The Definitive Guide to the Best Food at French Quarter Festival

Get ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant sounds and flavors of the French Quarter Festival! This four-day extravaganza celebrates local music with a lineup of 1,700 musicians performing across 25 stages along the French Quarter and riverfront from April 10-13. It's a feast for the ears and the taste buds!

Back in 1984, the French Quarter Fest made its debut, and since then, it's been a staple of New Orleans culture. While the music takes center stage, let's not forget a real headliner: the food! Oh, the glorious food!

As self-proclaimed foodies, we're here to guide you through the culinary delights. But let's be clear: you can't go wrong with any of our local vendors. So, get ready to indulge in the ultimate foodie adventure while soaking in the infectious rhythms of the French Quarter Festival! And check out our Ultimate Guide to French Quarter Fest for all you need to know.

Crab & Tuna Wonton Nachos

Vendor: Nori Guys

Nori Guys reimagines a traditional festival favorite with a creative twist. Crispy wonton chips form the perfect base for layering, topped with refreshing crab salad and zesty spicy tuna. Each bite offers a burst of flavor, from the crunch of the wonton to the succulent seafood delights.

Hurricane

Vendor: Pat O’ Brien’s

This legendary cocktail is a vibrant blend of rum, passion fruit syrup, lime juice, and grenadine, served over ice. Let the tropical flavors and festive atmosphere transport you to the heart of the Crescent City as you savor every sip of this classic cocktail.

Award-Winning Chicken Sandwich

Vendor: Southern’s

Southern's is back again with its renowned Award-Winning Chicken Sandwich, reclaiming its well-deserved spotlight! Nestled between two soft, pillowy buns lies a masterpiece of perfectly fried chicken that bursts with an explosion of flavor with every bite. This culinary gem has undeniably captured the hearts of many, time and time again, earning its status as a beloved favorite. Join the ranks of those who have been enchanted by the irresistible allure of Southern's Chicken Sandwich and treat yourself to a taste sensation like no other.

Beef Yakamein

Vendor: Miss Linda The Yakamein Lady

Satisfy your craving for soulful flavors with Miss Linda the Yakamein Lady's Beef Yakamein! This dish is a beloved staple of New Orleans cuisine, offering a hearty blend of tender beef, noodles, and savory broth infused with a medley of spices. Each spoonful carries the warmth and comfort of homemade cooking, reflecting Miss Linda's dedication to her craft.

Bulgogi Fries

Vendor: Bao Mi

Bulgogi, meaning "fire meat" in Korean, is a beloved staple of Korean cuisine. But how do you elevate it to festival icon status? Simple. By combining this delectable meat with another festival favorite: fried potatoes! Tender, savory bulgogi piled high atop crispy, golden-brown French fries. It's a culinary marriage made in heaven, bringing together two iconic dishes into one irresistible fusion of flavors and textures.

Mushroom Pie

Vendor: Lasyone's Meat Pie Restaurant

This delight is one of many vegetarian items available at French Quarter Fest! These pies are loaded with fresh mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, Asiago cheese, and special seasonings, all wrapped up in a flaky house-made crust.

Mango Freeze

Vendor: WWOZ

Quench your thirst and invigorate your senses with the perfect festival companion: the Mango Freeze. On a festival day nothing compares to its sweet, tart, and icy-cold allure. With its blazing shade of orange, this refreshing treat revitalizes festival-goers, offering a burst of tropical flavor that soothes the soul.

Snoball w/ Condensed Milk

Vendor: Plum Street Snoballs

Snowballs are a cherished heartwarming delight in our city, a beloved treat that captures the essence of the warmer months. With an array of flavors to tantalize your taste buds, Plum Street is proud to serve up these frozen wonders at two locations during the festival this year. Don't let the opportunity pass you by – be sure to carve out some time to indulge in this icy treat! And for an extra touch of indulgence, why not add a drizzle of condensed milk? If you know, you know.

Alligator on a Stick served with Spicy Ranch​

Vendor: Desire Oyster Bar

This delicacy may seem intimidating at first, but trust us, you'll love it! What's better than walking around the French Quarter with your alligator on a stick? The spicy ranch sauce provides a cool yet hot accompaniment.

