New Orleans with Kids – Part 2: Where to Eat!

I just wrote about the top things to do with kids in New Orleans, but I would be remiss if I didn't talk about the food!

Back when I traveled to New Orleans with just my adult friends, I definitely built up a list of my absolute favorite go-to spots. When I took my kids for the very first time, I panicked a little: would those same restaurants actually work with little ones in tow? Honestly, I knew right away that a few of them were off the table. My kids were pretty young on that first trip and simply didn't have the patience for multi-course, quiet, fine dining.

Now that they're a bit older, I've gradually added some of those nicer spots back into our rotation. But, over the years, I’ve curated a list of tried-and-true family favorites that I know kids (and adults!) of all ages will truly love. From warm, sugar-dusted beignets to interactive jazz brunches and dining rooms with resident friendly ghosts, eating out in the Crescent City is one of my favorite pastimes when visiting.

Here is your ultimate family dining guide to Big NOLA!

Café Du Monde

Pure, chaotic fun! It’s a buzzing, open-air market where sugar flies everywhere and kids never have to sit still.

Must-Try: A bag of piping-hot beignets and chocolate milk for the kids.

Pro-Tip: The main line can be wild. Skip it entirely by ordering at the side take-out window, then grab a bench in Jackson Square to eat while watching street acrobats!

Muriel’s Jackson Square

Elegant Creole dining that magically doesn't feel stuffy or intimidating for families.

Must-Try: Pecan-crusted puppy drum or classic seafood gumbo.

Pro-Tip: Ask the hostess if you can take the kids upstairs after your meal to check out the velvet-draped "Seance Lounge" and hear the story of their resident friendly ghost, Pierre!

Commander’s Palace

A legendary Garden District mansion that treats families like royalty during their celebratory weekend jazz brunch.

Must-Try: Turtle soup finished with sherry and the famous Creole Bread Pudding Soufflé.

Pro-Tip: Make it a fun "dress-up" day (collared shirts required for boys/men) and ask for a table in the bright, plant-filled Garden Room!

Mother’s Restaurant

Fast-paced, cafeteria-style Southern comfort food where everyone gets to pick exactly what they want.

Must-Try: The "World's Best Baked Ham" or the debris-gravy-loaded Ferdi Special po'boy.

Pro-Tip: Don't let the line out the door scare you as it moves fast! Send one adult to scope out a table while the other stays in line to order.

The Court of Two Sisters

A gorgeous, vine-draped historic courtyard filled with live jazz music.

Must-Try: The daily jazz brunch buffet featuring everything from boiled crawfish to bananas foster.

Pro-Tip: Book a late-morning outdoor courtyard table so the kids can request their favorite tunes from the strolling jazz musicians under the wisteria vines.

Deanie's Seafood Restaurant

Noisy, unpretentious, and deliciously chaotic right in the heart of the French Quarter.

Must-Try: The Giant Seafood Platter meant for the whole table to share.

Pro-Tip: They serve warm, buttered, seasoned red potatoes instead of bread rolls which is a massive, instant hit with starving kids!

Kandy’s

Elevated, chef-driven Creole cuisine in an inviting downtown setting when parents want a fantastic meal that still fits early kid bedtimes.

Must-Try: The shrimp po'boy and warm Gruyère spinach dip.

Pro-Tip: Book an early dinner reservation so you can enjoy a leisurely, high-end meal and still have time for a fun family twilight walk along Royal Street.

Snapper's Seafood & Cajun

Super relaxed and hassle-free Cajun seafood right on Canal Street.

Must-Try: Blackened redfish, fried seafood platters, and hearty jambalaya.

Pro-Tip: Positioned right along the streetcar route, making it the easiest, most stress-free pit stop after a day of riding the rails.

Is your mouth watering yet? Whether you’re dreaming of sugar-dusted beignet runs, thrilling alligator spottings, or scoring the perfect family-friendly suite, I’ve got you covered! Reach out to me at jen.jackson@routesandrealmstravel.com so we can start planning a stress-free, custom New Orleans getaway packed with exclusive perks and memories your kids will talk about for years. Let’s get your trip on the calendar!