May 20, 2025
New Orleans was founded 307 years ago and boasts wonderfully old architecture and a storied history. Part of that history is the stunning evolution of New Orleans cuisine, drawing from many cultures and creating something unique. There are so many new and wonderful restaurants, menus and locations popping up in the French Quarter all the time! Here is a look at some of what is new in the French Quarter and surrounding area these days.
Athenian Bar and Grill – 301 Decatur St., www.athenianfood.com
The Athenian Bar and Grill is a welcome addition to the French Quarter serving delectable Greek and Mediterranean dishes. The large, open and airy dining room on busy Decatur Street features beautiful olive branch chandeliers and wood accents throughout the room. The star of the menu is the Souvlaki, a marinated chicken, beef, lamb, or pork grilled on a skewer that is tender and bursting with flavor. The menu features an array of Greek and Mediterranean delicacies such as starters including Tiropida (traditional Greek cheese pie), Spanakopita (traditional Greek spinach pie), Saganaki, flaming fried kefalotyri cheese and many traditional spreads. The Greek salad is a stunner, with imported feta cheese, oregano, cucumber, tomato, green peppers and some of the best Greek olives in the city. No Greek menu is complete without a selection of Yeeros (Gyros) which the Athenian offers. A full bar featuring traditional and Greek inspired cocktails, wine and beer is available, as are vegan options, and Greek desserts. The Athenian is open daily, 11 a.m.–10 p.m.
Bésame – 110 South Rampart St., www.besame-nola.com/location
Nanyo Dominguez, chef at Bésame, uses the freshest ingredients in New Orleans to create his interpretation of some of the most popular dishes in various countries throughout Latin America. His restaurant offers ceviche, tapas, paella, caldo de mariscos, Cochinita and Steak Mofongo, among others. The dishes are expertly prepared and are bursting with complex flavors. Pair a dish with some of the many cocktails, wines, or beers, such as a Caipirinha, or an Aztec Old Fashioned for a delightful experience. Located across from the Saenger Theater in the Arts District, Bésame offers happy hour specials weekdays 12–5 p.m. and weekend brunch specials. Bésame is closed on Tuesdays.
Junebug – 744 Camp St., www.junebugnola.com
Junebug is a new dining bar that opened in 2025 under Shannon Bingham in the warehouse district that serves sophisticated plates, late-night eats and features an extensive bar program. The space features fine touches such as hand-painted roses in the archways, a Victorian-inspired wallpaper that serves to highlight the exposed brick, designer lighting, and the bar opens onto a large, lush, patio framed in bamboo. The dinner menu, served 4 p.m.–10 p.m., features a hanger steak, black drum, and a pate melt—no typo there—featuring pate de Campagne, gruyere, and confit onions. A variety of smaller plates such as duck and bacon crepinettes, a yellowfin tuna crudo, and an eggplant schnitzel all represent the playful twist on classic food. The late-night menu served 10pm–close, features a Duck Reuben, classic cheeseburger, and a fried chicken sandwich, along with smaller plates of pecan pimento cheese, homemade chips, bar nuts and a flavorful pickled shrimp dip. Junebug offers a full bar program highlighting lighter, refreshing drinks such as Little Old Money Maker, their house sangria, or a refreshing spritzer featuring sparkling rosé, Etter Kirsch brandy, Pisco, Cocchi Rosa, and of course, traditional cocktails. Junebug also offers a happy hour weeknights from 4–6 p.m. Junebug is closed on Mondays and opens Tuesday–Sunday at 4 p.m.
