7 Best Restaurants in New Orleans, Louisiana

This po'boy institution has been around in one form or another for more than a century, but the way the corner restaurant fills up each day for lunch is proof neither New Orleanians or its visitors are growing tired of it any time soon. Sink your teeth into a fried shrimp po'boy, or a dozen other delicious options, and you'll feel transported back in time---the quality hasn't changed in decades, and neither have the decor and atmosphere regulars have come to love so much

Former contractor Jay Nix resurrected more than just a dilapidated building when he reopened Parkway: he also brought back to life a dormant community spirit. You can find neighbors and dedicated regulars from all over the city sinking their teeth into Parkway's po'boys: the roast beef with gravy and fried shrimp varieties are especially popular. Other locals simply wander in for a beer at the bar and to take in the New Orleans nostalgia decorating the walls (former President Obama was just one of many famous guests). For dessert, choose from a selection of rum cake, bread pudding, and banana pudding—all made fresh daily. Parkway is busy most weekends, especially during Jazz Fest, given its proximity to the Fair Grounds. Their famous fried oyster po'boy is only available on Wednesday and Thursday.

When you walk into this tiny po'boy shop on Magazine Street, you can almost guarantee that your sandwich will be made by owner Marvin Matherne. His warmth and humor make it feel like you're invited to eat at an old friend's house, but the food is probably much, much better than anything your buddy can cook: "The Bomb," in particular, is out of this world, with grilled shrimp and catfish piled on and topped with melted Swiss and cheddar.

Strangely enough, good po'boys are hard to find in the French Quarter, but Johnny's, established in 1950, compensates for that scarcity with a cornucopia of overstuffed options, even though quality can be inconsistent and the prices somewhat inflated for tourists. Inside the soft-crust French bread come the classic fillings, including lean boiled ham, well-done roast beef in garlicky gravy, and crisply fried oysters or shrimp. The chili may not cut it in San Antonio, but the red beans and rice are the real deal. Johnny's closes at 4:30 pm.

The chefs at this no-frills sandwich stand showcase their creative, globally inspired talents within the traditional French loaf of a po'boy, where you're more likely to see pork belly and smoked salmon on the menu than the typical roast beef and fried seafood standards. What started as a small kitchen in the back of popular Erin Rose bar (where you can still order the sandwiches) is now one of the most reliable places to get a cheap, interesting meal in the Quarter. Vegetarian po'boys, featuring roasted vegetables like sweet potatoes and cauliflower, are a hearty, pleasant surprise. Wash it down with one of the many bottles of local microbrew available at the counter.

What happens when a fine-dining chef opens a po'boy joint? You get delicious local shrimp and hand-cut French fries, alongside nontraditional sandwich options like chicken livers with coleslaw and vinaigrette, or fried shrimp and oysters covered in cheddar cheese and bacon. Despite the ambitions in the kitchen, this restaurant still feels like a low-key neighborhood hangout. The crowds are equal parts working class and professional, with a good number of families. The po'boy is New Orleans's own version of fast food, but here the waits can sometimes stretch to half an hour. It's wise to avoid peak meal times, or, if you're not in a hurry, order an Abita beer and settle into a seat on the patio. During brunch, they have bottomless drink options for a reasonable price.

This Jewish and Italian deli serves the "Muphuletta," a Philly take on a New Orleans muffuletta with sopressata, ham, provolone, and olive salad on ciabatta.