El Gato Negro - French Market

It's hard to believe as many times as have been to New Orleans that I have never been to this restaurant. The food was really really good. So good that when I started eating I wanted to keep eating. I had to slow down! I had the pulled pork fajitas which were very very good. This included freshly made corn tortillas which were delicious. Portion was extremely generous and I could only finish half of it. Took the rest back to the hotel and had it the following day. The orange lime margarita was very good as well. Very tasty with just enough tequila in it. Very generous portions. Very delicious food. Great service. What more could you ask for? Definitely give them a try!

I stumbled across the street to cool down while the rest of my group was in the French Market. The staff were really nice and inviting. Margaritas selection on point. Had an amazing Watermelon Margarita and a chips and queso. On point! I well be bring my group here next time for sure!

We were looking for Mexican and a place to get chips and salsa in the French Market, which if you haven’t noticed, is hard to come by. So we stopped here, and let me tell you, no questions asked, EAT HERE! My mom doesn’t like enchiladas, these were her favorite enchiladas she’s ever had. Get the pineapple cilantro margarita, it’ll be a margarita you will be dreaming about. We walked in with about 15 minutes until closing and they invited us in, and better yet, more people came in at closing and they stayed open. The service was awesome, the food was amazing.

Fantastic fusion of Cajun and Mexican flavors! Visited El Gato Negro during our week in town based on a local recommendation, and it absolutely delivered! This Mexican kitchen knows how to blend flavors perfectly. Must-tries: - Pineapple Cilantro Margarita Absolutely delicious and refreshing. Don't miss this one! - Crawfish Queso What a unique and tasty combination! The perfect marriage of Cajun and Mexican cuisines. This appetizer alone is worth the visit. - Carne Asada Cooked to perfection. The meat was tender, flavorful, and expertly prepared. The atmosphere was great with a nice mix of locals and visitors. Service was solid, and the food came out at a good pace. It's clear why the locals recommended this spot. El Gato Negro offers something special that you won't find everywhere. The fusion concept really works here. Highly recommend for anyone looking for quality Mexican food with a Louisiana twist. We'll definitely be back next time we're in town!​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

The margaritas are amazing and the food doesn’t disappoint either! We got chicken and steak quesadillas. Both were seasoned very well. The wife got the pineapple cilantro margarita and I got the blood of the devil margarita (warning it’s spicy). We highly recommend giving this place a shot if you are in the area.

We stopped in for a quick bite. The margaritas were good and the steak fajitas were good, but my shrimp burrito that had 3 shrimp and was lacking. The manager comped the burrito, but overall it wasn't good. I think they just missed the mark on this, but I'd patronize them again.

Fresh and delicious, every time! Margaritas are off the charts. If you are looking for authentic Mexican food, this is a must try!

The rocks watermelon margarita was the best on this hot day! The service was friendly and attentive. The salsa was legit.... The team took fantastic care of us. There seemed to be two cooks and 1 server. She knocked it out of the park. Pulled pork quesadilla for the win. This was a stunning find for us as we visited a different location closer to the convention center back in 2018... Will be back for sure. Respectfully, Bryan Oklahoma City

Mezcal margaritas were great! Service and the lobster tacos were worth the hefty price

The rocks watermelon margarita was the best on this hot day! The service was friendly and attentive. The salsa was legit.... The team took fantastic care of us. There seemed to be two cooks and 1 server. She knocked it out of the park. Pulled pork quesadilla for the win. This was a stunning find for us as we visited a different location closer to the convention center back in 2018... Will be back for sure. Respectfully, Bryan Oklahoma City

We were walking the French market on a late Saturday morning and saw their signs out front. The drinks sounded good and we weren't ready for lunch but gave it a shot. It doesn't look like much from the outside but once you step inside, it's a really cool place. What we found was a hidden gem. The girls inside were very nice and sat us on the back enclosed patio. That patio is small but an old brick enclosed patio that you have to believe is hundreds of years old. Made us wonder what it was used for. They brought us really good chips and homemade salsa as we decided what to drink. I had the traditional strawberry margarita and my wife had her first Mojito ever. These drinks were so unbelievably good. We also decided to try to rue queso fundido. Truly a smart choice on our part. That queso rocked our world, it was so delicious! Overall this place more than earned their five with their service, incredible food and just cool restaurant!

