If you find yourself poppin’ bottles more often than your average wine drinker or have a robust cork collection, don’t hesitate to immerse yourself in the local culinary getaway that is the New Orleans Wine & Food Experience (NOWFE).
With over 25 years of celebrating the art of eating and drinking, NOWFE features over 1,000 wines and 50+ restaurants while entertaining their over 7,000 gourmand and vino-loving guests during their five days of festivities.
While NOWFE is a destination for oenophiles, the festival accommodates all degrees of imbibers from wine dinners and exclusive experiences to seminars and grand tastings. And if you’re looking for a good reason to clink glasses and gorge on savory samples, 100% of the proceeds go to causes that support culinary education.
You can find a list of the participating wineries here, and below you can whet your appetite with a glowing list of the highly-rated restaurants that’ll be at various NOWFE events. We’ve also made a delicious pocket-sized collection here so you can make reference to the restaurants you’ll have to revisit once you’ve come out of your NOWFE-induced food and wine coma.
*Photos sourced from Yelp do not reflect dishes being served but the quality of expertise that can be expected from these wonderful participating restaurants.
18 STEAK at L’Auberge Casino Hotel Baton Rouge
777 L’Auberge Ave
Baton Rouge, LA 70820
“From the atmosphere, to the service and food this place is amazing… I would recommend this place to anyone looking for an extremely upscale dining experience that’s intimate and professionally prepared.”
-Yelper Blake M.
Restaurant August
301 Tchoupitoulas St
New Orleans, LA 70130
“Top notch dining experience. Beautiful place, fantastic service, and exceptional food. The dishes are flawlessly executed with attention to every detail. Each course was so well composed in flavor, texture, appearance, and temperature.”
-Yelper Jeremy L.
Balise
640 Carondelet St
New Orleans, LA 70130
“The bar is beautiful and the drinks were delightfully refreshing. The burger was delicious (as always), as was the chicken sandwich. The steak tartare is also one of my faves. Love this place and will be back!! Overall, a five star experience.”
-Yelper Brit R.
Boheme Brunch
307 Fairview St
Houston, TX 77006
“Boheme is a great casual place to dine and have drinks. I simply love coming here. The ambiance is really nice and the waiter and bartenders are very friendly. I love that they offer vegetarian options as well.’
-Yelper Lee A.S.
Brennan’s
417 Royal St
New Orleans, LA 70130
“When in New Orleans you must stop at Brennan’s for brunch! The atmosphere, staff, food and drink truly make this establishment memorable. It’s Southern charm at its finest.”
-Yelp Elite Eileen K.
Broussard’s
819 Conti St
New Orleans, LA 70112
“What a cool setting. The restaurant is gorgeous in and of itself but the courtyard has to be one of the coolest places in the Quarter… The staff was amazing. The Shrimp & Grits were on point. And the Bananas Foster was a huge hit. The wife and I will be back for sure.”
-Yelp Elite Richard S.
Cavan
3607 Magazine St
New Orleans, LA 70115
“This restaurant was the best little surprise of our NOLA trip!… Little did we know the ambiance was only the beginning of a wonderful experience! Our waitress was phenomenal, and our food and drinks were our favorite of the trip. Can’t go wrong here.”
-Yelper Abbey T.
Chew Rouge
6940 St Claude Ave
Arabi, LA 70032
“This is a great spot in Louisiana!… I tried a lot of different plates with my group and everything tasted great. The owners and staff are so warm and friendly, made me feel at home. I will for sure be back here!! “
-Yelper Savannah M.
Chosen Cakes & Caterers
6861 Jefferson Hwy
New Orleans, LA 70123
“I ordered a cake as part of a big surprise from out of state (Detroit, MI) for my anniversary in New Orleans, and I must say the customer service was amazing. They really went the extra mile. Not to mention the cake was beautiful and tasty!!”
-Yelper Goldie W.
Curio
301 Royal St
New Orleans, LA 70130
“Great restaurants like Curio not only have tasty food and great cocktails, they also offer great service in a friendly atmosphere. “
-Yelp Elite Munzer Q.
