Unearth The Voyage
New Orleans is famous for its incredible food scene, and nowhere is that more obvious than in its seafood restaurants. From chargrilled oysters dripping with buttery garlic sauce to fresh Gulf fish prepared with Creole flair, the city offers countless ways to enjoy what comes from the water. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a longtime local, these twelve seafood spots represent the very best of what New Orleans has to offer, each bringing something unique to your plate.
1. Pêche Seafood Grill
A James Beard Foundation award winner, Pêche Seafood Grill stands as one of the city’s most celebrated dining destinations. Chef Ryan Prewitt and his team focus on whole-fish cookery, sourcing directly from Gulf waters to ensure peak freshness. The restaurant’s industrial-chic vibe feels relaxed yet refined, making it perfect for both casual dinners and special celebrations.
Their wood-fired cooking method brings out natural flavors without heavy sauces. Daily catches appear on the menu, so you’ll always find something new to try. Reserve ahead if you want the full dinner experience, especially on weekends when locals and tourists alike pack the dining room for a taste of award-winning seafood.
2. GW Fins
Located in the heart of the French Quarter, GW Fins has earned its reputation as one of the city’s premier seafood destinations. Every day brings a new fish selection, with the chef sourcing the absolute freshest catches from around the world. This commitment to quality makes each visit feel like a unique culinary adventure.
What really sets this place apart is their dry-aged fish program, a rare technique that intensifies flavors and creates unforgettable textures. The upscale atmosphere makes it ideal for anniversaries, birthdays, or any occasion worth celebrating. Don’t skip asking your server about the daily specials and preparation methods to get the most from your meal.
3. Acme Oyster House (French Quarter location)
With over a century of history, Acme Oyster House has become synonymous with New Orleans seafood culture. Visitors line up around the block for platters of raw, fried, and chargrilled oysters served in a no-frills setting. The energy here is contagious, with shuckers working at lightning speed behind the marble counter.
Those famous chargrilled oysters arrive sizzling hot, topped with garlic butter and parmesan that melts into every crevice. Expect a wait during peak hours, but the line moves faster than you’d think. This spot is perfect for introducing out-of-town guests to authentic NOLA seafood without breaking the bank or dressing up fancy.
4. Drago’s Seafood Restaurant
Drago’s claims credit for inventing the charbroiled oyster, and one bite proves why this dish became a Louisiana legend. Located inside the Hilton New Orleans Riverside, the restaurant combines convenience with serious seafood credentials. Their signature preparation involves Gulf oysters topped with butter, herbs, and cheese, then broiled until bubbling.
The buttery sauce left in the shells practically begs for bread to soak it up, so come hungry and ready to indulge. While the oysters steal the show, the rest of the seafood menu holds its own with fresh catches and Creole preparations. Sharing an order makes sense since the flavors are rich and portions generous enough for multiple people.
5. Superior Seafood & Oyster Bar
Situated along the St Charles Avenue streetcar line, Superior Seafood offers an authentic neighborhood experience away from the tourist crowds. The Uptown location attracts locals who appreciate quality oysters without the French Quarter chaos. Raw and charbroiled varieties dominate the menu, though you’ll find plenty of other Gulf seafood options too.
The atmosphere strikes a balance between casual and polished, making it suitable for everything from date nights to family dinners. If you’re staying Uptown or exploring that part of the city, this restaurant provides convenient access to excellent seafood. Ask about their half-shell specials, which often feature different oyster varieties at attractive prices throughout the week.
6. Mr. Ed’s Oyster Bar & Fish House
Mr. Ed’s brings reliable quality and variety to the French Quarter seafood scene without the pretension of some upscale spots. The menu covers all the classics, from oysters prepared multiple ways to fresh fish and shellfish platters. Recently featured among the city’s best seafood restaurants, this place has earned its reputation through consistency and value.
The relaxed vibe makes it easy to settle in for a leisurely meal without feeling rushed or overdressed. Arriving earlier in the evening helps you beat the dinner rush and snag better seating. Check the daily specials board for oyster platter deals that can stretch your dining budget further while still delivering that authentic New Orleans seafood experience you’re craving.
