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New Orleans Food Guide: Family, Solo & Themed Dining, Snacks & Breweries

Whether you’re planning a trip for the taste buds or just looking for the next great meal, FamilyVacationist’s Delicious Destinations brings you the best culinary experiences in every U.S. city. This month we’re in New Orleans, Louisiana—beyond the Saints and Mardi Gras, the Crescent City offers a treasure trove of flavor.

Let’s Eat: New Orleans

Hi, I’m Megan duBois, a full‑time food and drink writer who can’t go a day without a fork or an ice cream cone. In each Delicious Destinations column, I travel to a new city, uncovering standout restaurants, bars, bakeries, and hidden gems. I provide tailored picks for families, adults, and solo travelers, plus insights into themed spots, mid‑day snacks, and local breweries.

In New Orleans, culinary heritage runs deep—from classic Creole dishes to innovative fusion. Below are our top recommendations for every type of traveler.

Best Family‑Friendly Restaurant: Brennan’s

Brennan’s, a landmark since 1946, delivers iconic Cajun and Creole cuisine in an inviting atmosphere on Royal Street. It’s the perfect spot for adventurous kids who appreciate authentic flavors beyond the usual fries and nuggets. Reservations are highly recommended to secure a table amid the bustling local and tourist crowds.

Brennan’s Must‑Try: Seafood Gumbo

Best Adult‑Focused Restaurant: Piece of Meat

Piece of Meat combines a butcher shop with a contemporary eatery, offering inventive yet approachable dishes. The staff crafts fresh sausages, charcuterie, and steak cuts on the spot. Whether you’re cooking at an Airbnb or grabbing a bite between bites, the boudin sausage egg rolls are a crowd‑pleaser.

Piece of Meat Must‑Try: Boudin Egg Rolls

Best Solo Traveler Spot: Parkway Bakery & Tavern

Since 1911, Parkway Bakery & Tavern has been a local favorite for the quintessential po’boy sandwich. From alligator sausage to oysters, roast beef, and even surf‑and‑turf combinations, the menu offers a flavor adventure for solo diners.

Parkway Must‑Try: Half & Half Shrimp & Oyster

Best Themed Restaurant: Emeril’s New Orleans

Emeril’s, the original flagship of chef Emeril Lagasse, remains a New Orleans staple. Its menu blends classic Southern comfort with bold, modern twists—think barbecue shrimp and banana cream pie—making it ideal for date nights, family dinners, or a culinary showcase of an iconic chef.

Emeril’s Must‑Try: BBQ Shrimp

Best Mid‑Day Snack: Sal’s Sno‑Balls

On a sweltering day, Sal’s Sno‑Balls offers a refreshing treat: light, fluffy shaved ice topped with sweetened condensed milk. Although seasonal (open from spring to late fall), it’s a local favorite worth the wait.

Sal’s Must‑Try: Any flavor you desire

Best Brewery: Second Line Brewing

Located in Mid‑City, Second Line Brewing has become the go‑to for happy hour and weekend gatherings. With a diverse beer list and an inviting outdoor garden, it’s a perfect spot to relax and sample southern brews.

Second Line Must‑Try: Vacation Juice Hazy IPA


Travel Notes
  • Top Italian Restaurants in New Orleans: Authentic Flavor & Local Flair

    Italian restaurants here range from traditional cuisine to food with a New Orleans flair, and we love it all. Pizza, pasta, and other Italian treats are not hard to find in New Orleans—check out our picks for the best Italian restaurants below. Where Can I Find the Best Italian Food in New Orleans?

  • The Ultimate Guide to New Orleans Best Burger Spots

    Burgers aren’t hard to come by in New Orleans, though they may not be a staple of our cuisine. Still, more restaurants than not offer some version of their own, from cheeseburgers to veggie burgers, plain or loaded with toppings. Whether it’s a greasy spoon or diner situation like The Camellia Grill or Clover, or more upscale offerings like the LPG Burger at La Petite Grocery or the Doris Burger at Do

  • Top Sushi Spots in New Orleans: From Luxe to Budget‑Friendly

    When craving sushi in New Orleans, there’s no shortage of options. We’ve got everything from high-end, splurge-worthy restaurants to hole-in-the-wall, budget-friendly spots. Find the traditional Japanese dish in every neighborhood in New Orleans. Satisfy those cravings with a trip to one of the restaurants below. Best Places to Get Sushi in New Orle