Where to Get the Best Breakfast in New Orleans in 2024
Dinner restaurants tend to get all the attention when you visit The Big Easy, but breakfast in New Orleans is a meal not to be missed. New Orleans is a popular destination for many reasons, including romantic weekend getaways, bachelor parties, family reunions and weddings.
It’s pretty much inevitable that a trip to New Orleans will end up with a late-night celebration at some point, which means you’ll be in need of morning recovery meals. Knowing the best French Quarter restaurants where you can get a solid breakfast in New Orleans is key to getting the most out of your New Orleans experience.
Need a simple greasy spoon to help you retool? Looking for a hearty meal to fuel you through a long day of sightseeing? Or are you looking for that perfect upscale brunch for a large group? When it comes to breakfast in New Orleans, this city has it all. From the humble beignet to over-the-top fine dining breakfast buffets, no one leaves New Orleans hungry.
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Find the Best Restaurants in New Orleans
One of the best ways to explore the New Orleans French Quarter is to get up early and walk it. This is a quieter and more peaceful time of day if you want to get some fresh air and stretch your legs, plus it’s a great way to menu-shop for your next meal. Consider taking food tours in New Orleans if you love the greasy spoons and hidden gems that are known only to locals or just want to get the inside scoop on where to find the best po’boy and gumbo.
21 Best Breakfast Restaurants in New Orleans
1. Café du Monde
The quintessential breakfast in New Orleans is a white ceramic mug filled with a steamy café au lait and a freshly made beignet dusted with powdered sugar. Café du Monde has been a New Orleans breakfast institution since 1862, and no visit to New Orleans would be complete without it.
The Vibe
There are now dozens of Café du Monde locations across the New Orleans area. Look for the green and white awning and a drive-thru. This come-as-you-are coffee shop is no-frills. The original location in the French Quarter has both indoor and outdoor covered seating and is a great place to people-watch while you refuel.
What to Order
Café du Monde keeps it simple. They serve coffee and beignets. That’s it.
Café du Monde | Multiple Locations | $
2. Mother’s Restaurant
Visitors to the French Quarter often discover this New Orleans breakfast staple before they even reach their hotel because of the crowd. Mother’s Restaurant has had visitors and locals lining up for breakfast in New Orleans since 1938.
The Vibe
Old school diner serving breakfast all day with New Orleans flair. Typical hustle-bustle diner vibe, which is fine because you didn’t come for the atmosphere.
What to Order
For the local experience, get the grits with shrimp Creole or the crawfish étouffée omelette. Mother’s is also a great place for a classic New Orleans po’boy like the Ferdi or the Debris with au jus sauce. Bloody marys are a must to wash down this breakfast in New Orleans.
Mother’s Restaurant | 401 Poydras St., New Orleans, LA 70130 | $
3. The Court of Two Sisters
One of the best things to do in New Orleans is the Jazz Brunch at The Court of Two Sisters. This iconic establishment won’t make you wait until Sunday for brunch because they serve a jazz brunch every day of the week. This is also one of the best breakfasts in New Orleans for large groups.
The Vibe
Due to its location on Royal Street in the heart of the French Quarter, The Court of Two Sisters has a fairly relaxed dress code. That said, the Jazz Brunch is designed to be a more upscale experience than your standard breakfast buffet. The best time to visit this spot is during the spring or fall months, when you can sit comfortably in their elegant interior courtyard.
What to Order
All of the New Orleans classics will be on offer. Dishes to try include grillades and grits, turtle soup or chicken and sausage gumbo. There will be a full selection of New Orleans drinks on offer, but this is an ideal time to try the Brandy Milk Punch or a mimosa with your breakfast in New Orleans.
The Court of Two Sisters | 613 Royal St., New Orleans, LA 70130 | $$
4. Ruby Slipper Café
Do you want a greasy spoon breakfast in New Orleans, but your travel companion prefers more refined options? Wondering where to get the best fried chicken in New Orleans? The Ruby Slipper Café has you covered on all counts.
The Vibe
All of Ruby Slipper Café’s locations have the same friendly, welcoming vibe you’d expect from a restaurant serving breakfast in New Orleans. It’s tidier than your typical diner too.
What to Order
Start with the brioche French toast bites tossed in cinnamon and sugar and served with cream cheese icing and praline sauce, and a side of pig candy bacon bites (candied bacon). The eggs Benedict menu offers a peacemaker option where you can combine two choices on one plate. You can get traditional pancakes, but why would you if there are options like white chocolate bread pudding pancakes or berry Chantilly? They serve lattes, but wouldn’t a mimosa flight or a bacon bloody mary be better?
