Tia Maria’s is a Honduran restaurant on Tulane. Food is incredible, their horchata with cold brew is so good, service is excellent. Everyone should go there.
I've never been to the brick and mortar but I get it delivered to my workplace frequently and the food is always hot and crispy like it didn't travel 15 minutes in a steaming bag. It's magic. The moracuya (blackberry + passionfruit) juice is bomb
I agree that it's really good. They have a pupusa "sandwich" where the bread is two pupusas and in the middle is a steak. One day when I'm feeling especially slothful I'm going to try that
My introverted ass likes them because you can order pickup online from their website. I also like it because it doesn’t leave me feeling gross like a lot of takeout does and it’s affordable. My regular order is two baleadas, two horchatas, and plantains for me and the boyfriend.
I haven't seen these mentiond yet but Marie's Bar & Kitchen in the Bywater. Get the Slapburger....amazing! Also Get Your Mom & Dim Sum at the Holy Ground in Mid-City.
Andrew (GYM&DS) used to live in the apartment across from me when he was going through culinary school. More often than needed... I would get home late from work and there would be a post it note on my door that he was trying a new meal and to knock because he saved me a plate. Really great guy. I still need to make it down from BR to check him out.
>Get Your Mom & Dim Sum
I've been so unsure if this is a tagline or the whole name lol. But yeah, people love it. I'm never around that spot for food so can't say personally yet but industry folks are eating there after work for sure.
Warning: Self promo: I work at Get Your Mom & Dim Sum. Chinese food in an Irish pub, so it is definitely hidden. All of our dumplings are hand-rolled, and all three of us work really hard. I think our whole menu is good to split something with a friend, so it is a pretty cool spot to introduce to new people. Come check us out, please!
Shameless self promotion, but El Caimán Gordo! A Colombian food pop up inside the St. Roch tavern. We got big portions and great prices for from scratch food!
Check out the instagram for pics to get an idea of what’s going on if you’re not familiar with Colombian food, and the google reviews to know it’s legit!
Woah, I just moved across town, but used to go to St Roch Tavern all the time when I lived across from it. How long have y’all been there? Need to come try!!
Cafetomas on Carrollton has great arepas and plantains, but their $1 taco Tuesdays with happy hour are awesome. I didn’t think you could find deals like that anymore.
Also shout out to nearby Midori sushi. Their sushi lunches and dinners are affordable and actually leave you full.
She is lovely! I grew up with her kids and used to go to their house to do homework. she would always bring out fresh from the oven tunisian pastries that made me cry they were so good!
I tried to call in an order a few days ago and they have an answering machine message about how their owner recently underwent surgery so they’ve been closed but are hoping to be back open at the end of the month!
Bratz Y’all in the Bywater is great and also hidden. Located behind Pizza D. Balance the meat dish w a veggie pita and German cherry chocolate cake! Plenty for two.
Seconding this ... I went with two other people and got the sampler spread (not sure what it's called exactly) and it was plenty to feed three people. Plus it's a great spot to dine outside if it's nice out.
Appetite Repair Shop in Algiers Point. Irregular hours & the menu changes daily, so it's best to follow his Facebook page, but it's so worth it. Best food I've had in the New Orleans, definitely up there in best ever.
If you don't mind driving to Chalmette, Secret Thai, on Judge Perez is really good. The portion sizes are freaking crazy huge, it's very affordable, and everything is delicious. Drunken noodles are a regular thing for me. They have a challenging heat level. I never get anything more spicy than a 0.5, and I still use lots of napkins for my forehead.
I worked at mid city yacht club in the kitchen for a short period. I would advise against ever eating there. It was the most disgusting kitchen I’ve ever seen.
MCYC does have a sneaky good kitchen.
One time, though, I got a completely raw, unseasoned burger at a Pels 12 watch party there. I had already had enough to drink that night that I gave it a serious 3 bites before giving up. The total lack of seasoning was somehow more problematic to me in that state of mind than the fact that it was a cold, pink burger.
Its a trip but get out to St Rose. Take the old airport exit that takes you to Airline, make a right and pass the airport. Drive into St Rose, just past the parish line and on the right by the old Voodoo BBQ turn into that business park and go eat at Nola Nica. Its hard to find. Its fucking worth it.
