These Are The New Orleans, Louisiana’s Best Seafood Restaurants Everyone Is Talking About
New Orleans has long been a true paradise for seafood lovers, and it’s easy to see why. With the Gulf of Mexico just steps away, the city enjoys a steady stream of fresh catches that chefs transform into unforgettable dishes rooted in Creole and Cajun traditions.
From buttery shrimp and spicy crawfish to oysters served every imaginable way, the flavors here are bold, soulful, and deeply tied to the city’s culture.
I’ve spent years exploring these culinary treasures, and somehow the scene just keeps getting better. These seven standout seafood spots perfectly capture the essence of New Orleans dining.
GW Fins — Where Seafood Speaks Its Own Delicious Language
The first time I walked into GW Fins, I nearly wept with joy at the aroma. This French Quarter gem changes its menu daily based on what’s swimming in fresh that morning.
Their dry-aged yellowfin “ribeye” transformed my understanding of fish—it’s buttery, complex, and unlike anything you’ll taste elsewhere. Owner Gary Wollerman personally visits fishing boats to select the finest catches.
What truly sets them apart is their philosophy: let pristine seafood shine without drowning it in heavy sauces. Their tableside presentations add drama to dinner, making each visit feel like a special occasion even on a random Tuesday.
Deanie’s — Where Locals Go When They’re Craving Seafood Done Right
Y’all, I’ve been going to Deanie’s since I was knee-high to a crawfish, and their seafood platters still make me giddy with excitement! This neighborhood favorite serves portions that’ll make your eyes pop—heaping piles of golden-fried shrimp, oysters, and stuffed crab that taste like they jumped from the Gulf to your plate.
The atmosphere feels like Sunday dinner at your favorite aunt’s house. Comfortable, unpretentious, and full of laughter.
Fun fact: Their seafood boil comes with potatoes that soak up all that spicy goodness. I always order extra to take home because they’re that magical. When locals choose to celebrate birthdays here instead of fancier spots, you know it’s the real deal.
Pêche Seafood Grill — Rustic Charm Meets Culinary Innovation
Whoever said you can’t fall in love at first bite never experienced Pêche’s whole grilled fish. The James Beard Award-winning restaurant marries rustic cooking techniques with creative flair that leaves you speechless.
My personal revelation came with their smoked tuna dip—humble in appearance but explosive in flavor. The open kitchen lets you witness the magic of fish meeting fire on their wood-burning grill.
The industrial-chic space hums with energy as servers deliver shellfish towers that make neighboring tables gasp with envy. Chef Ryan Prewitt’s commitment to supporting local fishermen means you’re not just enjoying incredible seafood—you’re participating in Gulf Coast heritage preservation. Their drinks program deserves its own love letter too!
Acamaya — Where Mexican Mariscos Magic Meets Gulf Treasures
“Holy guacamole!” I literally shouted this after my first bite at Acamaya. This newcomer burst onto the scene in 2024, bringing Mexican seafood traditions that New Orleans didn’t know it was missing.
Chef Ana Castro rises before dawn to select shrimp herself, then transforms them into ceviches that dance with citrus and chili. Her aguachiles deliver that perfect balance of heat and acid that makes your taste buds stand at attention.
The tiny, vibrant space buzzes with energy as plates of seafood tostadas parade from the open kitchen. What makes Acamaya special is how it bridges cultures—Gulf seafood getting the Mexican coastal treatment creates something entirely new yet perfectly at home in NOLA. No wonder The New York Times already named it among America’s 50 best!
The French Quarter Duo: Red Fish Grill & The Pelican Club
Strolling through the French Quarter last summer, I stumbled upon what locals call the perfect seafood power couple. Red Fish Grill’s BBQ oysters changed my life—plump beauties with a spicy-sweet glaze that should be illegal in at least three states.
Just blocks away, The Pelican Club offers a more sophisticated experience. Their jumbo lump crab cakes contain so little filler, they seem to defy physics.
Both restaurants have weathered Hurricane Katrina and countless Mardi Gras seasons, yet maintain impeccable standards that newcomers struggle to match. The waitstaff at both spots tell stories of serving celebrities and locals side by side, all united by their love of perfectly prepared seafood. These establishments aren’t just restaurants—they’re living museums of New Orleans culinary history.
Porgy’s Seafood Market — Transparency You Can Taste
Remember when you had to choose between a fish market’s freshness and a restaurant’s cooking expertise? Porgy’s brilliantly said, “Why not both?” and created seafood magic.
Walking in for the first time, I was mesmerized watching fishmongers fillet Gulf snapper behind glass while chefs transformed identical fish into culinary masterpieces just steps away. Their commitment to traceability means they can tell you the name of the boat that caught your dinner that morning.
The James Beard semifinalist nomination in 2025 surprised everyone except those who’ve experienced their scallops—caramelized perfection with just enough seasoning to enhance their natural sweetness. Porgy’s represents the future of seafood dining: transparent, sustainable, and downright delicious. I now judge all seafood restaurants by their willingness to show me where my meal came from.
Superior Seafood & Oyster Bar — Garden District Elegance With Streetcar Views
Perched on the St. Charles streetcar line, Superior Seafood captured my heart during a rainstorm when I ducked in for shelter and stayed for three hours. Their chargrilled oysters—bubbling with garlic butter and Parmesan—pair perfectly with the hypnotic rhythm of passing streetcars.
The wraparound windows make this place magical during Mardi Gras parades. You haven’t lived until you’ve sipped their frozen French 75 while watching floats roll by!
What keeps me coming back is their seafood courtbouillon—a rich, tomato-based stew that feels like a warm hug from a Cajun grandmother. The bartenders remember regulars’ names and drink orders, creating that rare balance of upscale food with neighborhood comfort. During my last visit, I watched a marriage proposal unfold over their seafood tower—romance apparently pairs well with fresh oysters.