Best Southern American Restaurants in Lower Garden District

100 restaurants available nearby

1. The Bower

4.6

Exceptional(740)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Lower Garden District

Booked 22 times today

At The Bower in New Orleans' Lower Garden District, the essence of farm-to-table cuisine is brought to life with a menu that celebrates the freshest local ingredients sourced directly from Louisiana farmers and markets. Praised for its "fantastic meal" and "incredible" chef's specials, The Bower thrives on seasonal availability, ensuring each dish not only tastes exquisite but also enhances health. Diners rave about the "amazing ambiance & service" and the "outstanding" food, making it clear that The Bower is a standout for those seeking authentic, high-quality farm-to-table dining. As one enthusiastic reviewer puts it, "The food was so so good" and "service was fantastic," encapsulating the delightful experience that awaits at The Bower.

A photo of Lula Restaurant Distillery restaurant

2. Lula Restaurant Distillery

4.6

Exceptional(1898)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Lower Garden District

Booked 13 times today

Lula Restaurant Distillery, nestled in the vibrant Lower Garden District of New Orleans, represents the epitome of American cuisine with a distinctive Louisiana twist. As the first restaurant-distillery in New Orleans and the Southeast US, Lula offers an authentic experience where "the food was so absolutely incredible" and the spirits are crafted on-site, enhancing the dining adventure. Patrons rave about dishes like the "pork osso bucco" which is "so tender it just fell apart" and the flavorful "shrimp & grits." The unique blend of locally sourced ingredients and the joy of dining along the historic St. Charles Avenue streetcar line make every visit memorable. Whether it’s the praised "bottomless vodka bar" during brunch or the "excellent service" noted by many, Lula Restaurant Distillery delivers a top-tier American dining experience that’s both deeply rooted in tradition and refreshingly modern.

A photo of Birdy's Behind The Bower restaurant

3. Birdy's Behind The Bower

4.7

Exceptional(589)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Garden District

Booked 19 times today

Birdy's Behind the Bower in the Garden District of New Orleans is your go-to destination for authentic Southern cuisine with a touch of local charm. Praised for its "amazingly good" food and "exceptional service," this delightful spot offers a menu brimming with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients from Sugar Roots Farm. Whether it's the highly recommended breakfast board, the mouth-watering Huevos Rancheros, or the beloved biscuits with honey butter, each dish is crafted with care and Southern flair. As one reviewer exclaimed, it's "1000/10. new fav spot and will be back." Celebrate Southern comforts in a chic outdoor setting at Birdy’s, where every meal is a homecoming.

4. Wild South

new

5.0

Exceptional(0)

Price: Very Expensive

• Southern american • Lower Garden District

Booked 5 times today

Take the right turn off of Magazine Streetin the Lower Garden District and you’llstumble upon Wild South.Through the yellow doors lies a restaurant that showcases local ingredients we hold dear in new, innovative ways while celebrating the signature elements that make up this Southern cuisine. Whether you’re popping in for snacks atthe bar or want the full tasting experience,Chef Michael Stoltzfus and his team invite you to partake in the unique taste of the Wild South.

5. SeaWitch

4.3

Awesome(30)

Price: Expensive

• Southern american • Garden District

Booked 3 times today

At Seawitch in New Orleans' picturesque Garden District, seafood isn't just a dish; it's a celebration of local flavors and traditions. Nestled on the lively St. Charles Avenue, this restaurant offers a seafood experience that is as authentic as it is innovative. Diners rave about the "best oysters they've ever had," praising their freshness and the expert char-grilling that enhances their natural flavors. The menu, described as "beautifully thought out and so flavorful," includes standout dishes like chargrilled lemon Parmesan oysters and red fish on the half shell, which guests describe as "absolutely the best." The vibrant atmosphere and attentive service complete the enchanting dining experience, making Seawitch a must-visit destination for seafood lovers in New Orleans.

A photo of Cafe Normandie at The Higgins restaurant

6. Cafe Normandie at The Higgins

4.6

Exceptional(59)

Price: Expensive

• Southern american • Warehouse District

Booked 3 times today

Indulge in sophisticated French-influenced casual fare in the Higgins Hotel's full-service restaurant.

7. Brennan's

4.8

Exceptional(11592)

Price: Expensive

• Southern american • French Quarter

Booked 145 times today

Welcome to Brennan's in the vibrant French Quarter of New Orleans, a beacon of breakfast excellence and a culinary landmark praised by both locals and travelers. As a finalist for the "Outstanding Restaurant" by the James Beard Foundation in 2022, Brennan’s offers a breakfast experience that’s both indulgent and authentically Creole. Guests rave about the "out of this world" food and the exceptional service, making it feel like "eating in my grandmother's kitchen." The legendary Bananas Foster, flamboyantly prepared tableside, is a must-try. Each dish, from the luxurious lobster omelette to the traditional Eggs Hussarde, promises a morning of decadent delight. Celebrate the start of your day in one of Brennan’s opulent dining rooms or the lush courtyard, making every breakfast not just a meal but a memorable event.