Maria’s Oyster & Wine Bar – 752 Tchoupitoulas St., www.mariasoysterbar.com
Maria’s Oyster and Wine Bar opened at the beginning of 2025 and is the collaboration of Farrell Harrison (Plates) and Christian Hurst (Le Moyne) designed to feature Louisiana and Gulf seafood. The menu offers an extensive selection of items from their raw bar including a bright and delicious ceviche that is made daily with the freshest ingredients, a gulf tuna crudo, a shrimp escabeche, and of course, a variety of oysters and oyster dishes. For savory hot plate offerings Maria’s offers a house-made seafood gumbo, a fried oyster salad, pimento cheese croquettes, an oxtail hand pie featuring mango chow and fermented chili, curried pork cheeks and a variety of other dishes that highlight locally sourced ingredients. Happy hour is featured daily from 4–6 p.m., and reservations are recommended, but not required. Maria’s is open daily at 11 a.m.
Patula – 619 Royal St.
Tucked in the courtyard of the flagship store for Krewe, a local New Orleans sunglasses designer, Patula is a courtyard café featuring Chef Rob Tabone at the helm serving coffee, natural wines, sandwiches and snacks. Walk into the beautiful courtyard and escape the hullabaloo of the busy French Quarter for a bit. In the morning, pair your coffee or espresso with delightful pastries from Ayu Bakehouse. In the afternoon, maybe try a cheese plate or a sandwich with a cocktail (there are limited cocktails on the menu). Patula is open Thursday through Monday, 10 a.m.–9 p.m.
Rizzuto’s Prime – 601 Loyola Ave. (Hyatt Hotel), www.rizzutosprime.com
The Rizzuto family of local renown opened Rizzuto’s Prime during the hustle and bustle of the Mardi Gras season inside of the Hyatt Hotel and its menu features the best of a traditional steakhouse, local seafood, and recipes from generations of their Sicilian family. Now, you are probably asking yourself whether you want to go to a steakhouse inside of a hotel. Oh, yes, you do when the Rizzuto family name is at the helm, as they have owned and operated successful local restaurants for years.
Maybe you will start with a salad, a seafood tower, crab cocktail, or Oysters Rizzuto, a baked oyster dish featuring lemon, oregano, Pecorino Romano and breadcrumbs. The steaks are only the finest Prime Angus beef available, and they offer every cut imaginable including a center cut filet, New York strip, a cowboy ribeye, spinalis and porterhouse. The menu also offers chicken, veal, pork chops, and lobster. Let’s not forget the generations of Sicilian recipes that influence the cioppino, seafood lasagna, Pasta Fra Diavolo and more.
The dining room can accommodate small and large parties and there is a large bar, perfect for happy hour, serving a variety of specialty and traditional cocktails. Rizzuto’s also offers a brunch menu every Saturday and Sunday, with live music, from 11 a.m.–3 p.m., and valet parking is offered for $10.
Saint John restaurant, formerly located on lower Decatur has moved to 715 St. Charles Ave.
Saint John restaurant, formerly located at on lower Decatur has moved to 715 St. Charles Ave. Chef/Owner Eric Cook “draws inspiration from simple family dishes meant to feed the masses and presents those flavors in an elevated, yet approachable way.” Since opening his first restaurant Gris Gris in 2018, Cook has quickly become one NOLA’s stars on the culinary scene, having received a multitude of accolades including Chef of the Year and Restaurant of the Year by local publications. His approach to food focuses on home-style, seasonal dishes amped up by a touch of sophistication. Signature dishes at Saint John include Creole Beef Daube (red wine-braised black angus short rib, whipped potatoes, gremolata), Shrimp Yassa(Gulf shrimp, lemon, garlic, spicy mustard, stone ground grits with French bread) and Smothered Turkey Necks in brown gravy with caramelized onions and homemade potato salad. Don’t miss the rustic, yet simply sublime, Baked Macaroni Pie with red gravy! Tasty brunch options include Eggs in Purgatory (eggs baked in spicy Creole sauce, with grilled andouille sausage and toasted French bread), Fried Chicken and Waffles with hot honey syrup and whipped butter, and Pork Belly Cassoulet with white beans, salted pork, braised pork belly and hog cracklin’ gremolata. Much like Cook’s cuisine, the restaurant’s décor is refined, yet uncomplicated, elegant, yet inviting with outdoor dining also available on the Avenue.
