Diners' Choice: Neighbourhood gem restaurants in New Orleans / Louisiana

OpenTable

Updated 05 May 2025

Looking for the best restaurants that are the best neighbourhood gems in New Orleans / Louisiana? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyses nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favourite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you book, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Lost Coyote

4.9

4.9 (17)

$30 and under

Creole / Cajun / Southern

Tremé

About the restaurant

Located on the iconic Esplanade Avenue in New Orleans, Lost Coyote is a unique dining destination where local ingredients, vibrant ambiance, and unforgettable experiences come together. Inspired by the coyote’s untamed spirit, our restaurant embraces the magic of exploration, resilience, and connection. Our chef-crafted menu is a celebration of local ingredients and global inspirations.

Lost Coyote features a large event space on our second floor which can accommodate up to 175 guests. With the option of a reception style event, seated dinner, dance floor, corporate gathering, we are here to help you plan your next occasion.

The crown jewel of 1614 Esplanade is our beautiful swimming pool which will be open to the public year-round, this feature is coming soon for day passes, annual passes, and special events.

Whether you’re here for a casual night out, a romantic dinner, or simply to explore, Lost Coyote invites you to come as you are.

Come wander with us.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined 4 days ago

10/10 hidden gem. Great for date night or w friends. Went w my partner for a nice dinner before seeing Leon Bridges. Reasonably priced - delicious food - cute & tasty drinks - comfy atmosphere. I have a dairy allergy. Eating out tends to be difficult. The chef was more than accommodating. I wish more restaurants were willing to completely alter their signature dishes for people with dietary restrictions. I also heard it’s locally owned - woman owned - LGBTQ friendly. Will be a regular spot for us.

Jacmel Inn

4.8

4.8 (1113)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Hammond

About the restaurant

Jacmel Inn began service in June 1977 after six months renovation to the former residence that was built in 1888. This historic 2-story property sits on 2.2 acres and 9 blocks for the center of historic downtown Hammond.

The lush landscaping, new patio, and the ample parking help make Jacmel Inn a culinary oasis worthy of a 60 miles drive from New Orleans.

New Ownership 2022
The time has come to pass the tiller to another generation, with Rick and Paul selling the business and property to Alfonso Flores, The current manager of 5 years. He was hired as a server and worked his way up to General Manager. Anxious and ready to be an entrepreneur and continue providing a peaceful, sophisticated dining option for Hammond and the greater NorthShore.

Our executive Chef Brandon Martinez creates our menu, which evolves seasonally. While always using fresh Louisiana Seafood, Prime steaks, Lamb, Pastas and Great Desserts, cooking techniques and dishes derived from traditional Louisiana culture.

Top review

William

Dined 4 days ago

A truly wonderful dining experience. Fantastic food and service. Reminded me of dining in Italy where the food is fresh and dining is relaxed and not rushed. The only downfall is it’s not closer to my home because I would be a weekly customer.

Discover more

Popular dish

Crispy Brussels Sprouts

Popular dish

Steak Tips

SukhoThai - Marigny

4.7

4.7 (307)

$30 and under

Thai

The Marigny

About the restaurant

SukhoThai, serving our "Classical Thai Cuisine" in New Orleans since 2003, is the only restaurant in Louisiana awarded a Thai Select Premium certification by the Royal Thai Government for quality Thai cuisine, superior service and beautiful interior design. We are well known for our excellent seafood dishes, wok-fired stir-fries, traditional curries and noodles, and our extensive vegan menu. We don't hold back when it comes to spices - we are serious about Thai chilies! But we always customize the spice level to your liking.

Top review

Terri

Dined on 3 May 2025

For a party of 5 we had 3 appetizers, 5 entrees and 4 desserts. Everything was fresh and delicious. Best Thai food in the City. Love it!

MeMe's Bar & Grille

4.7

4.7 (239)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Chalmette

About the restaurant

Casual American spot with sandwiches & salads for lunch & heartier fare for dinner, plus a full bar.

