There are a million reasons to travel in the South—breathtaking mountains, gorgeous beaches, dynamic cities, and charming small towns … just to name a few. But one of our favorite reasons to travel within our region is in search of the best restaurants. Our regional cuisine, from soul food to barbecue, is famous around the world. And while many try to replicate our food, nothing comes close to comparing to the excellent dishes you can try at legendary restaurants across the South. When TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards came out in 2025, we weren’t surprised to learn that four of the top five destinations (including the No. 1 Food City in America) were all in the South. The only complaint we have when it comes to the South’s impeccable dining scene is that there are simply too many incredible restaurants to try in one lifetime.
Since we’re always on the hunt for somewhere new to try (or somewhere old to revisit), we thought we’d poll our readers to find out which Southern restaurants top their bucket lists. The results were varied, with readers recommending restaurants spanning the region, but one theme that persisted was that a restaurant-focused trip to the Big Easy is definitely in order for all. Keep reading for 15 Southern bucket list restaurants, as recommended by our readers.
Antoine’s
New Orleans, Louisiana
It doesn’t get more iconic than the grand dame of French-Creole cuisine, which opened in 1840 and is widely considered the oldest family-run restaurant in the country. This is the birthplace of Oysters Rockefeller, so starting your meal with the classic seafood dish is a must. If you snag a reservation, you’ll be following in the footsteps of some the country’s most-known names including Presidents Franklin Roosevelt, George Bush, and Bill Clinton, as well as actors and performers like Tom Cruise, Kate Hudson, Brad Pitt, and Bing Crosby. Said one reader, “Baked Alaska is my favorite dessert, and I hear theirs is amazing!” So go ahead and add that to your must-order list, too…