Quick answer
New Orleans' brunch scene ranges from casual to fine dining, costing approximately $12-$75 per person, with Commander's Palace and Atchafalaya being the most recommended spots by locals. This Editor-curated guide highlights the city's best brunch experiences, avoiding tourist traps and focusing on local favorites for an authentic taste of NOLA.
- Best overall
- Commander's Palace
- Top pick
- Commander's Palace
Top verdicts
- Commander's Palace: The crown jewel of NOLA brunch.
- Brennan's: Where Bananas Foster was born.
- Atchafalaya: The locals' favorite.
New Orleans is the birthplace of brunch, and the city takes the meal seriously. From Commander's Palace's legendary jazz brunch to Elizabeth's praline bacon in the Bywater, NOLA offers brunch experiences you won't find anywhere else. Budget about $12–$75 per person depending on whether you're going casual or fine dining.
The range spans Creole fine dining institutions (Commander's Palace, Brennan's), neighborhood favorites (Atchafalaya, Elizabeth's, Bearcat), and everything in between. Most serve brunch on weekends; several are open daily. Reservations are essential at the upscale spots.
Area map
1. Commander's Palace
All 12 spots at a glance
| # | Name | Style | Price | Area |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Commander's Palace | Creole Fine Dining | $$$ | |
| 2 | Brennan's | Creole Fine Dining | $$$ | |
| 3 | Atchafalaya | Louisiana Brunch | $$ | |
| 4 | Surrey's Café & Juice Bar | Brunch Café | $$ | |
| 5 | Elizabeth's | Southern Brunch | $$ | |
| 6 | Bearcat Cafe | Eclectic Brunch | $$ | |
| 7 | Willa Jean | Southern Bakery-Café | $$ | |
| 8 | Paladar 511 | Mediterranean Brunch | $$ | |
| 9 | Café Amelie | Courtyard Brunch | $$ | |
| 10 | The Elysian Bar | Hotel Bar Brunch | $$$ | |
| 11 | Mr. B's Bistro | Creole Bistro | $$$ | |
| 12 | Ruby Slipper Café | Classic Brunch | $ |
1Commander's Palace
Creole Fine Dining💴 $$$
Verdict: The crown jewel of NOLA brunch.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Creole Fine Dining in New Orleans
- Strengths
- Known for Creole Fine Dining
- Price / value
- $$$
- Why it made the list
- The crown jewel of NOLA brunch. 130+ years of Creole excellence with live jazz. Reddit unanimously calls it unmissable.
- What to order
- Commander's Palace, a Creole fine dining institution, is known for its Jazz Brunch, though pricing details are unavailable. For the best experience, order the prix-fixe brunch package, including the Cochon de Lait Eggs Benedict, Turtle Soup, and Creole Bread Pudding Soufflé.
“Commander's Palace is a must. The jazz brunch is an institution.”
— Editor's note
“Commander's still has the vibe and the history. You can't beat it for the full experience.”
— Editor's note
2Brennan's
Creole Fine Dining💴 $$$
Verdict: Where Bananas Foster was born.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Creole Fine Dining in New Orleans
- Strengths
- Known for Creole Fine Dining
- Price / value
- $$$
- Why it made the list
- Where Bananas Foster was born. Brennan's 80-year-old French Quarter breakfast is refined without being stuffy. Reddit regulars say it edges out Commander's for food quality.
- What to order
- Brennan's, a Creole fine dining establishment, is famous for inventing Bananas Foster in 1951, though pricing details are unavailable. The three-course brunch is legendary, and you should order the Bananas Foster, Eggs Hussarde, and Turtle Soup.
“Brennan's is so, so much better than Commander's Palace in every way.”
— Editor's note
“For a NOLA newbie, is Brennan's an essential stop? Yes. Do brunch.”
— Editor's note
3Atchafalaya
Louisiana Brunch💴 $$
Verdict: The locals' favorite.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Louisiana Brunch in New Orleans
- Strengths
- Known for Louisiana Brunch
- Price / value
- $$
- Why it made the list
- The locals' favorite. Highest-rated on this list at 4.7★. The build-your-own Bloody Mary bar is iconic, and the Creole-Louisiana brunch menu hits every note.
- What to order
- Atchafalaya, a Louisiana brunch spot, is a local favorite with a build-your-own Bloody Mary bar, though pricing details are unavailable. The Bloody Mary bar alone is worth the trip, but also order the Shrimp & Grits and Cochon de Lait Benedict.
“I've always preferred Atchafalaya for brunch.”
— Editor's note
“Top were definitely Cochon, Peche and Atchafalaya!”