Ruby Slipper Café | Multiple Locations | $$
5. Elizabeth’s Restaurant
Not all of the best breakfasts in New Orleans are in the French Quarter. Local favorite Elizabeth’s Restaurant is located just a short distance away in the Bywater neighborhood.
The Vibe
The perfect neighborhood breakfast spot in an old two-story building. Casual with eclectic flair.
What to Order
Elizabeth’s is home to the original praline bacon, so an order (or two) is a must. The duck waffle is the best dish consisting of a sweet potato and duck hash on a cornbread waffle and served with pepper jelly. The French toast burrito is a strong second, but that’s only if you can resist the smoked salmon and brie grilled cheese topped with two fried eggs.
Elizabeth’s Restaurant | 601 Gallier St., New Orleans, LA 70117 | $$
6. Paladar 511
If you’ve been researching the best breakfast in New Orleans, you may not have come across Paladar 511. That’s because locals are trying to keep the secret for themselves. When looking for a more upscale brunch that goes beyond the standards, Paladar 511 is a real standout.
The Vibe
This is one of the best places to get dinner in New Orleans, so the vibe feels more like a classy gastropub than your typical breakfast spot. You don’t need to dress up like you would for the brunches at the swanky locations, but look smart or cool instead of coming in your joggers and fuzzy slippers.
What to Order
Every dish is amazing. The lemon ricotta pancakes are unparalleled. The jumbo lump crab Benedict served on a jalapȇno cornbread with a lime hollandaise is sublime. The farm egg pizza made with braised collard greens, applewood bacon and Gruyère is game-changing, and you’ll probably come back for dinner to have it again.
Paladar 511 | 511 Marigny St., New Orleans, LA 70117 | $$
7. Tartine
One of the great pleasures of exploring breakfast in New Orleans is discovering the French influences on local menus. Tartine is an escape from the typical Cajun breakfast in New Orleans.
The Vibe
Feels like a mom-and-pop French country house. The kind of place you might come to alone with a good book and a few hours to kill. Be transported to France at this cozy restaurant serving breakfast in New Orleans.
What to Order
Tartine is the French name for an open-face sandwich. Try the brie, jam and butter tartine for something light, or the pork or salmon rillette tartines for a heartier meal. Tartine also offers a quiche of the day and a rotating stuffed baguette option.
Tartine | 7217 Perrier St., New Orleans, LA 70118 | $
8. Wakin’ Bakin’
With a name like this, you know you’ve found a gem of a restaurant serving breakfast in New Orleans. Your munchies have met their match at Wakin’ Bakin’. Believe it or not, this is one of the best breakfasts in New Orleans for vegans too.
The Vibe
Probably needless to say the vibe at Wakin’ Bakin’ is chill. Don’t let the name scare you. This is a sunny and welcoming breakfast spot that is family-friendly too.
What to Order
The menu for this breakfast in New Orleans is equal parts guilty pleasure and fill-up-but-feel-good dishes. The SuperBowl includes their signature Cajun smashed red potato hash and black beans, melted cheddar and pepper jack cheese, bacon confit (see the menu description if you really need to), sage sausage, jalapeños and onions topped with salsa, avocado and poached eggs. Be sure to get a honey butter biscuit on the side.
Wakin’ Bakin’ | Multiple Locations | $$
9. Brennan’s
There is no shortage of classic fine-dining restaurants for dinners in New Orleans, but only a handful are open for breakfast. Brennan’s is a true culinary landmark in this historic city and one of the best breakfasts in New Orleans when you want a white tablecloth experience. Brunch at Brennan’s is also one of the best date ideas in New Orleans if you want to make an impression.
The Vibe
Brennan’s is not the place you roll into after a long night on Bourbon, even though it’s only a block away. The service style is formal, and smart dress is expected here. Don’t be surprised to see most men wearing jackets and women in dresses and hats.
What to Order
This is a place to enjoy a classic breakfast in New Orleans done right with dishes like turtle soup or seafood gumbo. Appetizers include less traditional options like a blackberry blintz and a crab and avocado toast. The main course menu is a well-rounded combination of egg dishes as well as refined steak and seafood options.
Brennan’s | 417 Royal St., New Orleans, LA 70130 | $$$
10. Clover Grill
Sometimes the best place to get breakfast in New Orleans is the one that can serve it to you at 2 a.m. The Clover Grill is your “up all night, sleep all day” greasy spoon diner when you need to get something solid in the tank.
The Vibe
It’s open 24/7 and located on the seedier side of Bourbon Street. That should give you a good idea of what to expect.
What to Order
The breakfast burger topped with bacon, hashbrowns and an egg is a reasonable choice. A Clover weenie with chili and cheese (get extra chili) is a strong second choice as long as you get tater tots on the side. Clover Grill is also one of the cheapest places to eat in New Orleans.
