Top Seafood Restaurants in New Orleans

Surrounded by the rich waters of the Gulf of Mexico, New Orleans has long been celebrated as a mecca for seafood enthusiasts. The city’s cultural heritage, shaped by French, Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences, brings bold spices and creative techniques to its coastal bounty. Here, seafood is more than just a staple — it's a cornerstone of daily life and festive tradition, from backyard boils to fine-dining feasts.

Whether you're craving freshly shucked oysters, spicy crawfish étouffée, or blackened redfish straight off the grill, New Orleans delivers with unmatched freshness and authenticity. Its restaurants — both classic and contemporary — honor local ingredients while celebrating the soulful flavors that make this city a standout destination for food lovers across the globe.

New Orleans is brimming with iconic seafood dishes that reflect the city’s rich cultural blend and deep culinary roots. One standout is the crawfish étouffée, a comforting, flavorful stew of crawfish tails smothered in a roux-based sauce and served over rice. You also can’t miss the shrimp and grits, a Southern classic elevated by bold Creole spices and creamy textures. And of course, oysters Rockefeller, invented right in New Orleans, remain a staple: rich, baked oysters topped with herbs, butter, and breadcrumbs.

Other must-tries include blackened redfish, known for its smoky crust and flaky texture, and seafood gumbo, a deep, slow-cooked stew blending shrimp, crab, okra, and andouille sausage in a dark roux. Whether served in a bustling local eatery or a refined brasserie, each of these dishes captures a piece of the city’s soul — making your dining experience in New Orleans unforgettable.

In a city as gastronomically rich as New Orleans, great seafood isn't hard to find — but knowing where to go by neighborhood makes all the difference. From historic districts to waterfront gems, each part of the city brings its own flavor to the table, offering diners a unique way to experience the local seafood culture.

Whether you're after oysters on the half shell, a steaming bowl of gumbo, or a chef-driven modern take on Cajun classics, there's a spot for every craving.

Deanie’s Seafood is a true New Orleans institution, ranked among the city’s best spots for seafood. Located in the heart of the French Quarter, it’s known for its generous portions and bold flavors, with a menu that features fried seafood favorites like the Giant Seafood Platter, New Orleans-style barbeque shrimp, charbroiled and raw oysters, boiled crawfish, gumbo, and more.

For a more upscale experience, GW Fins offers refined seafood cuisine that has earned praise from both local diners and national critics. Under the direction of Executive Chef Michael Nelson and Chef/Owner Tenney Flynn, GW Fins sources the highest quality seafood from around the globe, complemented by the best of local waters — always served at their seasonal peak.

Superior Seafood & Oyster Bar stands out for its approachable Creole flavors and classic Louisiana seafood at a great value. Perfectly located on the St. Charles streetcar line at the corner of Napoleon Avenue, it combines delicious dishes with one of the city’s most iconic views, making it a popular stop for both tourists and locals.

Just a few blocks away on Magazine Street, Basin Seafood & Spirits offers a fresh take on Southern seafood. With a menu focused on lighter, modern interpretations of traditional Louisiana recipes, Basin uses locally sourced ingredients to create vibrant, flavorful plates in a relaxed yet stylish setting. Together, these two spots showcase the Garden District’s delicious charm.

Uptown New Orleans is home to some of the city’s best-kept culinary secrets, and Clancy’s Restaurant is one of them. Tucked away on Annunciation Street, Clancy’s offers an elegant mix of seafood, American, and Italian dishes in a cozy, upscale setting beloved by locals. A short drive away, Pascal’s Manale has been a neighborhood favorite since 1913, known for its iconic New Orleans-style BBQ shrimp and a menu that blends Italian and Creole influences. Both spots deliver rich flavors and a warm, intimate dining experience that feels uniquely local.

In a city like New Orleans, where seafood is at the heart of its culinary identity, finding an authentic restaurant means looking beyond just the menu. Authentic seafood spots prioritize freshness, source their ingredients locally, and preserve traditional cooking methods that reflect the region’s rich cultural heritage. From boiled crawfish to oyster po’boys and gumbo made from scratch, these dishes carry the soul of Louisiana’s food culture — bold, seasonal, and deeply rooted in community.

