People from landlocked areas put "See food, eat it- eat all the seafood" on their must-do list of New Orleans. With the Gulf of Mexico, massive Lake Pontchartrain & the many bayous that the Mississippi feeds into, the "Sportsman's Paradise" of Louisiana is known for its sport fishing and the seafood industry is an integral part of our economy. Crawfish, shrimp, crabs, oysters & fish are the crown jewels of the plate, so take every chance to enjoy our best assets at one of the stellar spots I list below!
TIP: Be sure to ask your server for menu recommendations of Gulf fish and local shrimp so you are supporting local and getting the freshest seafood for your money. Recent legislation mandated that restaurants post a sign if they aren't always using local seafood, which is every restaurant, in some capacity, at some time, so it actually is not a good indicator of what to order or where to eat. Your server will know best which of the day's offerings are sourced locally so they are your best resource.
GW Fins
In the French Quarter, there is really only one seafood place I recommend- the website has an entire page dedicated to sustainability & it is the top pick I hear from locals. With a recent remodel, they've leveled up the dining room to compliment the modern, but approachable cuisine. Kingfish is also a good French Quarter choice for seafood beyond a deep fried platter.
Seither's
Another spot that appears on every list in town and for good reason- Jason Seither's love for feeding folks comes through in his food. The kind of no-frills seafood joint that gives you cozy feelings- the smealls of a fresh catch, a hot boil and fried fish. All the usual plates with a few innovative, fun dishes under Chef's Crazy Creations to try for folks looking to branch out.
Blue Crab
Bucktown is the part of New Orleans on the south shore Lake Pontchartrain. Well-known to local seafood lovers, the neighborhood is spitting distance from downtown but doesn't get the tourist traffic- their loss! One of my favorites in the area is Blue Crab- it's right on the water where you can watch the boats, has a solid menu of seafood favorites, live music and plenty of seating.
Peche
A Donald Link favorite, many of my tourists in-the-know have this on their list. It's in the CBD so it's convenient to most hotels, it has a solid menu that leans away from fried plates to contemporary, grilled dishes merging Spain and South America with the Gulf. You'll get sustainable and locally-sourced seafood (including whole fish), cozy atmosphere and wonderful service.
Basin Seafood & Spirits
Right in the Garden District on Magazine St., this intimate spot has oyster happy hour on Mondays, an extensive brunch menu and an inventive marriage of Louisiana Cajun, Creole and South American (the Colombian owners also and head Baru and Brasa Steakhouse). It's a perfect place to stop when exploring the many Magazine St. shops and small businesses for souvineers and momentos.
Especially for Oyster Lovers:
Luke a Creole Brasserie in the CBD
Desire Oyster Bar (inside Royal Sonesta)
The Salted Pearl, inside St Roch Market
Casamento's (so old school there ain't a website)
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