26 Must-Try New Orleans Restaurant Dishes for 2026 | Ian McNulty

Bassyonni

ago 2 hours

New Orleans offers a diverse dining landscape with an array of unique dishes worth exploring. Here are 26 must-try restaurant dishes no food lover should miss in the vibrant city as we look forward to 2026.

26 Must-Try New Orleans Restaurant Dishes for 2026

1. Meatball at Pulcinella!

Located at 1300 St. Bernard Ave, this Italian restaurant serves a must-try meatball, hefty and herb-filled, draped in a mildly sweet red sauce.

2. Striped Bass at Sylvain

This French Quarter gem at 625 Chartres St. features pan-roasted striped bass, perfectly seared with a crisp crust topped with seasonal crab.

3. BBQ Shrimp Po-Boy at Liuzza’s by the Track

At 1518 N. Lopez St., this iconic sandwich is a knife-and-fork affair, packed with buttery shrimp and uniquely New Orleans flavors.

4. Canestri Pasta at Il Supremo

The Metairie pizzeria at 619 Pink St. offers this delightful dish featuring fat elbow pasta with a creamy, garlicky sauce and chunks of spicy sausage.

5. Braised Celery Hearts at MaMou

This French restaurant at 942 N. Rampart St. transforms celery into a star with whiskey-braised hearts topped with smoked beef tongue.

6. Pollo con Tajadas at Tia Maria’s Kitchen

Find this Honduran favorite at 2931 Tulane Ave., featuring crispy fried chicken served with plantains for a satisfying crunch.

7. Eggs with Pork Chops at Anita’s Grill

Now reopened at 833 Howard Ave., this diner serves classic comfort food with a simple yet fulfilling plate of eggs and pork chop.

8. Bun Rieu at Mời

This Vietnamese dish from 2809 St. Claude Ave. is a hearty crab and tomato soup filled with a variety of meats and flavors.

9. Fried Cauliflower at Rosedale

Located at 801 Navarre St., this shared starter delights with crispy cauliflower complemented by pepper jelly and crab boil aioli.

10. Manchego Toast at Hot & Soul

This tiny restaurant at 2540 Banks St. presents toasted bread topped with mushrooms and creamy sherry, a revived classic from Mimi’s.

11. Beef Wellington at The Husky

Luxurious and comforting, this signature dish from 4510 Freret St. is a delight, especially accompanied by a well-crafted martini.

12. Dim Sum Brunch at Mister Mao

For a unique brunch experience at 4501 Tchoupitoulas St., diners can enjoy a range of shareable dishes for just $50 for two.

13. Fay Belle Pizza at Nighthawk Napoletana

At 141 Delaronde St., this inviting pizzeria features a delicious option topped with speck, arugula, and mascarpone.

14. Rotisserie Chicken at Here Today

Enjoy perfectly cooked rotisserie chicken at 1245 Constance St., served with delicious potatoes for a comforting meal.

15. 15-Hour Lamb at Smoke & Honey

Offering a blend of casual and fine dining, this Mid-City spot serves tender lamb that pairs perfectly with silky orzo, located at 3301 Bienville St.

16. Stuffed Duck Neck at Jewel of the South

This unique dish at 1026 St. Louis St. combines rich, tender duck meat with a delightful mushroom pâté.

17. Nikkei Broil at Nikkei Izakaya

At 600 N. Broad St., this delightful dish features local shrimp cooked under Havarti cheese, making it a great bar snack.

18. Steak Tartare Cannoli at Brennan’s

Located at 417 Royal St., this creative dish includes potato “cannoli” filled with tartare, representing a modern twist on a classic.

19. Brown Butter Banana Tart at Herbsaint

At 701 St. Charles Ave., this dessert combines sticky caramel with a rich crust, creating a lasting impression for diners.

20. Curried Goat at Compere Lapin

At 535 Tchoupitoulas St., this dish pairs tender goat meat with sweet potato gnocchi, an excellent representation of Creole cuisine.

21. Arroz Negro at Acamaya

Located at 3070 Dauphine St., this dish features squid ink rice, enriched with crispy bits and a unique touch of huitlacoche.

22. Dahi Ke Kebab at LUFU NOLA

At 1117 Decatur St., this dish features crispy kunafa noodles encasing creamy hung curd, making it a delightful appetizer.

23. Crispy Pork Thai Kale at Tuk Tuk Thai

This dish at 901 Veterans Blvd. perfectly combines tender pork belly with Thai kale, served in a flavorful garlicky sauce.

24. Doubles at Queen Trini Lisa

At 4200 D’Hemecourt St., this Trinidadian street food consists of puffy flatbread filled with curried chickpeas, making for a hearty snack.

25. Crabmeat Beignets at La Petite Grocery

Located at 4238 Magazine St., these crispy treats burst with creamy crab filling, epitomizing New Orleans cuisine.

26. Mississippi Mud Pie at Delacroix

This dessert, enhanced with oyster cracker toffee, is a playful take on a classic chocolate tart at 1 Poydras St.

These 26 must-try dishes reflect the ever-evolving culinary scene in New Orleans. Make sure to explore these flavorful offerings throughout 2026!