DineSpin

Best Brunch in New Orleans

Find the best brunch restaurants in New Orleans, LA. Scored on what actually matters.

By DineSpin Team·Updated February 2026·10 spots

New Orleans brunch is a blood sport. Everyone has a spot, everyone defends it, and everyone will tell you the tourists are ruining theirs. The truth is messier—there are genuinely great places here, but consistency is a crapshoot and waits are almost always longer than you'd accept anywhere else. The question isn't whether you'll wait; it's whether the food justifies it.

Recommended:

Best Brunch in New Orleans

1.

French Toast

92/100

French Toast is a well-regarded breakfast and brunch spot in New Orleans, celebrated for its excellent food, friendly service, and vibrant atmosphere. While waits can be long, the generous portions and delicious, creative dishes make it a worthwhile destination for many.

Pro tip: Brilliant food! Was one of the best breakfasts we have EVER had!

🍽️Food95

The food is well-regarded as outstanding, with many diners calling it the best breakfast they've ever had. Signature dishes like the French toast, chicken and waffles, and catfish with grits receive frequent accolades for flavor, texture, and generous portions.

Brilliant food! Was one of the best breakfasts

👋Service90

Service is overwhelmingly described as friendly, attentive, and welcoming, with staff often going above and beyond. A few isolated instances of rudeness or slow service do not detract from the generally positive service experience.

Server was great, very friendly and super attentive.

Vibe85

The atmosphere is described as cute, cozy, and inviting, with a pleasant diner-like feel. It's a popular spot that can get busy, contributing to a lively but generally enjoyable ambiance.

Such a adorable little place!

💰Value85

Diners generally find the value to be first-rate, citing generous portion sizes and high-quality, delicious food at reasonable prices for the area.

Portions were generous

📍 1035 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116
4.6$$New OrleansAmerican
Ideal for
Breakfast and brunch enthusiastsDiners seeking creative and flavorful dishesVisitors exploring the French Quarter
2.

Jimmy J's Cafe

88/100

Jimmy J's Cafe is a highly-regarded, cozy French Quarter eatery known for its delicious and generously portioned breakfast and brunch dishes, particularly its French toast and shrimp and grits. The service is well-regarded for its friendly, Southern hospitality, making it a popular spot despite its small size.

Pro tip: This was absolutely the best breakfast I've ever eaten.

🍽️Food92

The food is well-regarded for its deliciousness, with many dishes, particularly French toast variations and shrimp and grits, receiving high marks. Ingredients are noted as fresh, and portions are generally generous.

Best breakfast in New Orleans

👋Service88

Service is frequently described as friendly, attentive, and embodying Southern hospitality, though some diners note servers can be stretched thin due to limited staff.

Pinnacle of southern hospitality

Vibe80

The atmosphere is described as cozy, cute, and intimate, with a funky, fun decor that contributes to a welcoming, home-like feel.

Funky and cool

💰Value85

Diners find the prices reasonable for the quality and portion sizes, with many considering it a good value for the New Orleans dining scene.

Good prices!

📍 115 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70130
4.5$$New OrleansAmerican
Ideal for
Breakfast and brunch enthusiastsDiners seeking authentic Southern flavorsThose who appreciate friendly service
3.

Cafe Fleur de Lis- 129 Camp St.

88/100

Cafe Fleur de Lis is a highly-regarded New Orleans brunch spot known for its excellent food, particularly its shrimp and grits, omelets, and beignets, served in a charming atmosphere. While many diners celebrate the friendly service and good value, some have experienced inconsistent service and wait times, and there are documented concerns regarding allergy mishandling.

Pro tip: The food is well-regarded for its fresh ingredients and delicious execution, particularly the shrimp and grits, omelets, and beignets.

🍽️Food92

The food is well-regarded for its fresh ingredients and delicious execution, particularly the shrimp and grits, omelets, and beignets. Many dishes are described as flavorful and well-prepared.

This was the best breakfast/brunch spot

👋Service75

Service is a mixed bag, with many diners experiencing friendly and attentive staff, while others report instances of rudeness, inattentiveness, or slow service.

Friendly and attentive

Vibe90

The restaurant is frequently described as having a beautiful, charming, and inviting atmosphere with well-crafted decor, making it a pleasant place to dine.

Ambiance and aesthetics of the restaurant are remarkably well-crafted

💰Value85

Diners generally find the prices to be affordable and the portion sizes generous, offering good value for the quality of food received.

Portion sizes for the cost matched up

⚠️Heads Up
  • Allergy mishandling with potential cross-contamination (2x mentioned)
📍 129 Camp St, New Orleans, LA 70130
4.5$$New OrleansAmerican
Ideal for
Brunch enthusiasts seeking classic New Orleans flavorsDiners who appreciate a charming and well-decorated ambianceThose looking for generous portions at a reasonable price
4.

