Being one of the food capitals of the world, New Orleans has a serious reputation to keep up. This coastal city is known mostly for its seafood and soulful Creole dishes, but it is constantly adapting to new styles of cuisine from around the world. It's pretty hard to be dissatisfied with a meal from any of the restaurants in New Orleans, so if you are looking for best restaurants in New Orleans, you should follow our recommendations.

GW Fins

With a contemporary feel and nationally renowned chefs, GW Fins is near the top of many New Orleans restaurants. The restaurant's philosophy is simple: combine the best fish from around the world and seasonal ingredients to create wonderful flavors. They get whole, fresh fish everyday from the Gulf of Mexico and international imports, and then they carefully fillet and cook the fish in a unique way. With this continually evolving variety of food, a different menu is printed every afternoon. This restaurant frequently attracts many new customers, and creates many regulars who come time and time again as well.

Highlights:

• A new menu is printed every afternoon based on what kinds of fresh fish were brought in that morning, ensuring utmost freshness.
  
  
• Relatively inexpensive compared to other surrounding fine diners.

Tips:

• The dress code doesn't allow sleeveless shirts or shorts.
  
  
• Ask the waiter for a wine recommendation to complement your meal; their wine selection includes over 100 boutiques.
  
  
• The most popular appetizers are the sizzling oysters and soft shell crabs, both very savory and go well with nearly anything.

Upperline Restaurant

There are so many restaurant options when it comes to finding the best places to eat in New Orleans, but Upperline really stands out. The owner of the restaurant greets every visitor at the door, making this restaurant especially unique and welcoming. The menu includes a mix of local dishes, Southern staples, and seafood cuisine, just adding to the atmosphere of serene hospitality. Upperline prides themselves on maintaining traditional Creole dishes, the principal style that distinguishes the New Orleans from other culinary capitals of the world.

Highlights:

• Incredibly welcoming and hospitable atmosphere where you will be welcomed personally.
  
  
• Slightly pricier menu, much better location for a romantic date or business meeting.

Tips:

• Be sure to make a reservation as seating is limited and there are always people trying to get in.
  
  
• Most people order a standard three-course meal, but you are free to customize and order other dishes within that structure.

Restaurant August

The elegant style and high end boutique makes Restaurant August one of the best places to eat in New Orleans. At this restaurant, you will find a contemporary take on French-Creole classics like oysters, gumbo, and jambalaya, all under the expert eye of renowned creator John Besh. Of all the New Orleans restaurants on this list, Restaurant August is the priciest. A full meal could run you well over $100 per person, but from what critics are saying, it is definitely worth the cost. Also, Restaurant August has a reputation for unique wine pairings that always turn out to be spot on. Highlights:

• The restaurant is in an industrial-style warehouse with mahogany accents, creating a true fine dining ambience.
• The restaurant is a great dinner location, but only serves lunch on Fridays.

Tips:

• Make sure you get reservations as this restaurant is usually very busy.
  
  
• Dress code is very formal, so don't be caught in jeans or tennis shoes!

Domenica

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Having received many notable culinary awards, it's hard to leave out Domenica in the list of top New Orleans restaurants. Domenica boasts authentic Italian food adapted to the Southern palate of New Orleans, and they hold true to their word with wood-fired pizzas and daily-made pastas. Additionally, the bar features local craft beers, specialty brews, standard cocktails, and pitchers of specialty cocktails. The best part of it all is that Domenica is extremely affordable, with every pizza on the menu under $20. If you want to save a little money, you can't go wrong with a meal from Domenica. Highlights:

• Possibly the best Italian restaurant in all of New Orleans.
  
  
• Their gourmet wood-fired pizzas are signature, but they also have impeccable antipasti and salads.

Tips:

• Happy hour is 2-5 pm, so be sure to stop in for half-price pizza and wine by the glass.
  
  
• Make reservations and be ready for a fairly lengthy wait for your food if you go during the busiest part of the evening (between 6-8 pm).

Brennan's Restaurant

If you want a classy night out, it's no question that Brennan's is for you. The owners spared no expense in renovating their vintage restaurant into an architectural and ornamental masterpiece. All eight glamourous dining halls are covered from floor to ceiling in elegant decoration, creating a unique backdrop for a memorable meal. This New Orleans restaurant offers cuisine rooted in Creole tradition, but influenced by modern Southern trends. When it comes to pricing, this is a medium priced restaurant, so you won't have to worry about handing over your whole paycheck for a hearty meal. Highlights:

• Very traditional Creole food in a classy environment.
  
  
• Different dining halls offer different decor and ambiance.

Tips:

• They are well known for their roasted duck and "Shrimp n Grits."
  
  
• The Bananas Foster is by far the best dessert you can order.

With any of these New Orleans restaurants, you will receive nothing but the best service and food. They each offer something different when it comes to the menus, environment, and overall dining experience. Located mostly in the French quarter of New Orleans, you can expect a very sophisticated vibe coming from the neighborhood and the subsequent New Orleans restaurants. Be sure to consider the highlights and tips when picking one of these restaurants at which to enjoy your next meal.