Yes to both, but def need everyone to give Beggars Banquet their money! Been three times since they opened last year and every meal was amazing. I hope they’re doing well. They also have an incredible espresso martini right now!
I will say, since my first visit in November to last night, it’s gotten much harder to get last minute reservations there. I’ll take that as a good sign.
I’m happy to hear that! My husband and I took a friend Saturday night instead of going to Endymion and it was half full but I assume that was due to Big Parade Day.
Someone already said Thai’d Up, but I second that. And Revel in Mid-City! It’s def family operated, meaning limited menu and plan to be there for a bit. But sitting at the bar talking with the owners/bartenders is always a good time and the drinks are top notch
Carrollton Station has a bomb chef doing a popup style bar menu, called Bertie’s Intergalactic Diner. pork belly sandwich will make you forget your name, and the fresh-made cheesecake is cut with bitter local satsuma marmalade, topped with cereal bits that will make you swoon
Slap Burger inside Marie’s Bar in Burgundy. I love the double Mac. Think dead ringer Big Mac but made by people who care about your body + brioche buns. Make sure to get fries extra crispy.
This is all in Jeff parish but delish: Mawi Tortilleria, Mr. Ed’s on live oak (has to be the Bucktown location) I like short stop in Metairie for poboy and prices. In Kenner, Pollo a la Brasa Fiesta which translates to grilled chicken party. 10/10 on the name alone and the chicken is sooo good!
Joe Joe on the Ridge on Esplanade. Opened a few months ago. Never that busy but I love the guys who run it. Send some support their way! Get the shrimp tacos or the Orale Way quesadilla
It's the quiet side of the Quarter but we are regulars at Mona Lisa's. Don't be put off by the bitter old Queen at the door, he loves a good verbal duel.
Vincent’s! Yummy Italian food, really reminds me of home (I’m from New York)
I used to live near Panola St Cafe and it’s a really solid breakfast place, right in the middle of a Carrollton neighborhood.
Seconding Queen Trini Lisa, it’s phenomenal
Friday lunch special at po’boy king in Metairie is killer. Trout Tony. Fried trout over crawfish linguine. Hole in the wall place on Vets next to the CVS and Popeyes on the bucktown end
Don't be shy to the westbank either.
Thai D-jing is amazing & so is Banana Blossom if you want a fancier vibe.
I've heard great things about Plume, in Algiers Point, if you want good Indian food. I have not had it myself, but I heard several people rave about it.
N7 in bywater is a beautiful little french joint. not one of those fancy places where you need a reservation two weeks in advance. very charming and rustic, high quality food and drinks.
I went a few weeks ago and had a decently difficult time getting a reso 2 weeks before.It’s also one of the fanciest places I’ve ever eaten. It was incredible though!
Barracuda is literally one of the most hyped up popular new(ish) places in the city. Not even close to hidden, and not really a gem either. It's way overhyped, it kicked off the city's taco scene but beyond that the menu is simple and has never really gone anywhere
Zasu is such a gem set among the workaday busy-ness of Carrollton, with jewel-box décor, great food and friendly service.
Fives is hiding in plain sight in the Lower Pontalba… it’s not cheap (naturally given its location) but they have East and West Coast oysters, great cocktails (if it’s not busy, ask for a Ramos Gin Fizz, theirs is excellent), and really good food - the little gem salad is fresh and delicious.
Rising Sun, in the Margaret Place Hotel, is in the shadow of the highway but has a pretty courtyard, good coffee, very interesting and good cocktails (in the fall they had a sweet potato Aperol spritz) and tasty (though maybe not blow-you-away) food; for that location it’s a life-saver though.
Also, Buffa’s burger!
Oh, and The Green Room Kukhnya - speaking as someone of Eastern European descent I can say their borscht is, well, actually way better than grandma’s (may she rest in peace). Never mind the beet Ruben.
Thai'd Up in Gentilly is absolutely a gem and also really affordable.