Left my plastic bag filled with a Box of leftovers. Went back in less than five minutes later and they had thrown it away. Seriously? If you see a to go bag of leftovers, put it aside for a few minutes! I love this place and always know I'll have leftovers. Not today. Won't go back for a long time, though, if ever.

If you're looking to get away from the heat in the french market this is a place right in front of it to cool off. I really liked their queso fundido with chorizo. It came with a side of tortillas. I thought it was more queso tan queso fundido but the flavor was so good. Margaritas were good and big!

This is a solid Mexican eatery with an AMAZING selection of tequila, if that is your thing... I have been here many times over the years and can say that I have enjoyed every thing that I have tried. I used to always order the tamale, but it wasn't on the menu on my last visit, so I tried the ceviche and some street tacos, along with an amazing citrus (was it blood orange?) margarita. We also really enjoyed the table-side guacamole. Add the jalepenos!! Every thing was delicious and would absolutely go back again!

This was a delight! Tail end of the night and we're all hungry and wandering near the French Market and there this place is, just as we were discussing tacos. Right away we noticed the chips were great, which is a good sign. Then the food came and it was delicious. Better than what we're able to find in Cincinnati anyway. Bathrooms were cool, service was good, but we were pretty much the only people there that time of night. Would not be mad to go here again next visit.

Went to a smaller yet unknown fancier restaurant earlier, left and came here. Good service and drinks were on point!

What happened???? Server does not know the menu! Hell she didn't even know what a poblano pepper is! The food is sub par, table is wobbly! This used to be one of my favorite places. Understand it's summer, but someone has dropped the ball here in the Quarter.

Overcharge lobster burrito! Ridiculous price for nothing special. Horrible experience do not come here

This restaurant was amazing. There is indoor seating and a couple picnic tables on the outside. We sat on the inside. The food was extremely fresh and delicious. It was a slow day but all of the staff was extremely helpful and attentive.

Some of the best mexican food I have ever had and definitely one of NOLA's musts! my mother and I shared the chicken fajitas and they were FANTASTIC. Chicken was juicy, grilled and seasoned to perfection with the most delicious sauces. vegetables were amazing, i even liked the refried beans which i'm usually not a fan of. just a great meal. shoutout to angel who was the kindest and most fun server. so accommodating, helpful, and sweet. wishing you the best ! came here for lunch on my eighteenth birthday and it just feels amazing to have a nice dining experience on a day that I will always remember.

This restaurant sets the aesthetic for a traditional Mexican restaurant & they are able to deliver on their food's flavors but they lack luster. Wait staff was attentive when we arrived given that we were their only table at the given time. But they did seem to not have much pep in their step. Cook walked into the the restaurant a few minutes after we had ordered our food so that caused a wait. Staff brought over waters to the table and our drink orders taken right after. 2 Margaritas, 1 Michelada, and a Mexican sprite (yes there is a difference). The carrot margarita was really good, a pleasant surprise. The Michelada was bland & we are pretty sure made with bloody marry mix, not how they are supposed to be made therefore not great. As far as the food goes , great flavor and taste. With that being said, the way in which the food was prepared is what let us down. Burritos that were ordered came with over done flour tortillas which caused it to crumble and break apart when we attempted to eat them. We asked for the salsa that is supposed to come on top of the burrito on the side and we are glad we did. It is the same salsa that comes with the tortilla chips and not at all pleasant to eat with a burrito let alone if it is meant to cover the whole burrito (a missed interpretation of a burrito aguado or wet burrito). Tacos were ok in flavor, the meat in particular, everything else needed either salt or an actual salsa Mexicana to accompany the dish. This location has great bones, little improvements can definitely take it to better places.

Server was awesome. Marg was delicious. Steak quesadilla with rice and beans was delicious! We would be back. Oh and the chips and salsa were fabulous. Causal dress.

