Culinary Itinerary

When you come to New Orleans, come hungry. This is a town full of eaters who start talking about what they’re going to have for dinner before lunch is over. New Orleans’ rich history and cocktail culture have led the city to become one of the most legendary places to eat in the world.

Here are some of the best of the best, from famous restaurants’ signature dishes to types of food you just can’t miss:

Beignets at Cafe du Monde

There’s a reason these are a classic. Pair them with a cup of cafe au lait for the ultimate New Orleans experience.

Po-Boys

Fried oyster, shrimp, catfish, garlicky roast beef ... try some or try them all. Parkway and Domilise’s are two favorites for the classics, but in the world of po-boys, there’s really no wrong choice - just as long as you order yours “dressed.” 

Lunch at Galatoire’s

Patrons of this “Grand Dame” of Creole dining are sure to make a reservation in advance to grab a table in Galatoire’s famous downstairs dining room–a delight for pre-planners, as the downstairs used to be only seated on a first-come, first-serve basis. Expect delicious, classic New Orleans food in an elegant, French Quarter atmosphere. Order the goute to start–it's a shareable feast of crab maison and shrimp remoulade. Tack on an order of oysters en brochette (fried, bacon-wrapped oysters), and you've got the appetizer all-star team. From there, turtle soup au sherry, Godchaux salad... the list goes on of must-try dishes on the menu. Prepare to leave stuffed.

Red Beans from Dooky Chase

The late Chef Leah Chase’s famous Tremé restaurant has been synonymous with decadent Creole cuisine since it opened as a sandwich shop in 1939. The take out menu allows you to try a little of everything, from red beans and rice to fried oyster salad.

Fried Chicken at Willie Mae’s Scotch House

Around the corner from Dooky Chase, you’ll find what the Travel Channel once labeled “America’s Best Fried Chicken.” There may be a line, but it’s worth it.

Barbecue Shrimp at Pascal’s Manale

New Orleans-style barbecue shrimp is as messy as it is delicious, and that’s a good thing. French bread is a necessary accompaniment to the buttery, peppery sauce on this dish. The barbecue shrimp originated at this unassuming Uptown gem, where you can also get your raw oyster fix.

Turtle Soup at Commander’s Palace 

Turtle Soup and pecan pie are staples of this iconic Garden District restaurant, and though they’re only open for take out right now, a meal from Commander’s can’t be missed when you’re in NOLA. If you’d like to get a taste of the classics from afar, order from Goldbelly, which ships restaurant offerings nationwide. 

Muffalettas from Central Grocery*

These sandwiches are perfect for sharing ... or not (we won’t judge). Grab one from Central Grocery and then take it up to Woldenberg Park for a picnic along the river, where you can watch the steamboats pass.

*note: Central Grocery remains temporarily closed following damage from Hurricane Ida, but you can still find their muffalettas packaged to-go next door at Sidney's Wine Cellar (917 Decatur St.)

Traditional Vietnamese Food

New Orleans’ thriving Vietnamese community delivers seriously authentic Vietnamese staples such as pho and báhn mì all across the city. Favorites include Lilly’s Cafe and Pho Tau Bay.

Sno-balls

Perhaps one of the most delicious ways to cool off, the snowball is a favorite treat in New Orleans from early spring through late fall. Fans fiercely support their favorite places, such as Hansen’s Sno-Bliz, which has been open since 1939. It has a dedicated following for good reason. Another favorite is Plum Street Snowballs tucked away Uptown.

Bananas Foster

Invented at Brennan's but offered at many restaurants, it's a dessert to savor. You’ll watch an expert server prepare the dish before your table if you order it at Brennan’s, and the cooking demo includes fire, and lots of sugar. And it's a perfect end to Breakfast at Brennan’s. They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and that’s especially true when it involves brandy milk punch, Brennan’s signature Eggs Hussarde and Bananas Foster (which was invented by the Brennan family in the early 1950’s).

Crawfish

While it should be on every foodie’s list to try boiled crawfish, there’s plenty of ways to enjoy spicy mudbugs all over town. Try a hot dog made with crawfish sausage and topped with crawfish étouffée at Dat Dog, and Vietnamese crawfish boils at Boil Seafood House. You can find traditional boiled crawfish and sides at Frankie & Johnny’s and Bevi Seafood Co.

Gulf Oysters

Whether you like ‘em raw on the half shell, enjoy oysters at Acme Oyster House, or any of our top picks for where to get oysters. 

Gumbo

Gumbo is a NOLA staple prepared differently by every chef. Try it from famous spots like The Munch Factory or Liuzza’s by the Track. See even more types and places to try in our Ultimate Guide to Gumbo. 

Pralines

Pralines are a southern sweet made from sugar, milk, and pecans. Grab one while you’re here from an authentic shop like Loretta’s Authentic Pralines or Aunt Sally’s Pralines. 

Alligator Cheesecake from Jacques-Imos

Jacques-Imos is a classic, yet funky, New Orleans spot for fried food and seafood. Their signature alligator cheesecake is one-of-a-kind. To have a really unique experience, ask to be seated in the truck bed out front.

Soufflé Potatoes

Think of a blown up french fry and you might be close to imagining soufflé potatoes. The super thin potatoes are puffed with air and paired with bernaise sauce for dipping. You can get a taste at Arnaud’s or Galatoire's.

Hot Boudin from Cochon Butcher

From chefs Donald Link and Stephen Stryjewski, Cochon Butcher is a deli and butcher serving classic Cajun meats. It is an outpost of their larger restaurant, Cochon, located right next door. Their hot boudin is a must try while in southern Louisiana. 

Taste Around a Food Hall

In a city that celebrates food as much as New Orleans, it’s no surprise we have a strong scene of talented up-and-coming chefs who specialize in foods of all kinds. Try them out at culinary halls like St. Roch Market, Pythian Market, or The Hall on Mag.

Experience James Beard Award-Winning Cuisine

New Orleans has a ton of James Beard Winning chefs and restaurants, so it may be ambitious to say you want to try them all. But if you’re planning on working your way through the list, expect a truly delicious journey.

Get in the Holiday Spirit with a Réveillon

Historically, Réveillon dinners were multi-course, extravagant meals served after Christmas Eve mass. Today, many of the city’s best restaurants celebrate the holiday season with special prix fixe menus all December long. You can find detailed menus and participating restaurants beginning in early October on Holiday.NewOrleans.com.

Learn the Tricks of the Trade

Looking to expand your own cooking skills and bring a little New Orleans back with you? Try out cooking classes at one of our many fantastic cooking schools. Your friends and family will be forever grateful.

Taste Something Unique

Want to go beyond the typical New Orleans cuisine? Here are unique dishes you must try in New Orleans.