Bearcat Cafe Uptown

88/100

Bearcat Cafe Uptown is celebrated for its excellent, fresh, and creatively prepared food, offering a vibrant atmosphere and generally attentive service. However, diners should anticipate significant waits and be aware of the pricing, which some find high.

Pro tip: The food was phenomenal! If I could give it 10 ⭐️’s I most definitely would!

🍽️Food92

The food is well-regarded for its outstanding taste, fresh ingredients, and creative preparations, with many dishes described as outstanding or the best ever.

Best I've had

👋Service85

Service is generally described as friendly, attentive, and efficient, with staff often going above and beyond to ensure a positive experience.

Waiters are very attentive

Vibe85

The atmosphere is frequently described as cozy, fun, and vibrant, with a lively ambiance that contributes to a positive dining experience.

This place is a vibe!

💰Value70

While the food quality is highly regarded, some diners find the prices high, especially when considering mandatory gratuities and service fees.

Overpriced

📍 2521 Jena St, New Orleans, LA 70115
4.6$$$New OrleansAmerican
Ideal for
Brunch enthusiasts seeking creative dishesDiners with dietary preferences (vegan, GF)Those who don't mind waiting for quality
5.

Surrey's Café & Juice Bar

88/100

The shrimp and grits here earn the "best I've ever had" treatment from people who've eaten shrimp and grits a lot. Bananas Foster French toast is excellent, the fresh-squeezed juice is actually fresh-squeezed, and the vibe is art-filled and intentional without trying too hard. Staff are warm and attentive. This is the version of a small brunch place that works. Except it's tiny—fewer than 50 seats, no reservations—which means hour-long waits are normal and groups larger than six feel cramped. Premium pricing doesn't help the portion-to-cost math feel fair to everyone.

Pro tip: Go before 8:30 AM or after 1 PM; you'll eat alone in a beautiful space instead of standing in a hallway for an hour.

🍽️Food92

The food is well-regarded for its fresh ingredients and delicious, often decadent, preparations, with standout dishes including shrimp and grits, banana foster French toast, and crab omelets.

Bananas foster French toast made my tongue slap my brain

👋Service88

Service is generally described as friendly, attentive, and welcoming, with staff often going the extra mile to accommodate guests.

The staff was amazing.

Vibe90

The cafe is celebrated for its cozy, unique, and vibrant atmosphere, enhanced by local artwork displayed throughout the space.

Small space but such great vibes

💰Value78

Most diners find the food quality and portion sizes to be worth the price, though one diner felt the meal was too expensive for the portion size.

Meal was too expensive for the portion size

📍 1418 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130
4.7$$New OrleansAmerican
Ideal for
Breakfast and brunch enthusiastsDiners seeking unique local flavorsArt lovers
6.

Ruby Slipper Uptown

88/100

The pancakes here are described as "truly incredible, fluffy, flavorful," and the benedicts and fried chicken follow that same quality standard. The space is warm and inviting, it's packed with tourists and locals alike, and some servers—Claire is named specifically—deliver exactly the kind of attentive, personalized service that makes brunch feel special. The problem is that the restaurant doesn't scale: even with reservations, waits routinely hit an hour, drink refills lag, and management's response to complaints is to deflect rather than fix. One customer was served food with a server's thumb on the plate. It's good food trapped in a restaurant that's overwhelmed and not addressing it.

Pro tip: Call ahead for a 9 AM or earlier slot; you'll miss the worst of the weekend crush and get better service rhythm from the kitchen.

🍽️Food92

The food is well-regarded for its deliciousness, creative Southern twists, and fresh ingredients, with many dishes highlighted as excellent.

Food amazingly delicious

👋Service78

Service is frequently described as friendly, attentive, and amazing, with many servers well-regarded. However, some diners note service that is too laid back or inattentive.

Server, Claire, was friendly and attentive

Vibe85

The atmosphere is consistently described as warm, inviting, bright, and lively, contributing to a positive dining experience.

Atmosphere was warm, inviting

💰Value75

While most find the food tasty, a few signs suggest it is a bit overpriced or that portions are small for the cost.

A bit overpriced

📍 2802 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130
4.5$$New OrleansAmerican
Ideal for
Brunch enthusiasts seeking creative dishesDiners who appreciate a lively atmosphereVisitors looking for Southern-inspired breakfast
7.

Toast

88/100

Aebleskivers are Danish pancake balls—imagine a donut and a pancake had a fluffy, crispy baby—and Toast executes them with enough skill that the dish alone draws repeat visits. The chicken and waffles are solid, the omelets are creative, and the whole operation runs on fresh ingredients and genuine kitchen attention. The problem is simple: the space is tiny, the parking is almost non-existent, and a 40-minute wait on weekends is standard. There's been recent service sloppiness too—one diner felt completely ignored. It's worth going, but go early or go on a weekday, because peak hours here mean standing in the street.

Pro tip: Weekday mornings before 9 AM and you'll walk straight in; the food is the same, but you'll actually get to eat without elbow warfare.