Tatlo – 240 Bourbon St., www.tatlo.co
Tatlo, a newcomer to the French Quarter, features southeastern Asian inspired cuisine, cocktails, and is also home to an Absinthe House. Cristina Quackenbush (Milkfish) has designed a playful and delicious menu that features an array of tantalizing bites including chicken adobo arancini, fondue served with roasted crudité, crostini and pickled vegetables. More substantial plates include a daily fish offering, short ribs featuring peanut butter and bagoong (a Philippine condiment), pork ribs featuring a sticky lemongrass BBQ, a smash burger, and the protection noodz (pancit noodles) with crab butter, mushroom broth and more, served with a black pepper butter candle. The array of options and flavors make decisions difficult, but they will be delicious. Once you decide upon an entrée or two, one must decide what to pair with these beautiful dishes. Tatlo features an extensive array of Absinthe selections, from the United States, France, and Switzerland, as well as an array of tempting cocktails. Tatlo is open Wednesday through Sunday, 6 p.m. to midnight (1 a.m. Friday and Saturday). The entrance is located on Bienville Street.
Other notable news:
Croissant D’Or has a second location that is slated to open in June at 317 Chartres St.
Royal Courtyard Bistro and Bar is slated to open this summer at 912 Royal St.
Spicy Mango – a new restaurant from Larry Morrow is scheduled to open this summer at 405 Frenchmen St. and will offer Caribbean fusion food.
Victoria’s Bakery – 833 Iberville St. opened earlier this year and offers coffee and pastries daily from 8am-8pm
COOLinary 2025 is set to run Aug. 1–31, 2025. https://www.neworleans.com/coolinary/
COOLinary is a wonderful event enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. Each summer, restaurants from around the city participate and prepare specially curated menus with prix-fixe prices. Restaurants may offer lunch (usually two courses), dinner (usually three courses) or brunch options. Last year over 100 restaurants participated in this annual summertime tradition. It’s the perfect opportunity to try a variety of places throughout the city.
Athenian Bar and Grill – 301 Decatur St., www.athenianfood.com
The Athenian Bar and Grill is a welcome addition to the French Quarter serving delectable Greek and Mediterranean dishes. The large, open and airy dining room on busy Decatur Street features beautiful olive branch chandeliers and wood accents throughout the room. The star of the menu is the Souvlaki, a marinated chicken, beef, lamb, or pork grilled on a skewer that is tender and bursting with flavor. The menu features an array of Greek and Mediterranean delicacies such as starters including Tiropida (traditional Greek cheese pie), Spanakopita (traditional Greek spinach pie), Saganaki, flaming fried kefalotyri cheese and many traditional spreads. The Greek salad is a stunner, with imported feta cheese, oregano, cucumber, tomato, green peppers and some of the best Greek olives in the city. No Greek menu is complete without a selection of Yeeros (Gyros) which the Athenian offers. A full bar featuring traditional and Greek inspired cocktails, wine and beer is available, as are vegan options, and Greek desserts. The Athenian is open daily, 11 a.m.–10 p.m.
Bésame – 110 South Rampart St., www.besame-nola.com/location
Nanyo Dominguez, chef at Bésame, uses the freshest ingredients in New Orleans to create his interpretation of some of the most popular dishes in various countries throughout Latin America. His restaurant offers ceviche, tapas, paella, caldo de mariscos, Cochinita and Steak Mofongo, among others. The dishes are expertly prepared and are bursting with complex flavors. Pair a dish with some of the many cocktails, wines, or beers, such as a Caipirinha, or an Aztec Old Fashioned for a delightful experience. Located across from the Saenger Theater in the Arts District, Bésame offers happy hour specials weekdays 12–5 p.m. and weekend brunch specials. Bésame is closed on Tuesdays.