Desire Oyster Bar
300 Bourbon St
New Orleans, LA 70130
“Desire Oyster Bar is one of my fave spots on Bourbon Street for shucked oysters and appetizers to start off an evening of laissez les bon temps rouler! Even on a busy night, there are usually a couple of open spots at their oyster bar where you can actually see the oysters being shucked before you feast on them!”
-Yelp Elite Que N.
Domenica
123 Baronne St
New Orleans, LA 70112
“Domenca is a really cute Italian restaurant inside of the Roosevelt Hotel… I dined here with a gluten-free friend and they were happy to serve her a bowl of mouthwatering pasta with gluten-free noodles for which she raved.”
-Yelp Elite Helina G.
DTB
8201 Oak St
New Orleans, LA 70118
“This is a gem on Oak Street! We tried the crispy oysters, crispy duck wings, fries and cornbread for starters. The combinations of flavors on each plate made them spectacular… The dishes were fun and flavorful. “
-Yelp Elite Kri L.
Hyatt Regency New Orleans
601 Loyola Ave
New Orleans, LA 70113
“Recently renovated hotel in a great location across from the Mercedes Benz Superdome and a close Uber ride to the French Quarter. I love the design of this hotel with the atrium floor to ceiling. The rooms here are nice, like you’d find at almost any other Hyatt Hotel. There’s plenty here for you to access if you don’t feel like leaving.”
-Yelper Brandon T.
InterContinental New Orleans
444 Saint Charles Ave
New Orleans, LA 70130
“This is a beautiful property and the customer service was amazing across the board, We didn’t encounter anyone that worked here that provided anything less than exceptional service.”
-Yelp Elite Dave O.
Jack Rose Restaurant at the Pontchartrain Hotel
2031 St Charles Ave
New Orleans, LA 70130
“Really fun atmosphere with incredible food and drinks. The service was out of this world great. Our server was Sara and she was very knowledgeable and entertaining! Will be back again and again!”
-Yelper Chase T.
Kingfish
337 Chartres St
New Orleans, LA 70130
“Perfect corner bar for some classy day drinking in New Orleans. Strong cocktail game — both in creativity and strength. Good wines and sparkles. Very friendly bartenders that make it fun to spend an hour or two hanging out at the bar joking around. “
-Yelp Elite Natalia S.
Maypop Restaurant
611 O’Keefe St
New Orleans, LA 70113
“So many strong flavors popped out at every bite that could hardly keep me from taking the next bite fast enough. Everything was so fresh and unique… If you are looking for an exceptional dining experience and unforgettable food, this is where it’s at.”
-Yelp Elite Rebecca W.
M Bistro at The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans
921 Canal St
New Orleans, LA 70112
“The atmosphere was elegant and classy and everything was very open… All of their servers provided great service as well. Overall a great dining experience and can’t wait to go back.”
-Yelp Elite Molly L.
Morton’s The Steakhouse
365 Canal St
New Orleans, LA 70130
“This is my favorite steakhouse in town! I am in love with the filet and the Parmesan truffle fries. I visit here frequently because the food and service are excellent”
-Yelper Brianna S.
Mr. B’s Bistro
201 Royal St
New Orleans, LA 70130
“Everything on the menu is good, but if you like the flavor of fresh Gulf shrimp and are ready to try them served in a rich buttery bbq sauce… Mr. B’s BBQ Shrimp is truly the best served anywhere!”
-Yelper Michael M.
Nothing Bundt Cakes
4839 Prytania St
New Orleans, LA 70115
“The young lady was very kind, knowledgeable and pleased to provide an in-depth explanation of the various size cakes, flavors and products to accompany. This will be my “go-to” place for many occasions. I shall return!”
-Yelper Bridget C.
Red Fish Grill
115 Bourbon St
New Orleans, LA 70130
“I love Redfish Grill for their variety of wood grilled fish and amazing sauces. The gumbo is among the city’s best. Flavors are on point without being heavy and overwhelming.”
-Yelp Elite Kimberly J.
