An Insider's Guide to Lunch in New Orleans
Lunch is a celebrated meal in the Crescent City, and gathering with friends for Friday lunch is a favorite tradition for many New Orleanians. But where do you eat during the work week? We’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite spots across the city that offer lunch throughout the week, and for those with weekend hours only, you can see them in our dining guide.
Uptown | Open 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM. Tues. – Sun. | Full-Service | As Seen in The Scout Guide New Orleans
This restaurant is at the top of our list more consistency in every category due to their amazing service, food, and atmosphere. Located on Magazine Street, it is the perfect place to stop for lunch when you’re out shopping local. It is owned by husband and wife team Justin and Mia Devillier, and Justin’s work in LPG’s kitchen earned him the James Beard Award for Best Chef: South. Make sure you order the Blue Crab Beignets and their legendary burger.
Two locations: Uptown and the Garden District – Open 11:30 A.M. to 9:00 P.M. Mon. – Thurs. | 11:30 A.M. to 10:00 P.M. Fri. – Sat. | 10:30 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. Sun. | Full-Service | As Seen in The Scout Guide New Orleans
This is a can’t-miss-it Peruvian cuisine experience. We love the antichucos (grilled beef with potatoes), causa de polo (grilled chicken salad), ceviche, the octopus, and the pisco sours. Its a place where you can be healthy-ish while still feeling like you’re indulging. You’ve surely noticed their ivy-covered cafe on Magazine Street, and their new location on St. Charles Avenue offers the opportunity to host events on the avenue. It seems like it is always open so it is the perfect place for lunch, dinner, happy hour or brunch on the weekends.
Garden District | Open 7:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. daily | Order at the Counter | As Seen in The Scout Guide New Orleans
A rather new destination located within a shopping arena, this has quickly become the place to be seen in the Garden District. Chicory House excels in the basics, think sandwiches and soups, which can actually be hard to find in New Orleans. The bar inside Garden District Book Shop has opened so they continue to expand their offerings. We are very optimistic for what’s to come under the leadership of Carol Gelderman and Barkley Rafferty
Garden District | Open 9:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. Mon. – Fri. | 8:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. Sat. – Sun. | Full-Service | As Seen in The Scout Guide New Orleans
The neon Birdy’s sign creates the perfect Instagram photo op, but you’ll keep coming back for their to-die-for brunch board and lavender lattes. You’ll start with breakfast and want to stay for lunch, and lucky for you they are both on the menu throughout the day. We also like to pop in and order at the counter a lavender latte to go. In this coffee forward town, its one of the few coffee houses who has a rather diverse coffee menu.
Uptown | Open 8:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. Mon. – Sat. | 9:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. Sun. | Order at the Counter | Editor’s Pick
Tucked away in a quiet Uptown neighborhood just steps away from Audubon Park, Tartine is our favorite breakfast and lunch spot. It is a French patisserie that makes everything from scratch, and you can taste the difference. Our favorite orders are the ham tartine, the scone, the iced coffee, the quiche, and their king cake is the best in New Orleans (we eat here weekly because its three blocks from our office!). They do not serve alcohol, but the food is so good, you won’t mind.
THE CHLOE
Uptown | Open 11:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. daily | Full-Service | As Seen in The Scout Guide New Orleans
If you want the charm of St. Charles Avenue amongst the canopy of oak trees, The Chloe is your destination. You can sit in the front courtyard, inside, or enjoy poolside in the back creating three different vibes in one place. Their delicious lunch menu combines local flavors with modern flair. This is a place to be seen and a place you’ll want to stay awhile. We love the Grilled Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad.
Four locations: Uptown, The CBD, Metairie, and Elmwood | Open 10:45 AM to 9:00 PM daily | Order at the Counter | Editor’s Pick
Great spot for a light, refreshing meal that is an escape from the traditional New Orleans cuisine. They have convenient locations all around the city and a chicken option for those who don’t like raw fish. We know the owners, so we know the quality.
Downtown | Open 8:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. daily | Order at the Counter | As Seen In The Scout Guide New Orleans
For a quick and delicious bite, head to Backatown Coffee Parlour. This cozy café offers a delightful menu of sandwiches, pastries, and specialty coffee, perfect for a satisfying grab-and-go lunch. A great chicken salad and quiche.
