The 26 Best Restaurants in New Orleans

"It’s hard to stand out as a new pizza spot in town, but Margot’s manages to do this with aplomb. It’s on a residential stretch of Frenchmen Street and already feels like a long-standing neighborhood joint. The menu is laser-focused on pizza, and the sides menu consists of two (very good) salads. Other than that, you choose from eight pizza options, all wood-fired and cooked in around two minutes at 850 degrees. They include the classics, of course—Margherita, Pepperoni, Italian Sausage—but also the Cavoletti with shaved brussels sprouts and ricotta and the Zuccha with sliced zucchini and a horseradish lime crema. The pies come out of the oven with a blistering sourdough base, perfectly chewy and crispy at once. Additional toppings are available including capers, farm eggs, and boquerones (white anchovies). Owner Brad Goocher—who spent five years renovating the place—has a cocktail background, and the confidently impressive drinks menu reflects this. Arrive early (the restaurant doesn’t take reservations) and settle in for a perfectly balanced evening at a buzzing neighborhood spot." - Paul Oswell