Mediterranean cuisine by honoring the age-old culinary traditions of the people who invented hospitality as we know it. Our fluffy hand-crafted pita bread baked to order in our wood-fired oven with delectable vegetable-driven dips, salads, and spreads will transport you to an exotic place. Today we hope that our food and hospitality will help you create delicious memories with your friends and family using the very best of our local and sustainably harvested ingredients, prepared and served by people who truly care.

Top review

Kim

Dined 3 days ago

Our servers were attentive, engaging and very cheerful. Our water glasses never emptied and we were checked on to see if we needed more wine or pita bread. The food…oooh wow!! My mother thought she didn’t like hummus. She now really enjoys hummus. Well done Shaya! Well done!! We will be back!!

Discover more

Atchafalaya Restaurant

4.9

4.9 (6445)

$31 to $50

Creole / Cajun / Southern

Garden District

About the restaurant

Atchafalaya is a true New Orleans neighborhood eatery where the eclectic yet elegant atmosphere is only outshone by the attentive service and delicious local fare. Nestled under the oaks on the edges of the Irish Channel, Magazine Street, and historic Garden districts, this hidden gem is one the best contemporary Creole dining experiences that one can find in the city. Neighbors, locals, and out of towners alike will become regulars after experiencing the brand of hospitality offered by New Orleans’ only five “A” restaurant. If having standards such as a gumbo du jour, blue crab raviolo, or shrimp & grits, a nightly seafood special, or a filet paired with a selection from the world class wine program you will not be disappointed. The introductions of brunch, live music, cocktails, and now an extensive happy hour continue the newest culinary chapter for a storied local haunt, embracing New Orleans’ culinary culture while placing contemporary spin on traditional New Orleans cuisine.

Top review

WRosevip

Dined 4 days ago

Our second visit here and it was just as good if not better than the first. Awesome food and the staff is great!

Discover more

Popular dish

Lowcountry Shrimp & Grits

4.9

4.9 (1543)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Covington

About the restaurant

Welcome to Gallagher’s Grill – Your Local Steakhouse! Try our award winning entrees featuring sizzling steaks, ribeyes, pork chops, and the best seafood Louisiana has to offer. Whether you prefer a fine wine or a fresh new cocktail, our team is always ready to help you find your perfect pairing.

Gallagher's Grill, located at 509 S Tyler St in Covington, La. Rated Four Stars by Tom Fitzmorris, "Mr Food". Serving USDA Prime and choice steaks, quail, lamb and the largest selection of fresh fish on the Northshore! Open for lunch Tuesday thru Friday and Dinner Tuesday thru Saturday.

Top review

Berni

Dined 3 days ago

Last night four of my friends and I dined at Gallager’s Grill. As always it was a great experience. We got our favorite table with our favorite server and the food was fabulous! Pat Gallager stopped at our table to check on us and to visit a bit. We plan to go 1 more time before the year is out. I highly recommend Gallagers Grill to any true steak or seafood lover!

GW Fins

4.9

4.9 (19948)

$50 and over

Seafood

French Quarter

About the restaurant

Experience the cuisine that has created Raving Fans of local diners & national & local food critics alike. Executive Chef Mike Nelson ensures the highest quality seafood by flying in products from around the globe & featuring only the best from local waters - both at their seasonal peak. This commitment to freshness & quality are some of the many reasons GW Fins prints its menu daily. We look forward to serving you soon so we may learn what you think.

We hope our dress policy is comfortable for all. Coats & ties are not required. Slacks, dress jeans, & dress shorts are great. We require that gentlemen wear a collared shirt. T-shirts, cut off shorts, & athletic wear, including baseball caps, are not permitted. We ask gentlemen to remove their hats in the Dining Room.

Top review

Bob

Dined 4 days ago

This is perhaps the best restaurant I have ever eaten at. It is a high end place but the value for the quality is excellent. The food was outstanding from the warm biscuits to the fabulous lobster dumplings to the Pompano fish to the bread pudding dessert. All four of us raved about our meals. The servers were wonderful. The noise level was pretty high. One server did put the entre and the dessert in front if the wrong person but that's the only possible criticism I can offer. This was an amazing dining experience.