🍽️Food92

The food is well-regarded for being delicious, creative, and well-prepared, with many dishes highlighted as excellent.

Food was amazing, came out quickly

👋Service78

Service is generally friendly and attentive, though isolated incidents of rudeness and inattentiveness have been noted.

Staff at this location is so friendly

Vibe85

The atmosphere is frequently described as cozy, intimate, and having a good vibe, though noted political messaging.

Nice vibe and the food

💰Value85

Diners generally find the portions generous and the prices reasonable for the quality and quantity of food served.

Very reasonably priced for the amount

📍 1845 Gentilly Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70119
4.7$$New OrleansAmerican
Ideal for
Breakfast and brunch enthusiastsDiners seeking creative dishesThose who appreciate a cozy atmosphere
8.

Ruby Slipper CBD

82/100

Ruby Slipper CBD is a popular brunch spot known for its delicious and generously portioned food, lively atmosphere, and generally friendly service. While wait times can be long, many find the experience worth it. However, inconsistent service and management's less-than-stellar responses to concerns detract from an otherwise strong offering.

Pro tip: The food was amazing, the waitresses were excellent drinks were on point and food was delicious!

🍽️Food88

The food is well-regarded for its flavor and quality, with many dishes highlighted as outstanding, particularly the biscuits and gravy, shrimp and grits, and various Benedict preparations. Some minor inconsistencies in preparation, like overcooked eggs or dry biscuits, are noted.

Biscuits and gravy as been the best

👋Service75

Service is generally described as friendly, attentive, and welcoming, with many staff members well-regarded. However, there are instances of inattentiveness, slow service, and one notable complaint of rudeness.

Service was i safely slow

Vibe88

The atmosphere is frequently described as lively, fun, upbeat, and welcoming, often noted as a positive aspect of the dining experience.

Great vibe for brunch

💰Value85

Portions are described as generous and reasonably priced, offering good value for the quality and quantity of food served.

Portions are big and reasonably priced

📍 200 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130
4.6$$New OrleansAmerican
Ideal for
Brunch enthusiasts seeking flavorful dishesDiners who appreciate a lively atmosphereGroups looking for generous portions
9.

Beaucoup Eats

78/100

Beaucoup Eats offers a vibrant dining experience in New Orleans, particularly known for its lively brunch atmosphere with DJs and music. While many celebrate the delicious, well-seasoned food and friendly service, some diners encounter inconsistencies in food quality, service, and significant wait times.

Pro tip: Amazing food, great service, and a fun vibe, but be prepared for potential waits and inconsistencies.

🍽️Food88

The food is frequently described as delicious, flavorful, and well-seasoned, with many dishes receiving high celebrate. However, some diners found certain items to be average or lacking in flavor.

Omg it was amazing. Fresh and Hot.

👋Service75

Service is often noted as friendly, welcoming, and excellent, with staff going above and beyond. However, there are also instances of rude or inattentive service, and some confusion regarding reservations.

The employees was so welcoming and friendly.

Vibe90

The atmosphere is well-regarded as amazing, vibrant, and fun, often enhanced by music, DJs, and a lively, welcoming environment, particularly during weekend brunches.

Great atmosphere. The food is great

💰Value70

The value is mixed, with many finding the portions generous and the price reasonable, especially for brunch and catering. However, some diners felt the pricing was high for the quality or portion size received.

You definitely get way more than what you pay for

📍 2331 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70119, United States
4.5$$New OrleansSoul Food
Ideal for
Weekend brunch with a lively party atmosphereGroups looking for a fun and energetic dining experienceCatering for events with authentic New Orleans cuisine
10.

Ruby Slipper

88/100

The Ruby Slipper is a popular New Orleans brunch spot known for its excellent service and well-executed breakfast and brunch dishes. Diners frequently celebrate the attentive staff and delicious food, making it a recommended destination for a satisfying meal.

Pro tip: We loved our meal and the amazing service by Nandi! Everyone was very attentive and kind.

🍽️Food85

The food generally receives high celebrate, with standout dishes including chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits, and fried green tomatoes. Some minor critiques mention an oily preparation for shrimp and grits and one instance of fried green tomatoes tasting like they had been sitting out.

Really juicy

👋Service95

Service is consistently highlighted as a major strength, with staff described as attentive, kind, knowledgeable, and friendly, even towards children. Specific servers are frequently mentioned for their outstanding recommendations and care.

Amazing service by Nandi

Vibe80

The atmosphere is described as warm and friendly, with a laid-back vibe that is welcoming to diners.

Warm, friendly atmosphere

💰Value85

The pricing is considered reasonable with good portion sizes, offering good value for the quality of food and experience.

Reasonably priced and good portions

📍 204 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70130, United States
4.6$$New OrleansAmerican
Ideal for
Brunch enthusiastsDiners seeking friendly serviceVisitors near the Aquarium

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