Cheap Places to Eat in New Orleans

"Delicately prepared sashimi does not usually come to mind when discussing New Orleans cuisine, but this tiny Uptown restaurant has created buzz and received accolades since its 2018 opening. Chef Hao Gong worked for years at the popular Sake Cafe, and he’s translated his skills into an innovative pan-Asian menu that displays Japanese and Chinese influences. Raw dishes—salmon with Asian pear, soy and basil seeds; tuna with dragon fruit and spicy soy—are super fresh and innovative, while hot dishes—tofu with shiitakes, wood ear mushrooms and lily flower; Gong’s mother’s pork and ginger dumplings—are creative and satisfying."

"A former donut shop, LUVI is a small, lovely restaurant with bespoke woodwork and pops of bold colors and patterns. The pan-Asian menu, not common in NOLA, includes Japanese dishes, plus some favorites from the chef's hometown of Shanghai. Try the Lion’s Head, a savory crab-and-pork meatball in bone broth; the Mala Holla, spicy slices of beef; and Chef Hao’s Mama’s Dumplings (his actual Mama’s recipe)."

"5236 Tchoupitoulas St., (504) 605-3340; www.luvirestaurant.com. Mala Holla is spicy beef with cilantro, peanuts and ghost chili oil. Reservations accepted."

"Freret Beer Room, the first and only beer-focused restaurant in New Orleans, is killing it on both fronts. The sixteen taps are well chosen to complement the menu’s small and large plates and daily specials. Chef Charles Vincent’s steamed mussels come with a smoked oyster and tomato aioli, and the tomato-braised meatballs are served over polenta."

"This upscale cocktail bar is housed in a former fire station that dates back to 1903. The long, narrow room has striking arched windows at one end, casting light onto the bar, which frames a truly awe-inspiring wall of spirits and liqueurs. Most people come here for the ever-evolving menu of house cocktails."

"Your mouth will water when you see some of the creative Italian dishes at this pizza joint. We’re dying to try the Vegan Roasted Mushroom Bolognese & Whole Wheat Rigatoni and the Vegan Brussels Sprouts pizza with marinara, pickled red onions, and olive oil."

"617 Piety St Bywater Area, New Orleans, LA 70117-6221American, Pizza, ItalianLunch, DinnerDelivery, Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol+1 504-676-8482http://www.pizzadelicious.com"

"In a city known for its fiery Cajun and Creole cuisines, tongue-tingling dishes abound, but the gumbo at this neighborhood stalwart really stands out by combining the two culinary traditions. The resulting dish is “the absolute hottest and most-delicious gumbo out there,” Geoffrey Zakarian declared on Top 5 Restaurants. For this distinctive stew, a spice-laden savory stock is combined with a robust Cajun-style roux, okra, chicken thighs and andouille sausage."

"It started as a neighborhood bar near the horse tracks in 1936. Sixty years later, James Lemarie and Billy Gruber bought Liuzza’s by the Track and turned it into the quintessential neighborhood corner joint and the unofficial gathering place for Jazz Fest. Order the garlic oyster po-boy and a cold beer, served in a large frosted goblet."

"Say it out loud: “BBQ Shrimp.” It’s the most famous dish at this low-key restaurant near the Fairgrounds. Loads of peeled shrimp are swamped in a buttery sauce rife with pepper and loads of bright notes, then the lot is stuffed into a hollowed out roll. It acts like it’s food for one person but it’s sufficient for two."

"Ten years old and going strong, Magazine Street's quirky, always-slammed early morning to lunch time diner, is known for their Slammer options, a hangover-helper made with hashbrowns and scrambles of various sort (eggs, chili, tofu, what have you). There is also a potato latke/crawfish etouffee dish called the Jewish Coonass, not PC, but a fan favorite."

"People hang around the doors of this modest Metairie institution, night after night, the way barbecue lovers flock to the newest and hottest joints in Texas, except that R&O has been around since the ’80’s, that’s how much people love it here, and why shouldn’t they—the roast beef po boys are some of the most distinctive in town, but there’s so much else to eat here, too—shrimp salads, eggplant parmesan lunch specials, thin crust pizza, the works. Fancy it’s not, unforgettable all the same."