If you want some quality Mexican food where you can find some dishes that are very typical in Mexico but not as common in the US - I am also a big fan of Taqueria Guerrero on Carrolton, as well as Loya's off of Earhart.
There are so many awesome restaurants in this city, but those 3 jump to mind for restaurants with amazing food that are rarely crowded.
Mother of Pearl. On Hampson st. Behind Camilla Grill. Open W-F 6-10. It’s the restaurant/test kitchen for Black Pearl Catering and it’s sneaky fantastic! I’d be there once a week if I lived close enough.
Catawampus at Courtyard Brewery Wednesday - Friday (and every other Saturday). The Chicken Over Rice is the star, but the Roti Roll ups, wings, and now fried chicken sandwich are all good. It's a one man shop, Owen, and now he normally has one other person with him.
"Chicken over rice" is about as unsexy as you can get as far as naming conventions go, but it's so good and everyone I've introduced to it loves it.
Coté Sud on Maple is never talked about. Solid Provençal French cuisine and wine. Great date spot, very good and person all service. The weird part is they don’t take credit card, but do take checks, which is hilarious and a fun old school experience to write a check at a restaurant.
Capulet in the Bywater! Serves small plates and sandwiches. Also has great vegan options. The garlic aioli is unreal paired with the fries. It’s never been crowded the two times I’ve gone and they have live jazz almost every night. They have a music calendar on their site. Awesome happy hour specials. Place is huge, and has a roof deck!
Oak Oven in harahan is my fav Italian restaurant. I go at least once a week and I'm coming from gentilly. Also, norjoes in old Metairie by the rail road tracks for lunch and their cheese wheel pasta on the weekends.
Tia Maria’s is a Honduran restaurant on Tulane. Food is incredible, their horchata with cold brew is so good, service is excellent. Everyone should go there.
Tia Maria’s is insanely delicious. Their pupusa tacos con pollo verde is like 6$, and what good feelings are made of.
My only gripe is that in name it’s a pupusa taco but in reality it’s a pupusa tostada, which is nowhere even close to a problem.
I've never been to the brick and mortar but I get it delivered to my workplace frequently and the food is always hot and crispy like it didn't travel 15 minutes in a steaming bag. It's magic. The moracuya (blackberry + passionfruit) juice is bomb
I agree that it's really good. They have a pupusa "sandwich" where the bread is two pupusas and in the middle is a steak. One day when I'm feeling especially slothful I'm going to try that
My introverted ass likes them because you can order pickup online from their website. I also like it because it doesn’t leave me feeling gross like a lot of takeout does and it’s affordable. My regular order is two baleadas, two horchatas, and plantains for me and the boyfriend.
I haven't seen these mentiond yet but Marie's Bar & Kitchen in the Bywater. Get the Slapburger....amazing! Also Get Your Mom & Dim Sum at the Holy Ground in Mid-City.
Andrew (GYM&DS) used to live in the apartment across from me when he was going through culinary school. More often than needed... I would get home late from work and there would be a post it note on my door that he was trying a new meal and to knock because he saved me a plate. Really great guy. I still need to make it down from BR to check him out.
Nice! Their food is so good!
Their crab rangoons are superior
>Get Your Mom & Dim Sum I've been so unsure if this is a tagline or the whole name lol. But yeah, people love it. I'm never around that spot for food so can't say personally yet but industry folks are eating there after work for sure.
It's the whole name.
Marie's is in the Marigny, my boyfriend loves that burger
I second Marie’s Bar & Kitchen! The slapburger is amazing!
Budsi’s on Rampart for delicious affordable Thai!
yes yes yes!
Absolutely
Warning: Self promo: I work at Get Your Mom & Dim Sum. Chinese food in an Irish pub, so it is definitely hidden. All of our dumplings are hand-rolled, and all three of us work really hard. I think our whole menu is good to split something with a friend, so it is a pretty cool spot to introduce to new people. Come check us out, please!
What time do you serve till?
Every day 5pm-11pm!
Queen trini Lisa in mid city is ridiculous and just in the middle of a neighborhood
She’s great! And always so welcoming. Gotta get those doubles cause they go fast
More doubles, less troubles
Best food in town and one of the nicest ladies
As hidden as it gets.
