Do You Know What it Means to Miss New Orleans?

If you’ve been to New Orleans, you either love it or you hate it—there’s rarely an in-between. If you’ve never been, let’s start with the basics: It’s new-or-lins, not new-ore-leens or new-ore-lee-uns, and it’s definitely not nawlins!

I’m a bit biased, but for me, New Orleans is the greatest city in America. From the culture to the festivals to the food, we’ve got it all! While it’s no longer home for, it will always be home to me. I visit often to get my fix, and every time I leave, I’ve got an extra bag in tow—usually busting at the seams with food.

I’ve traveled far and wide, tasting incredible food in different corners of the world, but nothing beats what New Orleans has to offer. If you’re planning a visit and want to avoid the tourist traps, here are some classics that haven’t lost their charm.  They’re also some of my faves that always deliver.

• G.W. Fins – 808 Bienville St, New Orleans, LA 70112
  A French Quarter staple serving some of the best seafood in the city. The menu changes daily based on what’s freshest, ensuring top-quality dishes every time.

• Meril – 424 Girod St, New Orleans, LA 70130
  One of Emeril Lagasse’s more casual restaurants, Meril offers a fun, globally inspired menu with everything from wood-fired pizzas to Gulf seafood.

• Irene’s – 529 Bienville St, New Orleans, LA 70130
  A cozy, family-run Italian restaurant with a Creole twist.

• Parkway Bakery & Tavern – 538 Hagan Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119
  You can’t come to New Orleans without trying a po’boy, and Parkway has been making them right for over a century. Order the shrimp and thank me later.

• Clancy’s – 6100 Annunciation St, New Orleans, LA 70118
  An Uptown gem where locals go for elevated Creole cuisine. The smoked soft-shell crab and lemon icebox pie are must-tries.

• Toast – 1845 Gentilly Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70119
  A quaint breakfast spot serving an amazing crawfish toast and home fries.

• Atchafalaya – 901 Louisiana Ave, New Orleans, LA 70115
  A warm, neighborhood favorite for modern Creole cuisine. Don’t skip the shrimp & grits.

• Chapter IV – 1301 Gravier St, New Orleans, LA 70112
  A newer addition to the brunch scene with creative takes on Southern comfort food. You’ll never go wrong with the redfish or gumbo.

• Thai’d Up – 1839 Gentilly Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70119
  A hidden gem serving some of the best authentic Thai food in the city.

• Willa Jean – 611 O’Keefe Ave, New Orleans, LA 70113
  A modern Southern bakery known for its cookies, biscuit sandwiches, and frosé.

If someone recommends Mother’s, Deanie’s, or Oceana—smile, nod, and promptly ignore any food advice they give from that point forward. These spots are overhyped tourist traps, and you deserve better. Stick to the list above and give me a shout to let me know what you tried.