Are you on the search for the best upscale restaurants in New Orleans? If so, this list is going to give you loads of ideas!

If you planning to visit some of the best upscale restaurants in New Orleans on your next visit, then you need to take a read of this list!

Our list of upscale restaurants in New Orleans has 15 of the best upscale restaurants in New Orleans (in our humble opinion), with lots of variety in cuisines and pricepoint too.

So take a read, and let us know which of these upscale restaurants in New Orleans you’re most excited to visit!

Let’s get into it!


Our top 15 upscale restaurants in New Orleans…


La Petite Grocery

Although La Petite Grocery may look like an unassuming local eatery, it’s actually one of the most upscale restaurants in New Orleans!

Serving up delicious dishes with a Southern twist like Fried Oysters with Summer Squash and Blue Crab Beignets, this place is constantly packed with hungry diners. It’s no wonder this made our list of the best upscale restaurants in New Orleans.

Although the food here is the main draw, while you’re here, you’ll also receive a generous helping of Southern hospitality and be able to explore the beautiful 1800s building where the restaurant is housed.

Whether you’re looking for classic flavors or want to push the boat out with something different, this is one of the upscale restaurants in New Orleans that has got you covered.

Image credit: https://www.lapetitegrocery.com/

Toups Meatery

Next on our list of the best upscale restaurants in New Orleans, it’s Toups Meatery. If you’re a complete carnivore, then you need to add Toups Meatery to your list of upscale restaurants in New Orleans to try this year.

Run by chef Isaac Toups, this place serves a delicious selection of Cajun dishes in a fine-dining setting.

Although the dining area has a contemporary feel, the techniques used at this eatery are highly traditional. Making the most of age-old grilling techniques, everything from the Lamb Neck to the Rabbit & Dumplings is cooked to perfection.

Known as one of the top upscale restaurants in New Orleans for meat-eaters, you’re unlikely to be disappointed with any dish on the menu!

Image credit: http://toupsmeatery.com/

Coquette

Are you looking for amazing upscale restaurants in New Orleans that are around the Garden District? If so, then you should check out Coquette.

As soon as you enter, you’ll be greeted by ornate hanging chandeliers, a welcoming dining room, and an awesome international wine list! Coquette is a classic choice for upscale restaurants in New Orleans.

Then comes the food – made using locally-sourced ingredients and consistently changing based on the availability of seasonal items, you can expect a different menu every time you visit!

Although you can order off the a la carte menu, we recommend stretching your budget to the $70 tasting menu. Packed with fascinating flavors, it’s well worth the splurge. No wonder this made our list of the best upscale restaurants in New Orleans, huh?

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Image credit: https://www.coquettenola.com/

Commander’s Palace

With a menu as commanding as the place’s name, Commander’s Palace is one of the upscale restaurants in New Orleans that’s all about strong flavors subtle details.

The place is best known for its delicious Creole fare, and you’ll find everything from Turtle Soup au Sherry to an incredible Pecan Crusted Fish.

Considering this is one of the most upscale restaurants in New Orleans, the prices are surprisingly reasonable. Although it’s not quite affordable, starters and salads are around $10 a pop while entrees top out at $62 for the center-cut veal chops.

Boasting an inviting dining room and a kick-ass jazz brunch, this is one of the upscale restaurants in New Orleans that you simply need to try!

Image credit: https://www.instagram.com/commanderspalace/

Cochon Restaurant

If you’re on the hunt for delicious Cajun food in a relaxed setting, then you’ll adore the next spot on our list of the best upscale restaurants in New Orleans.

Cochon Restaurant has long been a popular pick among locals, but it’s recently gained popularity with tourists too! Serving rustic dishes that make use of seasonal ingredients, fresh seafood, and locally sourced meats, it’s one of the upscale restaurants in New Orleans with a strong identity.

If you’re visiting for the first time, we highly recommend trying the Crawfish Pie and “Fisherman-Style” Roasted Gulf Fish. Packed with flavor and warmth, both dishes are the definition of Southern comfort food!

This is such a great choice if you’re looking for upscale restaurants in New Orleans.

