Savor authentic Creole cuisine in New Orleans. This highly-rated 4.7-star restaurant offers a welcoming atmosphere and delicious seafood. Discover your next favorite dish.
Nestled in the heart of the city, this esteemed establishment offers a delightful taste of traditional Creole flavors. Diners consistently praise the welcoming atmosphere and attentive service, contributing to its impressive 4.7-star rating. While some dishes offer a nuanced take on classic recipes, the po' boy sandwiches are frequently highlighted as a standout, alongside flavorful gator bites and rich étouffées. The menu also extends to breakfast options and expertly prepared seafood, making it a versatile choice for any meal. With its accessible pricing and capacity for groups, it's a popular spot to experience the culinary spirit of New Orleans.
Restaurant Analysis
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Price Range (Moderate)
Moderate pricing ($$) - Mid-range restaurants with good value
Meal Time (dinner)
This restaurant primarily serves dinner. Based on opening hours.
Group Size (Groups Welcome)
Welcomes large groups and families. Great for group dining.
Atmosphere (Casual)
Relaxed and laid-back atmosphere
Dining Style (Flexible)
Flexible options. Reservations available but not required.
Features & Amenities
This restaurant offers: Cocktails, Beer, Wine, Coffee, Family Friendly, Dog Friendly, Groups Welcome, Reservations
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Sourced from recent guest feedback and verified reviews.
We came here to get some traditional Creole food. There were some dishes that could have been better. The shrimp and grits: shrimp was really good, but the grits were just okay. The étouffée was tasty, but we had better at other shops. The po’ boy sandwich was the best thing that we ordered. The service was quick and friendly and the atmosphere was welcoming and clean. I ordered the Gator Bites, Creole Étouffée, and Beignets. Everything was stellar! The sauce for the gator bites makes the appetizer, and it easily shared with 3-4 people. The étouffée has rich flavor, but it's not very spicy. That wasn't an issue for me, but was for a dining companion. The beignets are well fried and soft, and the blueberries add a nice flavorful touch. I was very satisfied with my meal, and the portions were excellent. The service was friendly, helpful, and prompt. The restaurant feels compact, but I enjoyed that aspect. It's lively and and the edge of the French Quarter on Canal St. I thoroughly enjoyed my experience at zesty creole and would eat here again. This is my favorite restaurant in New Orleans. They serve everything from breakfast to dinner, and the service is always friendly and fast. The food is consistently great—especially the shrimp and grits, which are my favorite. The only downside is that the restaurant feels a bit cramped, but it’s absolutely worth it.
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October 20, 2025
We came here to get some traditional Creole food. There were some dishes that could have been better. The shrimp and grits: shrimp was really good, but the grits were just okay. The étouffée was tasty, but we had better at other shops. The po’ boy sandwich was the best thing that we ordered. The service was quick and friendly and the atmosphere was welcoming and clean.
October 24, 2025
I ordered the Gator Bites, Creole Étouffée, and Beignets. Everything was stellar! The sauce for the gator bites makes the appetizer, and it easily shared with 3-4 people. The étouffée has rich flavor, but it's not very spicy. That wasn't an issue for me, but was for a dining companion. The beignets are well fried and soft, and the blueberries add a nice flavorful touch. I was very satisfied with my meal, and the portions were excellent. The service was friendly, helpful, and prompt. The restaurant feels compact, but I enjoyed that aspect. It's lively and and the edge of the French Quarter on Canal St. I thoroughly enjoyed my experience at zesty creole and would eat here again.
November 19, 2025
This is my favorite restaurant in New Orleans. They serve everything from breakfast to dinner, and the service is always friendly and fast. The food is consistently great—especially the shrimp and grits, which are my favorite. The only downside is that the restaurant feels a bit cramped, but it’s absolutely worth it.
October 3, 2025
Zesty Creole is a cozy spot tucked just off Canal Street, offering warm service and a comfortable atmosphere that feels welcoming from the moment you walk in. We started with a Cup of Gumbo, and it was exactly what you’d hope for in New Orleans, hearty, flavorful, and filled with chicken, shrimp, and sausage, served piping hot over white rice. It captured the rich, savory flavors that define traditional Creole cooking. For our entrées, we tried the Blackened Red Fish and the Shrimp Platter. The redfish, served with garlic rosemary roasted potatoes and a homemade fresh biscuit, was well-prepared but didn’t quite deliver the bold New Orleans flavor we’ve come to expect. The Shrimp Platter, however, hit the mark, crispy, well-seasoned shrimp paired with seasoned fries and homemade biscuit made for a satisfying dish that felt both comforting and flavorful. Zesty Creole is worth a visit for its inviting vibe, attentive service, and menu variety. While I recommend exploring options beyond the Blackened Red Fish, the gumbo and shrimp dishes showcased the best of what this restaurant has to offer.
October 15, 2025
Zesty Creole absolutely lived up to its name! I had the shrimp and grits, and they were outstanding — the grits were creamy, perfectly seasoned, and the shrimp cooked just right. The creole seasoning had that perfect “zesty” kick without being too spicy or overwhelming to the palate. We also tried the fried green tomatoes and the crawfish hush puppies, and both were excellent. Each came with a sweet and spicy dipping jam or a bold remoulade sauce that complemented them perfectly. Every bite was flavorful and balanced — a true Southern comfort meal done right.
Features and amenities that make zesty creole special
Cocktails
Beer
Wine
Coffee
Family Friendly
Dog Friendly
Groups Welcome
Reservations
Everything you need to know before you visit
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View RestaurantFrom transportation to stays, we help you build a complete itinerary around this must-visit restaurant in New Orleans.
Public transportation includes streetcars and buses. Walking is perfect for exploring the French Quarter, and ride-sharing services are widely available.
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