Junebug – 744 Camp St., www.junebugnola.com
Junebug is a new dining bar that opened in 2025 under Shannon Bingham in the warehouse district that serves sophisticated plates, late-night eats and features an extensive bar program. The space features fine touches such as hand-painted roses in the archways, a Victorian-inspired wallpaper that serves to highlight the exposed brick, designer lighting, and the bar opens onto a large, lush, patio framed in bamboo. The dinner menu, served 4 p.m.–10 p.m., features a hanger steak, black drum, and a pate melt—no typo there—featuring pate de Campagne, gruyere, and confit onions. A variety of smaller plates such as duck and bacon crepinettes, a yellowfin tuna crudo, and an eggplant schnitzel all represent the playful twist on classic food. The late-night menu served 10pm–close, features a Duck Reuben, classic cheeseburger, and a fried chicken sandwich, along with smaller plates of pecan pimento cheese, homemade chips, bar nuts and a flavorful pickled shrimp dip. Junebug offers a full bar program highlighting lighter, refreshing drinks such as Little Old Money Maker, their house sangria, or a refreshing spritzer featuring sparkling rosé, Etter Kirsch brandy, Pisco, Cocchi Rosa, and of course, traditional cocktails. Junebug also offers a happy hour weeknights from 4–6 p.m. Junebug is closed on Mondays and opens Tuesday–Sunday at 4 p.m.
Maria’s Oyster & Wine Bar – 752 Tchoupitoulas St., www.mariasoysterbar.com
Maria’s Oyster and Wine Bar opened at the beginning of 2025 and is the collaboration of Farrell Harrison (Plates) and Christian Hurst (Le Moyne) designed to feature Louisiana and Gulf seafood. The menu offers an extensive selection of items from their raw bar including a bright and delicious ceviche that is made daily with the freshest ingredients, a gulf tuna crudo, a shrimp escabeche, and of course, a variety of oysters and oyster dishes. For savory hot plate offerings Maria’s offers a house-made seafood gumbo, a fried oyster salad, pimento cheese croquettes, an oxtail hand pie featuring mango chow and fermented chili, curried pork cheeks and a variety of other dishes that highlight locally sourced ingredients. Happy hour is featured daily from 4–6 p.m., and reservations are recommended, but not required. Maria’s is open daily at 11 a.m.
Patula – 619 Royal St.
Tucked in the courtyard of the flagship store for Krewe, a local New Orleans sunglasses designer, Patula is a courtyard café featuring Chef Rob Tabone at the helm serving coffee, natural wines, sandwiches and snacks. Walk into the beautiful courtyard and escape the hullabaloo of the busy French Quarter for a bit. In the morning, pair your coffee or espresso with delightful pastries from Ayu Bakehouse. In the afternoon, maybe try a cheese plate or a sandwich with a cocktail (there are limited cocktails on the menu). Patula is open Thursday through Monday, 10 a.m.–9 p.m.
Rizzuto’s Prime – 601 Loyola Ave. (Hyatt Hotel), www.rizzutosprime.com
The Rizzuto family of local renown opened Rizzuto’s Prime during the hustle and bustle of the Mardi Gras season inside of the Hyatt Hotel and its menu features the best of a traditional steakhouse, local seafood, and recipes from generations of their Sicilian family. Now, you are probably asking yourself whether you want to go to a steakhouse inside of a hotel. Oh, yes, you do when the Rizzuto family name is at the helm, as they have owned and operated successful local restaurants for years.
Maybe you will start with a salad, a seafood tower, crab cocktail, or Oysters Rizzuto, a baked oyster dish featuring lemon, oregano, Pecorino Romano and breadcrumbs. The steaks are only the finest Prime Angus beef available, and they offer every cut imaginable including a center cut filet, New York strip, a cowboy ribeye, spinalis and porterhouse. The menu also offers chicken, veal, pork chops, and lobster. Let’s not forget the generations of Sicilian recipes that influence the cioppino, seafood lasagna, Pasta Fra Diavolo and more.