Uptown | Open 11:00 A.M. to 10:00 P.M. daily | Full-Service | Editor’s Pick
A classic New Orleans favorite, Reginelli’s is your place if you are looking for a quick pizza lunch. We went recently and were excited to order the “S.O.S.” pizza, where $1 from each large pizza is donated to Son of a Saint.
Uptown | Open 8:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. Tues. – Sun. | Full-Service | Editor’s Pick
The lines are always long at Bearcat, but if you can hold out, you’re in for an experience. The menu is divided into two parts, the good cat (lighter/healthier options) and the bad cat (heartier/more indulgent fare), and both feature farm-to-table dishes with a Southern twist. Don’t miss their freshly pressed juices. Located on the Freret Street corridor or Downtown with new bakery opening soon.
Mid-City | Open 11:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M. daily | Order at the Counter | Editor’s Pick
Craving barbecue? Head to Blue Oak BBQ for smoked meats, sides, and craft beers.
THE GRILL ROOM at The Windsor Court
Downtown | Open 11:30 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. daily | Full-Service | As seen in The Scout Guide New Orleans
Hotel restaurants can be hit or miss, but The Grill Room is not one to be missed for weekday lunch. Its easy to get in and out of, and we love their plate lunch where you can choose a meat with three sides for an elegant sufficiency. Of course, its also an easy destination to get carried away on their martini selection, too.
Metairie | Open 11:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M. daily | Full-Service | Editor’s Pick
Lovers of Mediterranean food rejoice: Byblos serves great Lebanese food that makes for a satisfying, authentic, and delicious lunch.
CAFE NOMA
Mid-City | Open 11:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. Tues., Thurs. – Sun. | 12:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M. Wed. | Order at the Counter | As Seen in The Scout Guide New Orleans
Located inside the New Orleans Museum of Art, this charming eatery offers a menu of delightful sandwiches, salads, and soups. Part of the Ralph Brennan Restaurant Group which is consistently excellent.
French Quarter | Open 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily | Full-Service | As Seen in The Scout Guide New Orleans
A memorable place for meal, the Napoleon House offers classic New Orleans fare in a charming historic setting. Order the legendary muffaletta and Pimms Cup.
Uptown – Open 11:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. Mon. – Thurs. | 11:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. Sat. | 11:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. Sun. | Order at the Counter | Editor’s Pick
A cheese lover’s paradise! This gourmet grocery shop and cafe has great indoor and outdoor seating options, and you may choose from a delectable menu of gourmet sandwiches, salads, and, of course, an impressive selection of cheeses. Its our go-to because we love shopping the curated goods from around the world to have entertaining treats on hand for impromptu gatherings.
Marigny | Open 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily | Order at the Counter | As Seen in The Scout Guide New Orleans
You can find something for everyone at St. Roch Market due to the different food vendors that offer a variety of cuisines. Now under ownership by longtime vendor Kevin Pedeaux of CR Coffee, he’s got grand plans to make this the community hub it once was. Pop by for Greek, Cuban, Sicilian, Vietnamese and a large bar. Pro Tip: Order the Char Siu Pork Belly Roti from Slow & Pho. It is one of the best dishes I have had in a long time.
Uptown | Open 10:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. Mon. – Fri. | 9:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. Sat. | 10:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. Sun. | Editor’s Pick
Definitely the place to be seen Uptown for lunch. They boast a great wine selection and the best turkey sandwich in the city. This exceptional lunch spot offers a delightful menu featuring gourmet sandwiches, salads, and wine pairings. If you want an incognito lunch, this is not the place to go because this is where Uptown New Orleans holds court.
Uptown | Open 11:30 A.M. to 9:30 P.M. Tues. – Thurs. | 11:30 A.M. to 10:30 P.M. Fri. – Sat. | Editor’s Pick
Taylor’s favorite is the hearts of palm salad, which is thinly sliced so it’s not your average hearts of palm salad, paired with the Italian wedding soup for a “light” lunch. Everything on the menu is worth ordering, so you will have trouble narrowing down your options. This is a great place to settle in after a long day of shopping on Magazine Street.
Downtown | Open 7:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. Wed. – Sun. | Editor’s Pick
Reilly Foods recently opened an outlet where they have incorporated all of their brands into the menu. I’ve always been a Tiger Sauce and Blue Plate Mayo fan so when I saw these two on top of a fried chicken sandwich, I had to try it and it was hands down the best one I have ever had.
