The Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport is the gateway to the vibrant city of New Orleans, known for its rich cultural heritage, lively music scene, and delicious cuisine. If you’re in New Orleans for a layover or have just arrived after a long flight, don’t worry – you won’t have to go far to find some of the best food the city offers.
We’ll explore the best restaurants near (and in) the airport, where you can taste the Big Easy. Many of these restaurants are located in the heart of Jefferson Parish.
The following are some of the best restaurants at Louis Armstrong International Airport.
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Best for Local Classic Food
Look at the New Orleans airport if you are looking for Local, Classic New Orleans food. With the New airport, one of the major upgrades was that you could get a delicious meal from local businesses! Check out these places if you are ready for a full meal and some great food.
1. Leah’s Kitchen
Leah’s Kitchen is a favorite at the airport. They always serve delicious New Orleans classics like red beans and rice, roast beef po’boys, and bread pudding. This restaurant is a local institution designed as a tribute to the proprietor Dooky Chase IV’s grandmother, the “Queen of Creole Cuisine,” Leah Chase.
Leah’s Kitchen is a must-visit for those who are hungry and looking for authentic local food. Try the fried chicken or pork belly with a side of gumbo to get a real taste of classic New Orleans food.
What to order: Leah’s Fried Chicken. Get three pieces of crispy fried chicken and French Fries. It will cure your hangover or coat your stomach for a night out drinking.
2. Emeril’s Table
Chef Emeril Lagasse’s airport outpost features a full menu of classic New Orleans dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, andouille sausage, wood-fired pizzas, and modern soul food.
What to order: Get the Shrimp and Grits or Gumbo Ya-Ya to keep up the delicious flavors of New Orleans.
3. Ye Olde College Inn
Ye Olde College Inn has a long and exciting history dating back to 1933 and is known and loved for its classic Creole and Southern dishes. Their menu includes classic favorites like crawfish, shrimp, grits, veal cutlets, delicious desserts, and an extensive wine and cocktail list.
What to order: Make sure you try that crawfish mac n cheese! It is a New Orleans Classic!
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4. Munch Factory
Munch Factory serves up Southern-style comfort food with a twist. They’re known for their fried chicken and waffles, but they also offer seafood gumbo, gulf shrimp and grits, and grilled oysters.
What to order: My Favorite thing here is getting the Bayou Nachos! I never knew an airport restaurant could have such good food!
5. Folse Market
This family-owned restaurant with an airport location offers a range of Cajun-style seafood dishes such as crawfish, shrimp, oysters, and fish. They also have homemade boudin, cracklins, and other Cajun delicacies and a market with fresh seafood and other products.
What to Order: You can go right with any menu item, but a fried shrimp poboy is the perfect way to start or finish your trip.
Restaurants for the health-conscious diner
Eating healthy in New Orleans is hard, but if you are a bit health conscious, these choices will help you pick some wiser choices.
6. City Greens
City Greens offer healthy and delicious vegetarian and vegan meals such as quinoa-based salads and vegan squash bisque, wraps, and soups.
What to Order: It doesn’t matter if you get it as a wrap or a salad, but the Chopped Cobb and Beat Street and my family’s favorite go-to!
Best restaurants for international flavors
7. Mopho
Mopho by Chef Michael Gulotta is a casual eatery at MSY airport featuring a menu of Vietnamese and Southeast Asian-inspired dishes, such as pho, banh mi, and crispy chicken wings.
What to order: If you still need to get your fix of Vietnamese before leaving New Orleans, grab yourself a bowl of their Beef Pho. It is one of the tastiest things at the airport!
8. Mondo
Mondo, created by the James Beard award-winning chef Susan Spicer and located inside the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, features a diverse menu of globally-inspired dishes, such as Korean barbecue ribs, fish tacos, and red beans and rice.
What to Order: I don’t know about you, but I can never pass up a pimento Grilled Cheese Sandwich. Make sure to order this to go or dine at the restaurant!
9. Midway Pizza
This popular pizzeria, known for its location on Freret Street but also at MSY, is a great place to try deep-dish pizza and salads, sandwiches, and other Italian-inspired dishes. They also have a full bar with a rotating selection of local beers on tap.
What To Order: The pizzas are only 7 inches, so you should order one for each member of your traveling party. You can always go right with a #18 pizza with Pepperoni, Mushrooms, Caramelized Onions, and green peppers.
Best spots for fast food and quick bites
10. Shake Shack
Shake Shack offers a variety of burgers, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, shakes, and fries. Furthermore, Shake Shack provides vegetarian options for those who prefer plant-based meals.
What To Order: If you still need to get your favorite Shake Shack order by now, you can steal mine. I love getting the Shroom burger!
11. Lucky Dogs
Lucky Dogs, located in both concourses at MSY, is a great spot to find street food, such as gourmet hotdogs served with various toppings.
What To Order: A New Orleans Airport staple, Lucy Dogs is one of the few vendors that moved from the old airport to the new one! Of course, you have to get your favorite hot dog.
Best bars, coffee shops, and sweets
12. Bar Sazerac
Bar Sazerac is an attentive bar with a modern twist, offering expertly crafted classic Crescent City cocktails and delicious bar snacks. From fanciful bellinis to spiked espresso martinis, they offer something for every tastebud.
