Cool-Off Dishes: Where to Eat Chilled & Refreshing Foods in New Orleans

New Orleans is a foodie destination 365 days a year. And during the summer, restaurants offer dishes that’ll keep you cool and comfortable. Although the city is widely known for its hot dishes like gumbo and jambalaya, many restaurants serve cold dishes during the summer months that'll keep you cool and comfortable. Restaurants have summer specials centered around seasonal produce and fresh seafood, so you can always find a refreshing meal no matter where you are in the city. Check out the list below for some of our favorite chilled eats. 

Appetizers from the Sea 

Local Delights 

Raw oysters are a great way to grab a bite without breaking a sweat. This shellfish is not only pre-shucked but also served on ice. With a lemon squeeze and horseradish, this dish is sure to bring down your temperature. Just be careful with the Crystal, or you might undo your cooling off. Visit Acme Oyster House's flagship location in the French Quarter or stop by Superior Seafood & Oyster Bar on St. Charles Avenue for their raw oyster happy hour deal. To find more options, take a look at our Guide to the Best Oysters in New Orleans.  

You can’t try Louisiana seafood dishes without trying shrimp. Though this crustacean can usually be found fried on French bread or simmering in a gumbo pot, shrimp remoulade is a refreshing dish of cold cooked shrimp tossed in tangy Cajun-spiced mayo. Try it at Arnaud's, where shrimp remoulade is the signature dish, or take the Canal Street streetcar to try the appetizer at Mandina’s.

International Sharables 

Seafood is the star in these light and bright appetizers. Try the ceviche at Social or Tito's Ceviche & Pisco. For a similar but spicier option, order the aguachile from Acamaya or Aguasanta. 

If you prefer fewer vegetables, the crudo from Porgy’s Seafood Market should hit the spot. This dish is also available at Charles and Julia, which, along with Acamaya, has an entire cold menu to order from. 

Larger Portions 

Stand-out Salads 

For the non-seafood-lovers, there are still so many ways to find a meal that turns down the heat. Delectable salads certainly have their moment to shine in the summertime with seasonal Louisiana produce, including tomatoes, sweet corn, okra, watermelon, cantaloupe, cucumbers, peaches, and sweet bell peppers. Ralph’s on the Park offers a watermelon and heirloom cherry tomato salad made with whipped feta, basil, mint, crispy quinoa, and tarragon oil. Another favorite is the wedge salad from Turkey and the Wolf. Bacon, everything bagel seasoning, and blue cheese dressing, paired with tomatoes, fresh dill, and crisp iceberg lettuce, make for a lighter option while still indulging in salty goodness. For more picks, see our list of Best Salads in New Orleans. 

Chilled Soups 

No roux necessary for these soups! Lola’s offers gazpacho year-round whereas Herbsaint has added a beautifully garnished watermelon gazpacho to its menu just in time for summer.  

Chilled corn soup is another satisfyingly cool summer food. Lilette serves this dish with Louisiana crabmeat while the version at Gautreau’s is meat-free with roasted eggplant. Gautreau’s also offers a chilled golden beet borscht with crème fraiche, rye crisps, and spring crudité. 

Vietnamese Cuisine 

The Vietnamese culinary scene is robust in New Orleans and offers great options for the warmer months. With veggie- and tofu-centric dishes, Vietnamese food is not only refreshing but also lends itself to vegan and vegetarian eaters. With light broths and plenty of herbs, even warm dishes like pho can be refreshing despite the heat outside. From summer rolls to vermicelli bowls, restaurants like Mint Modern Vietnamese Bistro & Bar and Phở Bang​ are some of the best spots in the city. Lilly’s Cafe serves a delicious Rainbow Roll filled with shrimp, tofu, lettuce, avocado, vermicelli, and strawberry slices. Check out our list of Best Spots for Vietnamese Food for even more options. 

Desserts 

Fruity Delicacies 

Though New Orleans is known for its heavier confections like beignets, bananas foster, and bread pudding, there are plenty of tart, fruity treats. Icebox pies are a great way to enjoy sweets in the heat. La Boulangerie and Peche Seafood Grill both offer mouthwatering key lime pies while Clancy’s boasts a reputation for its lemon icebox pie. 

Of course, the beloved Ponchatoula Strawberry Shortcake from Commander’s Palace is another delectable dessert option. It’s a pile of sweetened strawberries with fluffy cream and the bottom of a buttery biscuit to top it all off.  

Sno-balls 

You can’t talk about refreshing New Orleans foods without highlighting sno-balls. Tiger's blood, cream of nectar, green apple, or wedding cake, any flavor(s) you choose will provide the best relief from the heat. From classics at Pandora’s to new modern twists at Chance in Hell to smooth cheesecake stuffed delights at Sno-La, there are plenty of delicious sno-ball stands throughout the city.  

A tip for an extra refreshing sno-ball is to go for a fruity flavor. Hansen’s on Tchoupitoulas has a citrus-flavor menu featuring lemonade, limeade, and satsuma. Each one is punchy and tart and immensely relieving on a hot summer day. Imperial Woodpecker is another spot to check out, especially if you’re spending the day walking along Magazine Street. In addition to classic and cream flavors, this stand offers herby, all-natural, homemade flavors like strawberry-basil and pineapple cilantro. 

Don’t be afraid of the warm weather—embrace it! There is so much in New Orleans that can only be truly appreciated in the summer months. From planning a stay at a hotel with a luxurious pool to sipping on a frozen cocktail, the possibilities are vast. Make sure to check out our Indoor Itinerary to plan a day of inside fun! Though it was created with rainy days in mind, the activities also work great if you need some time away from the sun.