In NOLA For Mardi Gras? Check-Out These Hot Spots From Locals

Over the years, I have attended every major festival in New Orleans. The one thing I love the most about being in the Crescent City is the food. There’s no shortage of food–there are over 1400 restaurants to please every taste bud. But, you’ll have to go beyond the tourist traps to find fantastic food that reflects New Orleans’s culture and history. I asked a few locals and natives for their cant-miss eateries around town. If you’re in NOLA for the final days of Mardi Gras 2025 or a few days past Fat Tuesday (March 4), check out these spots.

Where To Dine During Mardi Gras According To David Wallace

David Wallace is a New Orleans resident and owner of Dream House Lounge– a wellness space and an excellent place for non-drinkers or sober-curious partygoers to get refreshing mocktails. I recommend the Dream 75, a classic French 75 champagne cocktail remix.

David’s go-to happy hour spot is Justini’s, a charming eatery that exudes a unique blend of great food, drinks, and vibes, sure to pique your interest.

The Chase family, revered as culinary legends in New Orleans and beyond, have left an inspiring culinary legacy. Their influence from the famous Dooky Chase has found its way to Chapter IV, a classic breakfast spot. The menu is a testament to their culinary prowess, with every dish being insanely delicious. According to David, the Fried Catfish and Grits are among the best!

For David, Buttermilk Drop Bakery offers a sweet deviation from the norm. The buttermilk drops, baked with love, are a nostalgic reminder of his grandmother’s delicious, flaky, and buttery treats. And while you’re there, don’t miss out on their famous King Cake or French Toast breakfast sandwich!

NOLA Local Kortlynn Jenae’ Shares Her Top Spots

Kortlynn Jenae’ Johnson is a New Orleans-based model, host and content creator who shows locals and visitors the best spots around the city.

The pralines are a hit at Loretta’s Authentic Pralines, but this little cafe offers a delightful variety of their award-winning treats. In addition to the candies, Kortlynn suggests the praline stuffed king cake, praline stuffed beignet, or the crab stuffed beignet. Honestly, you’ll be eager to try them all.

At Biscuits & Buns on Banks, Kortlynn suggests a range of dishes to cater to different tastes. These include the rich and comforting BBQ Shrimp & Grits with Fried Catfish, the seafood benny for seafood lovers, and the hearty Smash Burger with their signature house potatoes for those who love a good burger.

At Pra_LEES, there’s only one thing to order: the chef’s Special. This exclusive dish is a Pineapple Bowl with salmon, fried lobster and shrimp, a combination that you won’t find anywhere else. And don’t forget to order the pineapple lemonade –it’s a treat all by itself.

You can follow more of Kortlynn Jenae’s food adventures @kortlynnjenae.

NOLA Content Creator Tamsy Kambi Top Mardi Gras Bites

Tamsy is a creator of food, travel, and lifestyle content residing in New Orleans. With nearly 70k Instagram followers, she’s a trusted source by many for food recommendations in the area.

We’re not surprised to see Loretta’s suggested by another foodie. According to Tam, they have the best beignets in New Orleans because they are buttery, flaky, and delicious. Her favorite to order are the classic powder beignets, the praline beignets and the crab beignets.

Lil Dizzy’s Cafe is haven for those seeking comforting southern food. Nestled in the Treme area of New Orleans, it’s the place to be. Their seafood gumbo, brimming with shrimp, crab, hot sausage, andouille sausage, and that perfectly fried catfish, is a warm embrace for your taste buds.

Justini’s is a paradise for cocktail enthusiasts. Their innovative blends like “Blue’s in my Cup” and “Hello Barbara” are a testament to their creativity. Each sip is a thrilling adventure for your palate. Yum! They also have a Mardi Gras inspired drink menu.

You can follow more of Tamsy’s food adventures @tamlovestoeat

Travel Writer Martie Bowser’s NOLA Comfort Foods

Travel writer Martie Bowser, a native of The Crescent City, shares a personal connection with New Orleans food. She describes it as an experience, in which the flavor and recipes are often imitated but never duplicated. Her love for trying new places is balanced by the comfort she finds in her favorite spots when she returns home. These spots, like Lil Dizzy’s for their stuffed peppers, Chapter IV for their deconstructed oysters, Nonno’s for their gumbo, and Morrow’s for their crawfish bread, are more than just eateries to Martie. They are a part of her New Orleans experience.

From the spicy kick of gumbo to the sweet bite of a beignet, every morsel of delicious food here is a celebration of a wide variety of flavors, culture, and community. So, while you may have come to Mardi Gras for the parades or parties, you’ll want to come time and time again to explore the diverse culinary landscape of New Orleans.