When you’re ready to order the best boiled crawfish in New Orleans or secure a table for an authentic Cajun seafood dinner, skip the commercial chains and dive into the local legends.

New Orleans is the heartbeat of Gulf Coast cuisine, where non-chain establishments offer a depth of flavor — and a “pinch, peel, and eat” culture — that mass-market brands simply cannot replicate.

Whether you are looking for a top-rated seafood boil in the Warehouse District or a no-frills local crawfish spot in Mid-City, these institutions provide the high-octane spice and fresh Gulf catches you crave.

Book your reservation or head down to these local favorites to buy fresh local seafood today.

  1. Cajun Seafood (Claiborne) – 1479 N Claiborne Ave, New Orleans, LA 70116

  2. The Original Cajun Seafood – 1901 N Broad St, New Orleans, LA 70119

  3. Cochon Restaurant – 930 Tchoupitoulas St, New Orleans, LA 70130

  4. Bevi Seafood Co. – 236 N Carrollton Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119

  5. Jacques-Imo’s Cafe – 8324 Oak St, New Orleans, LA 70118

  6. Creole House Restaurant & Oyster Bar – 509 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70130

  7. Snapper’s Seafood Restaurant – 841 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70112

  8. Oceana Grill – 739 Conti St, New Orleans, LA 70130

  9. Atchafalaya – 901 Louisiana Ave, New Orleans, LA 70115

  10. Galliano Restaurant – 200 Julia St, New Orleans, LA 70130

  11. Big Ez Seafood – 1630 Westbank Expy, Harvey, LA 70058 (Local Favorite)

  12. Casamento’s Restaurant – 4330 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115

  13. Frankie and Johnny’s – 321 Arabella St, New Orleans, LA 70115

  14. Vacherie – 827 Toulouse St, New Orleans, LA 70112

  15. Trenasse – 444 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130

  16. Mukbang Seafood – 1212 S Clearview Pkwy, New Orleans, LA 70123

  17. New Orleans Creole Cookery – 508 Toulouse St, New Orleans, LA 70130

  18. Bobby Hebert’s Cajun Cannon – 4101 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Metairie, LA 70002

From the spicy, communal atmosphere of a neighborhood boil to the refined plates of the Warehouse District, these local seafood masters represent the pinnacle of New Orleans flavor.

Choosing these non-chain spots ensures you are getting the freshest Gulf ingredients while supporting the culinary artisans who keep the city’s heritage alive.