Today we’re highlighting some of the tiny but mighty restaurants in the city. Don’t let the size of these restaurants fool you, because what they lack in size they are making up for in bold flavors that will blow you away. In no particular order, here are some of our favorite humble little restaurants around New Orleans that are so worth the visit.

1. Rosedale
Rosedale/Facebook
Rosedale Restaurant, 801 Rosedale Dr, New Orleans, LA 70124, USA
Rosedale/Facebook
Located in Navarre neighborhood, TEXT is a humble little restaurant puts a unique spin on Louisiana home cooking that will dazzle your tastebuds. When you visit, be sure to take advantage of their charming courtyard dining area. This restaurant is located at 801 Rosedale Drive, New Orleans, LA, 70124.
2. Coop’s Place
Soeren W./Trip Advisor
Coop's Place, 1109 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA
Damon M./Trip Advisor
Located on Decatur Street, Coop’s Place has been serving up some amazing local food since 1983. They’re known for their gumbo and fried chicken, the latter of which is finger-licking good. Find Coop's Place at 1109 Decatur St., New Orleans, LA, 70116.
3. Copper Monkey
Copper Monkey/Facebook
Copper Monkey Bar & Grill, 725 Conti St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
Copper Monkey/Facebook
For late night grub, Copper Monkey is just the ticket. This little French Quarter gem features everything from veggie wraps to peanut butter burgers, so no matter what you’re craving, Copper Monkey is there for you. Pro tip: try the banana beignets! Copper Monkey is located at 725 Conti St, New Orleans, LA, 70130.
4. Cowbell
Coradecam/Trip Advisor
Cowbell, 8801 Oak St, New Orleans, LA 70118, USA
chrisnicholls68/Trip Advisor
Located in a converted gas station on beautiful Oak Street, Cowbell has some of the most mouthwatering burgers you’ve ever tasted. Find Cowbell at 8801 Oak St., New Orleans, LA, 70118.
5. Jimmy J’s
Hope K./Foursquare
Jimmy J's Cafe, 115 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
Jimmy J’s/Facebook
What Jimmy J’s lacks in size, they make up for in big flavor. Featuring a menu full of Cajun and Creole cuisine, you can’t go wrong with anything you order at this funky little cafe. Jimmy J's is located at 115 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA, 70130.
6. Mona’s Cafe
TravelerBabs/Trip Advisor
Mona's Cafe, 3901 Banks St, New Orleans, LA 70119, USA
RoyalC1941/Trip Advisor
For authentic Middle Eastern cuisine, Mona’s Cafe is just the ticket. They’ve been serving mouthwatering Lebanese specialties for over 20 years, and they’re worth a visit. Mona’s is BYOB and they don’t charge a corking fee, so bring a bottle of wine and treat yourself to an amazing meal. Find Mona's Cafe at 504 Frenchman St., New Orleans, LA, 70116.
7. Mona Lisa Restaurant
googlemaps.com
Mona Lisa, 1212 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA
ToxicKel/Trip Advisor
Serving up some amazing Italian in what might just be the most unique atmosphere in the city, Mona Lisa is a must stop for anyone craving some pizza or pasta. The walls are decorated with endless pictures of Mona Lisa, adding a quirky element you just won’t find anywhere else. 1212 Royal St., New Orleans, LA, 70116.

How many of these restaurants in New Orleans have you dined at? Let us know in the comments below!

Curious to try some unique restaurants in New Orleans? One of the most unique restaurants in New Orleans just so happens to be one of the most haunted restaurants in the city, so be prepared to potentially have a paranormal experience when dining at Muriel’s in Jackson Square. While the restaurant has been open since 2001, the building used to be the home of Pierre Antoine Lepardi Jourdan, who built his dream home only to lose it in a poker hand in 1814. Rather than move out, he committed suicide in the house. Many believe that Mr. Jourdan still remains within these walls and the restaurant even sets Mr. Jourdan his own table every night. Creepy!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

More to Explore

Restaurants in New Orleans

Sarah M. | April 19, 2023

What are the most iconic restaurants in New Orleans?

There is a soul to New Orleans -- a living, breathing spirit that's truly unique to the city. This joy de vivre is positively palpable, and something that can really only be experienced. While famous for Mardi Gras, the spirit of New Orleans is far deeper than the pomp and revelry of this event. Food, in particular, is a huge part of the NOLA experience, and there are some truly iconic restaurants you'll definitely want to visit, including:

  • Café Du Monde - Beignets
  • Central Grocery & Deli - Muffalata
  • Mother's Restaurant - Fried Oyster Po' Boy
  • Antoine’s - Seafood Gumbo
  • Galatoire’s - Shrimp Remoulade
  • Commander's Palace - Creole Gumbo
  • Dat Dog - Crawfish Étouffée

What are the best foods in New Orleans?

In addition to the iconic NOLA restaurants listed above that serve the town's most celebrated dishes such as beignets, muffalata, and gumbo, other must-try foods popular in New Orleans include:

  • Charbroiled Oysters
  • Praline Bacon
  • Doberge Cake
  • Snoballs
  • King Cake
  • Jambalaya
  • Red Beans and Rice
  • Bananas Foster
  • Crawfish Boils
  • BBQ Shrimp
  • Fried Seafood... and fried everything!

Related Articles