New Orleans Breakfast at a Glance: Hours & Neighborhoods
When you wake up in the Big Easy, the first question is always "Where are we eating?" To help you plan your morning, here are the essential details for the city's top breakfast and brunch destinations.
| Restaurant | Neighborhood(s) | Opens | Known For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ruby Slipper Café | Multiple | 7:00 AM / 7:30 AM | Creative Benedicts |
| Brennan's | French Quarter | 9:00 AM (Closed Mon-Wed) | Iconic Fine Dining Brunch |
| Elizabeth's | Bywater | 8:00 AM (Closed Tue) | Praline Bacon & Southern Comfort |
| Café Du Monde | French Quarter | 24/7 | Beignets & Café au Lait |
| Commander's Palace | Garden District | 11:00 AM (Weekend Brunch) | Legendary Jazz Brunch |
| Willa Jean | CBD / Warehouse District | 7:00 AM | Modern Bakery & Southern Fare |
| Camellia Grill | Carrollton / Uptown | 8:00 AM | Classic Diner Experience |
| Bearcat Café | Uptown & CBD | 7:00 AM / 8:00 AM | Health-Conscious & Indulgent Fare |
The 13 Best Breakfast & Brunch Spots in New Orleans
From legendary dining rooms in the French Quarter to quirky neighborhood cafes, this is your definitive guide to the Crescent City's best morning meals. We've scoured the city, from Uptown to the Bywater, to bring you the spots that locals line up for.
1. The Ruby Slipper Café
Neighborhoods: Mid-City, Marigny, CBD, French Quarter, and Uptown
If you see a line of happy people spilling onto the sidewalk, you've likely found a Ruby Slipper. This employee-owned local chain is a powerhouse of New Orleans breakfast, serving up creative interpretations of Southern classics. Their "Eggs Cochon" — a masterpiece of slow-cooked, apple-braised pork over a buttermilk biscuit — is a rite of passage.
- Price: $$ - $$$
- Must-Try: Eggs Cochon, Bananas Foster Pain Perdu
- Address: 315 S Broad St, New Orleans, LA 70119 (plus other locations)
2. Brennan's
Neighborhood: French Quarter
This is not just breakfast; it's a New Orleans institution. Donning its iconic pink facade on Royal Street, Brennan's defines celebratory brunch. It’s where you go for birthdays, anniversaries, or simply to feel fabulous. The service is impeccable, the courtyard is stunning, and they invented Bananas Foster. A meal here connects you to a deep and delicious piece of city history.
- Price: $$$$
- Must-Try: Eggs Hussarde, Bananas Foster (prepared tableside)
- Address: 417 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70130
3. Elizabeth's Restaurant
Neighborhood: Bywater
Down in the artsy, eclectic Bywater, Elizabeth's serves gut-busting, soul-soothing Southern breakfast in a funky, laid-back space. The motto "Real Food, Done Real Good" is an understatement. This is a true local's spot, famous for the crispy, sweet-and-savory praline bacon that you'll dream about for weeks. It's one of the city's authentic hidden gems.
- Price: $$ - $$$
- Must-Try: Praline Bacon, Fried Chicken Livers with Pepper Jelly, Redneck Eggs
- Address: 601 Gallier St, New Orleans, LA 70117
4. Café Du Monde
Neighborhood: French Quarter
The original, the iconic, the absolute must-do. Open 24 hours a day, this is the definitive spot for breakfast beignets New Orleans style. Don't overthink it. Find a green-and-white striped seat, order your beignets (they come in threes), a cup of dark-roast chicory café au lait, and prepare for a blizzard of powdered sugar. It's a simple, perfect New Orleans moment.
- Price: $
- Must-Try: Beignets and Café au Lait
- Address: 800 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116
5. Commander's Palace
Neighborhood: Garden District
Walking into Commander's Palace feels like stepping into the heart of New Orleans high society. While famous for dinner, its weekend Jazz Brunch is a legendary NOLA brunch experience. Under the turquoise-striped awnings, you'll find a three-course affair accompanied by a live jazz trio roaming the dining rooms. It's a true "only in New Orleans" event, and a perfect reason to explore the stunning Garden District.
- Price: $$$$
- Must-Try: Turtle Soup, Creole Gumbo, Pecan Pie à la Mode
- Address: 1403 Washington Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130
6. Willa Jean
Neighborhood: CBD / Warehouse District
Modern, chic, and absolutely delicious. Helmed by celebrated pastry chef Kelly Fields, Willa Jean blends Southern tradition with a contemporary bakery-forward approach. The vibe is bright and airy, a stark contrast to the old-world feel of many NOLA establishments. Their coffee program is top-notch, and the griddled banana bread with whipped butter is pure, caramelized bliss. It's a favorite among local pros working in the CBD.
