Best Upscale French Restaurants in French Quarter | Upscale French Food

30 restaurants in Best Upscale French Restaurants in French Quarter | Upscale French Food

• Olivier's Creole Restaurant — American · rated 5/5: Stepping into this soulful sanctuary feels like a journey into the heart of New Orleans, where the air is thick with the savory perfume of slow-simmered dark roux and the warmth of genuine Southern hospitality. Generations of family recipes come alive in velvety gumbos and spice-kissed jambalayas, each dish a vibrant tapestry of French, Spanish, and African influences that dance across the palate. It is a place where time slows down over plates of buttery crawfish etouffée and crusty French bread, inviting guests to savor the rich, storied flavors of the Bayou in an intimate, candlelit setting.
• Southern Candymakers — American · rated 5/5: The air hangs heavy with the intoxicating aroma of toasted pecans and simmering brown sugar as artisans transform bubbling copper kettles into golden, hand-poured pralines. This nostalgic French Quarter gem invites guests to witness the rhythmic artistry of candy-making on cool marble slabs, where velvety chocolates and buttery confections are crafted with a devotion to old-world tradition. Every bite is a decadent celebration of Southern heritage, offering a melt-in-your-mouth experience that feels like a warm, sugary embrace.
• Molly's at the Market — American · rated 5/5: Steeped in the storied charm of the French Quarter, this legendary haunt invites guests into a dimly lit sanctuary where the hum of local conversation mingles with the whir of the blender crafting their iconic Frozen Irish Coffees. Large windows offer a front-row seat to the vibrant pulse of Decatur Street, providing a weathered yet welcoming backdrop for long afternoons spent nursing a cold drink amidst walls lined with decades of neighborhood history.
• Ayu Bakehouse — French · rated 5/5: Sunlight floods this airy Marigny corner, where the intoxicating aroma of toasted flour and melting butter draws neighbors into a space buzzing with artisanal energy. The open kitchen showcases a playful dance of tradition and local flair, turning out everything from crusty boudin-stuffed sourdough to shatteringly crisp croissants filled with vibrant, seasonal flavors.
• Southern Candymakers — American · rated 5/5: The air inside this historic French Quarter confectionary is thick with the intoxicating aroma of toasted pecans and bubbling brown sugar simmering in massive copper kettles. Skilled artisans hand-pour creamy pralines onto cool marble slabs, crafting nostalgic, melt-in-your-mouth treats that capture the soulful, sugary essence of old New Orleans.
• Beachbum Berry's Latitude 29 — American · rated 4/5: Step into a lush, mid-century tropical oasis where bamboo-lined walls and dim, amber lighting transport guests from the bustling French Quarter to a bygone era of South Seas escapism. Artfully crafted exotic elixirs, brimming with fresh juices and complex spices, pair seamlessly with a menu of Polynesian-inspired fare that balances sweet, savory, and smoky notes for a truly immersive adventure.
• Cafe Fleur De Lis — French · rated 4/5: This sun-drenched sanctuary captures the soulful charm of a French Quarter bistro, where the aroma of chicory coffee and sizzling andouille sausage invites guests to linger over marble-topped tables. The kitchen elevates traditional Southern comfort with an elegant touch, serving up everything from pillowy beignets dusted in sugar to decadent seafood omelets that sing with vibrant coastal flavor.
• St. Lawrence Restaurant & Bar — French · rated 4/5: St. Lawrence invites diners into a sophisticated sanctuary where the rustic soul of heritage-inspired cuisine is reimagined through an elegant, contemporary lens. The air is thick with the comforting aromas of slow-simmered sauces and golden pastries, setting the stage for a decadent journey through rich, buttery flavors and time-honored techniques. This intimate space blends convivial energy with polished hospitality, creating a dining experience that feels both grandly celebratory and deeply personal.
• Cafe Beignet — French · rated 4/5: Enveloped in the timeless charm of the French Quarter, this vibrant haunt welcomes guests with the sweet, yeasty perfume of dough hitting hot oil and the soulful hum of live jazz. Golden mounds of pillowy beignets arrive hidden beneath a snowy drift of powdered sugar, offering a melt-in-your-mouth contrast to the robust, velvety warmth of a classic chicory café au lait.
• Coop's Place — American · rated 3/5: This storied Decatur Street landmark captures the raw, soulful spirit of the French Quarter, drawing guests into a dimly lit, weathered space where the walls are steeped in decades of local history. The kitchen turns out deeply flavorful Cajun staples, from rabbit and sausage jambalaya to shatteringly crisp fried chicken, each plate a testament to the bold, spicy heritage of New Orleans. It is a quintessential neighborhood haunt where the unpretentious atmosphere and intoxicating aromas of simmering roux invite you to linger over a cold drink and a true taste of the bayou.
