Étouffée is a French word that means “smothered,” which is appropriate when you think about it. It is a primary New Orleans dish that features a rich, roux-based sauce with seafood (typically crawfish or shrimp, occasionally gator) served over rice.
If you’re thinking about visiting New Orleans or perhaps you’re a local who wants to treat yourself: Where is the best étouffée in the city?
We’ve researched area menus to come up with the best New Orleans restaurants for étouffée. Keep reading to find out.
The first thing to know is that there are several types of étouffées. Depending on the restaurant you go to, you may see these on the menu:
Those are the main types of étouffées, but there may be other various ones depending on the creativity of the chef or what’s popular with the patrons.
Now let’s get into the best places to get some étouffée in New Orleans.
509 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70130 | (504) 323-2109
Here’s what one diner says about Creole House. “… ! Lots to choose from in the historic place. Hostess was very accommodating and waitress was quick and helpful. Tried the 4-way sampler of gumbo/etouffee/jambalaya and red beans. Delicious.”
Greater New Orleans Locations:
Here’s what one customer says about Mr. Ed’s. “The best shrimp etouffee I’ve had in New Orleans! We also had creole gumbo, which was fantastic. Such a good meal! And our waiter, Carli, was awesome and helped make the meal even better. I highly recommend Mr Ed’s.”
8324 Oak St, New Orleans, LA 70118 | (504) 861-0886
Here’s what one diner says about Jacques-Imo’s. “The food is amazing. Great cajun selections and large portions. I had the crawfish etouffee and the rabbit and sausage gumbo. They were both excellent. We also had the grilled oysters. They were also good. Service was great. It’s a very popular place, crowded and noisy but not in a bad way. Worth the wait. In fact, wait at the Maple Leaf bar next door and grab a quick drink.”
739 Iberville St, New Orleans, LA 70130 | (504) 522-4440
Here’s what one customer says about Felix’s. “Great spot for all of your New Orleans favorite food. Fresh shucked oysters on the half shell, char-grilled or fried in a poor boy. Best gumbo, jambalaya and etouffee. Always my first and last stop in the French Quarter.”
329 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70130 | (504) 373-4852
Here’s what one diner says about Evangeline. “The crab cakes are Fresh and crispy sauteed in butter. The Etouffee is also made from scratch….and you can certainly tell! Our bar man/server was Amazing Thank you Craig.”
401 Poydras St, New Orleans, LA 70130 | (504) 523-9656
Here’s what one customer says about Mother’s. “Crawfish etouffee is the best! Seafood gumbo is average. Pecan pie is great. Bread pudding is ok. Jambalaya is great! Definitely worth a try. Thanks to the rain, didn’t wait at all.”
411 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70130 | (504) 407-3717
Here’s what one reviewer says about Mambo’s. “Absolutely lights out Crawfish Etouffee. Amazing how they can cram all of that intense seafood flavor into every bite. Honestly one of the most complex dishes I’ve ever had. The depth and character is something to behold. So much crawfish in every bite. Worth every penny and every minute of waiting. Host was super friendly and accommodating while we were in line.”
Like delicious Gumbo, Étouffée is one of New Orleans’ signature dishes. South Louisiana is not the only place for you to enjoy top-notch Étouffée. The popular food item can be found in the Acadiana region of the state as well as up north as far as Caddo Parish near Dallas, Texas.
If you’re planning a visit soon, I’d suggest double-checking their official websites, Google Maps/Yelp pages, or calling ahead for the most up-to-date hours/menus, as things can change seasonally or unexpectedly in the restaurant world. Enjoy the étouffée—sounds like a delicious lineup!
As long as you’ve got the proper Cajun or Creole seasoning, you should be straight.
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