The Food Guide to New Orleans: What to Eat & Where

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If you’re planning a trip to the Big Easy and looking for the ultimate food guide to New Orleans, you’ve landed in the right spot.

From beignets dripping with powdered sugar to spicy crawfish boils, from gas station boudin to the fine dining in some of the county’s oldest restaurants, I’ve eaten it all in New Orleans, and soon, you will, too.

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Why I’m qualified to write this New Orleans Food Guide

As a native Texan, I’ve made 1-3 trips a year to New Orleans for the last eight years, and every visit deepens my love for this city.

I’ve collaborated with the incredible Nola Tour Guy on guides and self-guided walking tours for over five years. I’ve eaten, walked, researched, and written my heart out across every corner of this magical city.

From food to nightlife to metaphysical shops and museums, I’ve poured my soul into capturing what makes New Orleans unforgettable.

New Orleans isn’t just a city for me, it’s a passion and a second home.

Creole or Cajun?

Both Creole and Cajun dishes are native to Louisiana, but they tell different stories:

Cajun food was developed by French settlers from Nova Scotia, focusing on rural, one-pot meals like jambalaya, gumbo, and boudin. The food is hearty, spicy, and deeply satisfying (also…filling). The iconic crawfish boil is a Cajun tradition.
Creole food, on the other hand, is a blend of French, Spanish, African, and Caribbean cuisine. Expect rich sauces, local seafood, and an elegant presentation. The best food in New Orleans usually pulls from both traditions!

Popular Cajun Dishes: gumbo, boudin sausage, red beans and rice, boiled crawfish, maque choux

Popular Creole Dishes: shrimp creole, shrimp and grits, jambalaya, po-boys, muffuletta, turtle soup, dirty rice, Bananas Foster

Read: What to Wear in New Orleans b y the Month

New Orleans Food Bucket List

No food guide to New Orleans is complete without these must-try bites. I made it my goal to check off every single one, and then I did it again (and again and again!).

These are the absolute must-try foods in New Orleans:

Entrees

Gumbo: Hearty stew of meat or seafood, thickened with roux and packed flavor.
Jambalaya: Spiced rice dish cooked with sausage, chicken, and shrimp; a Cajun essential.
Crawfish Étouffée: Rich, spicy stew served over rice, often made with crawfish tails.
Po’ Boys: Born in New Orleans, this sandwich is loaded with fried shrimp, oysters, or roast beef on French bread. Po’ Boys got their name during a 1929 streetcar strike in New Orleans when a local restaurant fed the “poor boys” free sandwiches, and the nickname stuck.
Muffuletta: Sicilian-style sandwich invented in New Orleans with olive salad and cold cuts.
Shrimp and Grits: Creamy grits topped with seasoned shrimp and buttery sauce. Get this at any good brunch or breakfast spot.
Boudin: Spicy rice sausage that’s a Cajun staple.
Oysters Rockefeller: Created at Antoine’s, baked oysters topped with herbs and breadcrumbs.
Andouille Sausage: Spicy, smoked sausage used in a variety of Cajun dishes.
Crawfish Boil: Communal feast of spicy crawfish, potatoes, and corn.
Crab Cakes: Made from fresh Louisiana crab, crisped to perfection.

Side Dishes

Red Beans and Rice: Slow-cooked New Orleans fav flavored with sausage and spices. Red beans and rice became a Monday favorite in New Orleans because it was traditionally made with leftovers from Sunday’s ham and could cook all day while women did the laundry for the week.
Dirty Rice: You’ve seen it before: Cajun rice dish made with spices and ground meat.
Maque Choux: A sweet-savory corn dish with bell peppers and cream. This dish is SO good that I’ve made Maque Choux at home with my authentic NOLA Cookbook.
Turtle Soup: Historic Creole specialty, usually finished with a splash of sherry.

Sweets and Treats

Bananas Foster: Invented at Brennan’s, flambéed bananas served with rum sauce and ice cream. This is hands down one of the best things I’ve eaten in my entire life, and Brennan’s serves it right at the table!
Beignets: Deep-fried dough topped with mountains of powdered sugar, famously served at Café du Monde.
Café au Lait: Chicory coffee and hot milk served with beignets.
Pralines: Sweet candy made from sugar, butter, and pecans. Most souvenir shops will have them.
King Cake: New Orleans tradition dating back to French settlers, symbolizing the arrival of the Three Kings and celebrated throughout Carnival season with a hidden (fake!) baby inside. The baby represents baby Jesus and brings luck to whoever finds it.