Great vibe! Stopped in on Cinco de Mayo and Jazz Fest. Was impressed w service and food. Highly recommend the Blood of Gods margarita. Table side guacamole was delicious. Servings were huge.

Margaritas were delicious! Small and quick! The outdoor section in the back is great once the sun goes down. Nice ambiance but the inside is small and stuffy.

First time in New Orleans, the food was absolutely delicious and we had great service! I took my 2 girls in with me, 16 and 10... they both loved it. I ordered the fajitas with 2 meat choices, steak and chicken. Everything is grilled there and I am telling you the zucchini was SO flavorful! I also ordered the pineapple cilantro margarita with sugar rim and WOW I have never tasted a margarita so refreshing! Wasn't crazy about their queso or salsa but they more than made up for it with the food quality and hospitality. Even bought a teeshirt! Highly recommend folks!

We were a little skeptical when entering this place at noon on a Saturday and it being completely empty, but we stuck it out and were treated to amazing food and drinks. Everything tasted very fresh and authentic. Best Mexican I've had in New Orleans.

Great place with great ambiance! The skirt steak tacos were absolutely delicious & the steak burrito was really great too. The best part was the table side guac & our waitress Sophia who was super sweet & attentive. Would highly recommend !

I wish I could give this place more than 5 stars. I loved everything about it. The food was delicious, the service was great and the decor and atmosphere was super cute.

Great Drinks! Good food; a little expensive for Tex-mex. Great queso. Warning, beans are very spicy.

This is definitely a diamond in the rough. My son was craving mexican food for his birthday while we were in New Orleans so we searched for a place. There were 9 of us who dined there. The food was great. The catch of the day was sea bass which if you're from a landlocked state like us is like hitting the jackpot. I had the tacos. One Shrimp and one sea bass with house made corn tortillas. They were fantastic. As a table we had Margaritas and table side guacamole and chips. All very good. The service was great. We had a great time.

We walked a couple of blocks to find this place. The waitress and her team welcomed us in making all the arrangements to get us seated really quick. Started off on the Margaritas, they were amazing. I usually am a huge fan of Mexican food and I would count this place as an Average. I got the chicken fajita. I believe the dish was way too big and expensive for a fajita. The tacos were very plain and I had better experience at a Mexican place. The enchiladas looked good and believe my friends enjoyed those

The margaritas. This is the reason we go but the food isn't too shabby either. We usually go to the one in the French quarter but they are closed on Monday. We went to Lakeview. The carrot lime margaritas were stellar but then they always are. We had the chicken enchilada plate, el mega burrito and el macho man combo. All were good. Is it the best Tex mex we've had? No but it's good and you must go for their fresh squeezed margaritas! Gloria was a sweet server. A bit bogged down not we were not in a hurry. We love the charm of the French Quarter location but this was a nice change

This was a fun place to stop! Def recommend! My family and I went here and had a great time. Feel free to ask your (cute) waiter / waitress if you have any questions!

Oh. Em. Gee. Literally the best Mexican food I've ever had. If you're in Nola and you get a Mexican food craving, stop here. It will NEVER disappoint. Try the new strawberry lemonade Margarita. This place is now open 7 days a week (French quarter location). It gives a traditional Mexican atmospheric vibe with the room being surrounded by the finest tequilas. Also, if you do stop in, ask for Sophia. She's AMAZING!!! Literally one of the best hosts and brand ambassadors for El Gato Negro hands down.

El Gato Negro puts out some seriously great Mexican fare, with a decidedly New Orleans flare. Yes, even during the pandemic. We opted to sit on the cozy back patio, which has only two tables, so distancing wasn't a problem. The service was every bit as good as the food and drink. The manager even checked on us a couple times, in spite of the server doing an outstanding job. Watermelon margaritas and iceusangrias cooled us down after our walk over. Excellent chips and salsa. The queso fundito with chorizo was great. Chorizo stuffed avocado and shrimp stuffed poblano completed our late lunch/early dinner experience. As a Mexican food fanatic, I'll happily add EGN to my list of NOLA favorites! The others, you might ask? Juan's Flying Burrito and Johnny Sanchez.

