“ 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. ”

“ 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. ”

“ If you want a real taste of New Orleans on a single plate, the New Orleans Sampler is it. I’m talking jambalaya, gumbo, and red beans & rice — each one packed with that deep, soulful flavor that makes NOLA cuisine so special. The jambalaya had the perfect smoky spice with tender chicken and sausage, while the gumbo was pure comfort in a bowl — rich, hearty, and layered with that slow-cooked magic you can’t rush. And the red beans & rice? Creamy, flavorful, and exactly what you want on the side to tie it all together. You can smell the Creole spices as soon as you walk in — that blend of garlic, onion, and smoky paprika that just screams Louisiana love. Portions are generous, service is fast and friendly, and the vibe is laid-back but full of life. If you’re wandering the streets of New Orleans hungry for something authentic (and Instagram-worthy ), Zesty Creole deserves a spot on your list. ”

“ A wonderful, flavorful gem on Canal! I’m a vegetarian and was delighted at the veggie options on the menu. I never get to eat red beans and rice and their veggie version is so delicious I came back the next day for more. My friends raved about the shrimp and grits and fried shrimp platter. Aleyna was my server twice and she was friendly, efficient, and patient with a large party. ”

“ 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. ”