Authentic doesn’t always mean upscale — many of the best seafood experiences in New Orleans happen in laid-back, family-owned establishments or bustling neighborhood joints. What sets them apart is their commitment to flavor, tradition, and hospitality. Whether you're dining at a historic institution or a hidden local favorite, these are the places where recipes are passed down through generations and every bite tells a story.

New Orleans offers plenty of seafood restaurants that make families feel right at home. These spots combine flavorful, approachable dishes with welcoming service and kid-friendly environments. Many feature spacious dining areas, high chairs, and menus that include milder options like fried shrimp, grilled fish, and mac and cheese, perfect for younger palates. Whether it’s a casual lunch or a lively family dinner, these restaurants help everyone enjoy the rich flavors of the Gulf together.

Beyond the menu, the atmosphere matters too. Family-friendly seafood spots in New Orleans often boast a relaxed vibe, vibrant decor, and sometimes even live music that adds to the festive spirit.

For couples seeking an intimate dining experience with a touch of New Orleans history, Orleans Grapevine Wine Bar and Bistro is a charming option. Housed in a beautifully restored building from 1809, this elegant spot blends Creole tradition with fine dining and an impressive wine list. Its warm lighting, historic ambiance, and seasonal seafood specials make it perfect for a cozy evening for two in the heart of the French Quarter.

In the Garden District, Coquette brings a contemporary flair to Southern cuisine, offering a romantic setting with exposed brick walls, candlelit tables, and a menu that highlights fresh, local ingredients.

One of the reasons seafood in New Orleans tastes so exceptional is the city’s close connection to the seasons. Local chefs know that timing is everything — and choosing seafood at its seasonal peak ensures the freshest flavors. For example, crawfish season typically runs from late winter through early summer, with the best availability between March and May. Oysters, on the other hand, are traditionally enjoyed in cooler months, often from September through April, when Gulf waters are coldest and oysters are at their plumpest.

Soft-shell crabs make their appearance in the spring and early summer, while shrimp has two major harvest seasons — May to July and again in the fall. By understanding these natural rhythms, diners can make more informed choices and enjoy the very best of what local waters have to offer. Whether you're visiting for a festival or just passing through, planning your meals around the seasons adds another layer of authenticity to your culinary adventure.

Oysters are a cornerstone of New Orleans’ seafood culture, enjoyed raw, grilled, charbroiled, or baked. Whether served on the half shell with lemon and hot sauce or broiled with garlic butter and cheese, oysters capture the city’s bold, briny spirit. Many local restaurants also feature signature oyster dishes, including oysters Rockefeller, which originated here. With Gulf waters providing a steady supply, oyster lovers will find endless ways to enjoy this delicacy throughout the year.

Cajun seafood reflects the rustic, robust flavors of Louisiana’s Acadian roots. Typically seasoned with bold spice blends and often slow-cooked or blackened, dishes like crawfish étouffée, seafood jambalaya, and blackened catfish deliver depth and heat. Cajun cuisine is about comfort, tradition, and heart — and when it comes to seafood, it’s a celebration of the bayou’s best offerings, cooked with soul and served with a generous helping of Southern hospitality.

A New Orleans boil is not just a meal: it’s a social event. Combining shrimp, crawfish, crab, potatoes, corn, and sausage all cooked in a spicy, seasoned broth, a seafood boil is meant to be shared with friends and family. Served over newspaper or from big pots at backyard gatherings, boils are messy, flavorful, and full of local tradition. It’s one of the most immersive (and delicious) ways to experience New Orleans’ seafood culture.

From coast to coast, the U.S. offers incredible seafood destinations, and with Accor, you can enjoy each of them in comfort and style. Whether you’re indulging in fresh Pacific flavors in Los Angeles, savoring lobster rolls along the waterfront in Boston, or discovering vibrant culinary scenes in Chicago, Accor hotels are ready to welcome you with exceptional service and prime locations.

Enhance every journey by joining ALL – Accor Live Limitless, the brand’s global loyalty program. Members enjoy exclusive benefits like room upgrades, discounts, and the ability to earn and redeem points across a wide network of hotels and partners. Wherever your seafood cravings take you, travel smarter — and more deliciously — with Accor.