New Orleans has always been the foodies' dream where one can find the state's rich history and cultural diversity in all its food. No doubt, this place is all about good food and the locals strive to improve their specialties the best they can. The city's old rivalries are what made the chefs to keep on their toes to always seek innovation and improvement.

The city has its fair share of history when it comes to food establishments, some of which have survived the test of time. Here is a small list of the oldest restaurants that you wouldn't want to miss.

Antoine's Restaurant. The French restaurant is hailed as the oldest continually operating restaurant in the United States. It is founded by a French immigrant named Antoine Alciatore in 1840 and remained family run for 176 years and still counting. According to Only in Your State, the establishment has 14 dining rooms with a huge array of private dining rooms. The place also served as the birthplace of world famous dishes like Oyster Rockefeller which is claimed to be invented by Antoine's son, Jules.

Tujague's. The second oldest restaurant in New Orleans is Tujague's following Antoine's. It still sports its iconic neon sign as well as its classic dishes like their famous shrimp remoulade with cap bread. The traditional brisket is also one of the crowd's favourite that retained its unique recipe since 1856. The ambiance is complete old school dining rooms with white table cloths, tiles floors and high ceilings. The restaurant is also said to have invented the Grasshopper cocktail.

Café du Monde. If you're craving for some beignets and coffee, the New Orleans classic, Café du Monde is the place for you. The 24/7 place is the home of the delicious café au lait and beignets that is nothing alike in the whole wide world. Their coffee is blended with chicory which results in a less bitter brew and chocolaty flavor. The café is still located in its original place since 1862, near the river and the Jackson Square.

Commander's Palace. This place was first known as the Emile Commander's Palace Saloon in 1893 serving booze and oysters. Now the place evolved into a fine dining restaurant boasting six James Beard Foundation Awards. The institution is now headed by chef Tory McPhail as per Thrillist and is now continuing to set the standard for fine dining in the city. 

Galatoire's. To finish it off, we have Galatoire's. They say that you didn't experience New Orleans unless you had a lunch in this place. This family owned institution is founded by Jean Galatoire in1905 which remained in the family up to its fifth generation. The restaurant is located in Bourbon Street which is a stop for persons heading to Orpheum or Saenger. If you're planning to visit the place, you better dress up as they have a strict dress code.