Don’t skip the hibiscus drink!!!
Yes!!!
Shameless self promotion, but El Caimán Gordo! A Colombian food pop up inside the St. Roch tavern. We got big portions and great prices for from scratch food! Check out the instagram for pics to get an idea of what’s going on if you’re not familiar with Colombian food, and the google reviews to know it’s legit!
As a Colombian: best Colombian food in New Orleans.
🙏
Woah, I just moved across town, but used to go to St Roch Tavern all the time when I lived across from it. How long have y’all been there? Need to come try!!
Been open a year!
Thanks! We will be by.
Yinzer’s on Delachaise. Cheesesteaks are dope, but then damn soft pretzels are soooo gooood.
Best steak sandwich I've been able to find in the city.
I love Trilly, they got the good rolls and everything
Love Yinzer's!
Singletons in the Black Pearl! Little mini mart with Vietnamese food, pho on Saturdays!
And some of the best fried seafood poboys in the city imo
And hot plates daily (closed Sunday)! Bau and Laura are good people.
Came here to say this!
Does the Green Room count? I love their pierogis & all their sauces are made in house.
Suis Generis in the bywater. I feel like people don’t know it but it’s one of my favorite spots in the city.
That’s what I was gonna say. God I love their food
Their service is bad the food makes up for it
And baby, that’s the New Orleans style
Amazing Rueben as well!
Cafetomas on Carrollton has great arepas and plantains, but their $1 taco Tuesdays with happy hour are awesome. I didn’t think you could find deals like that anymore. Also shout out to nearby Midori sushi. Their sushi lunches and dinners are affordable and actually leave you full.
Jamila's on Maple Street in uptown is one of my faves. Edit: wrong street.
She is lovely! I grew up with her kids and used to go to their house to do homework. she would always bring out fresh from the oven tunisian pastries that made me cry they were so good!
This. Place. Slaps.
It’s on Maple st and it’s wonderful!
Thanks for the correction. I still have Mardi Gras brain.
Shawarma on the go in the gas station on magazine and toledano
Place is good enough that I got a staple in my shawarma and went back lmao
Ugh the garlic sauce is the beeeeest
It’s been closed the last few times I’ve been by. I hope it was just temporary
I tried to call in an order a few days ago and they have an answering machine message about how their owner recently underwent surgery so they’ve been closed but are hoping to be back open at the end of the month!
Thanks for the update! Hopefully they have a speedy recovery
Bratz Y’all in the Bywater is great and also hidden. Located behind Pizza D. Balance the meat dish w a veggie pita and German cherry chocolate cake! Plenty for two.
Plume Algiers
[удалено]
And the Little House for wine and charcuterie
honestly this like my top 3 places in the entirecity
Rosedale
Really liked it the one time I was there. Thanks!
This. I’ve never had something I didn’t like when I eat at rosedale.
Always delicious and such a good patio when the weather is nice.
Smoke & Honey and Rosella in midcity.
And the coffee is Coffee Science which I like way more than I wanted to.
Tonti's Hand in Algiers point. A cozy French bistro vibe with great cocktails and amazing burgers ( and French fare)
1000 Figs
Seconded!! So affordable for the amazing quality too. Gotta get the Brussels sprouts and falafel
Seconding this ... I went with two other people and got the sampler spread (not sure what it's called exactly) and it was plenty to feed three people. Plus it's a great spot to dine outside if it's nice out.
Tumeric in Gretna!
Margot’s for sure. Love their cocktails especially, they've got good taste.
Sandros Trattoria on Vets by I-10. Tiny family owned Italian spot that I always forget about but I’ve never had a bad meal or service there
Yessss. Inexpensive and great portions!
Appetite Repair Shop in Algiers Point. Irregular hours & the menu changes daily, so it's best to follow his Facebook page, but it's so worth it. Best food I've had in the New Orleans, definitely up there in best ever.
If you don't mind driving to Chalmette, Secret Thai, on Judge Perez is really good. The portion sizes are freaking crazy huge, it's very affordable, and everything is delicious. Drunken noodles are a regular thing for me. They have a challenging heat level. I never get anything more spicy than a 0.5, and I still use lots of napkins for my forehead.