Coming back here again after moving to nyc. Still the best food and drinks my husband and I have ever had. Everything tasted fresh and the mezcal drinks are to die for.

Amazing service, even better food! My friend and I visited from out of town and came back several times during our trip! So many unique margarita options and phenomenal food!

Our good luck, we found this Google searching and did not disappoint. Delicious Mexican food & margaritas, excellent vibes

Service, food and Margaritas were amazing. The carne asada was fantastic, seasoned and cooked to perfection.

My first time in New Orleans. Stopped by this restaurant with my family. The food was hot when served but if you are starving and in a time crunch this restaurant is not the place for you. They took over 30 minutes to bring us our food when we were the only customers in the entire restaurant. They aren't vegetarian friendly. They don't serve enchiladas. The best part of the meal was not even the entrees but the chips and salsa.

El Gato Negro is such a cute place. I'm used to Sonoran Mexican. I would describe El Gato Negro as "New" Mexican (not as in green chili). I ordered a watermelon margarita. I appreciated that it only had agave for sweetness. It was really refreshingly lovely and packed a punch. I had the stuffed poblano which was a lighter take on a chili relleno. I loved the mushrooms and the cream sauce. It was a really creative, fresh take. Service was friendly and fast.

The food is delicious and the service was pretty good. Unexpected charges are never fun- so I have to deduct a star. I was looking for somewhere to dine and walked past here. I went in for a moment, looked at the menu, was indecisive and walked out. I should have known I couldn't resist the power of a burrito. I took a walk around the block and ended up back here. A man at the front greeted me both times and was very friendly. They start you off with free chips and salsa which was delicious. I was also happy to see they carry Mexican cokes which are the best. I ordered the burrito and was asked if I wanted either two types of salsas or cheese on top. I will never say no to cheese, so I of course asked for it along with salsa. That would come back later to bite me as a surprise charge- of $4.00! The waitress didn't tell me it was extra and it was honestly not 4 dollars worth of cheese on top. I was on a budget and would have definitely said no to an extra charge. I didn't realize the charge until I left and was 1 block away when I was like- wait a minute - why was that more than I expected? I did go back and ask what the extra charge was for, and that's when I was told it was because I asked for it "insert some word they use to indicate the cheese topping". BUT. That burrito was so, so good. The seasoning and flavoring was on point. I could even taste the flavoring of the chicken through all the other flavors of the burrito. It's very evident that a lot of love went into making that food. They also accept Samsung/Apple pay which saved my behind when I realized I left my credit card back in the hotel room. The food was amazing and the staff was generally great. But the $4 cheese incident marred my experience. I still highly recommend them.

The food and service was great! The Ambiance was refreshing to be surrounded in. Highly recommend to visit for lunch.

Amazing.... Crawfish queso Lobster burritto Corn tortillas rolled in store..... need I say more?

Went to this restaurant duting our visit to New Orleans. The staff were very friendly, the food was fantastic and the atmosphere was comfortable. I LOVE that the place has a living wage of 22% for the waitstaff. If you cant leave a tip, dont go out.

We walked by this place when we went to the market and stopped in. They had delicious authentic Mexican food. If it hadn't been so early and we were driving to the zoo we would have tried one of their delicious margaritas. They start with yummy chips and delicious salsa. Then we got a plate with a variety of stuff and split it. It was a perfect amount for lunch for two people. They had Mexican music playing in the background and you felt like you were really there!

The chips and salsa was a yummy thing to much on during our wait for real food. The tacos don't have anything included, except sautéed red onions and lettuce, tomato, pico de Gallo, cheese, etc, are all extra charge. The guacamole was tasty. I really enjoyed the corn tortillas the chicken came on. Tasted fresh! I also liked that the water glasses were huge. I always need refills and this held me over for the whole meal. Wish more restaurants had this size glass lol. This place was nothing fancy but it was clean and tasty.

