2 Best Restaurants in New Orleans, Louisiana

After gaining notoriety for his Southeast Asian–inspired cuisine at Mopho in Mid-City, Chef Michael Gulotta moved into new territory, with a sophisticated small-bites menu for a downtown crowd. House-made pasta, cured meats, local seafood, and roti bread are accompanied by flavors like ginger, turmeric, and coconut. On weekends, the kitchen serves a dim sum–style brunch, a great chance to try a diverse showcase of the chefs' talents.

The funky, Mission Chinese–style Asian fusion served here pairs well with late night dancing and drinking on St. Claude Avenue. Expect flavor bombs like the sweet-and-spicy fried chicken, kung pao pastrami, and creamy crawfish wontons, hipster attitudes and service, and a fun meal different from the New Orleans norm.