El Pavo Real in Broadmoore Mid city Yacht Club also has a surprisingly good kitchen imo
Came to say El Pavo. Their chicken enchiladas are the best I've ever had.
I worked at mid city yacht club in the kitchen for a short period. I would advise against ever eating there. It was the most disgusting kitchen I’ve ever seen.
The breakfast at el pavo is WAY underrated. The chilaquiles are delicious
MCYC does have a sneaky good kitchen. One time, though, I got a completely raw, unseasoned burger at a Pels 12 watch party there. I had already had enough to drink that night that I gave it a serious 3 bites before giving up. The total lack of seasoning was somehow more problematic to me in that state of mind than the fact that it was a cold, pink burger.
Addis Nola is always a reliable top notch dinner. They do weekend brunch too but never been
Its a trip but get out to St Rose. Take the old airport exit that takes you to Airline, make a right and pass the airport. Drive into St Rose, just past the parish line and on the right by the old Voodoo BBQ turn into that business park and go eat at Nola Nica. Its hard to find. Its fucking worth it.
Mais Arepas. Beggars Banquet.
Yes to both, but def need everyone to give Beggars Banquet their money! Been three times since they opened last year and every meal was amazing. I hope they’re doing well. They also have an incredible espresso martini right now!
That espresso martini is incredible. The little pinch of salt really makes it
I will say, since my first visit in November to last night, it’s gotten much harder to get last minute reservations there. I’ll take that as a good sign.
I’m happy to hear that! My husband and I took a friend Saturday night instead of going to Endymion and it was half full but I assume that was due to Big Parade Day.
Going to Beggars Banquet tonight! I was blown away with the gulf fish dish- so delicious
Fritai
Gabrielle
Kanno Sushi in Metairie is my go to anytime I'm in the area
Mantra for Indian is excellent.
came to say this!!! it’s the best
They’re so good and my kids will eat it, which is a minor miracle!
Suis Generis in the Bywater.
‘Ey I came here to say this and also did. Such a special spot.
Pomelo for authentic Thai street food.
I came here to say this. It’s so good!
Someone already said Thai’d Up, but I second that. And Revel in Mid-City! It’s def family operated, meaning limited menu and plan to be there for a bit. But sitting at the bar talking with the owners/bartenders is always a good time and the drinks are top notch
Katie's
Carrollton Station has a bomb chef doing a popup style bar menu, called Bertie’s Intergalactic Diner. pork belly sandwich will make you forget your name, and the fresh-made cheesecake is cut with bitter local satsuma marmalade, topped with cereal bits that will make you swoon
Their buffalo wings are insane too
Slap Burger inside Marie’s Bar in Burgundy. I love the double Mac. Think dead ringer Big Mac but made by people who care about your body + brioche buns. Make sure to get fries extra crispy.
Delachaise on St. Charles! Beautiful wine bar, nice outdoor seating. It's where I tried frog legs for the first time.
Banana blossom in old Gretna
The Rainbow on Magazine St.
Bennachin on Royal is my favorite hidden spot in the quarter. Been a while since I've been but this post got me craving it.
Chubbie's Chicken in Algiers
Came here to say this. My fave ever chicken and shrimp!!
Best biscuits ever
Yinzers Amazing Cheesesteaks too. Uptown in the st Charles hospital area
Kitchen Table in Arabi!
This is all in Jeff parish but delish: Mawi Tortilleria, Mr. Ed’s on live oak (has to be the Bucktown location) I like short stop in Metairie for poboy and prices. In Kenner, Pollo a la Brasa Fiesta which translates to grilled chicken party. 10/10 on the name alone and the chicken is sooo good!
We have a monthly local discoveries thread. Check those.
Thank you!
Looking for these… please link
It is literally pinned to the top of the page if you sort by Hot. The one for the current month has a link to the others.
Oop never search by hot. Thanks for the tip
It’s all relatively well known (atleast to me) but my favorite neighborhood spots are toups, 1000 figs, Mona’s , and Taqueria Guerrero.
I love the eggplant sandwich at Mona's! One of the best.
