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”. For a true feast, visit the Oak Street Po-Boy Festival held Uptown every fall.

Lunch at Galatoire’s

Patrons of this “Grand Dame” of Creole dining show up early (and even wait in line) to grab a table in Galatoire’s famous downstairs dining room. Expect delicious, classic New Orleans food in an elegant, French Quarter atmosphere.

Oysters Rockefeller at Antoine’s

Not only has Antoine’s been serving classic French-Creole cuisine since 1840, the storied Creole Palace also invented Oysters Rockefeller. Finishing off your meal with the kitchen’s famed Baked Alaska is a must.

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. For die-hard fried chicken fans, don’t miss Fried Chicken Festival in September.

The Lunch Buffet at 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 buffet allows you to try a little of everything, but the major Holy Grail item is a bowl of gumbo z’herbes, which is served only one day a year on the Thursday before Easter.

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.

Jazz Brunch at Commander’s Palace

This teal-colored Garden District classic has been a destination for impressive (and decadent) New Orleans cuisine for decades. The multi-course brunch menu is offered on weekends, or come for a 25-cent martini lunch during the week. Place your order early for bread pudding souffle.

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.

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 Magasin. And if you happen to be visiting over the Vietnamese New Year, make sure to check out Tet Fest, the celebration of Vietnamese New Year.

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 étoufée 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, enjoyed at the marble oyster bar at Acme Oyster House or chargrilled at Drago’s, New Orleans is an oyster-lover’s dream come true. Casamento’s is an uptown gem known for their oyster loaves. True oyster devotees come to Louisiana Oyster Festival every summer, too.

Gumbo

Gumbo is a NOLA staple prepared differently by every chef. Try it from famous spots like The Gumbo Shop or Liuzza’s by the Track.

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.

Souffle Potatoes

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

Feast Your Way Through a Festival

There’s no shortage of festivals, and many are devoted to every type of NOLA’s food (and drink). Favorites include Boudin, Bourbon and Beer, Hogs for the Cause, and Oak Street Po-Boy Fest for example. But even the city’s non-food related festivals have great eats: just ask anyone in line for famous dishes like crawfish Monica, cochon de lait po-boys or crawfish crepes at both Jazz Fest and the French Quarter Festival. We’ve also created a guide to the Best of New Orleans Festival Foods, which you can check out here.

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 Reveillon

Historically, Reveillon 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.