• Café Maspero — American: This storied French Quarter corner hums with a vibrant, unpretentious energy, inviting guests into a rustic space defined by soaring ceilings and the timeless warmth of exposed brick. Towering sandwiches and overflowing platters of Creole classics take center stage, offering a hearty, soulful taste of New Orleans tradition that is best enjoyed with a frosty drink and the spirited rhythm of Decatur Street just outside the door.
• Creole House Restaurant & Oyster Bar — Seafood: Stepping into this historic French Quarter landmark feels like a warm embrace from old New Orleans, where the air is thick with the savory scent of slow-simmered roux and the rhythmic clinking of oyster knives. Guests gather around weathered tables to feast on plump, briny oysters shucked to order and soul-warming Creole classics that celebrate the rich, spicy heritage of the Louisiana bayou. It is a vibrant sanctuary of Southern hospitality, where every plate of zesty jambalaya or buttery seafood captures the soulful, timeless spirit of the city.
• Ruby Slipper Café — American: This vibrant brunch destination pulses with the spirited energy of New Orleans, welcoming guests into a sun-drenched space where the aroma of buttery, oversized biscuits and spicy Creole seasonings fills the air. Guests indulge in a playful celebration of Southern comfort, from decadent Benedicts crowned with rich hollandaise to towering stacks of syrup-drenched French toast, all paired with boozy morning cocktails that keep the festive atmosphere humming.
• The Original French Market Restaurant & Bar — Seafood: Steeped in the vibrant energy of the French Quarter, this historic haunt invites diners into a soulful space where exposed brick walls and the hum of a bustling crowd create a quintessential New Orleans atmosphere. The air is thick with the savory perfume of spice-rubbed seafood and simmering Creole classics, served alongside ice-cold drinks that provide a refreshing reprieve from the sun-drenched city streets. Whether perched on the balcony overlooking the lively parade of street performers or tucked into a cozy corner, guests find a spirited celebration of Gulf Coast flavors that captures the timeless essence of the Big Easy.
• Killer PoBoys — American: Tucked into the vibrant pulse of the French Quarter, this spirited haunt reimagines the classic New Orleans staple with a chef-driven edge and a touch of culinary rebellion. Crusty, locally baked French bread serves as the canvas for bold, unconventional pairings like succulent glazed pork belly or roasted sweet potato, all elevated by house-made pickles and zesty, creative slaws. The atmosphere hums with a gritty, unpretentious energy, inviting guests to roll up their sleeves and savor a messy, flavor-packed evolution of the city’s most iconic comfort food.
• Felix's Restaurant & Oyster Bar — Seafood: The rhythmic clinking of shucking knives and the briny scent of the Gulf define this lively New Orleans landmark, where patrons gather around marble counters under the nostalgic glow of vintage neon. Plump oysters arrive either ice-cold on the half-shell or sizzling from the grill drenched in garlic butter and herbs, capturing the high-energy spirit and timeless charm of the French Quarter. It’s a soulful destination where the essence of the coast is celebrated through overflowing seafood platters and steaming bowls of rich, spice-kissed gumbo.
• Antoine's Restaurant — French: Stepping into this French Quarter landmark feels like a journey back in time, where gas-lit corridors lead to a labyrinth of grand dining rooms steeped in nearly two centuries of culinary history. Tuxedoed servers glide across original tile floors, delivering legendary plates of Oysters Rockefeller and puffed soufflé potatoes that celebrate the opulent intersection of French technique and Creole soul. It remains a bastion of old-world elegance, where every flickering candle and vintage photograph captures the enduring spirit of New Orleans’ high-society dining.
• Zesty Creole — American: Zesty Creole captures the soulful pulse of the French Quarter, welcoming guests into a vibrant space filled with the intoxicating aroma of slow-simmered roux and piquant spices. Heaping plates of blackened seafood and rich, mahogany-hued gumbos celebrate the bold heritage of Louisiana, delivering a symphony of heat and heart in every bite. This lively sanctuary turns traditional Southern comfort into a spirited feast, where the warmth of the hospitality is as inviting as the layered flavors on the plate.
• Court of the Two Sisters — American: Step through the historic wrought-iron gates into a sun-dappled courtyard where the gentle melodies of live jazz mingle with the rustle of wisteria vines and the soft murmur of fountains. This legendary French Quarter sanctuary invites guests to linger over a decadent spread of Creole classics, from rich turtle soup to buttery grits, all served amidst an atmosphere of old-world elegance and soulful Southern charm.