Restaurant R’evolution
777 Bienville St
New Orleans, LA 70130
“This was hands down the coolest dining experience I had when visiting New Orleans. First off the vibe in this place was fantastic. The decor, the music, the whole ambience was something really special. This is a great spot to impress a date or to hang out with a group of friends. “
-Yelper CJ J.
Rib Room
621 Saint Louis St
New Orleans, LA 70130
“Always a magical dining experience. Wonderful for celebrating an evening or great for an upscale lunch. With a name like the Rib Room you’d think you’d have to eat red meat to have a good meal but the salads are fantastic as well as all their seafood dishes. And the service is always top notch.”
-Yelp Elite Maddy M.
Rizzuto’s Ristorante & Chophouse
6262 Fleur De Lis Dr
New Orleans, LA 70124
“I ordered Eggplant Valentina and Brisket Salad. Both of which were delightfully satisfying replacements for the former similar items of Angelo’s. I was particularly impressed with the wait staff that was courteous, checking on tables after being seated to see how things were going and if I needed anything.”
-Yelper Anthony L.
Ruth’s Chris Steak House
3633 Veterans Blvd
Metairie, LA 70002
“Come here for amazing steaks, a great happy hour, and outstanding service. There are more expensive steakhouses around but for me Ruth’s is quite perfect!”
-Yelp Elite Steve I.
Sac-a-Lait
1051 Annunciation St
New Orleans, LA 70130
“If I could give this place 10 stars I would. The atmosphere was great, the menu was phenomenal… literally one of the top 3 meals I’ve ever had! The staff, management, and owners all made our experience incredibly personal and an evening that we’ll never forget.”
-Yelper Raychel V.
Shaya
4213 Magazine St
New Orleans, LA 70115
“Well this place certainly lives up to the hype! Took my fiancé here for a date night and we loved everything we had. The staff as well as the food is like no other in the city yet still not overpriced in my opinion.”
-Yelper Brandon P.
Tableau
616 St Peter St
New Orleans, LA 70116
“Dinner was excellent and the wine list was great as well. The double cut lamb chops were excellent but the best was the creme brûlée. Save room!”
-Yelper P M.
The Bistreaux at Maison Dupuy
1001 Rue Toulouse
New Orleans, LA 70112
“Love this place! Service was great and the food was awesome and well priced. Flatbread and quail wings are the best.”
-Yelper Debbie T.
The Bombay Club
830 Conti St
New Orleans, LA 70112
“This place is so great. The atmosphere is perfect – dim like a dive bar but with cool alcoves for tables and an upscale vibe. The food was delicious. “
-Yelper Laura T.
The Grill Room at Windsor Court
300 Gravier St
New Orleans, LA 70130
“The lunch special was fantastic. I had a succulent piece of redfish and my wife had delicious crab cakes. There were ample portions very wonderfully plated, prepared to perfection. “
-Yelper Joe A.
The Steakhouse at Harrah’s
228 Poydras St
Harrahs Casino
New Orleans, LA 70130
“The pork chop with corn and crab risotto is one of the best meals I’ve ever eaten. I also highly recommend the barbecued shrimp. Service, ambiance, and drinks were excellent.”
-Yelper Jeffrey B.
Tommy’s Cuisine
746 Tchoupitoulas St
New Orleans, LA 70130
“Nice atmosphere and the food was delicious. The service was great and the menu selection was better than expected. The selection of ports after the meal was enticing and the tastings were superb.”
-Yelper Sean S.
Trenasse in the Intercontinental Hotel
444 St Charles Ave
New Orleans, LA 70130
“The taste of Trenasse has 3 items on the plate – all were delicious and so savory. The shrimp was so crispy and they are definitely large shrimp. Now the oysters were phenomenal. I’m usually a raw oyster gal myself, but these broiled ones were so elegant and so smooth. I highly recommend all of these dishes.”
-Yelper Jennifer L.
Trinity
1117 Decatur St
New Orleans, LA 70116
“Seriously, best brunch in town!! Nicole was amazing and made sure the mimosas flowed! Thank you for the amazing food, music, and of course, the drinks.”
-Yelper Alyssa J.
