While our culinary scene took a few hits in 2025 (I’m looking at you, MoPho), there were many openings that I’m excited to try in 2026. Though some of these restaurants have been open for various amounts of time, like many, the fall and holiday season took up a lot of time and calendar space, so forgive me and instead give me more recommendations of restaurants I need to try.
This is by no means a complete list, but just a few that will be making my dinner plans more delicious the first few months of 2026:
Succotash
I was lucky enough to go to the ribbon cutting for this new restaurant and if what we sampled then was an indication of the full menu, I am very excited to go officially for dinner. Also, for all of my fellow Tuesday night Saenger ticketholders, they will be one of the few restaurants open on Tuesdays. This fact, plus the gorgeous interior and Chef Kimberly “K” Cochran’s overall vibe has this high on my list this year.
Charmant
While I am very sad about the closing of MoPho, Chef Chris Borges’ Charmant looks like it’s going to be a fan favorite for Mid-City. I’m excited for the salmon toast, The PhoMo (a homage to the space’s former occupants). Oh, and they have brunch!
Saint Claire
I have enjoyed any food that I have had from Chef Melissa M. Martin of Mosquito Supper Club, so I have really wanted to try her new restaurant Saint Claire. I saw a carmelized shallot tarte tatin and was sold immediately, but other menu items I’m excited to try are the citrus poached shrimp, duck confit and the gnocchi with jumbo lump crab.
Evviva
I really enjoyed The Franklin, so I was happy when it closed. But a mention in New Orleans Magazine’s annual Best of Dining feature had me put the Marigny restaurant on the list. The feature notes that the chefs will change the menu seasonally with Chef Rebecca Wilcomb, a James Beard Foundation award-winner formerly of Herbsaint and Gianna, telling the writer that her favorite thing to eat is the Velma Gene’s anchovy bread, which has anchovy filets, fresh mint, onion and crushed tomatoes on a focaccia from La Boulangerie.
The Husky
I’m going to get flack for this, I know! But an occasion to head to the Freret Street fan-favorite just hasn’t presented itself. I’m ready for some French onion soup and a steak!
Special Mention:
I finally made it to The Bell on Esplanade Avenue, y’all. And I can confidently say it’s worth all the great things that have been said about it. I tried a Scotch egg for the first time and loved it. For the main course, I had the shrimp and fish curry and my mom had the steak and Guinness pie and both were exactly what I hoped – flavorful, well-seasoned, good portion size. Each where noted as a staple for both pub and British food and I would suggest everyone getting a different dish and sharing (though they’re not meant for sharing necessarily, it’s worth it).