What to Order: If you missed your chance to get a Sazerac at the Sazerac Bar, you can always get one before boarding your next flight!
13. PJ’s Coffee
PJ’s Coffee is a local coffee chain known for roasting high-quality beans in the heart of New Orleans. PJs can be found at Concourse 1 and Concourse 2 at MSY for travelers. They offer a range of coffees, espressos, and other hot and cold beverages, such as smoothies and iced teas.
What to Order: Get your favorite Coffee – you can go right with any drink order from PJs.
14. Café Du Monde
Cafe Du Monde is one of the most iconic coffee shops in New Orleans and can be found at both the French Quarter and the airport. Since opening its doors in 1862, Cafe Du Monde has become renowned for its signature Cafe Au Lait and Beignets.
What to Order: My favorite thing to order is a Frozen Cafe Au Lait – if that is too sugary for you, split it with a travel buddy or get a hot version. You can always get your last round of beignets before flying home!
15. Vino Volo
Vino Volo is a unique wine experience offered in airports across the United States. Not only can one find some of the most sought-after wines at Vino Volo, but they also offer cheese boards and sandwiches – perfect for a pre-flight snack or light meal. Vino Volo also offers exclusive experiences like wine tasting, craft beer tastings, and educational seminars for those interested in learning more about different varieties or regions.
What to order: My favorite way to drink wine in an airport is by getting a fight. If you like reds, you can go right with the Reds from around the world.
16. Angelo Brocato Original Italian Ice Cream Parlor
Whether you want authentic Italian vanilla ice cream, pastries, desserts, or something else, Angelo Brocato provides many delicious Sicilian confections from old family recipes passed down through hundreds of years.
What to order: I can only walk past Angelo Brocato if I grab a scoop of ice cream.
Near the airport
Are you looking to grab a bite after you leave the airport? If you rent a car, these are some easy and delicious places to stop by to get local favorites.
17. Harbor Seafood & Oyster Bar
Located in Kenner, on Williams Blvd (about 5 minutes from the airport), Harbor Seafood & Oyster Bar is a casual seafood restaurant that serves up boiled seafood, fried seafood platters, and po’boys. They also have a full bar and offer live music on weekends.
What to order: If it is crawfish season, you must get some boiled crawfish. But if it is not crawfish season, order some chargrilled oysters or fried shrimp!
18. Banh Mi Boys
Located at 5001 Airline Drive, Banh Mi Boys is about 15 minutes from the airport, but it’s worth a mention due to its incredible food. This restaurant is renowned for its pho menu, delicious Vietnamese banh mi sandwiches, and other Vietnamese specialties. If you were wondering, a Banh Mi is similar to a po boy, but you will have to try it to taste the difference!
What to Order: One of my favorite not-so-secret spots in Jefferson Parish is Banh Mi Boys. You cannot go wrong with the Bang Bang Shrimp Banh Mi, Spicy Asian BBQ brisket Banh Mi, or the Cajun Crack fries.
19. Debbie on the Levee
No matter the celebration, I get a cake from Debbie on the Levee. If you need something sweet, some savory treats, or a cocktail, grab a slice or two from Debbie on the Levee. They also have delicious cocktails you can sip on before or after your flight!
What to Order: Debbie on the Levee has some of the best cake slices around! Get the Wedding (Rainbow) cake for your instagrammable moment, or get my favorite – Chocolate Doberge.
20. Gendusa’s Italian Eatery
Are you looking for a delicious meatball or wood-fired pizza? Gendusa fits the bill. The meatballs at this location are giant! Gendusa’s is one of my favorite spots to grab a bite before going on a trip.
What to Order: You have to get the meatballs! Enough said!
21. Don Jose’s Grill
Located super close to the new terminal, Don Jose’s Grill is a delicious place to grab some Mexican food! If you are in the mood for breakfast burritos or just a traditional Tex-Mex lunch or dinner, this is one of my favorite spots to grab some fajitas.
What To Order: Every time I go to Don Jose’s, I get the Fajitas to split with my family.
22. Tacos Del Cartel
One of the most instagrammable spots in Jefferson Parish, Tacos Del Cartel is a super cute place to grab a bite to eat! Treat yourself to brunch, lunch, or dinner!
What to Order: You can go right with funding the Queso and a couple of tacos!
23. Kenner Seafood
Kenner Seafood is a high-end restaurant in Kenner, New Orleans, at the Louis Armstrong International Airport. Kenner Seafood offers an array of exciting dishes for visitors, including classic Louisiana seafood favorites such as Shrimp Etouffeé and fried Calamari.
What to Order: Kenner Seafood has a menu with almost everything on it! You can go right with getting seafood or Italian dishes at this restaurant!
Good Restaurants Near New Orleans Airport
In conclusion, you can enjoy some of the best airport food at one of the locations listed above to start or end your trip. Many of the best places to eat are right within the airport or nearby. Whether you’re looking for authentic Louisiana cuisine, fresh seafood, or something on the lighter side, there’s something for everyone near or at the airport.
If you’re not traveling but still would like to try what this airport location offers, the MSY Guest Pass allows visitors without a ticket past airport security to shop and eat.
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