Le Salon

4.9

4.9 (1045)

$50 and over

Afternoon Tea

Central Business District

About the restaurant

Themed Tea Dates: Mardi Gras Tea- January 27 & 28, The Windsor Court's Birthday Celebration Tea- February 17, *Irish Tea- March 17 (Adults Only- Price $80pp), Easter Tea-March 30 &31, Mothers Day Tea-May 11&12, Princess Tea-June 22 & 23 (Price-Adult $80pp & Kids $55pp) *Prohibition Tea-July 20 (Adults Only-Price $80pp), *LGBTEA August 31, (Adults Only-Price $80pp), Swift-Tea- October 12 & 13(Adults $80pp & Kids $55pp), *Halloween Tea-October 26 & 27 (Price-Adults $80pp & Kids $55pp) *Holiday Tea-November 29-Dec 31st (Adults $80pp & Kids 12 & under $55pp) (limited seating) - Please call for availability.

Experience the delightful tradition of afternoon tea at Le Salon. Sip from a selection of 30 of the finest loose-leaf variety brews while your ears enjoy soft melodies from a harpist or pianist from the LA Philharmonic Orchestra. Enjoy an assortment of delicious tea sandwiches, scones and sweets as you engage in one of New Orleans locals most beloved and fashionable pastimes.

Top review

Elainevip

Dined 3 days ago

Molly did an awesome job as our waitress! We had some delicious cocktails to start - poinsettias, milk punch and mulled wine. We had some yummy sandwiches with our teas - vanilla and holiday flavors! Finishing off with some wonderful gingerbread scones and black currant scones. This is our holiday tradition, and although it is pricey, it is worth the price. The harpist was a nice touch as was the school choir who performed for a short while. Such a festive way to start the holiday season!

MeMe's Bar & Grille

4.7

4.7 (223)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Chalmette

About the restaurant

Casual American spot with sandwiches & salads for lunch & heartier fare for dinner, plus a full bar.

Top review

Rosanna

Dined 6 days ago

Great wine, great food, great atmosphere. Will be back.

Dakota Restaurant - Covington

4.9

4.9 (1214)

$50 and over

American

Covington

About the restaurant

Open since October of 1990, The Dakota has been a pioneer in the culinary industry on the Northshore of Lake Pontchartrain. Their cuisine is influenced by the flavorful Creole cuisine, with Contemporary Louisiana. Other influences include the Southwest, California, and Asia using fresh local and seasonal ingredients.
The carefully selected wines pay tribute to the well crafted wines of North America while offering many of the traditional Old World styles of Europe.
In October of 2023, The Dakota moved to its new location in Historic Downtown Covington...just a block from the iconic Southern Hotel.
The Dakota continues to set the mark for what people look for when they dine – well crafted food, detail-oriented service, plush surroundings, and genuine hospitality.

Top review

Marion

Dined 1 day ago

The Dakota is a fine dining experience extraordinaire - all the way around: ambience and service and our meals were sublime. The noise level, later in our dining time, interfered with our conversation but it was the holidays!

Alma Café

4.8

4.8 (70)

$30 and under

Spanish

Bywater

About the restaurant

Owner and Executive Chef Melissa Araujo is a 2024 James Beard Foundation Best Chef Southeast Semifinalist. Alma is an award winning Honduran restaurant located in the historic New Orleans Bywater, just outside the French Quarter.

Alma means soul in Spanish. The menu showcases Chef Melissa Araujo's Honduran heritage and takes each guest on a journey through food and culture. The Soul has many stories to tell; Alma's tale is shared through it's dining experience. From Pollo Chuco, to Bloody Mary's and avocado toast, Alma offers an extensive array of dishes focusing on Honduran Food.

Chef Araujo’s Father was Born in La Ceiba, Honduras and her memories of her childhood are centered around this particular view of the city. The mountains in the back, the ocean, the cool air in my face, my best memories were made in this city. Alma has given me the opportunity to recreate these memories and share them with our guests.

Reservations available Monday- Thursday, Waitlist only on Weekends.

Top review

Hillery

Dined 7 days ago

Alma is an exceptional dining experience. The food truly has soul and never disappoints! Highly recommend!

Explore Diners' Choice best of New Orleans

Explore more Diners' Choice lists