When you’re looking for unique restaurants in New Orleans, there are a lot of places where you could go wrong. Luckily, there are just as many ways that you can go right and experience an unforgettable restaurant in New Orleans that will keep you coming back for more. Here are some of our favorite restaurants in New Orleans.

1. 1000 Figs
1000 Figs, 3141 Ponce De Leon St #1, New Orleans, LA 70119, USA
Facebook.com / 1000 Figs
Growing out of the popular fat falafel food truck, 1000 Figs is one of the most unique restaurants in New Orleans, offering a unique twist on Mediterranean food with its small plates and cozy atmosphere.
2. Galatoire’s
Galatoire's, 209 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
facebook.com/galatoires
There's just no other place in the world quite like Galatoires. From the Milk Punches to the pages and pages of menu choices, to the amazing French bistro floors, just treat yourself one day and check it out. You won't be disappointed.
3. Square Root
facebook.com/SquareRootNola
Editor's note: Square Root closed its doors in 2019.

This restaurant stands out in New Orleans for a multitude of reasons. For one, instead of traditional seating, Square Root offers two seatings a night for a 12-course prix fixe menu. And then, the food itself, filled with unusual combinations and distinctive presentations. Dining here is not cheap but certainly an experience!
4. Dong Phong Bakery
Dong Phuong Bakery & Restaurant, 14207 Chef Menteur Hwy, New Orleans, LA 70129, USA
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While delicious Vietnamese food isn't that hard to come by in New Orleans, this outpost in the East is considered by many to be the best. Dong Phuong has some of the best king cakes in New Orleans, and they often sell out well before the big day.
5. Suis Generis
Suis Generis, 3219 Burgundy St, New Orleans, LA 70117, USA
facebook.com/suisgenerisNOLA
This Bywater restaurant takes a fresh approach to the standard menu. At Suis Generis, it's always changing! Diners here can expect the unexpected at this unique restaurant in New Orleans.

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6. Green Goddess
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Editor's note: Green Goddess closed its doors for good in early 2022.

Just off Bourbon Street is not where you would expect to find one of the best vegan/vegetarian restaurants in New Orleans, but there it is. With menu items like a Bacon Sundae, though, there's truly something for everyone here. And the location is just amazing!
7. Commander’s Palace
Commander's Palace, 1403 Washington Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
facebook.com/CommandersPalace
There's a reason that Commander's Palace is known as the best restaurant in New Orleans. And the 25-cent lunch martinis are just a start. The service here basically sets the standard for fine dining service in the city. The attention to detail will simply blow your mind, and the dishes are truly extraordinary.
8. Dat Dog
Dat Dog, 601 Frenchmen St, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA
Dat Dog, 5030 Freret St, New Orleans, LA 70115, USA
Dat Dog, 3336 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115, USA
facebook.com/DatDogNola
Who knew that a place where you top your duck sausage hot dog with guacamole or crawfish etouffee would become one of the most popular local chains in the city? The combination of amazing toppings and high-quality dogs makes Dat Dog a strong contender for being one of the most unique restaurants in New Orleans.
9. Sneaky Pickle
Sneaky Pickle & Bar Brine, 3200 Burgundy St, New Orleans, LA 70117, USA
facebook.com/yousneakypickle
Another Bywater outpost that keeps its menu options flexible, the Sneaky Pickle offers only the most farm-fresh ingredients with its amazing concoctions.
10. Shaya
Shaya, 4213 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115, USA
facebook.com/shayarestaurant
One of the best Israeli restaurants in New Orleans, Shaya offers delectable small plates, fresh housemade bread, and simply amazing meats. The Israeli cuisine offered here is second to none and well worth seeking out.
11. The Joint
The Joint, 701 Mazant St, New Orleans, LA 70117, USA
facebook.com/alwayssmokin
This funky Bywater BBQ joint will charm you with its offbeat atmosphere and delight you with its amazing meats! The brisket here is a fan favorite, but you really can't go wrong with any of their BBQ plates.

New Orleans is full of unique restaurants you’ll find yourself frequenting again and again. While you’re eating your way through the Crescent City, be sure to pay a visit to some of the oldest restaurants in New Orleans. These timeless classics have stood the test of time for a reason!

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More to Explore

Restaurants in New Orleans

Jackie Ann | October 03, 2022

Where can I go for fine dining in New Orleans?

When you want to treat yourself to a meal fit for royalty, there are plenty of fine-dining options in New Orleans. Of course, the Grand Dame restaurants in New Orleans are always a home run, and those would be Antoine’s, Galatoire’s, or Commander’s Palace. These restaurants are well over 100 years old and are some of the oldest restaurants in the city. 

What are the most unique restaurants in New Orleans?

One of the most unique restaurants in New Orleans just so happens to be one of the most haunted restaurants in the city, so be prepared to potentially have a paranormal experience when dining at Muriel’s in Jackson Square. While the restaurant has been open since 2001, the building used to be the home of Pierre Antoine Lepardi Jourdan, who built his dream home only to lose it in a poker hand in 1814. Rather than move out, he committed suicide in the house. Many believe that Mr. Jourdan still remains within these walls and the restaurant even sets Mr. Jourdan his own table every night. 

Which restaurants have the best patios in New Orleans?

One of the most unexpected surprises in New Orleans is that so many of our restaurants have hidden courtyards that aren’t visible from the front, especially in the French Quarter. Some of the most unique courtyard restaurants in New Orleans are peppered around the French Quarter, like the iconic Napoleon House or Brennan’s. For a mesmerizing view of Lake Pontchartrain, check out Landry’s Seafood House, a local landmark nestled right along the water.

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