- Price: $$ - $$$
- Must-Try: Griddled Banana Bread, Corn and Crab Fritters, Fried Chicken Biscuit
- Address: 611 O'Keefe Ave, New Orleans, LA 70113
7. Camellia Grill
Neighborhood: Carrollton / Uptown
For a trip back in time, head Uptown to the Camellia Grill. This beloved institution has been serving classic diner fare from its 28-stool counter since 1946. The bow-tied waiters provide the charm and chatter, slinging massive omelets and decadent freezes. It's a quintessential neighborhood joint and one of the most authentic morning restaurants NOLA has to offer, perfect after a streetcar ride.
- Price: $
- Must-Try: Chili Cheese Omelet, Chocolate Freeze
- Address: 626 S Carrollton Ave, New Orleans, LA 70118
8. Bearcat Café
Neighborhood: Uptown & CBD
Serving breakfast for the "Good Cat" and the "Bad Cat," Bearcat caters to every dietary desire. The "Good Cat" side of the menu features health-conscious, vegan, and paleo-friendly options, while the "Bad Cat" side is all about glorious indulgence. This makes it the perfect spot for groups with mixed tastes. Don't miss their inventive coffee and tea lattes.
- Price: $$ - $$$
- Must-Try: "Bad Cat" Brisket, "Good Cat" Vegan Rancheros
- Address: 2521 Jena St, New Orleans, LA 70115
9. Molly's Rise and Shine
Neighborhood: Garden District
From the same team behind the beloved Turkey and the Wolf, Molly's Rise and Shine is a blast of nostalgic, quirky fun. The decor is a technicolor dream of 80s and 90s childhood, and the food is equally inventive. The Grand Slam McMuffin, a towering creation with a hash brown, sausage patty, and cheese on an English muffin, is a cult favorite. It's pure creative comfort food.
- Price: $$
- Must-Try: Grand Slam McMuffin, Roasted Carrot Yogurt
- Address: 2368 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130
10. Stanley Restaurant
Neighborhood: French Quarter
Located on a prime corner overlooking Jackson Square, Stanley offers all-day breakfast and brunch with a view. It's a more casual alternative to the grand dames of the Quarter, but the food is seriously good. It's a fantastic spot to people-watch and fuel up before diving into our French Quarter guide. The Eggs Stanley, with fried oysters and Creole hollandaise, is a standout.
- Price: $$ - $$$
- Must-Try: Eggs Stanley, Bananas Foster French Toast
- Address: 547 St Ann St, New Orleans, LA 70116
11. Atchafalaya Restaurant
Neighborhood: Irish Channel
Nestled in a charming, rustic building in the Irish Channel, Atchafalaya is a local's favorite for an upscale, inventive brunch. On weekends, it’s famous for its elaborate "make your own" Bloody Mary bar, where you can garnish your drink to your heart's content. The food is refined but soulful, a perfect representation of modern Louisiana cooking.
- Price: $$$
- Must-Try: Duck Hash, The "make your own" Bloody Mary Bar
- Address: 901 Louisiana Ave, New Orleans, LA 70115
12. District: Donuts. Sliders. Brew.
Neighborhood: Garden District, Lakeview, CBD
Sometimes you just need a fantastic donut and a great cup of coffee. District nails this combination with its rotating menu of inventive, oversized craft donuts. But don't sleep on their savory breakfast options. The biscuit sandwiches and breakfast tacos are excellent, making it a quick and satisfying stop on a busy morning. This spot is a highlight of any New Orleans city guide.
- Price: $
- Must-Try: Any of the daily donuts, Croque Madame
- Address: 2209 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA 70130
13. Another Broken Egg Cafe
Neighborhood: Uptown / Garden District
A reliable and delicious option just off the St. Charles streetcar line, Another Broken Egg brings a creative flair to American breakfast classics. The menu is vast, with something for everyone, from sweet cinnamon roll French toast to savory scrambles. It's a crowd-pleaser and a great choice for families or groups who can't agree on what they're in the mood for. Visiting is a key part of what makes our city one of the best stories in the country.
- Price: $$
- Must-Try: Shrimp 'N Grits, Cinnamon Roll French Toast
- Address: 2917 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115
Whether you're starting your day with powdered sugar and chicory coffee or settling in for a multi-course jazz brunch, the breakfast scene in New Orleans, Louisiana is a culinary adventure in itself. Enjoy the feast!
