The Best Places to Eat Oysters in New Orleans

🦪Where to Slurp, Shuck, and Savor in the Big Easy

In New Orleans, oysters aren’t just food—they’re a cultural rite of passage. Whether raw on the half shell, bubbling in Rockefeller sauce, or crackling from the grill, oysters are everywhere in the Crescent City, and every local has their go-to spot.

At Shelley Farms, we pride ourselves on growing premium Gulf oysters that end up on some of the finest tables in town. So grab your hot sauce and a chilled glass of white wine—here are our favorite places to eat oysters in New Orleans.

Casamento’s Restaurant

Uptown | Since 1919

A vintage seafood icon, Casamento’s is as old-school as it gets, with checkerboard floors and a tile-lined interior that hasn’t changed in decades. Their raw oysters are ice-cold and salty, but don’t miss their signature oyster loaf—a New Orleans-style po’boy served between slices of pan-fried, buttery bread.

Must Try: Raw oysters and the Oyster Loaf

Pro Tip: They close for summer, so check the season before you go.

Acme Oyster House

French Quarter

A tourist favorite for a reason. Expect a line out the door, but once inside, the energy is infectious. Their Chargrilled Oysters—sizzling with garlic butter and Parmesan—are a must. Grab a dozen, a beer, and soak in the casual, chaotic fun.

Must Try: Chargrilled oysters and Oyster Shooter

Pro Tip: Go during off-hours to avoid the wait.

Felix’s Restaurant & Oyster Bar

French Quarter

Right across the street from Acme, Felix’s is often touted as the “local’s alternative.” Belly up to the oyster bar and watch the shuckers work their magic. Their raw oysters are some of the freshest in the city, served with lemon, crackers, and plenty of Crystal hot sauce.

Must Try: Oysters on the half shell with a cold draft

Pro Tip: Sit at the counter for the full experience.

Drago’s Seafood Restaurant

CBD & Metairie

The birthplace of the Charbroiled Oyster, Drago’s is a must-visit for flame-grilled seafood lovers. Their signature dish is bathed in garlic butter, Romano cheese, and fire-kissed to perfection.

Must Try: Charbroiled Oysters (get a dozen—you’ll want more)

Pro Tip: The original location in Metairie has a more local vibe.

Seaworthy

CBD | Trendy & Elevated

Housed in a historic Creole cottage, Seaworthy offers a curated oyster menu featuring Gulf and East Coast varieties. It’s upscale, stylish, and perfect for pairing oysters with craft cocktails and Champagne.

Must Try: Oyster Sampler and the house-made mignonette

Pro Tip: Visit during their popular oyster happy hour for unbeatable deals.

Superior Seafood & Oyster Bar

St. Charles Avenue | Uptown

With a spacious oyster bar, killer views of the streetcar line, and strong frozen cocktails, Superior hits all the right notes. Their oysters are always fresh and generously shucked.

Must Try: Frozen French 75 and a dozen raw oysters

Pro Tip: Great happy hour specials every day.

Cooter Brown’s Tavern

Riverbend | Laid-back Local Favorite

This neighborhood bar is an oyster lover’s secret weapon. Known for its massive beer selection and lively atmosphere, Cooter Brown’s also shucks up some of the best raw oysters in the city—fresh, fast, and affordable.

Must Try: Raw oysters with an Abita beer

Pro Tip: Perfect spot for game day oyster snacking.

GW Fins

French Quarter | Upscale Dining

For a fine-dining twist, GW Fins offers elegant oyster dishes like Oysters Fins Style, featuring flash-fried oysters with lemon aioli. It’s the place to go when you want oysters with a white tablecloth and wine list.

Must Try: Oysters Fins Style and the rotating raw oyster selection

Pro Tip: Make reservations—they fill up quickly.

Antoine’s Restaurant

French Quarter | Est. 1840

The birthplace of Oysters Rockefeller, Antoine’s is the gold standard for classic Creole oyster preparations. The recipe is a closely guarded secret, but the flavor is unmistakable: rich, buttery, herbaceous perfection served in a historic dining room that drips with New Orleans charm.

Must Try: Oysters Rockefeller

Pro Tip: Ask for a tour of their legendary themed dining rooms after your meal.

Red Fish Grill

Bourbon Street | Seafood with Soul

Located at the entrance to the French Quarter, Red Fish Grill serves up Gulf oysters every way imaginable—from wood-grilled with bacon to buttery BBQ oysters that are downright addictive.

Must Try: BBQ Oysters or the Oyster Three Ways appetizer

Pro Tip: Great for groups and brunch; the oyster sampler is a crowd-pleaser.

Effervescence

Rampart Street | Sparkling & Chic

This elegant champagne bar offers a beautifully curated raw bar experience. Their oyster selection is all about clean presentation and perfect pairings—especially with bubbles.

Must Try: Half-shell oysters with house mignonette and a glass of brut

Pro Tip: Come during happy hour for half-priced oysters and discounted sparkling wines.

🧭 Shelley Farms Recommends: Try Them All

New Orleans is an oyster-lover’s paradise, and there’s no wrong way to enjoy them. Whether you’re slurping them raw in the French Quarter, grilling them Uptown, or sampling curated selections downtown, each restaurant offers a taste of the Gulf—and a piece of the city’s soul.

Looking for fresh oysters at home? Stop by Shelley Farms or visit us online to bring the flavor of the Gulf to your own table. Shuck, season, and serve your way.

Tag your favorite oyster spot using #ShuckYeahShelley and let us know who’s got the best bivalves in town!