— Editor's note
4Surrey's Café & Juice Bar
Brunch Café💴 $$
Verdict: Colorful Magazine Street café that nails the casual-but-excellent brunch.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Brunch Café in New Orleans
- Strengths
- Known for Brunch Café
- Price / value
- $$
- Why it made the list
- Colorful Magazine Street café that nails the casual-but-excellent brunch. Fresh juices, Latin-influenced dishes, and zero pretension.
- What to order
- Surrey's Café & Juice Bar, a brunch café, is known for its made-from-scratch menu, though pricing details are unavailable. Order the Bananas Foster French Toast, Shrimp & Grits, and fresh-squeezed juices.
“Surrey's is great, too.”
— Editor's note
“Surrey's on Magazine Street is always a solid choice for brunch.”
— Editor's note
5Elizabeth's
Southern Brunch💴 $$
Verdict: The Bywater institution that Reddit keeps recommending.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Southern Brunch in New Orleans
- Strengths
- Known for Southern Brunch
- Price / value
- $$
- Why it made the list
- The Bywater institution that Reddit keeps recommending. Down-home Southern cooking with local art on the walls and praline bacon that should be illegal.
- What to order
- Elizabeth's, a Southern brunch destination, is famous for its life-changing Praline Bacon, though pricing details are unavailable. Be sure to order the Praline Bacon, Bananas Foster French Toast, and Boudin Balls.
“Elizabeth's has amazing banana foster french toast.”
— Editor's note
“If you can face leaving the quarter, try Elizabeth's in the Bywater.”
— Editor's note
6Bearcat Cafe
Eclectic Brunch💴 $$
Verdict: The Uptown brunch darling that Reddit consistently names as a top pick.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Eclectic Brunch in New Orleans
- Strengths
- Known for Eclectic Brunch
- Price / value
- $$
- Why it made the list
- The Uptown brunch darling that Reddit consistently names as a top pick. Eclectic comfort food, great cocktails, and a breezy patio.
- What to order
- Bearcat Cafe, an eclectic brunch spot, offers artisanal coffee and a surprisingly excellent cocktail menu, though pricing details are unavailable. Try the Sweet Potato Pancakes, Fried Chicken Benedict, and explore the cocktail menu.
“Bearcat is exceptional.”
— Editor's note
“Paladar 511 is the best brunch in the city. Bearcat is also great.”
— Editor's note
7Willa Jean
Southern Bakery-Café💴 $$
Verdict: Retro-chic bakery-café that's a brunch powerhouse.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Southern Bakery-Café in New Orleans
- Strengths
- Known for Southern Bakery-Café
- Price / value
- $$
- Why it made the list
- Retro-chic bakery-café that's a brunch powerhouse. The baked goods alone are worth a visit. That warm cookie skillet is a religious experience.
- What to order
- Willa Jean, a Southern bakery-café, is a must-visit for its Warm Chocolate Chip Cookie Skillet, though pricing details are unavailable. Don't leave without trying the cookie, and also order the Buttermilk Biscuits and BBQ Shrimp & Grits.
“Willa Jean is fantastic for brunch. The cookie skillet is a must.”
— Editor's note
“If you're in the CBD area, Willa Jean is hard to beat.”
— Editor's note
8Paladar 511
Mediterranean Brunch💴 $$
Verdict: The Marigny sleeper hit that Reddit calls 'the best brunch in the city.' Mediterranean-meets-New Orleans with seasonal wood-fired dishes.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Mediterranean Brunch in New Orleans
- Strengths
- Known for Mediterranean Brunch
- Price / value
- $$
- Why it made the list
- The Marigny sleeper hit that Reddit calls 'the best brunch in the city.' Mediterranean-meets-New Orleans with seasonal wood-fired dishes.
- What to order
- Paladar 511, a Mediterranean brunch spot, offers a seasonally changing brunch menu featuring fresh ingredients, though pricing details are unavailable. Order the wood-fired pizzas, seasonal pasta, and shakshuka, trusting whatever's fresh.
“Paladar 511 is the best brunch in the city. As a bonus, they take reservations!”
— Editor's note
“We love Paladar 511 for weekend brunch. The courtyard is gorgeous.”
— Editor's note
9Café Amelie
Courtyard Brunch💴 $$
Verdict: A romantic French Quarter courtyard with a fountain and wisteria — Café Amelie is where you take someone you want to impress.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Courtyard Brunch in New Orleans
- Strengths
- Known for Courtyard Brunch
- Price / value
- $$
- Why it made the list
- A romantic French Quarter courtyard with a fountain and wisteria — Café Amelie is where you take someone you want to impress.
- What to order
- Café Amelie, a courtyard brunch destination, elevates the dining experience with its atmosphere, though pricing details are unavailable. Order the Cochon de Lait Po'Boy, Roasted Beet Salad, and Bread Pudding.