"For good reason: They’re reasonably priced, filling and about as egalitarian as a local food can be. Fried seafood po’ boys get much of the love, but consider the unsung hero of po’ boy land: the roast beef po’ boy. Here in the first suburb west of New Orleans proper is R&Os, home of the finest roast beef po’ boy with gravy that can be."

"Long before lines were forming down the street for Chinese grub at Dian Xin, chef Doug Crowell took a serious leap of faith by opening a little dumpling and noodle joint, appropriately named Bao and Noodle, in the Marigny. It was only 2014, but it seems like the dark ages. A time where Chinese food in New Orleans felt like a vast wasteland of Americanized take out joints frequented by the lovers of gloopy, sweet, bastardized versions of Asian fare."

"Quite honestly, Bao & Noodle is one of the best Chinese restaurants in the whole city. Not only does it have plenty of vegetarian options, there are also daily specials, seasonal vegetables, and daily dumplings cooked to perfection. You can’t go here without ordering the steamed vegan bao, scallion pancakes, Burmese tea salad, and the strange flavored peanuts."

"Whether you’re in the mood for Scallion Pancakes, sweet Sesame Balls with Red Bean Paste, or Yellow Curry, Mock Duck and Mung Bean Bao, there are always vegan options at this Chinese restaurant."

"If you’re in need of some inspiration, consider trying these things: Chocolate Frozen Yogurt, Vanilla Ice Cream, and Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream."

"Since its launch in Baton Rouge, Raising Cane’s has grown a household name, and the sauce is the thing of legends. Now, Nation’s Restaurant News named the chicken finger masters the fastest-growing chain in the nation for 2017. Check them out at any of their numerous locations across the city."

"Located in New Orleans, we serve only the highest quality chicken finger meals. It's our ONE LOVE. Our crew makes it happen, our culture makes it unique, and the community makes it all worthwhile."

"A Caniac combo includes six fried chicken tenders, tangy Cane’s sauce, french fries, Texas toast, coleslaw and a large drink."

"Set in a renovated home with an outdoor deck on funky Freret Street, Origami has line-up of specialty rolls with topical (and dated?) names like FEMA roll, chocolate city roll, and bye-bye Katrina roll, the latter including layers of smelt roe, cucumber, eel, and shrimp tempura wrapped in tender soy paper, and garnished with snow crab and a drizzle of sweet and salty eel sauce. The fish is pristine and chopped with the kind of expertise that comes from years of experience. Six oyster shooters with spicy ponzu sauce for $6.95 is a deal."

"While from the outside it may look like your average home, Origami is far from ordinary. The menu is extremely versatile– from a poke salad with chili ponzu sauce to seafood gumbo to crawfish sushi. The prices are very reasonable, making it perfect for a night out with friends."

"11 Westbank Expressway, Gretna, (504) 367-9512; 3124 David Drive, Metairie, (504) 454-9449; www.groundpati.com. Applewood-smoked bacon and cheddar cheese top a burger served with french fries. Reservations accepted for large parties."

"Tags: Chef Owned and Operated, Dog Friendly Patio, and Garden Guide. Category: Caribbean, Latin American, Outside Dining, Private Dining, and Weekend Brunch. Mayas Restaurant is a captivating Latin dining experience with exciting social rhythms."

"Boiled or fried yuca is served over salad and topped with mango salsa and pico de gallo. Reservations accepted. Lunch Wed.-Sat., dinner Wed.-Sun., brunch Sat.-Sun."

"There aren’t a lot of reasons for culture vultures to head to the trad jazz lowbrow Bourbon Street, but Fritzel’s is certainly worth the stop. Traditional jazz, played mostly by the house band (Fritzel’s New Orleans Jazz Band) with various special guests, is what you’ll find. The barroom is friendly and boisterous but without the ​frat bro-ish vibe of many of its Bourbon Street neighbors."