Best Cheap Eats in New Orleans

Big flavor, small price tags—
here’s where to eat in New Orleans without breaking the bank.

🍤 Start Here: Best Cheap Eats

Parkway Bakery & Tavern – Mid City -Legendary po’boys, huge portions, and worth the short trip.

Domilise’s Po-Boys – Uptown – Old-school, no-frills, and one of the best shrimp po’boys in the city.

Coop’s Place – French Quarter – Cajun comfort food that hits hard and doesn’t cost much.

Verti Marte – French Quarter – A tiny spot serving massive sandwiches 24/7.

Killer Poboys – French Quarter – Creative, modern po’boys that won’t wreck your wallet.

🍛 Local Classics

The Gumbo Shop – French Quarter – Reliable, traditional Creole dishes in the Quarter.

Napoleon House – French Quarter – Classic New Orleans food in the Quarter with great prices. My favorite spot.

High Hat – Freret St.– New Orleans/Cajun fusion uptown Freret St. Love this place.

Ye Ole College Inn – Carrollton – a popular locals place, NOLA and southern style food. Love this place too.

Mandina’s – Mid City – Among the most popular local favorites, big portions, Italian fare, wonderful New Orleans cuisine.

Sweet Treats

Cafe Du Monde – French Quarter/City Park – Beignets and coffee, messy and essential.

Morning Call – Canal Blvd – A quieter alternative with the same powdered sugar magic.

Cafe Beignet – 5 locations in the Quarter – Great coffee, giant beignets, breakfasts and sandwiches.

Angelo Brocatos – Mid City – Traditional Gelato and Sicilian treats, and coffee too

Creole Creamery – Uptown – Homemade, hand-dipped ice cream, a local favorite.

🍳 Breakfast & Brunch

The Ruby Slipper Café – 5 locations, FQ/Mid City – Big Southern breakfasts, biscuits, and brunch classics done New Orleans style.

Bearcat Café – Uptown/CBD – Fresh, creative brunch with both healthy and indulgent options.

Riccobono’s Panola Street Café – Carrollton – A local favorite for hearty breakfast plates and a relaxed neighborhood feel. One of my faves.

Elizabeth’s – Bywater – Funky spot known for praline bacon and classic New Orleans brunch. Real food, done real good.

Satsuma Café – 3 locations FQ/Uptown – Bright, healthy options, great coffee, and a laid-back neighborhood vibe.

Eating Well Without Spending a Fortune

One of the great things about eating in New Orleans is that you don’t have to spend a lot of money to eat really well. Some of the city’s most beloved foods were never meant to be fancy. A good po’boy, muffuletta, plate of red beans and rice, or bowl of gumbo can make a terrific meal without making a huge dent in your wallet.

And don’t assume the best cheap eats are all in the French Quarter. Look around Mid-City, Uptown, the Marigny, Bywater and other neighborhoods, where you’ll find local restaurants serving generous portions at prices that are often easier on the budget.

Another New Orleans rule: don’t judge a restaurant by how fancy it looks. Some of the best meals in town come from small neighborhood places where the food is the star and nobody is worried about impressing you with the decor.

If you’re visiting New Orleans on a budget, eating like a local is one of the best ways to save money without feeling like you’re missing out. Skip the expensive tourist meal once in a while and try something simple, local and filling instead. You may just discover your new favorite New Orleans restaurant.