There’s a reason New Orleans seafood draws travelers from across the world. Fresh catches, local spice, and deep tradition come together in unforgettable ways here. After weaving through neon-lit blocks and past the sound of jazz, finding a plate piled high with buttery shrimp or briny oysters feels almost like a reward. My last visit lingered long in my memory, not just for the flavor, but for the stories behind each dish—shared in busy dining rooms where friends and strangers become a little more neighborly over gumbo or charbroiled oysters.
The city’s seafood scene doesn’t settle for “good enough.” Whether you’re after flaky blackened fish, a rich seafood stew, or a simple plate of shucked-to-order oysters, you’ll find a place that does it best. This guide is built on firsthand bites and spirited conversations with locals who know their soft-shell from their speckled trout. Get ready for a delicious lineup, each spot selected for its unique spin on Gulf bounty. If you’re hungry for the real flavor of New Orleans, you’re in the right place.
Where to find the best seafood in New Orleans, LA
Here are some of the top spots to find the best seafood in New Orleans, LA:
- Deanie’s Seafood
- Oceana Grill
- GW Fins
- Olde Nola Cookery
- Drago’s Seafood Restaurant
- Pêche Seafood Grill
- Superior Seafood & Oyster Bar
- Gallier’s Restaurant & Oyster Bar
- Red Fish Grill
- Mr. Ed’s Oyster Bar & Fish House French Quarter
1. Deanie’s Seafood
Deanie’s Seafood sits one block off Bourbon Street, but feels miles apart from the hustle. Locals and visitors crowd the tables for a shot at the Giant Seafood Platter—a golden mountain of fried shrimp, oysters, catfish, and crab. I still remember the first forkful of their New Orleans barbeque shrimp: buttery, smoky, and perfectly spiced.
What makes Deanie’s stand out is how it captures that Saturday-night cookout feeling, even inside a busy dining room. You taste the housemade spice mix on every crunch of seafood. Try the charbroiled oysters for their smoky depth, or the boiled crawfish if they’re in season.
Deanie’s doesn’t overcomplicate things. They let the freshness shine, serving Gulf classics the way New Orleans likes best—bright, bold, and always a little messy.
2. Oceana Grill
Oceana Grill sits just steps from the heart of the French Quarter, serving generous plates that feel both fresh and satisfyingly local. My first bite of their seafood gumbo hit all the right notes—deeply flavorful, yet not overwhelming, with just the right level of kick.
The real draw at Oceana is the way they bring classic New Orleans seafood to life. Their blackened redfish is a staple: seared, perfectly flaky, and layered with spice. For those new to Creole flavors, try the Creole seafood pasta. It gives you a rich, creamy sauce clinging to crawfish tails and shrimp—comfort food, elevated.
Oceana Grill has a knack for making even a casual weekday meal memorable. It’s the place I send friends who want local flavor without the fuss.
3. GW Fins
504 581-3467
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GW Fins blends New Orleans warmth with the polish of a world-class seafood house. Menus change nightly, which always sparks anticipation. I’ve had the chance to try their signature Scalibut—a marriage of scallop and halibut that’s both inventive and expertly prepared.
Freshness is more than a promise at GW Fins; it’s a ritual. Fish arrives daily from both local Gulf waters and far-off ports, ensuring each dish is at its peak. The Smoked Sizzling Oysters offer a subtle, elegant punch, while the Tuna Tartare is pure silk on the tongue.
Every visit feels special, whether you’re splurging for an occasion or simply craving New Orleans seafood at its most refined.
4. Olde Nola Cookery
Olde Nola Cookery pairs Bourbon Street’s buzz with comfort dishes made by locals who know seafood. The building hums with character, and the kitchen never skimps on tradition. I still look back fondly on an evening spent with a bowl of their fresh Gulf fish Creole—each bite rich with spice, and every grain of rice carrying a depth of local flavor.
The heart of the menu is classic New Orleans fare done right. Their seafood platter delivers a medley of fried catfish, shrimp, and oysters that leaves you deciding which one’s the best. The gumbo here is also worth your time—smoky, filling, and distinctly Creole.
It’s casual, spirited, and unfiltered—the kind of place you stumble into and end up staying longer than planned.
5. Drago’s Seafood Restaurant
Drago’s Seafood Restaurant calls out to oyster lovers the moment you walk in. The scent of their legendary charbroiled oysters drifts through the dining room. My first visit, I sat elbow-to-elbow with regulars who swore nothing beats that smoky, buttery finish. They were right; a platter of those piping hot oysters is a rite of passage in New Orleans.
What sets Drago’s apart is its focus: Gulf seafood, prepared with skill and just the right amount of spectacle. Beyond oysters, the menu brings classics like broiled fish, fresh shrimp, and crisp salads—simple but full of local flavor.
If it’s your first time, order the oysters. But don’t skip the seafood pasta, where the sauce clings to every bite. Drago’s captures the essence of Crescent City seafood in every dish.