Tsunami Sushi
601 Poydras St
New Orleans, LA 70170
“If you are looking for a nice upscale Japanese spot in the CBD, this is the place. Been here a few times for dinner with our friends and it’s always been good. Very nice setting for a date night but great for a dinner party as well. The space is decorated nicely and the staff is on point!”
-Yelper Brandon P.
White Pillars
1696 Beach Blvd
Biloxi, MS 39531
“Such an excellent restaurant. We requested a chef’s tasting and it did not disappoint. Every course was fantastic.”
-Yelper Penny D.
Cochon Butcher
930 Tchoupitoulas St
New Orleans, LA 70130
“This is one of the best sandwich shops I have been to. The Cuban was out of this world and the marinated Brussels sprouts were hands down the best Brussels sprouts I have ever had (you have to order them).”
-Yelper Jordan L.
Bratz Y’all
617 Piety St
New Orleans, LA 70117
“Food is fantastic. Cute set up, too. Patio tables with umbrellas, lights and plants hanging, good music playing. Salted pretzels on a stand. Schnitzel comes with lemon, just like in Germany. Potato salad with dill. Cabbage with anise and vinegar. A+”
-Yelp Elite Liz V.
Fulton Alley
600 Fulton St
New Orleans, LA 70130
“Perfect place for a corporate events or just night out with friends! The staff is top notch – super friendly and accommodating. Food and drinks at Fulton raise the bar of what you might expect from a bowling alley.”
-Yelper Sally C.
Toups South
1504 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd
New Orleans, LA 70113
“The amazing brunch was a highlight of our recent NOLA trip. From a perfect Pimm’s cup to the most delicious panna cotta dessert, it was a great experience… Service was great and friendly and the restaurant has a nice look and feel.”
-Yelper Stephanie H.
Avo
5908 Magazine St
New Orleans, LA 70115
“The food from Avo touches your soul ever so gently and lovingly. You can taste the tender care it took to make that homemade pasta. I experienced magical flavors that I have never experienced before. If you’re the type that likes to spruce up and enjoy date night over a glorious meal then this is your spot!”
-Yelp Elite Katie D.
Palace Café
605 Canal St
New Orleans, LA 70130
“Always a great place to take my guests and treat myself to a nice meal! The service is always consistent and excellent. I love that they can accommodate allergies and dietary restrictions as needed.”
-Yelp Elite Swati S.
The American Sector
945 Magazine St
New Orleans, LA 70130
“Great atmosphere and even better food. The Sardou was on point! The new area outside is very accommodating, and the service was fantastic.”
-Yelper Greg H.
Toast
5433 Laurel St
New Orleans, LA 70115
“This has to be my most favorite breakfast place in Louisiana, this is the quintessential place to come and indulge on breakfast for kings. The eggs are always cooked to perfection, the potatoes and steak is my favorite, the lemon able-skivers are to die for.”
-Yelper Tim O.
Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza
611 O’keefe Ave
New Orleans, LA 70113
“The service was friendly and fast and the pizza was delicious. I really like that they offer vegan cheese. No complaints from me and the coconut agua fresca drink was also bomb!”
-Yelp Elite Candace S.
Emeril’s New Orleans
800 Tchoupitoulas St
New Orleans, LA 70130
“Good food! Great service! Business casual. Inviting decor. We had a fun time eating the specials and enjoying the atmosphere while watching the kitchen.”
-Yelper Jennifer A.
Quintin’s Natural Ice Cream & Sorbet
New Orleans, LA
“We ran across their stand at the French Quarter Festival and the idea of a nice big cone of cold, creamy goodness sounded great on a warm afternoon… The flavor was great and there were a good amount of strawberries in there.”
-Yelp Elite Jeff C.
Other restaurants and vendors involved include Lafitte’s Den at The Old Absinthe House, Mange Catering & Events, Miti, Miti, Saundus Sauce, Tango Open Fire, Gourmet Fournet, Gullo Specialty Foods, Centerplate, Adrii’s Kitchen, Bayou Brew, and CoolBrew Coffee by New Orleans Coffee Company. Make sure to check out the full collection on Yelp here, and get your tickets before they sell out here!