Image credit: https://cochonrestaurant.com/

Sylvain

Regarded for its high-quality American fare and gastropub feel, Sylvain is one of our favorite upscale restaurants in New Orleans.

Located in the charming French Quarter, you can try everything from Southern staple dishes to classic cocktails with a twist (Milk Punch and a creative Bloody Mary, anyone?).

Although the indoor dining area is stunning, we feel it’s the outdoor patio that makes this one of the most popular upscale restaurants in New Orleans.

Offering gorgeous views of the Quarter and an excellent vantage point for people-watching, you can spend all day here sipping cocktails and reveling in New Orleans’ unique charm. You can see why we included Sylvain on our list of the best upscale restaurants in New Orleans!

Image credit: https://www.sylvainnola.com/

Galatoire’s

Lovers of French-Creole cuisine need to head down to the next spot on our list of the best upscale restaurants in New Orleans – pronto!

Located on the ever-popular Bourbon Street, Galatoire’s is known for its elegant dining area and century-old reputation for excellence. Now in its fifth generation, this is one of the upscale restaurants in New Orleans that still knows how to impress its customers. 

To start, we recommend sampling their famous Shrimp Remoulade or Sweetbreads. Then, fill yourself up with the Chicken Bonne-Femme or Maple Leaf Duck. How could we not include this place on our list of the top upscale restaurants in New Orleans?

Using classic techniques and enduring flavor profiles, it’s unsurprising that this is one of the upscale restaurants in New Orleans that’s always packed! Just a quick heads up – this place is strict on dress codes, so don’t forget your jacket!

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Image credit: https://www.instagram.com/galatoiresnola/

Brennan’s

Founded in 1946, Brennan’s is one of the upscale restaurants in New Orleans that’s remained a fine-dining landmark in this bustling Southern city.

Known for its top-notch Creole cuisine, drinks menu, and amazing Bananas Foster dessert, you’ll struggle to get a table unless you reserve ahead of time.

If forward-planning is your forte, enjoy the elegant dining room and the exquisite offerings from Chef Ryan Hacker. Although most of the dishes you’ll find are Creole staples, you’ll find elements of New Orleans cuisine making an appearance too!

Whether you fancy a classic Turtle Soup or a delicate Blackened Redfish, you’re bound to leave this upscale restaurant in New Orleans feeling satisfied. It’s a wonderful choice if you’re looking for upscale restaurants in New Orleans.

Image credit: https://www.brennansneworleans.com/

Pêche Seafood Grill

If you can’t get enough of raw seafood and traditional coal grilling, then you should check out the next spot on our list of the best upscale restaurants in New Orleans… Pêche Seafood Grill.

The menu here may look simple with items like Shrimp Bisque and Grilled Tuna getting top billing, but it’s the subtlety of flavor and quality of ingredients that sets this place apart.

If the main menu’s offerings don’t take your fancy, why not check out the raw seafood and oyster bar? With staff able to pinpoint exactly where your food was sourced from, you can be sure that you’re getting the freshest picks possible.

Another amazing choice for upscale restaurants in New Orleans, and one we highly recommend.

Image credit: https://www.pecherestaurant.com/

Arnaud’s

Next on our list of upscale restaurants in New Orleans, it’s Arnaud’s. Since it first opened back in 1918, Arnaud’s has been delighting diners with its fine-dining dishes, classic Creole eats, and wonderful cocktails.

As a winner of the James Beard Award, you can expect plenty of high-quality ingredients and top-notch cooking techniques to take center stage at this upscale restaurant in New Orleans.

Not sure what to order? We suggest ordering the Oysters Ohan or the Souffle Potatoes with Béarnaise Sauce. Both rich and decadent, they’re the perfect way to round off a visit to the French Quarter.

Seriously, it’s easy to see why this is one of the top upscale restaurants in New Orleans!

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Image credit: https://www.instagram.com/arnaudsnola/

Emeril’s

Created by celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse, Emeril’s is one of the upscale restaurants in New Orleans that oozes sophistication and classic Southern charm.