The dining room can accommodate small and large parties and there is a large bar, perfect for happy hour, serving a variety of specialty and traditional cocktails. Rizzuto’s also offers a brunch menu every Saturday and Sunday, with live music, from 11 a.m.–3 p.m., and valet parking is offered for $10.
Saint John restaurant, formerly located on lower Decatur has moved to 715 St. Charles Ave.
Saint John restaurant, formerly located at on lower Decatur has moved to 715 St. Charles Ave. Chef/Owner Eric Cook “draws inspiration from simple family dishes meant to feed the masses and presents those flavors in an elevated, yet approachable way.” Since opening his first restaurant Gris Gris in 2018, Cook has quickly become one NOLA’s stars on the culinary scene, having received a multitude of accolades including Chef of the Year and Restaurant of the Year by local publications. His approach to food focuses on home-style, seasonal dishes amped up by a touch of sophistication. Signature dishes at Saint John include Creole Beef Daube (red wine-braised black angus short rib, whipped potatoes, gremolata), Shrimp Yassa(Gulf shrimp, lemon, garlic, spicy mustard, stone ground grits with French bread) and Smothered Turkey Necks in brown gravy with caramelized onions and homemade potato salad. Don’t miss the rustic, yet simply sublime, Baked Macaroni Pie with red gravy! Tasty brunch options include Eggs in Purgatory (eggs baked in spicy Creole sauce, with grilled andouille sausage and toasted French bread), Fried Chicken and Waffles with hot honey syrup and whipped butter, and Pork Belly Cassoulet with white beans, salted pork, braised pork belly and hog cracklin’ gremolata. Much like Cook’s cuisine, the restaurant’s décor is refined, yet uncomplicated, elegant, yet inviting with outdoor dining also available on the Avenue.
Tatlo – 240 Bourbon St., www.tatlo.co
Tatlo, a newcomer to the French Quarter, features southeastern Asian inspired cuisine, cocktails, and is also home to an Absinthe House. Cristina Quackenbush (Milkfish) has designed a playful and delicious menu that features an array of tantalizing bites including chicken adobo arancini, fondue served with roasted crudité, crostini and pickled vegetables. More substantial plates include a daily fish offering, short ribs featuring peanut butter and bagoong (a Philippine condiment), pork ribs featuring a sticky lemongrass BBQ, a smash burger, and the protection noodz (pancit noodles) with crab butter, mushroom broth and more, served with a black pepper butter candle. The array of options and flavors make decisions difficult, but they will be delicious. Once you decide upon an entrée or two, one must decide what to pair with these beautiful dishes. Tatlo features an extensive array of Absinthe selections, from the United States, France, and Switzerland, as well as an array of tempting cocktails. Tatlo is open Wednesday through Sunday, 6 p.m. to midnight (1 a.m. Friday and Saturday). The entrance is located on Bienville Street.
Other notable news:
Croissant D’Or has a second location that is slated to open in June at 317 Chartres St.
Royal Courtyard Bistro and Bar is slated to open this summer at 912 Royal St.
Spicy Mango – a new restaurant from Larry Morrow is scheduled to open this summer at 405 Frenchmen St. and will offer Caribbean fusion food.
Victoria’s Bakery – 833 Iberville St. opened earlier this year and offers coffee and pastries daily from 8am-8pm
COOLinary 2025 is set to run Aug. 1–31, 2025. https://www.neworleans.com/coolinary/
COOLinary is a wonderful event enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. Each summer, restaurants from around the city participate and prepare specially curated menus with prix-fixe prices. Restaurants may offer lunch (usually two courses), dinner (usually three courses) or brunch options. Last year over 100 restaurants participated in this annual summertime tradition. It’s the perfect opportunity to try a variety of places throughout the city.