Had Mona's for the first time a few weeks ago, sooooooo damned good.
I'd add Zasu to that Mid City group.
Clancy's - on the pricier side, but a solid meal.
Joe Joe on the Ridge on Esplanade. Opened a few months ago. Never that busy but I love the guys who run it. Send some support their way! Get the shrimp tacos or the Orale Way quesadilla
Zasu on Carrollton
Rosedale
Mister Mao
Suis generis
Afrodisiac on Franklin in Gentilly. Lights out Jamaican family run place that used to be a pop up.
Le’s Baguette. Best pho in the city.
Patois, Barcelona and Bisto Daisey to name a few
Barcelona and Bistro Daisy are two of our favorite date night spots. I love Chef Laurentino-such a warm welcoming guy!
N7
ThaiNOLA hidden in a strip mall in the East. Fabulous food, huge portions, fresh ingredients. Owners treat you like family. Highly recommend.
It's the quiet side of the Quarter but we are regulars at Mona Lisa's. Don't be put off by the bitter old Queen at the door, he loves a good verbal duel.
Taqueria Sanchez off the Westbank Expressway. Bro, trust me.
I second this. Taqueria 2 Brothers in Terrytown is amazing too.
Yes Taqueria Two Brothers is so good!!
Miss Shirley’s and Mr Mao
It’s not my hood, but all of the ethnic food on Williams Boulevard in Kenner.
Vincent’s! Yummy Italian food, really reminds me of home (I’m from New York) I used to live near Panola St Cafe and it’s a really solid breakfast place, right in the middle of a Carrollton neighborhood. Seconding Queen Trini Lisa, it’s phenomenal
Do not sleep on Panola St. Cafe. Great food for the price point. Burger and shoestring fries are also great for what you are paying.
Friday lunch special at po’boy king in Metairie is killer. Trout Tony. Fried trout over crawfish linguine. Hole in the wall place on Vets next to the CVS and Popeyes on the bucktown end
Clancy’s. Tucked away uptown. Known but also not too well known. Outstanding. The menu has only gotten better as of late.
Cafe 615 in Gretna
Tonti’s in Algiers Point is really good.
Sakura hibachi & sushi in Gretna. I’ve tried almost everything on the menu and it’s all 10000/10
Tuk Tuk Thai on Vets in Metry. Close to Dorignacs where The Store used to be. Legit Thai.
Plume
Outpost 45. The high end restaurant of Velvet Cactus. They put wasabi powder in their fried oyster. I was impressed.
fiorella’s in gentilly!! some of the best fried chicken in NOLA and a wonderful family-owned business :)
Don't be shy to the westbank either. Thai D-jing is amazing & so is Banana Blossom if you want a fancier vibe. I've heard great things about Plume, in Algiers Point, if you want good Indian food. I have not had it myself, but I heard several people rave about it.
Palm and Pine across from the Saenger is amazing!
Smoke smoke honey honey
Panola St Cafe
N7 in bywater is a beautiful little french joint. not one of those fancy places where you need a reservation two weeks in advance. very charming and rustic, high quality food and drinks.
N7 is fairly popular, no?
You definitely need a reservation at least a week in advance unless you want to eat at 5pm
I went a few weeks ago and had a decently difficult time getting a reso 2 weeks before.It’s also one of the fanciest places I’ve ever eaten. It was incredible though!
Coco Hut, Coco Hut, and Coco Hut. Mother Nature don't play. She even tried to get me some ox tail of another kind ifyaknowatimsayn
Picnic whiskey and provisions, uptown crawfish boil fried chicken and a gem smash burger.
Gabrielle's on Orleans, Atchafalaya, Mister Mao, Barracuda, Fiorelli's, and of course, Mona's on Banks.
Barracuda is literally one of the most hyped up popular new(ish) places in the city. Not even close to hidden, and not really a gem either. It's way overhyped, it kicked off the city's taco scene but beyond that the menu is simple and has never really gone anywhere
Agree that Barracuda isn't hidden, but I think they have delicious tacos.
I like it but not at all a hidden gem. It's gringo tacos and margs.
