Top Best Japanese Restaurants in Lower Garden District

"Delicately prepared sashimi does not usually come to mind when discussing New Orleans cuisine, but this tiny Uptown restaurant has created buzz and received accolades since its 2018 opening. Chef Hao Gong worked for years at the popular Sake Cafe, and he’s translated his skills into an innovative pan-Asian menu that displays Japanese and Chinese influences. Raw dishes—salmon with Asian pear, soy and basil seeds; tuna with dragon fruit and spicy soy—are super fresh and innovative, while hot dishes—tofu with shiitakes, wood ear mushrooms and lily flower; Gong’s mother’s pork and ginger dumplings—are creative and satisfying."

"Luvi is one of the best restaurants to open in New Orleans in the last few years, a petite and colorful Uptown cottage where chef Hao Gong wows with his mastery of Japanese and Chinese cuisines. Gong, who worked for years at Sake Cafe, delivers raw and nearly raw fish paired with the likes of cucumber and yuzu vinegar and pink dragon fruit, as well as Shanghai comfort food like dumplings, dan dan noodles, and bam bam chicken. The menu changes often, but can always be counted on for a range of hot and cold delights."

"A former donut shop, LUVI is a small, lovely restaurant with bespoke woodwork and pops of bold colors and patterns. The pan-Asian menu, not common in NOLA, includes Japanese dishes, plus some favorites from the chef's hometown of Shanghai. Try the Lion’s Head, a savory crab-and-pork meatball in bone broth; the Mala Holla, spicy slices of beef; and Chef Hao’s Mama’s Dumplings (his actual Mama’s recipe)."

"If you haven't tried our grill tables and authentic Japanese cuisine, now is the time: bit.ly/gkreservation #GyuKakuMiami. In Japanese, Gyu-Kaku means, “Horn of the Bull.” In New Orleans, it is one of the leading Japanese restaurants providing authentic Japanese yakiniku experience to all kinds of diners. Visiting this restaurant will give you a chance to enjoy premium cooked meats that are grilled in flaming charcoal grills right in front of your eyes."

"Gyu-Kaku will make a chef out of you by the end of your visit. This unconventional eatery allows guests to cook their meal themselves. Have fun creating Japanese + Korean BBQ classics like spicy pork, kalbi short ribs, harami skirt steak miso and much more."

"The place, in a former K & B drug store, is pretty in a 1990s sort of way with design wows like bright, multi-colored, Chihuly-esque blown glass chandeliers and bi-level white tablecloth dining (the top level is reserved for private parties). The sushi menu melds traditional Japanese dishes and New Orleans ingredients (see jazz roll, Uptown roll, and New Orleans roll on the menu) along with bento box lunch specials and a full bar including an extensive sake list and specialty cocktails. Happy hour happens daily from 3 p.m."

"Clearview Parkway, Suite A, Harahan, (504) 733-8879; Independence Mall, 4201 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Suite A4, Metairie, (504) 779-7253; www.sakecafela.com. A Clearview Roll features snow crab, avocado, crawfish, cream cheese, tempura-fried shrimp, smelt roe and eel sauce. Reservations accepted."

"A good meal was ruined by four obnoxious children running and stomping across the upper level and around the entire restaurant while two mothers sat drin..."

"Low key West Bank sushi spot Daiwa, known for its uni, karaoke rooms, and Hello Kitty aesthetic, opened a second location in Metairie a few months ago. The Vets Boulevard restaurant in a former World of Beer location ups the ante in space and menu, with the option of omakase (chef’s choice) dinners and new specialties featuring less common fish like Japanese striped jack and sardines. Lunch was also just added in August."

"5033 Lapalco Blvd., Suite B6, Marrero, (504) 875-4203; www.daiwasushi.com. Spicy City is a deep-fried sushi roll filled with marinated crawfish, snow crab, cream cheese, avocado and jalapeno and topped with eel sauce and spicy mayonnaise."

"Internationally renowned artist, Chris Roberts-Antieau offers up her whimsical and bizarre world of fabric appliqué in her galleries in Nola and Santa Fe!"

"It feels like being invited into a Japanese man’s home while he makes the best sushi his guests have ever tasted."

"Tableau, Dickie Brennan’s latest production, opened in the spring of 2013. Located on Jackson Square attached to the historic Le Petit Theatre; Tableau is in the heart of the French Quarter. Tableau showcases regional ingredients and classic Creole dishes revisited."

"Head to Tableau for the best views of Jackson Square while dining. The upstairs balcony wraps around Chartres Street to St. Peter Street. Get a glimpse of the street performers while noshing on some bites."

"616 St. Peter St., (504) 934-3463; www.tableaufrenchquarter.com. Redfish Bienville is served with blue crab butter sauce and white truffle oil, frisee salad and fingerling potatoes. Reservations accepted."

"This quaint little neighborhood spot perfectly exemplifies what makes the French Quarter so special: even on its boundary streets, you'll find something to charm and surprise. Though locals usually occupy the tables at Meauxbar each night, these snug yet easygoing quarters welcome all comers. Framed photos, mirrors, burnished wood floors and moody lighting reinforce the bistro concept, and seating is available both at tables and at the bar."

"American , French"

"That’s the one word to describe the food at Superior Seafood!. This stylish restaurant has a zinc bar and full-service oyster bar perfect for anyone looking for Louisiana seafood and Creole-inspired cuisine. The menu changes weekly at Superior Seafood to highlight the freshest, local ingredients available, so you can always expect a quality experience."

"Authentic Louisiana cuisine is the name of the game at this local favorite, which also gets high marks for serving one of the best breakfasts in New Orleans. Superior Seafood's unp..."

"Superior Seafood matches its superb cuisine with a gloriously inviting venue – an expansive and historic Uptown space on the St. Charles streetcar line, all decked out in the manne..."