Party of one for dinner promptly seated and my server Jorge immediately took my drink order. When he returned with my beverage he asked if he could help with any menu questions. He made some excellent recommendations concerning my order. I had the stuffed avocado with corn tortillas. The stuffed avocado had shrimp, corn, mushrooms, cheese, and a sauce. It was a perfect balance of flavors and the corn tortillas were among the best I've ever had. Excellent food and service on my visit leads me to rate this establishment 5 stars. I'm sure the dynamics change at peak business times but I'll definitely be back for some great food! This is the French Quarter location across from the French Market. DAY TWO UPDATE Stopped in at lunch and was promptly greeted by the hostess. Asked to be seated outside so I could watch the world go by. Started with a pineapple cilantro margarita and it was an absolute stunner. Like no other I've ever had. My server, Nelson listened to my interests and I have a reduced ability for quantity due to weight loss surgery. He made a perfect recommendation of a pork taco with poco de gallo and mole sauce with a small portion of beans, served with a home made corn tortilla. The flavor profile of this dish was amazing and could be my favorite of a weeks worth of dining in Nawlins. Nelson was very personable, efficient, and customer oriented. The continued achievement of superior performance keeps me at 5 stars. The owner should be very proud of this well oiled machine. DAY THREE UPDATE Sammy completed the perfect trifecta for this business. Once again my server, Sammy made an excellent suggestion for an excellent lunch. Efficiency, attention to detail, and customer satisfaction is a common thread for each and every person I've encountered here. Great job Juan! Today stopped in just for drinks. Isabel was my server. She so personable and attentive! She also made my drinks which was the pineapple cilantro margarita and a carrot jalapeño drink which was awesome. Cudos to El Gato and Isabel! Incredible job!

The beef berria tacos, a special, were out of this world. Serrano salsa was excellent as well

Way too overpriced for Mexican in my opinion. Had I known I'd be spending $30 for lunch I could've gotten twice the food at Juan's Flying Burrito and twice the drinks as well! Total tourist trap with tourist prices! Locals, skip over this one!

I'm so glad we found this place during our trip to New Orleans. The staff is awesome, so friendly and service is quick. Everything we had was fresh and delicious. The queso with chorizo is a must. We'd definitely go back!

This place is off the wall great. If you are in New Orleans and want great Mexican this place is the place to go. PS Please disregard "Karen" Sarah W. of Tampa, FL one star review who was angry that El Gato Negro wasn't open when she wanted them to be. Karens gonna Karen.

Very nice atmosphere! Loved the poblano pepper appetizer; I definitely could have ordered one for my husband and for me! I had the salad with pulled pork, husband had the enchiladas, but the menu was jam packed with possibilities! Our waitress, who was expecting was totally awesome, super sweet, and knowledgeable about the menu! We will definitely go back! Everything was A plus!

It was perfect for Cinco De Mayo weekend in NOLA. The food, and drinks were delicious. The servers were so kind, and accommodating to me. They turned on the game, and had complimentary nachos. Some shopping in the French Market, and lunch in El Gato Negro.

We walked a bit from our hotel on Bourbon St craving Mexican- and we were not disappointed! At night, the area (right across from the French quarter) is sketchy!! We almost turned around but the restaurant is nice, clean and the staff very friendly. We had the guacamole- made at our table - delicious! Two steak quesadillas and cilantro margaritas- both delicious as well. Food was fresh, tasty and service quick and ambience was good too. Definitely recommend

Wonderful selection of tequila. Great tasting fresh food. Was the best meal we had on our vaca! A++

AMAZING AND INCREDIBLY FLAVORFUL FOOD! This was not on my "approved" list for gluten free before traveling down to New Orleans, but when our first place plans fell through El Gato Negro saved the day! It had great reviews, so we decided to give it a go - and I am SO glad we did! We sat in the cute outdoor patio area, just the two of us, which made it feel like a private date - our waitress was super informative and let me know I could have pretty much everything BUT the flour tortillas, which they don't use currently, bonus perk for me. Complimentary chips and salsa greet you as you mull over what to order...(again GF!). I went for the pork fajitas, which were served SIZZLING with a medley of fire roasted/charred veggies and SO much flavor, along with a side of rice, lettuce, tomatoes (no beans for me!) and sour cream. I loved my meal so much I didn't even NEED to put them in the fajitas it came with! A MUST TRY !