Read My Review of Brennan’s

Iconic New Orleans Cocktails

Sazerac: Rye whiskey and bitters cocktail created in New Orleans.
Hurricane: Fruity rum cocktail invented at Pat O’Brien’s.
Ramos Gin Fizz: Creamy citrus cocktail invented in New Orleans in 1888.
Vieux Carré: Strong and sophisticated, born at Hotel Monteleone.
Brandy Milk Punch: Brunch-time favorite dating back to colonial days.

Read: The Bourbon Street Bucket List

Where to Get the Best Food in New Orleans

Every corner of the Crescent City has something incredible to eat.

My food guide to New Orleans will show you exactly where you can get the best food, whether you’re balling on a budget or spending out of control (no judgement, I’ve done both girl!).

The French Quarter

Whether it’s your first or fifth trip to NOLA, The French Quarter is probably where you’ll spend the most time. Here’s your food guide to New Orleans French Quarter:

Breakfast/Brunch:

The Court of the Two Sisters: Their famous Jazz Brunch includes everything from shrimp and grits to Bananas Foster in a *lovely* courtyard. Court of the Two Sister’s menu.
Daisy Duke’s French Quarter: Waffle House vibes with legit food and late-night memories. From Bourbon to Daisy’s, I always say 🤪 Daisy Duke’s menu.
Brennan’s: Home of Bananas Foster, this fine dining restaurant also serves up turtle soup and Creole eggs Benedict. Brennan’s menu.
Café Fleur de Lis: A local favorite for fluffy pancakes and crab cake Benedicts. Their shrimp and grits hit the spot every time. Café Fleur de Lis menu.
Café Amelie: Set in a romantic courtyard, this gem is great for po’ boys and gumbo with charm. Café Amelie menu.
Muriel’s Jackson Square: Beautiful and definitely haunted; Muriel’s does Creole brunch classics like Pain Perdu. Also, incredible bloody marys and just a really lovely place to eat! Muriel’s menu.

Lunch:

Napoleon House: With 200 years of history, this spot is loved for muffulettas and red beans and rice. The architecture alone is worth a visit. Napolean House.
Johnny’s Po-Boy: A must for the best fried shrimp po’ boy in town. Family-owned and loved by locals. Johnny’s menu.
Mambo’s: Three stories of fun with balcony seating and a solid seafood platter. Mambo’s menu.

Dinner:

Brennan’s Restaurant: Night brings a new menu of refined Creole cuisine. The Bananas Foster show never gets old (they light the whole thing on fire right in front of your table).
Antoine’s: No food guide to New Orleans would be complete without this French-Creole banger, the country’s oldest family-run restaurant. Try the Oysters Rockefeller where it was invented. Antoine’s menu.
Muriel’s: Romantic and moody, perfect for shrimp creole or turtle soup.
Olde NOLA Cookery: Cajun seafood galore and strong cocktails on Bourbon Street. Olde NOLA Cookery menu.
GW Fins: Seafood is 10/10, especially the lobster dumplings. Fins menu.
Arnaud’s: White tablecloths meet jazz in this historic Creole fine dining gem. Try the soufflé potatoes. Arnaud’s menu.
Sylvain: Modern American food in a former carriage house. Great burgers and cocktails with courtyard seating. Slyvain’s menu.
Galatoire’s: French-Creole fare in an upscale dining room that’s been around for over 100 years. Galatoire’s menu.

Cocktails and Drinks:

The Carousel Bar: Spinning seats, vintage charm, and signature cocktails inside Hotel Monteleone make the Carousel Bar a must on any NOLA night.
French 75 Bar: Cute and classic with strong, bubbly cocktails. Try French 75 Bar in Arnaud’s has been poppin’ since 1918.
Bar Tonique: Casual craft cocktail spot with fun seasonal drinks. Visit Bar Tonique.
Old Absinthe House: Haunted, historic, and visited by pirates like Jean Lafitte and writers like Hemingway, don’t miss Old Absinthe House.
Pat O’Brien’s: Home of the hurricane, with a flaming fountain courtyard, visit Pat O’Brien’s.
Maison Bourbon: Balcony views and beamed ceilings with nightly live jazz, Maison Bourbon keeps it classy.
Fritzel’s European Jazz Club: Tiny Bourbon Street venue that’s been hosting jazz since 1969. Get jazzy at Fritzel’s.
Bourbon Heat: Dance your heart out at this multi-level club with a balcony. You’ll hear it before you see it (Bourbon Heat).
Beach on Bourbon: Live music, courtyard drinks, and rowdy fun at Beach on Bourbon.
The Dungeon: My first wild NOLA memory was at The Dungeon. Loud alt music and open late since 1969.

