NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — The Big Easy is a city famous for captivating tastebuds.
It’s no secret that New Orleans just does it differently when it comes to food.
You want gumbo, red beans and rice or jambalaya? Traditional food like burgers and fries? Thai? This city offers delectable options at your fingertips.
Take a look at restaurants that have opened in New Orleans so far this year.
Smalls Sliders
- 4580 Veterans Blvd., Metairie | Sun.-Thu. 10:30 a.m.—10 p.m., Fri.-Sat. 10:30 a.m.—12 a.m.
The new location, owned by Ben Smith, Jason Loezel and former New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees, opened on Feb. 8. The restaurant capitalizes on the traditional burger by offering sliders. Featuring a drive thru and walk-up style ordering, customers can purchase sliders individually or as combos served with fries and a drink at their convenience.
The Ruby Slipper
- 1001 Canal St., New Orleans | Mon.-Fri. 7 a.m.—2 p.m., Weekends: 7 a.m.—3 p.m.
While this restaurant has locations across the city, it recently reopened in the French Quarter. Following a five-year hiatus after the Hard Rock Hotel collapse, the breakfast and brunch spot had its grand reopening on Feb. 8. Later in the month, a reopening ceremony was held, featuring award-winning singer Robin Barnes.
Crack’D Brunch
- 1901 Sophie Wright Place, New Orleans | Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.—2 p.m., Weekends: 8 a.m.—3 p.m.
This eccentric brunch restaurant aims to bring fun, food and good vibes to the Lower Garden District. The entire menu is pork-free. Guests can enjoy dishes like shrimp and grits, pancakes, salmon, and steak and eggs. In addition, guests can finish off their meal by choosing from a slew of desserts and drink options, featuring tea and coffee or unwind with a glass of wine or a cocktail.
St. Pizza
- 1152 Magazine St., New Orleans | Sun. & Wed. 12 p.m.—9 p.m., Thu. & Sat. 12 p.m.—10 p.m.
This is not your average pizza place. This pizzeria and tavern allows patrons to get a slice of pizza or a full pie on the go, taking orders through a window. Dine-in options are still available for those who want to enjoy the tavern. The menu also features salads, cookies and cocktails.
Smoke and Honey
- 3301 Bienville St., New Orleans | Mon.-Sun. 8 a.m.—3 p.m., (Dinner) 4 p.m.—9 p.m.
What started out as a pop-up has since turned into an operating restaurant for Founder Vassiliki Ellwood Yiagazis. Guests will find “Greek and Jewish soul food” at this Mid-City spot. Various items are on the menu like gyros and breakfast gyros, lamb, salmon and smoked eggplant. Dessert is the vegan pistachio chocolate chip cookie, and the menu shakes it up with imported Greek beer, wine and some cocktail options.
Good Catch
- 828 Gravier St., New Orleans | (Lunch) Mon.-Sat. 11 a.m.—3 p.m., (Dinner) 4:30 p.m.—9:30 p.m.
This restaurant looks to bring authentic Thai food to the Central Business District. The blending of Thai, fresh local seafood and creative cocktails confirms an innovative twist in the way Thai food is served. It offers a line of seafood options like steamed whole seabass and seafood tom yum ramen. In addition, the menu features a variety of vegetarian dishes.
TANA
- 2919 Metairie Rd., Metairie | Wed. & Thu., Sun. & Mon. 5 p.m.—9 p.m., Fri.-Sat. 5 p.m.—10 p.m.
This new Italian restaurant serves guests Sicilian and Liguria dishes, all while including Louisiana local ingredients. Chef Michael Gulotta channels his New Orleans Sicilian upbringing to deliver sophisticated and eccentric food. Focusing on providing an upscale experience, the lounge is open to guests who want to enjoy good food in a warm, comfy atmosphere.
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