Top review

Catheryn

Dined 3 days ago

The food was EXCELLENT! Far greater than I could imagine. This is a hidden gem in the Parish. We had a great date night! Our server Penelope was also lovely! The burger was tender and juicy and the fries were so good! My husband loved the chicken parm, but we were blown away by the boudin egg rolls and chargrilled oysters! Will definitely be coming back again!

Discover more

Experience

St. Michelle Wine Dinner

Porter & Luke's

4.6

4.6 (495)

$30 and under

Creole / Cajun / Southern

Metairie

About the restaurant

Porter & luke's opened in 2012 and was selected as one of the top ten new restaurants in New Orleans. We have also been Featured in the new Fox TV food show Flip MY Food w/ Chef Jeff. We are focused on fresh quality ingredients and great service. We pride ourselves in our guests having the premier dining experience. We offfer a great variety of selections from : Italian ,Creole, Cajun as well as traditional New Orleans Cuisine. Come by porter& luke's and try one of our fabulous dishes.

Top review

Kim

Dined on 11 May 2025

The food was OK not great for the price. Most of it was bland needed more seasoning.

Discover more

4.6

4.6 (304)

$30 and under

Thai

Uptown

About the restaurant

Top review

RobertVIP

Dined 3 days ago

The pepper garlic chicken with brown rice was soo good! and my server Sofia was very helpful in answering questions I had about the dish.

Saj

4.6

4.6 (336)

$30 and under

Mediterranean

Uptown

About the restaurant

Saj is a modern BYOB Mediterranean restaurant, offering an authentic family style concept that revolves around our freshly baked Saj bread in a fun, cozy atmosphere. Feel free to bring your own drink and we will take it from there.

Top review

Jeremy

Dined 3 days ago

Went there for the first time and it was great! Took a special person on a first date there and we loved it. The food, service, and atmosphere was outstanding. Will definitely go back.

The Red Maple Restaurant

4.6

4.6 (55)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Gretna

About the restaurant

The Red Maple was originally owned and operated by the Trauth Family, a German-American family of restaurateurs spanning 100 years in Gretna. And what began in 1963 continues to this day, holding to its German roots through its rustic Alpine lodge decor, extensive beer selection and annual Oktoberfest celebration. In fact, it was a red maple tree in the side yard that inspired the name of the bar – The Red Maple – with the restaurant being added in 1965.

Now for over 50 years, The Red Maple has been the rendezvous spot for West Bank movers and shakers known for its Prime cut steaks, New Orleans favorites and fresh Louisiana seafood.

Today, under the passionate guidance of Proprietor Brent Trauth and his sister, Carroll Gales, The Red Maple continues to deliver on its reputation for delicious food, exceptional service and rich Louisiana history. A rich and storied past that is only upstaged by the dining experience itself.

Top review

kennyVIP

Dined 5 days ago

It’s my go to steakhouse on the West Bank. The owner is there, the service is friendly and the steak is juicy.

Sophie's

4.6

4.6 (14)

$31 to $50

Italian

Kenner

About the restaurant

Sophie’s is a new restaurant in River Ridge, Louisiana, offering a delightful mix of seafood and Italian cuisine. Named after the owner’s daughter, it occupies the former location of Très Bon Cajun Meats. Our menu features a variety of dishes, including pasta, pizza, steak, and fresh seafood. Enjoy a full bar and relax on our patio. We are open for lunch and dinner, but closed on Mondays. Come experience the flavors of Sophie’s!

Top review

Roger

Dined 4 days ago

Our food was delicious and our waitress was very personable and professional. We will be back!

Fremin's Restaurant

4.5

4.5 (108)

$30 and under

Creole

Thibodaux

About the restaurant

At Fremin’s, we strive to retain the richness and excellence for which our regional dishes are known. We invite you to take pleasure with us in the continuing evolution of America’s most exciting cuisine! Come again, come often. Eat and enjoy.

Top review

Donaldo

Dined on 9 May 2025

Food was excellent, service was outstanding, ambience could have been a little warmer and price could have been a little lower because of these factors.

Explore Diners' Choice best of New Orleans / Louisiana

Explore more Diners' Choice lists