9 Hidden Gem Restaurants in New Orleans
New Orleans is a city known for its food scene; with hundreds of restaurants to choose from, it can be tough to find hidden gems. If you’re looking for the hole in the wall, off the beaten path, unassuming type of restaurant, then this list is for you. Trust us—once you take a bite of the offerings below, you’ll want it to remain your secret.
Boucherie
Tucked away off the streetcar line on South Carrollton Avenue lies Boucherie, a quaint restaurant serving contemporary Southern cuisine. Their menu changes with the season, offering grilled fish and brisket, boudin balls and mussels. One dish that’s always on the menu is the Krispy Kreme bread pudding, made with—you guessed it—Krispy Kreme donuts baked and finished with a delicious sauce and a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Aroma Indian Cuisine
Though its location may be unassuming, this restaurant is a hidden gem. Aroma serves traditional Indian dishes like chicken tikka masala, curry and dhal. Enjoy your order in the restaurant or take your meal to go.
The Munch Factory
You don’t need to have a round of golf scheduled to enjoy a meal full of flavor at The Munch Factory. Located at Joseph M. Bartholomew Municipal Golf Course, the restaurant serves up Creole specialties with a modern twist, like shrimp remoulade, crawfish and corn chowder and gumbo.
Café Porche
Grab breakfast and a snowball from Café Porche. Offering a simple menu with a cozy atmosphere, this nook serves omelets, soups, salads and other light, healthy bites. The outdoor sno bar serves snowballs made with soft, shaved ice and doused in a flavor of your choice.
Pho Tau Bay
Get your pho and banh mi at this Vietnamese restaurant located near Tulane Medical Center. Fresh spring rolls, vermicelli bowls and an extensive list of Vietnamese po-boys make this spot a standout.
Kin
Enjoy dumplings, ramen and udon at this off the beaten path restaurant in Mid-City. The menu may be small, but each bite packs a punch. Asian and French flavors combine to create a unique tasting experience. Pro tip: when seeking this restaurant out, look for the small yellow house.
Mr. Potato
Who said baked potatoes had to be boring? At Mr. Potato, they’re anything but that. Seafood, melty cheese and a variety of toppings spice up your base of potato or fries. This joint also serves seafood in a variety of ways: over bread, pasta, nachos or on a platter.
Pagoda Café
Known for their breakfast tacos and specialty coffees and teas, Pagoda is a favorite amongst locals and a hidden gem for tourists to discover. Sweet and savory pastries like rum cake and sausage rolls round out a short but tasty menu. Don’t skip the mango lassi, a cooling Indian yogurt drink topped with ground pistachios. Enjoy your meal at the outdoor seating or take a stroll to explore the surrounding Tremé neighborhood.
Peewee’s Crabcakes On The Go
Located off the beaten path with two locations in New Orleans, fried shrimp, gumbo and crab cakes are the name of the game at Peewee’s. Loaded stuffed potatoes, wings and surf ‘n turf also make their way onto the menu, all spiced to perfection. Just take one look at their Instagram and you’ll want to order it all.