• Brennan's Restaurant — French: This legendary French Quarter landmark envelops diners in a world of vibrant pink facades and lush, sun-drenched courtyards where the air is sweet with the scent of caramelized sugar and rich hollandaise. From the theatrical flair of tableside flambés to the elegant clinking of crystal in the grand dining rooms, every meal unfolds as a sophisticated celebration of storied tradition and Southern grace.
• Saint John — American: This vibrant French Quarter sanctuary pulses with the heartbeat of old Louisiana, wrapping guests in an atmosphere of polished brass, exposed brick, and soulful hospitality. The kitchen breathes new life into ancestral Creole recipes, serving up decadent plates where the deep, complex flavors of the bayou meet the sophisticated techniques of a modern bistro.
• Evangeline — French: Evangeline transports diners to a world of refined Southern charm, where the vibrant spirit of the French Quarter meets the effortless elegance of a sun-dappled bistro. The air hums with the intoxicating aroma of slow-simmered spices and buttery crusts, as beautifully plated dishes celebrate a rich culinary heritage amidst a backdrop of lush greenery and warm, flickering candlelight.
• Bourbon Heat — American: Bourbon Heat pulses with the electric energy of the French Quarter, inviting guests into a historic 19th-century courtyard where the air is thick with the aroma of blackened spices and the rhythm of late-night beats. Beneath the glow of neon lights and the charm of a wrought-iron balcony, the experience blends bold Creole flavors with high-octane Southern hospitality, creating a sensory celebration that captures the soulful, spirited heart of New Orleans.
• EnVie — French: EnVie pulses with a chic, high-energy sophistication where velvet-draped corners and soft candlelight set the stage for an evening of pure indulgence. The kitchen breathes life into vibrant, French-inspired flavors, sending out elegantly plated dishes that pair seamlessly with the rhythmic hum of lively conversation and the celebratory pop of champagne corks. It is a stylish sanctuary where the joy of living is celebrated through every lingering bite and meticulously crafted cocktail, inviting guests to lose track of time in its glamorous embrace.
• Cafe Beignet — French: This charming sanctuary invites guests to linger over plates of warm, golden-fried dough blanketed in a generous dusting of powdered sugar. The rich aroma of chicory coffee mingles with the lively notes of jazz, creating a quintessential atmosphere that feels both nostalgic and vibrant. Each pillowy bite offers a cloud-like sweetness that perfectly complements the bustling energy of the historic surroundings.
• Dat Dog — American: A vibrant explosion of color and New Orleans spirit, this whimsical eatery invites guests into a high-energy space where the air is thick with the savory scent of sizzling, snap-casing sausages. Adventurous palates can explore everything from snapping alligator links to traditional beef franks, all customized with a dizzying array of gourmet toppings and served alongside frosty craft beers in a joyful, communal atmosphere. It is a messy, soulful celebration of local flavor that perfectly captures the eclectic pulse of the Big Easy.
• Mena's Palace — American: Stepping into this storied French Quarter staple feels like a warm embrace, where the air is thick with the savory perfume of slow-simmered gumbo and the rhythmic clatter of a bustling lunch crowd. Golden-fried seafood overflows from crusty French bread po-boys while hearty plates of red beans and rice offer a soulful taste of New Orleans tradition in a space that hums with timeless, unpretentious charm.
• Tujague's Restaurant — French: Stepping into this historic French Quarter landmark feels like a journey back in time, where white-clothed tables and gleaming mirrors reflect the vibrant energy of a century-old dining tradition. The air is thick with the savory aroma of slow-simmered Creole classics and the sharp tang of signature horseradish sauce, inviting guests to linger over multi-course feasts that celebrate the soul of New Orleans.
• Felipe's Taqueria — Mexican: Stepping into this vibrant hub feels like a celebration of Mexican street food, where the rhythmic sound of cleavers on chopping blocks and the sizzle of seasoned meats on the plancha create a lively, energetic backdrop. Guests gather around sun-soaked tables to enjoy hand-pressed tortillas overflowing with bright, zesty flavors and house-made salsas that pack a smoky punch, all served in an atmosphere brimming with neighborhood warmth.
• Galatoire's — French: Stepping into this Bourbon Street icon feels like a grand invitation to a bygone era, where whirring ceiling fans and mirrored walls reflect a bustling room filled with the clink of martinis and the hum of spirited conversation. The kitchen masterfully honors French Creole traditions, sending out golden plates of trout amandine and succulent mounds of crabmeat that celebrate the rich, buttery soul of New Orleans. It is a place where time slows down over white linen tablecloths, turning every meal into a legendary celebration of Southern hospitality and culinary heritage.