Local Creole Food in New Orleans' Tremé Neighborhood 🍛

Lil Dizzy’s gave me the most mind-blowing meal I’ve had in New Orleans. When I took my first bite of the shrimp and grits, I felt like everything I’d eaten before wasn’t real food — only what was in front of me truly counted 😮✨. It all started during a swamp tour when our NOLA-born guide told us: “If you want real Creole food that locals eat, go to Lil Dizzy’s.” As someone who frequents New Orleans-style brunch spots in Chicago’s Hyde Park, I headed right over. It was pouring rain that morning, but there was still a long line outside. While waiting, I struck up a conversation with a local lady who told me she eats here every week — she even pulled out some coupons from her phone 😂. We ended up sitting together at the bar, and she showed me true Southern hospitality — asking about every meal I’d had in NOLA, praising my Reddit-researched restaurant picks, taking photos for me, and even giving me a ride back to my hotel! 🤣 🍽️ What I ate: I ordered the Saturday special: shrimp grillade — cheesy grits smothered in rich gravy, topped with mushrooms, bell peppers, and fresh shrimp 🍤. It doesn’t get more Southern than this. My side was collard greens — slow-cooked with pork until tender, with a hint of bitterness balanced by savory meat flavors. This is what hearty, sturdy cuisine is all about! The walls are decorated with New Orleans sports memorabilia and tributes to the Baquet family, who’ve run restaurants here for generations. They offer different daily specials, plus fried chicken, po’ boys, fried catfish (what my local friend ordered), dirty rice (next time for sure!), and classic Southern sides. If you visit New Orleans and want a taste of warm, historic, soulful Southern food, don’t miss Lil Dizzy’s! ⚠️ Note: They only serve lunch. Li'l Dizzy's Cafe 1500 Esplanade Ave, New Orleans, LA 70116 #NewOrleans #NOLAFood #CreoleCuisine 🥘💖🎺