Read: My Review of the Carousel Bar

Coffee:

Café Du Monde: The original since 1862. Get your beignets and café au lait at Café Du Monde. Do not come to NOLA without stopping by Café Du Monde!
French Truck Coffee: Get Bright, bold coffee with locally roasted beans at French Truck Coffee.
Who Dat Coffee: For cute sidewalk seating, Cajun-style eats, and strong espresso, try Who Dat Coffee.
Café Beignet Royal Street: Charming café with live music and fluffy beignets await at Café Beignet!

On a Budget

Breakfast/Brunch

Toast is a go-to for budget brunch, with flaky croissants, pillowy biscuits, and all the baked goods made in-house. Mena’s Place serves comforting Southern classics and is a hidden gem loved by locals.

Making yet another appearance on my food guide to New Orleans because yes, its that good, Daisy Dukes is a reliable choice.

Lunch

For a budget-friendly lunch, try Bons New Orleans Street Food, which brings bold Asian flavors with a Louisiana flair, perfect for something a little different. Verti Marte is legendary for stuffed po’ boys and their “All That Jazz” sandwich.

Vieux Carre Pizza to Go is a quick and cheap option for a huge slice when you’re on the run.

Dinner

Déjà Vu Restaurant & Bar is a 24-hour diner with filling meals like fried seafood platters and dirty rice.

Daisy Dukes makes a second appearance with solid dinner plates and friendly prices and yes you can get breakfast food for dinner. Habana Outpost has authentic Cuban dishes, strong mojitos, and picnic tables under the stars on Esplanade.

Cocktails

Manolito is tiny but mighty, with a huge cocktail menu and chill vibes.

Bourbon Street always has drink specials and massive go-cups. Molly’s at the Market serves frozen Irish coffees and has a chill, somewhat hipster vibe.

Read: The Truth About the French Quarter of New Orleans

Where to Eat in The Garden District

This is the section of the food guide to New Orleans dedicated to living life via flavor in the big, beautiful, Garden District.

Breakfast/Brunch/Lunch:

Atchafalaya: Upscale brunch with live jazz and favorites like shrimp and grits. Their Bloody Mary bar is legendary.
Crack’D Brunch: Trendy spot with giant pancake stacks and exciting mimosa flights.
Red Dog Diner: Comfort food with flair, think breakfast tacos and cinnamon roll pancakes.
The Ruby Slipper: Recommended by Nola Tour Guy on my first trip, and now I never visit without stopping. Try the bananas foster pancakes, or Chilaquiles.

Dinner:

Commander’s Palace: A legendary blue Victorian mansion serving refined Creole fare since 1893.
Gris Gris: Chef Eric Cook’s bistro puts a posh twist on Southern staples like gumbo and fried oysters.
Luke: French-German brasserie with house-brewed beer and oysters on the half shell.

Cocktails and Drinks:

Paradise Lounge: Colorful cocktails and laid-back tropical vibes.
Hot Tin: Gorgeous rooftop bar with panoramic city views and a great champagne list.
The Victorian Lounge in the Columns: Set in a refurbished mansion with stained glass and an enchanting patio. The drinks are solid and the plants and statues make it feel like a secret garden.

Coffee:

The Chicory House: Great iced chai and cozy tables outside. Bonus: It’s right next to the Garden District Book Shop!
Undergrowth Coffee: Top-tier espresso with homemade syrups and excellent vegan food.

On a Budget

For breakfast, try Molly’s Rise and Shine for tasty, affordable options and a classic NOLA café vibe. Miss Shirley’s is a hidden gem for lunch, serving massive portions of Cantonese-style dim sum in a casual, family-run space.

At dinner, grab a link from Dat Dog or a burrito from Juan’s Flying Burrito.

For drinks, I love St. Joe’s, which is EXACTLY between dive bar and posh bar, or Really Really Nice Wines on Magazine, a chill wine bar with small bites and stunningly good olives.

Read: 13 Iconic Things To Do in the Garden District