overwhelmed by restaurant options

Question

Hi - going to NOLA with my family of four which includes 2 older teens. We're staying in the FQ and it's our first trip. We'll be there for 3 nights and trying out New Orleans restaurants is probably what we're most excited about. But I'm really struggling with narrowing down the options - there are so many!

We're looking for casual to slightly upscale - but nothing too fancy or anything that we really need to dress up for. Some that have caught my eye are Napoleon House, Red Fish Grill, Blue Bayou. I'm not sure those are great options for first timers or not?? I know we definitely want to try Cafe Du Monde for beignets.

Do we need to have some reservations just in case or is it OK to just wing it and walk up to restaurants? Will we have trouble finding a place to eat if we don't have reservations? Thanks for any help!

Answer

New Orleans is a food lover’s paradise, and with so many great restaurants to choose from, it can definitely feel overwhelming! But don’t worry, I’ll help you narrow it down and make sure you get the best of the city’s food scene without feeling stressed.

Casual to Slightly Upscale Restaurants in the French Quarter

The restaurants you mentioned—Napoleon House, Red Fish Grill, and Blue Bayou—are all popular options, but let’s take a closer look at them, along with some alternatives, so you can make informed choices.

Napoleon House: This is a great spot for a casual but iconic New Orleans experience. It’s housed in a historic building with a lovely courtyard, and it has a great vibe without being too formal. Their menu features classic New Orleans dishes like muffulettas and gumbo. It’s a good choice for first-timers because it gives you that “local” feeling. Definitely a great place for lunch or dinner.
Red Fish Grill: Located on Bourbon Street, this place offers fresh seafood in a fun, casual atmosphere. It’s not too fancy, and they serve a wide variety of fish and other seafood, as well as classic Creole and Cajun dishes. It’s popular with both locals and tourists, so it’s a good place to experience New Orleans-style seafood without needing to dress up.
Blue Bayou: While Blue Bayou is a fun spot and definitely an iconic part of the New Orleans restaurant scene, it’s located inside the Disneyland-style Pirates of the Caribbean ride at the Disney Resort in the city. For a more authentic New Orleans experience, you might want to explore other options in the French Quarter.

Additional Restaurant Recommendations

Here are a few more great options for casual to slightly upscale dining in the French Quarter that will give you a true taste of New Orleans:

Acme Oyster House: A great spot for fresh oysters and seafood. It’s a bustling, casual place perfect for families and first-timers. They’re famous for their charbroiled oysters and po’boys.
Café Du Monde: You mentioned this already, and it’s a must for first-timers! Their beignets and café au lait are legendary, and the outdoor seating area is perfect for a laid-back stop. Be prepared for a line, but it moves quickly.
Commander’s Palace: If you want something a little more upscale but still relaxed, Commander’s Palace is an institution in New Orleans. It’s a little pricier, but the atmosphere is still casual enough for families, and the food is outstanding.
Central Grocery: Another great option for a casual meal is the Central Grocery, famous for its muffuletta sandwich—a New Orleans classic!
The Court of Two Sisters: Known for its beautiful courtyard and jazz brunch, this restaurant offers a great local dining experience with a little bit of elegance but no need to dress up.

Reservations: To Book or Not to Book?

New Orleans can get quite busy, especially during festivals like French Quarter Fest, so I recommend making reservations for any restaurant that’s on your must-try list, particularly during peak times like weekends or evenings. This is especially true for popular spots like Commander’s Palace or The Court of Two Sisters, where reservations are highly recommended.

For places like Napoleon House or Acme Oyster House, you might be able to just walk in, but during busy times, you might have to wait. If you’re unsure, it doesn’t hurt to check for availability in advance. If you're not sure about a specific restaurant, you could call ahead to ask about their current wait times or availability for reservations.

Summary

For casual, delicious food, Napoleon House, Red Fish Grill, and Acme Oyster House are excellent options. Blue Bayou is fun but not as quintessentially New Orleans.
Try to make reservations for the more upscale or popular spots like Commander’s Palace and The Court of Two Sisters, especially if you're planning to visit during peak times.
If you’re looking to try a true local dish, don’t miss out on beignets at Café Du Monde and a muffuletta at Central Grocery.

Enjoy your trip to New Orleans! It’s a foodie’s dream, and you’ll have a blast sampling the flavors of the city!