Clover Grill | 900 Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116 | $
11. The Camellia Grill
If you’re looking for a diner in New Orleans but don’t want to go to the French Quarter, head uptown to The Camellia Grill.
The Vibe
It looks more like a courthouse than a diner. The impressive exterior is a bit of an odd contrast to the old-school diner interior. You came for food, not the furniture.
What to Order
Camellia Grill serves all of your favorite types of cooked eggs plus pancakes and waffles, hot and cold sandwiches and po’boys. Unique menu items include the Manhattan omelette with corned beef, potato, onions and Swiss or the Word Special hot sausage po’boy.
The Camellia Grill | 626 S. Carrollton Ave., New Orleans, LA 70118 | $
12. Bearcat
There is more to breakfast in New Orleans than meat. Bearcat serves up a mixture of carnivorous plates as well as a selection of healthier fare and meatless options, making it one of the best breakfasts in New Orleans for vegans.
The Vibe
Bearcat balks the kitschy New Orleans spooky vibe with its clean and minimalist design. It’s casual but cool.
What to Order
The Bad Cat is a traditional but upscale version of your eggs, toast and meat breakfast plate, while Good Cat delivers its vegan equivalent. The Cave Breakfast features a paleo pancake and pork chop, or check out the keto burrito.
Bearcat | Multiple Locations | $$
13. Molly’s Rise and Shine
Once you’ve had enough of the French Quarter, it’s time to grab a streetcar and head Uptown. Stop off at Molly’s Rise and Shine for a quick breakfast on your way. This follow-up to cult favorite Turkey and the Wolf (the quirky Jackson Avenue sandwich shop) brings their signature eclectic and inventive approach to breakfast in New Orleans.
The Vibe
An old Victorian home converted into a retro 70s-style diner. You’ll get nostalgic vibes not only from the vintage wallpaper and vinyl booths but also the menu items that give a nod to your favorite Denny’s and McDonald’s classics.
What to Order
There’s something for every palate on offer at Molly’s Rise and Shine. Popular options include the carrot yogurt with Nini’s granola and fruit, the Grand Slam McMuffin with griddled sausage, a hash brown patty and onions or the papas rancheras made from roasted potatoes, hatch chilis and nopalitos (cactus).
Molly’s Rise and Shine | 2368 Magazine St., New Orleans, LA 70130 | $
14. District Donuts
If the beignet doesn’t excite you when it comes to breakfast in New Orleans, District Donuts might. Officially known as District Donuts, Sliders and Brew, this neighborhood hot spot checks all the boxes. Scratch-made donuts, kolaches and a full breakfast menu are just the beginning. They morph into a legit burger-and-wing bistro by midday.
The Vibe
They have several locations, but the vibe is best described as a donut bakery that looks more like the tasting room of a craft beer brewery. Not your typical donut shop. While takeout is certainly an option, you won’t mind sitting down and staying for a while for this breakfast in New Orleans.
What to Order
The donut selection is ever changing, but the brown butter drop is always available as well as the cinnamon roll donut and the chocolate chip cookie donut. The hot chicken biscuit is a French toast-style biscuit with Nashville-style hot chicken and honey butter. Brunch wings are glazed with maple and lemon and served with pork sausage crumbles.
District Donuts | Multiple Locations | $
15. Willa Jean
Chef John Besh has left his mark on New Orleans in many ways. Not all are good, but when it comes to his restaurant concepts, there is no room for criticism. Willa Jean was a late addition to the Besh Restaurant Group’s collection and one of the few that serve breakfast in New Orleans.
The Vibe
Trendy and lively restaurant plus coffee/pastry takeout in the CBD. Great spot for a business lunch or brunch with friends.
What to Order
The griddled banana bread and a WJ granola yogurt bowl make a great breakfast pairing. Everything on the Biscuit Situation menu is addictive. The Hangover Bowl combines short ribs and cheesy grits with potatoes and an egg. The pastrami smoked salmon with arugula, beets, whipped ricotta and rye toast is also a winner.
Willa Jean | 611 O'Keefe Ave., New Orleans, LA 70113 | $$
16. Stanley
Looking for breakfast in New Orleans that isn’t too fancy but isn’t too fast? Stanley is the ideal mix. Located directly on Jackson Square in the French Quarter, this is one of the few places to enjoy table service breakfast without the diner vibe.
The Vibe
Clean and modern interior with both counter and table seating.
What to Order
The Stanley classic includes two eggs any style, pecan smoked bacon, locally milled heirloom grits and multigrain toast. The Breaux Bridge Benedict riffs the classic by adding boudin patties to the traditional ham and poached egg favorite. And there’s always the bananas Foster French toast for those with a morning sweet tooth.