6. Pêche Seafood Grill
Pêche Seafood Grill flips tradition on its head with seafood cooked over a crackling open wood fire. On my last visit, I watched chefs tend whole fish to glowing embers—each plate heading out with the aroma of smoke and Gulf breeze. The vibe is lively, modern, and deeply rooted in Louisiana ingredients.
The wood-fired snapper is a standout, brimming with smoky, flaky goodness. I’ve also fallen for their fresh seafood salad, a medley that tastes like sunshine in a bowl. The menu celebrates both the simplicity and drama of fresh catch.
Pêche is for those who like a little edge with their classics, and it’s where I send anyone searching for a bold, honest plate of Gulf seafood.
7. Superior Seafood & Oyster Bar
Superior Seafood & Oyster Bar soaks up the charm of St. Charles Avenue, with the famous streetcar rolling by as you dine. This place captures the easygoing energy of Uptown and matches it with plates of fresh Louisiana seafood worth lingering over. I grabbed a window seat one evening and watched the city slide by, a dozen raw oysters setting the scene for what turned into a feast.
The shrimp and grits are a local favorite. Creamy, smoky, and layered with a Creole kick—they represent everything Superior does well: bold flavors, unfussy presentation, and Gulf ingredients that sing. Their daily oyster specials keep things interesting and seasonal.
Affordable without losing style, Superior is the kind of spot where locals and travelers both feel like regulars after the first bite.
8. Gallier’s Restaurant & Oyster Bar
Gallier’s Restaurant & Oyster Bar has a prime spot just steps from Canal Street, making it easy for anyone exploring downtown to drop in for classic New Orleans seafood served with a side of Southern hospitality. The atmosphere feels busy but comfortable, with staff who know the menu inside and out. My first taste of their raw Gulf oysters was a revelation—clean, briny, and impossibly fresh.
Breakfast is a hidden strength here. Their Cajun breakfast specials bring hearty, comforting flavors, but lunch and dinner hold their own too. Try the seafood gumbo or blackened fish, each seasoned to let local ingredients shine.
Gallier’s is a reliable choice for fresh, unfussy seafood—ideal if you want a true taste of New Orleans without overthinking the details.
9. Red Fish Grill
Red Fish Grill throws a bold, colorful spin on Bourbon Street’s seafood scene. This spot feels as lively as its dishes—think hickory-grilled fish, spiced just right, and sides that actually compete for attention. I once ducked in to escape the crowds and ended up lingering over a plate of their BBQ oysters, which are charred at the edges and drenched in a tangy sauce that leaves you plotting your return.
The Alligator Sausage & Seafood Gumbo is a local legend, rich and deeply flavored, each spoonful hinting at the city’s wild streak. The signature redfish is always cooked to flaky perfection, kissed by smoke and spice.
Decor here is spirited, yet laid-back. Red Fish Grill is perfect when you want energetic ambiance and polished New Orleans cuisine all in one place.
10. Mr. Ed’s Oyster Bar & Fish House French Quarter
Mr. Ed’s Oyster Bar & Fish House brings a warm, old-school energy to Bienville Street—a spot where the seafood counter buzzes and regulars swap stories across tables. The chargrilled oysters here are a crowd magnet, sizzling under their crust of garlic and herbs. I once spent an hour just watching trays fly by, each one snapped up before it hit the table for long.
Diversified with a hint of Italian flair, the menu covers everything from hearty seafood platters to crisp, refreshing salads. Fried catfish is a highlight—golden, light, with a subtle seasoning that doesn’t overpower the fish.
If you only have time for one thing, make it the oysters. Mr. Ed’s is seafood comfort done right, right in the heart of the French Quarter.
More Things to Try in New Orleans, LA
Frequently Asked Questions
What seafood is New Orleans famous for?
New Orleans is known for Gulf shrimp, oysters, crawfish, catfish, and redfish. The city’s cooks turn them into classics like gumbo, jambalaya, and po’boys.
Where can I find the best oysters in New Orleans?
Oysters shine at many spots, but Drago’s, Acme Oyster House, Felix’s, and Superior Seafood have devoted followings for their raw and chargrilled oysters.
When is crawfish season in New Orleans?
Crawfish season usually runs from late January to early June, with peak flavor from March to May.
Are there halal or vegetarian options at New Orleans seafood restaurants?
Many seafood places, such as Oceana Grill, Olde Nola Cookery, and Peche, offer vegetarian and pescatarian options. If you need halal-friendly seafood, check menus or call ahead—most restaurants use Gulf fish and shellfish, but it’s wise to ask about preparation.
Do I need a reservation at top seafood spots?
Reservations aren’t always required, but are a good idea for popular places like GW Fins and Pêche, especially on weekends or during festival season.
What New Orleans seafood dishes should I try as a first-timer?
Don’t miss chargrilled oysters, shrimp or crawfish po’boys, gumbo, blackened fish, and boiled crawfish (if they’re in season). Each one showcases New Orleans’ seafood style.
Are seafood restaurants in New Orleans kid-friendly?
Absolutely. Many restaurants welcome families and have casual atmospheres, with po’boys, fries, and fish platters kids enjoy.