Sweet Fried Plantains

Vendor: 14 Parishes Jamaican Restaurant

These golden slices of perfection offer a symphony of flavors, expertly balancing sweetness with a tantalizing crispiness. Whether as a delightful snack or a flavorful side, each bite transports you to the sun-kissed shores of Jamaica!

Cochon De Lait Po-Boy

Vendor: Walker’s Southern Style BBQ

Walker's Southern Style BBQ is setting taste buds ablaze with their irresistible Cochon De Lait Po-Boy! Curious what it entails? Picture this: a generous portion of slow-smoked pork nestled within a hearty Dong Phoung French bread, adorned with crisp, fresh cabbage, and drizzled with their signature wertie sauce. It's a symphony of flavors and textures, but the true star of this culinary masterpiece is undoubtedly the tender, smoky pork that melts in your mouth with every bite.

Cajun Seafood Eggrolls

Vendor: Café Dauphine

Fusing the bold flavors of Cajun cuisine with the comfort of classic eggrolls. Stuffed with a tantalizing mixture of cabbage, crawfish, and shrimp, each bite offers a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. To elevate the experience further, they are delicately drizzled with sweet chili sauce, adding a perfect balance of sweetness and spice. 

Deep Fried Whole Snapper & Seafood Gumbo

Vendor: Monday

Deep-fried whole snapper paired with a steaming bowl of seafood gumbo. Can you feel the excitement? Because we certainly can! This dynamic duo epitomizes the essence of spring festivals with its vibrant flavors and tantalizing aromas. It's a celebration of seafood at its finest, a feast that beckons to all seafood lovers near and far.

Oysters Morrow w/ Garlic Bread

Vendor: Morrow’s

Allow us to introduce you to the culinary marvel known as Oysters Morrow. Imagine a plump, fresh oyster, lovingly nestled in its half shell, generously stuffed with succulent crab meat. But that's not all – it's accompanied by a side of garlic bread, perfectly poised to soak up every last drop of the mouthwatering flavors the dish has to offer.

Praline Beignet

Vendor: Loretta’s Authentic Beignets

Beignets! Beignets! Beignets! Choose between the original version for a classic taste or opt for the decadence of chocolate-infused bliss. Each bite is a symphony of flavors, a perfect balance of sweetness and indulgence. Treat yourself to the irresistible allure of Loretta's Praline Beignets, a true delight for the senses.

Yakiniku Po-boy

Vendor: Ajun Cajun

If there's one thing you can count on, it's that anything delicious deserves a place on a po-boy. It's practically a rule of thumb, and we're more than happy to abide by it. So, allow us to introduce the Yakiniku Po-Boy!  Succulent garlic ribeye beef, expertly cooked to perfection, piled high on po-boy bread. It's a sight to behold and a flavor that will have your taste buds singing with delight.

OMG Pina Colada Italian Ice

Vendor: Etalian Happy Ice

This icy treat is a burst of summer flavors, featuring the natural sweetness of coconut and pineapple blended with pure cane sugar and purified water. Alternatively, indulge in the tantalizing Blue My Mind Blue Raspberry Italian Ice, which combines blue raspberry puree with fresh raspberries, pure cane sugar, and purified water. Whichever flavor you choose, each spoonful offers a cool and invigorating sensation, making it the perfect companion for a stroll through the festival.

The Lambeaux

Vendor: Smoke & Honey

Tender and succulent slow-braised lamb leg takes center stage on this sandwich, complemented by creamy whipped feta, rich onion garlic jam, and crisp red onions. The addition of refreshing cucumbers adds a delightful contrast, all nestled within John Gendusa French bread. Whether you opt for a half or whole portion, each bite of The Lambeaux is better than the last.

Double Chocolate Bread​

Vendor: Red Fish Grill

The Double Chocolate Bread from Red Fish Grill is a rich dark & semisweet chocolate bread pudding with white & dark chocolate ganache and chocolate almond bark. It's the perfect dessert for a feast at the fest.