Stanley | 547 Saint Ann St., New Orleans, LA 70116 | $$
17. HiVolt Coffee
Residents of the lower Garden District can get their morning buzz on at one of the more unique coffee and breakfast spots in New Orleans. HiVolt Coffee is part bakery and part restaurant serving a variety of enticing options.
The Vibe
Buzzy coffee shop with to-go coffee and pastries plus table seating.
What to Order
Salmon Upstream is their smoked salmon, caper, red onion and herb cream cheese sandwich on a bagel or brioche. The Ozzy comes with two poached eggs on sautéed kale with avocado, tomato, quinoa and a kefir herb sauce. HiVolt also has quiche and more traditional breakfast options plus a full menu of lunch items.
HiVolt Coffee | 1829 Sophie Wright Pl., New Orleans, LA 70130 | $
18. Satsuma Café
Satsuma Café has multiple locations throughout the city, so you’re never too far from one of their cozy spots when you need breakfast in New Orleans.
The Vibe
Very casual and homey vibe. Wall murals painted by local artists give it a definitive New Orleans flair.
What to Order
The Dr. Seuss is a scrambled egg with basil pesto, shaved ham, melted Swiss and red onion on your choice of bread. They also offer a chili avocado toast, a vegan tofu scramble and a Mexican breakfast plate with black beans and tortillas.
Satsuma Café | Multiple Locations | $
19. Russell’s Marina Grill
Russell’s Marina Grill is one of the most beloved local breakfasts in New Orleans for residents of the Lakefront community. Situated directly on the banks of Lake Pontchartrain, Russell’s has been serving up three squares a day since 1985. This spot is a great pit stop if you are interested in seeing where the levee broke during Hurricane Katrina.
The Vibe
Old-school marina restaurant. Friendly and fun. Not fancy.
What to Order
The menu is extensive, and breakfast is served all day. Go for one of their Benedicts like the Eggsaints #33 featuring poached eggs, tomatoes, alligator sausage and hollandaise on a grilled biscuit, or Eggs 9th with lump crab cakes and shrimp hollandaise. This is also an excellent place to get the iconic dish known as BBQ shrimp and grits. There are vegetarian and lighter options available too.
Russell’s Marina Grill | 8555 Pontchartrain Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70124 | $$
20. Crazy Pig Southern Kitchen
Looking for the perfect day trip? Head north across Lake Pontchartrain to the Northshore. This affluent residential community offers a chance to explore a totally different New Orleans experience with outdoor activities, festivals and shopping. First stop? Crazy Pig Southern Kitchen. It’s the best breakfast outside of New Orleans.
The Vibe
The original location is located in a strip mall on Highway 22 just outside of the historic town of Madisonville. Friendly staff and warm service.
What to Order
The pecan waffle is filled and topped with candied pecans, cane syrup and powdered sugar. The Croque Chochon is the perfect pulled pork grilled cheese with chipotle cheese sauce, mozzarella and topped with eggs. The options for omelettes and scramblers are endless. Prefer lighter bites? They have avocado toast and oatmeal options for you.
Crazy Pig Southern Kitchen | 4700 LA-22, Ste. 1, Mandeville, LA 70471 | $$
21. Tchefuncte’s
Another breakfast destination outside of New Orleans is Tchefuncte’s. This multi-level and multi-concept venue sits directly on the Tchefuncte River, offering the best waterfront dining right in the middle of historic Madisonville. Make sure to enjoy a stroll along the river bank to help you digest after this indulgent meal.
The Vibe
The formal dining room on the second floor of Tchefuncte’s is a special occasion brunch affair. You’ll want to get a little spruced up to feel at home in this opulent dining space. They have bar seating, circular booths and outdoor tables depending on the weather.
What to Order
Starters include pull-apart brioche cinnamon rolls with cream cheese filling and topped with caramel pecan sauce, or BBQ shrimp and chive cream biscuits with Worcestershire, rosemary, garlic and lemon. There’s a cured King salmon bagel, a farm egg quiche and a lobster sardou plus several salad options. You’ll definitely want to start with a prosecco or one of their craft cocktails.
Tchefuncte’s | 407 Saint Tammany St., Madisonville, LA 70447 | $$$
Join 200,000+ Culinary Enthusiasts
Eating your way through New Orleans is one of the best ways to experience it. From the grandest of fine dining restaurants to hole-in-the-wall po’boy shacks, your taste buds will never get bored. Breakfast in New Orleans incorporates the best of local flavors and flair, so be sure not to sleep too late when visiting this culinary mecca.
For even more fun ways to explore New Orleans and beyond, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
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