Local chefs and tastemakers compile the 26 must-try dishes in New Orleans for 2026, highlighting the city’s best bites no visitor should miss.
1. Whole Fried Snapper from Addis Nola – Seasoned with bold, aromatic Ethiopian spices, the whole fried snapper at Addis Nola is crisp on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, and paired perfectly with their fluffy rice and rich tomato sauce
2. Gnocchi with Jumbo Lump Crabmeat from Saint Claire– Saint Claire’s Gnocchi with jumbo lump crab is easily one of the top dishes to try out in New Orleans. The pillowy gnocchi is tossed in a silky lemon beurre that is bright, rich, and perfectly balanced with the sweetness of the crab.
3. BBQ Shrimp Pie from Gabrielle Restaurant– Gabrielle’s New Orleans-style Barbeque Shrimp Pie, paired with the House Salad with fried oysters, delivers a nostalgic, flavour-packed taste of the city in every bite.
4. Sloppy Joe from Avegno – Avegno’s late-night Sloppy Joe is nostalgic, delicious, and pairs perfectly with their French onion soup, making this hidden neighbourhood gem a must-visit.
5. Trinidadian Doubles from Queen Trini Lisa- Queen Trini Lisa’s vegan Trinidadian Doubles featuring Caribbean flavours is a must-eat for 2026. The freshly fried dough wraps perfectly around the chickpeas that are seasoned perfectly and embodies the spirit of cultural fusion that gave New Orleans the nickname of “northernmost point in the Caribbean.”
6. Shrimp and Alligator Sausage Cheesecake from Jacques-Imo’s- Jacques-Imo’s Alligator Cheesecake is a uniquely savoury New Orleans appetiser, fluffy, flavourful, and a must-try.
7. Ban Cuon Thit Nuong from Ba Mien- The Banh Cuon Thit Nuong (steamed roll with grilled pork) dish is a must-try for everyone for the freshness and texture of the steamed roll, paired with the char of the grilled pork and fresh cilantro.
8. Hamachi Crudo from Acamaya- The Hamachi Crudo at Acamaya, crafted by Chef Ana Castro, is a 2026 must-try culinary highlight in the city.
9. Oysters Mosca from Mosca’s Restaurant- New Orleans is known for their cooked oyster dishes, and Oysters Mosca at this CreoleItalian roadhouse is an absolute must-try.
10. Not Yo Mama’s Corn Cakes from Who Dat Coffee Café- The quirky and decadent “Not Ya Mama’s Corn Cakes” features two homemade corn cakes topped with candied bacon and warm Steen’s Cane Syrup to pour over it.
11. Shrimp Po-Boy from Guy’s Po-Boys- Guy’s Shrimp Po’Boy is quintessentially New Orleans—a true culinary landmark of the city.
12. BBQ Shrimp from Mr B’s- Bold, buttery, and irresistibly flavourful, the Barbecued Shrimp at Mr B’s Bistro is a New Orleans classic you do not want to miss.
13. Khao Soi Noodle Soup from Budsi’s Authentic Thai- The Khao Soi Noodle Soup with chicken at Budsi’s Authentic Thai delivers a comforting bowl of flavour, with the heat of chilli oil balanced by a creamy base, crispy noodles, and fresh greens.
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14. The Bandeja Paisa from El Caimán Gordo in St. Roch Tavern- The Bandeja Paisa at El Caimán Gordo, a Colombian pop-up from Chef Marc Bruckel inside St Roch Tavern, is a traditional plate from Colombia, loaded with a choice of meat in addition to chicharron, sausage, patacones, arepas, rice, beans, avocado, salad, and a fried egg! It is a massive shareable platter that easily feeds 2-3 people at an incredibly affordable price.
15. Confit Duck Leg from The Kingsway- The confit duck leg at the Kingsway features perfectly crispy skin, served over a Kabocha Squash purée, finished off with a sour cherry gastrique to balance out the richness.
16. Seared Scallops with Cacio e Pepe Beans from Zasu + Catfish Po-Boy from North Broad Seafood-The seared scallop with Cacio E Pepe beans, blistered tomatoes, and preserved lemon at Zasu is a food enthusiast’s dream bite. Meanwhile, the Catfish Po’Boy at North Broad Seafood, aka “The Blue Store,” is a local favourite for crawfish and classic po’boys.
17. Corn & Crabmeat Bisque and Shrimp Fettuccine from Vincent’s Italian Cuisine- Vincent’s on St. Charles, known for its intimate setting and authentic vibe, serves a delicious Corn & Crabmeat Bisque in a bread bowl, along with their flavourful Shrimp Tagliatelle Pasta.
18. Bread Pudding Soufflé from Commander’s Palace- The Creole Bread Pudding Soufflé at Commander’s Palace stands out in New Orleans for its unique texture and flavour, topped with a rich whiskey sauce.
19. The Specials Menu at Peche- Chef Nikki and Chef Ryan showcase culinary excellence on Peche’s specials menu, featuring vibrant Filipino flavours and their delectable crab rice.
20. Chicken & Sausage Gumbo from Chef Donald Link- Chef Donald Link’s Chicken & Sausage Gumbo, rooted in family traditions, is a must-try at La Boulangerie or Herbsaint.
21. Le Pig Mac from Cochon Butcher- Cochon Butcher’s Le Pig Mac is a must-try, and their house-made meats, terrines, and sausages are equally irresistible.
22. Duck Leg Confit with Dirty Rice from Herbsaint- A dish with perfectly crispy skin and meat that falls off the bone and melts in your mouth, served over dirty rice with a sweet citrus Gastrique to cut through the richness, stands as a testament to hearty, Southern, home-cooked meals.
23. Omakase at Shogun- Chef Atsushi Morishita’s Shogun’s sushi bar shines for its customizable omakase rolls and sashimi platters.
24. Floribbean Fish Chowder at Hot & Soul- The Floribbean Fish Chowder at Hot & Soul, prepared by Chefs Christy Samoy and Mike Hampton, is made with local Drum (one of the great bounties of our fishery) and features habanero, tomato, and allspice.
25. Fried Chicken from Hot Stuff- The fried chicken at Hot Stuff is one of those comfort foods you keep coming back to, with every bite reflecting the care and attention put into the recipe.
26. Tom Kha Coconut Milk Soup with Chicken and Crispy Pork from Budsi’s Authentic Thai- Budsi’s Authentic Thai in the Marigny offers an incredible bowl of their Tom Kha Coconut Milk Soup with chicken and crispy pork that is an absolute must-try in the city.
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