7. Oceana Grill
Right in the heart of the French Quarter, Oceana Grill serves Creole-influenced seafood that captures the spirit of New Orleans cooking. The casual atmosphere welcomes everyone from families to couples exploring the Quarter. Their menu spans the classics, making it a safe bet when you’re not sure what everyone in your group wants.
The shrimp and grits earn particular praise, blending creamy texture with Gulf shrimp and spicy Creole flavors. Gumbo here rivals what you’d find at pricier establishments, but without the hefty bill. For lunch or dinner in a central location, this spot delivers solid seafood at more affordable prices than many surrounding restaurants, which matters when you’re trying to experience everything the city offers.
8. Red Fish Grill
Positioned right on Bourbon Street, Red Fish Grill offers quality seafood in the midst of the Quarter’s most famous strip. Wood-grilled fish is their specialty, with the cooking method adding smoky depth to fresh Gulf catches. The location makes it incredibly convenient after a day of exploring nearby attractions and historic sites.
Despite being surrounded by tourist traps, this restaurant maintains solid standards and a respectable seafood menu. The interior feels more polished than many Bourbon Street options, with fish-themed decor creating a playful atmosphere. Making a reservation for dinner saves you from long waits, especially on weekends when the street reaches peak energy and everyone’s looking for a good meal to fuel their evening adventures.
9. Casamento’s Restaurant
Casamento’s has served Uptown New Orleans since 1919, and stepping inside feels like traveling back in time. White tile walls and vintage fixtures create an atmosphere that modern restaurants can’t replicate. The menu focuses on traditional preparations that have satisfied generations of local families seeking honest, well-prepared seafood.
Their oyster loaf sandwich has achieved legendary status among those who know, featuring fried oysters tucked into crusty bread with just the right condiments. Fewer tourists make it to this Magazine Street location, so you’ll dine alongside neighbors who’ve been coming here for decades. Arrive early for lunch before the small dining room fills up, and prepare for a genuinely old-school New Orleans seafood experience.
10. The Blue Crab Restaurant & Oyster Bar
Out by Lake Pontchartrain, The Blue Crab offers a completely different vibe from the downtown seafood scene. The Lakeview location attracts locals looking for quality seafood without fighting French Quarter crowds. Large windows provide views of the surrounding neighborhood, creating a relaxed setting that encourages lingering over your meal.
The menu covers all the seafood basics with solid execution and reasonable prices. If you’re staying near the lakefront or want to combine dinner with a scenic drive, this restaurant makes perfect sense. The neighborhood setting means parking is easier and the pace feels slower, giving you a chance to experience how New Orleans residents actually live and eat beyond the tourist zones most visitors never leave.
11. Cajun Seafood
When you want authentic Louisiana seafood without spending a fortune, Cajun Seafood delivers exactly that experience. This casual joint specializes in boiled seafood, crawfish, and the kind of messy, delicious meals you eat with your hands. The informal vibe contrasts sharply with the city’s upscale seafood temples, but the flavors are just as genuine.
During crawfish season, locals pack this place for pounds of mudbugs boiled with corn, potatoes, and serious spice. You can customize your order’s heat level and choose sides to build your perfect seafood boil. The location on North Claiborne Avenue puts you in a real neighborhood, giving you a glimpse of New Orleans beyond the postcards while saving money for other adventures.
12. Acme Oyster House (Metairie)
The Metairie location of Acme Oyster House brings the same famous flavors to the suburbs with notably easier logistics. Parking here is simpler than downtown, and you’ll typically face shorter waits than at the French Quarter flagship. The menu mirrors what made Acme famous, from chargrilled oysters to fried seafood platters that satisfy big appetites.
If you’re staying outside the city center or have a rental car, this spot makes practical sense for getting your Acme fix. The suburban setting attracts more local families and fewer tourists, creating a slightly different energy. Consider timing a visit here before or after exploring downtown, especially if parking stress and long lines at the original location sound less than appealing to you.