“Cafe Amelie has a beautiful courtyard and great food.”
— Editor's note
“For a nice French Quarter brunch, Cafe Amelie is our go-to.”
— Editor's note
10The Elysian Bar
Hotel Bar Brunch💴 $$$
Verdict: Brunch in a converted church at the Hotel Peter and Paul.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Hotel Bar Brunch in New Orleans
- Strengths
- Known for Hotel Bar Brunch
- Price / value
- $$$
- Why it made the list
- Brunch in a converted church at the Hotel Peter and Paul. Sophisticated Mediterranean-Creole brunch in one of the most beautiful rooms in New Orleans.
- What to order
- The Elysian Bar, a hotel bar brunch spot, is known for its outstanding House Spritz cocktail, though pricing details are unavailable. Order the Baked Eggs in Purgatory, French Rolled Omelette, and brunch cocktails.
“Out of all places I've visited, this is one of the best places I've had brunch, without a doubt.”
— Yelp · 2024
“The biscuits, the cinnamon roll, eggs purgatory, and the grits — every single item was impeccable.”
— Yelp · 2024
11Mr. B's Bistro
Creole Bistro💴 $$$
Verdict: The Brennan family's more relaxed French Quarter bistro.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Creole Bistro in New Orleans
- Strengths
- Known for Creole Bistro
- Price / value
- $$$
- Why it made the list
- The Brennan family's more relaxed French Quarter bistro. Mr. B's BBQ Shrimp is one of the most famous dishes in New Orleans — buttery, peppery, and messy in the best way.
- What to order
- Mr. B's Bistro, a Creole bistro, is renowned for its signature BBQ Shrimp, though pricing details are unavailable. Order the BBQ Shrimp, Gumbo Ya Ya, and Bread Pudding with Irish Whiskey Sauce.
“For more brunch vibe, Mr B's and Broussard's.”
— Editor's note
“If you had to eliminate one, don't eliminate Mr. B's.”
— Editor's note
12Ruby Slipper Café
Classic Brunch💴 $
Verdict: The brunch chain that locals debate but tourists keep coming back to.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Classic Brunch in New Orleans
- Strengths
- Known for Classic Brunch
- Price / value
- $
- Why it made the list
- The brunch chain that locals debate but tourists keep coming back to. Multiple locations, consistent quality, affordable, and open early — perfect for your first morning in NOLA.
- What to order
- Ruby Slipper Café, a classic brunch spot, is known for its Eggs Cochon (debris topped with poached eggs and hollandaise), though pricing details are unavailable. Also order the BBQ Shrimp & Grits and Pain Perdu.
“I was considering Ruby Slipper. — It's fine for what it is. Solid, not life-changing.”
— Editor's note
“Bearcat is exceptional, Broussards is a classic, and Elizabeth's has amazing banana foster french toast.”
— Editor's note
Frequently asked questions
What is the best brunch spot in New Orleans?
Commander's Palace and Atchafalaya are the two most recommended brunch spots among locals and on Reddit. Commander's Palace offers refined Creole dining with live jazz, while Atchafalaya is the more relaxed local favorite with a famous build-your-own Bloody Mary bar.
Where do New Orleans locals go for brunch?
Locals favor Atchafalaya in the Irish Channel, Paladar 511 in the Marigny, Elizabeth's in the Bywater, and Bearcat Cafe Uptown. These spots rarely appear on tourist lists but consistently dominate local consensus.
Is Brennan's worth it for brunch?
Yes. Brennan's is where Bananas Foster was invented in 1951, and the three-course breakfast remains one of the most iconic meals in New Orleans.
What is a jazz brunch in New Orleans?
A jazz brunch features live jazz music during the meal. Commander's Palace hosts the most famous weekend jazz brunch, and Mr. B's Bistro offers a popular Sunday jazz brunch. Expect slightly higher prices but an unforgettable atmosphere.
How much does brunch cost in New Orleans?
Casual spots like Bearcat Cafe and Ruby Slipper run $12-20 per person. Mid-range options like Atchafalaya and Surrey's are $18-30. Fine dining brunches at Commander's Palace and Brennan's range from $45-75 per person with cocktails.
Do I need reservations for brunch in New Orleans?
Highly recommended for Commander's Palace, Brennan's, and Paladar 511. Casual spots like Bearcat and Elizabeth's are walk-in only — expect a 30-60 minute wait on weekends.
What should I order at a New Orleans brunch?
Don't miss: Eggs Benedict variations (especially Cochon de Lait or BBQ Shrimp), Shrimp and Grits, Bananas Foster French Toast, and a Bloody Mary. Praline Bacon at Elizabeth's and the Cookie Skillet at Willa Jean are must-tries.