8. Antoine's

4.6

Exceptional(11151)

Price: Expensive

• Southern american • French Quarter

Booked 139 times today

Antoine's, nestled in the heart of the French Quarter in New Orleans, has been a bastion of French Creole cuisine for over 184 years. Celebrated for its authenticity and traditional fare, Antoine's offers a dining experience steeped in historic charm. Guests rave about the classic dishes, with one patron exclaiming, "Food was FABULOUS!!! Best steak ever," and another recommending the "wonderful baked Alaska and oysters Rockefeller." The restaurant’s dedication to excellence is evident in the glowing reviews, highlighting not only the food but also the exceptional service and ambiance. Antoine's continues to impress, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking a genuine taste of French culinary tradition in a timeless setting.

9. Copper Vine

4.8

Exceptional(2285)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Central Business District

Booked 58 times today

Nestled in the vibrant Central Business District of New Orleans, Copper Vine stands out as a premier Gastro Pub, offering a delightful fusion of Caribbean, European, and Southern flavors that embody the city’s eclectic spirit. Patrons rave about their experiences, highlighting not only the innovative dishes like the "spectacular Ragu" but also the atmospheric charm and top-tier service. "The food was very nice and the service was excellent," one diner noted, encapsulating the consistent praise found in reviews. Whether it's the bottomless brunch or a leisurely dinner, Copper Vine offers a gastro pub experience that marries traditional refinement with contemporary flair, making every visit memorable.

10. Meril

4.5

Awesome(6443)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Warehouse District

Booked 65 times today

Meril, nestled in the vibrant Warehouse District of New Orleans, is a testament to the culinary genius of Chef Emeril Lagasse. This delightful eatery offers a tapestry of Global, International cuisine, each dish curated with authenticity and a deep respect for diverse flavors. Patrons rave about the eclectic menu, featuring favorites like the "amazing" Korean Chicken Wings and the "perfectly seasoned" Crispy Cod Sliders, which showcase Emeril’s flair for creatively blending global tastes. The atmosphere is always buzzing with energy, a perfect backdrop for enjoying standout dishes and the praised Banana Cream Pie, described as "the BEST...ever!" With such consistently "excellent service" and a menu that travels the globe, Meril promises a dining experience that is both heartwarming and exciting, making it a must-visit culinary destination in New Orleans.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

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From verified diners like you

P
Pamelavip
Nashville •2 reviews
4.0
Dined 2 days ago
We enjoyed the atmosphere. The food was just okay. The service very slow.
More info
Commons Club Bar & RestaurantPrice: Moderate• Southern• Central Business District
•
4.5
T
Terri
New Orleans / Louisiana •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Five stars! Highly recommend! The same chicken I've always loved at the old location. Once again I felt like I had died and gone to fried chicken heaven! Gumbo so delicious that when I had eaten it all I wanted to pick up the empty owl and lick it. And the praline bread pudding... no words for how heavenly it is. If you go, ask for Regan. He was our server and is a New Orleans ray of sunshine. Very lovely interior, and cool vibe in this new location. One of the best experiences I've had in any New Orleans restaurant EVER.
More info
Willie Mae’s NolaPrice: Expensive• Southern• Warehouse District
•
4.7
S
Sadievip
New Orleans / Louisiana •9 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
This restaurant is always 100% on target. We have eaten here almost every time we visit New Orleans, and the food and service are always absolutely amazing. I would recommend this place if you have never been here, and I can promise you won't be disappointed!
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Birdy's Behind The BowerPrice: Moderate• American• Garden District
•
4.7
B
Brianvip
Indiana •26 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 15, 2024
We did the eight course tasting menu and chef John knocked it out of the park!! The progression was perfect, the spacing between courses was good and the play on southeast Asian flavors was right on the money . Look forward to my next trip to NOLA.
More info
MaypopPrice: Expensive• Southeast Asian• Central Business District
•
4.6
OT
OpenTable Diner
New Orleans / Louisiana •4 reviews
5.0
Dined on Oct 24, 2024
Great good! Great environment and s great location that was easy to get to
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Easy VirtuePrice: Moderate• Southern• Warehouse District
•
3.9

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Lower Garden District

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Best Southern American Restaurants in Lower Garden District

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100 restaurants available nearby

1. The Bower

2. Lula Restaurant Distillery

3. Birdy's Behind The Bower

4. Wild South

5. SeaWitch

6. Cafe Normandie at The Higgins

7. Brennan's

8. Antoine's

9. Copper Vine

10. Meril

See what locals rave about

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