Its sleek and modern décor may not scream warm and inviting, but it’s perfectly welcoming here – we promise!

As one of the upscale restaurants in New Orleans that prioritizes New Orleans culture, you can expect to find complex flavors, seafood dishes, and excellent drinks at Emeril’s.

If you’re struggling with its extensive menu, we recommend trying the Chef’s Tasting menu. Offering everything from Smoked Oysters & Caviar to a delicious White Chocolate Mousse & Grapefruit Sorbet, your palate is bound to be delighted! It’s a fantastic choice if you’re looking for upscale restaurants in New Orleans.

Image credit: https://emerilsrestaurants.com/emerils-new-orleans/

Jack Rose

Next on our list of upscale restaurants in New Orleans, it’s Jack Rose. Located inside the Pontchartrain Hotel, Jack Rose is one of the more modern upscale restaurants in New Orleans.

Known for its lively vibe, whimsical décor, and incredible cocktails, this is the place to be if you’re visiting the city on a weekend.

Hosting everything from large family reunions to intimate date nights, this is truly one of the upscale restaurants in New Orleans that caters to everyone.

The menu is an eclectic mix of Italian, French, and Spanish fare, and each dish is wonderfully executed with classic flavors and modern techniques.

Although everything on the menu is delish, we’d say the shareable Citrus + Chili Seared Tuna and the Lamb Bolognese were both must-try dishes. This is a wonderful pick of upscale restaurants in New Orleans.

Image credit: https://www.jackroserestaurant.com/

Gautreau’s Restaurant

If you’re new to the fine-dining world and want to find upscale restaurants in New Orleans that will make you feel rich and famous, look no further than Gautreau’s Restaurant.

Originally run by James Beard Award-Winning Chef Sue Zemanick, this place is known for serving creative American dishes with a distinctive French flair.

The food itself is incredible (seriously, the Foie Gras Torchon with a Champagne Reduction is to-die-for), but it’s the intimate and sophisticated atmosphere that keeps diners coming back for seconds.

This is one of those upscale restaurants in New Orleans you’ll definitely want to make time to visit!

Image credit: http://www.gautreausrestaurant.com/pages/photos

Clancy’s Restaurant

Tucked away on Annunciation Street, Clancy’s Restaurant remains near the top of our list of the best upscale restaurants in New Orleans.

Like several of our other favorite picks, this place specializes in elegant Creole classics. However, what sets it apart from its competitors is a relaxed, homey atmosphere that welcomes all.

Having been around since the 1980s, this is one of the upscale restaurants in New Orleans that has had plenty of time to hone its approach to cooking.

Serving everything from delicious Crabmeat Salads to a delicate Sauteed Veal with Wild Mushroom Piccata, there’s bound to be something at this upscale restaurant in New Orleans that’ll tickle your fancy!

Image credit: https://www.clancysneworleans.com/photo-gallery

Compère Lapin

Those on the hunt for awesome Creole food with a touch of Caribbean spice will adore Compère Lapin! As the last place on our list of the best upscale restaurants in New Orleans, it promises to be something special! 

Run by chef Nina Compton who was brought up in the Caribbean, this place prioritizes fusion flavors.

So, you can expect delectable mashups like Coconut French Toast with Pecan Rum Sauce and Curried Goat with Gnocchi amongst the restaurant’s extensive menu.

Whether you’d like to play it safe with your choices or want to completely go wild with their more unique picks, this is one of the upscale restaurants in New Orleans that encourages you to embrace the weird and wonderful!

Read more about visiting New Orleans: How long does Mardi Gras last in New Orleans?

Image credit: http://comperelapin.com/gallery

We hope this list of upscale restaurants in New Orleans has been helpful!

As you can see, there is no shortage of upscale restaurants in New Orleans to choose from! The trick is picking the one you’re going to get the most out of!

We all know that dining at upscale restaurants in New Orleans can be an investment (it’s not the most budget-friendly affair!).

But choosing the perfect option of upscale restaurants in New Orleans for your own tastes, will mean it is worth every cent!

Which of these upscale restaurants in New Orleans are you most excited to try?