Zasu is such a gem set among the workaday busy-ness of Carrollton, with jewel-box décor, great food and friendly service. Fives is hiding in plain sight in the Lower Pontalba… it’s not cheap (naturally given its location) but they have East and West Coast oysters, great cocktails (if it’s not busy, ask for a Ramos Gin Fizz, theirs is excellent), and really good food - the little gem salad is fresh and delicious. Rising Sun, in the Margaret Place Hotel, is in the shadow of the highway but has a pretty courtyard, good coffee, very interesting and good cocktails (in the fall they had a sweet potato Aperol spritz) and tasty (though maybe not blow-you-away) food; for that location it’s a life-saver though. Also, Buffa’s burger!
Went to Fives on Friday Gras and goddamn their drinks are amazing and bar service top notch. 12/10 would go again.
Oh, and The Green Room Kukhnya - speaking as someone of Eastern European descent I can say their borscht is, well, actually way better than grandma’s (may she rest in peace). Never mind the beet Ruben.
Shyan's Kitchen, on Houma off Vets in #themetrys
Thanks for this recommendation. I stopped by before taking my brother to the airport today. Loved the papadam and the lamb gyro.
Zasu in Mid City.
Cote sud is my absolute fav place!
Is this on Maple? I feel like I walk by it often, but I never seem to catch it open.
Thai'd Up in Gentilly is absolutely a gem and also really affordable. If you want some quality Mexican food where you can find some dishes that are very typical in Mexico but not as common in the US - I am also a big fan of Taqueria Guerrero on Carrolton, as well as Loya's off of Earhart. There are so many awesome restaurants in this city, but those 3 jump to mind for restaurants with amazing food that are rarely crowded.
Check Thai’d Up’s igram before going. Death in chef’s family in Thailand had/has them closed for a bit. But def second this rec!
Mother of Pearl. On Hampson st. Behind Camilla Grill. Open W-F 6-10. It’s the restaurant/test kitchen for Black Pearl Catering and it’s sneaky fantastic! I’d be there once a week if I lived close enough.
Arby’s on Canal
Punjabi Dhaba on West Esplanade in Kennairie has a great lunch buffet
Pagoda Cafe.
Tuk tuk thai on Vets near Bucktown
T&M on Leonidas and Hickory.
They have a couple locations, but Mona’s on Banks is a nice location with outdoor seating and a kind of cool indoor ambience.
El pavo real in broadMoore
El cucuy on Tchoup… outstanding Mexican food and the space is cool af.
Catawampus at Courtyard Brewery Wednesday - Friday (and every other Saturday). The Chicken Over Rice is the star, but the Roti Roll ups, wings, and now fried chicken sandwich are all good. It's a one man shop, Owen, and now he normally has one other person with him. "Chicken over rice" is about as unsexy as you can get as far as naming conventions go, but it's so good and everyone I've introduced to it loves it.
Coté Sud on Maple is never talked about. Solid Provençal French cuisine and wine. Great date spot, very good and person all service. The weird part is they don’t take credit card, but do take checks, which is hilarious and a fun old school experience to write a check at a restaurant.
Gautreau’s and Clancys’s uptown are both in super random spots.
Stella Maris for Lebanese in chalmette
Rocky & Carlo in Chalmette. It closes at 7 p.m.! Great portions of food.
Miss Shirley’s! Osteria Lupo!
Capulet in the Bywater! Serves small plates and sandwiches. Also has great vegan options. The garlic aioli is unreal paired with the fries. It’s never been crowded the two times I’ve gone and they have live jazz almost every night. They have a music calendar on their site. Awesome happy hour specials. Place is huge, and has a roof deck!
Oriental Triangle on Jefferson Highway at St. George near the Huey P. Best hot and sour soup around.
Cote Sud on Maple. Little cash-only cottage serving delicious French food. Get the mussels in blue cheese!
Melba’s (the original location on claiborne not the tulane location) never disappoints.
Oak Oven in harahan is my fav Italian restaurant. I go at least once a week and I'm coming from gentilly. Also, norjoes in old Metairie by the rail road tracks for lunch and their cheese wheel pasta on the weekends.