Best Outdoor Dining In New Orleans

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If you want to eat outdoors in New Orleans, you have some great options to choose from. The city’s restaurants have pivoted to accommodate outdoor dining like never before because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The City of New Orleans is doing what it can to help local eateries with the Curbside Dining and Parklets Pilot, which launched in the fall of 2020.

Since then the pilot program has enabled restaurants and bars throughout the city to expand their operations into the public, on-street parking spaces.

Here Are the Best Outdoor Dining Restaurants In New Orleans

No matter if it’s a patio, front porch or sidewalk, you can enjoy a great meal at these New Orleans restaurants.

Batture Bistro and Bar

111 Iberville St, New Orleans, LA 70130 | (504) 699-8021

Here’s what a diner says about Batture Bistro: “WOW! Best meal I’ve eaten in New Orleans yet. Went for brunch– what a delightful menu! And the chef himself went out of his way to welcome us in, and even made my daughter anything she asked for. Very friendly, wonderful service, and AMAZING food, beautifully presented. Beautiful restaurant/lounge with a gorgeous patio that has a small pool and fountain. Highly recommend you eat here. It was the best decision we’ve made while downtown.”

The Bulldog – Uptown

3236 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115 | (504) 891-1516

Here’s what one customer say about The Bulldog – Uptown: “Pet friendly, huge selection of beers, great patio… Love it! Make sure you make a wish and throw that loose change in the fountain, everything goes to animal charities!”

Café Navarre

800 Navarre Ave, New Orleans, LA 70124 | (504) 483-8828

Here is what one reviewer says about Café Navarre: “I love this restaurant! I found it several years ago on a trip through New Orleans. I now stop there every chance I get. Great food ,friendly people and a fantastic atmosphere. And for people in and around Nola lots of outdoor seating. So less Restrictive.”

The Backyard

244 W Harrison Ave, New Orleans, LA 70124 | (504) 309-8767

Here’s what one reviewer says about The Backyard: “Friendly service. Got the brisket on the bun, deviled eggs, and pimento cheese dip. Super good food, ice cold beer! Dog friendly! We will be returning.”

Dat Dog

5030 Freret St, New Orleans, LA 70115 | (504) 899-6883

Here’s what one customer says of Dat Dog: “Best ‘hot dog’ ever! Actually had the Irish brat with Andoille sauce, bacon, cheddar cheese and it was so fresh & tasty! Great atmosphere. Dog friendLucy’s Retired Surfers Bar & Restaurantly…lol. Will return again and again!”

Lucy’s Retired Surfers Bar & Restaurant

701 Tchoupitoulas St, 701 Tchoupitoulas St, New Orleans, LA 70130 | (504) 523-8995

Here’s what one patron says about Lucy’s Retired Surfers Bar & Restaurant: “Super friendly to me and my dogs. Wonderful wait staff. Brought a bowl of water out for my dogs immediately. They even have their own pet menu!! Prices are very reasonable as well. I was very impressed with the service and how wonderful they were with my dogs!”

Cane and Table

1113 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116 | : (504) 581-1112

Here’s what one diner says about Cane and Table: “This place was amazing! It was recommended to us by a bartender at Cafe Amelie. We stopped in for some apps and drinks and found such an amazing menu! The dishes were creative and delicious. Even the saltines were homemade (and amazing! Saltines!) Highly recommend. Service was excellent, and the location was just fabulous – beautiful outdoor patio!

Coterie Restaurant & Bar

135 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70130 | : (504) 529-8600

Here’s what one customer says about Coterie: “Tell Josh (bartender), You came because of Jackie’s post (HIS favorite Texan), lol. Dude this place has a great happy hour, and best raw oysters in town. I ate dozens while on my stay. Several other items on the menu are phenomenal and DO NOT DISAPPOINT: crab cake, fried gulf shrimp, shrimp etouffee, CAJUN EGGROLLS to die for, and Seafood platter. This place will keep you coming back!”

Herbsaint

701 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130 | (504) 524-4114

Come for the James Beard Award-winning Gumbo, stay for the Spaghetti.

Here’s what one diner says about Herbsaint: “The food deserve 5 stars, but I had to go with 4 because when we ate, almost everything was quite too salty. However we got there at almost 9pm with no reservation, and still they managed to give us a table, which was awesome. For VEGANS don’t be afraid to come eat here, the chef will prepare something at his discretion. And what I go it was Soo Good! My husband asked for 3 portion of short ribs, that’s how much he enjoyed them. My husband actually returned a dish back because it was too salty, and we appreciate that we were not charged for it. Service could have been more personable, but no complaints.”

Irene’s

529 Bienville St, New Orleans, LA 70130 | (504) 529-8811

Here’s what you can expect at Irene’s: “Best Italian restaurant in New Orleans, full stop. A longstanding venue that is great for romantic dinners or to gather round with people you actually like. Great vibe, intimate spaces, clean, friendly servers, and of course outstanding food. Everything on the menu is great from end to end. Very highly recommended.”

Sylvaine

625 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70130 | (504) 265-8123

Here’s what to know about Sylvaine: “Perfect romantic dinner. Do Not Skip Dessert, the banana pudding and chocolate pot de creme were AMAZING! Loved eating in the courtyard.”

Vyoone’s

412 Girod St, New Orleans, LA 70130| : (504) 518-6007

Here’s what one customer says about Vyoone’s “The service and atmosphere was everything! The food and drinks were great. Love both entrees a d the appetizer. We were able to be seated without reservations which was a plus.”

Final Word

Eating outside is such a beautiful experience because you can enjoy nature as well as the food. The restaurants you choose to patronize say something about you. That’s why you should eat at the best places you can.

If the decor is great and there are some great arrangements outside the restaurants, you should try it out.

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Keisha Smith

Keisha Smith is a Contributing Writer who attended college at Southern University A&M College in Baton Rouge. She is currently writing a book on south Louisiana culture.