Introduction
New Orleans is a vibrant city with a rich culture and history. It’s also known for its unique and delicious cuisine that has been influenced by many different cultures over the years. From classic Cajun and Creole dishes to modern fusion cuisines, there’s something for everyone in New Orleans. But with so many options, it can be hard to know where to start. So what are the must eat dishes in New Orleans? Read on to find out!
A Guide to the Best Restaurants in New Orleans
When visiting New Orleans, you’ll want to sample as much of the local cuisine as possible. To help you discover the best places to eat, here’s a guide to some of the most popular restaurants in the city.
Popular Restaurants
If you’re looking for a guaranteed good meal, try one of these popular restaurants. They’re all well-known for their delicious food and have been featured in various publications, including The New York Times, Bon Appétit, and Saveur.
- Commander’s Palace – This iconic restaurant in the Garden District has been serving up classic Creole cuisine since 1893. It’s a must-visit for anyone who wants to sample some of the best food New Orleans has to offer.
- Cochon – Located in the Warehouse District, Cochon offers a menu of contemporary Cajun and Creole dishes with a modern twist. It’s a great place to go for a special occasion or just a casual night out.
- The Grill Room at Windsor Court – For an upscale dining experience, head to The Grill Room at Windsor Court. The menu features classic French and American dishes, as well as some unique Louisiana flavors.
Local Favorites
If you’re looking for a true taste of New Orleans, try one of these local favorites. They’re beloved by locals and offer some of the best traditional dishes in the city.
- Mother’s Restaurant – This 24-hour diner near the French Quarter serves up classic comfort food like po’ boys and red beans and rice. It’s a great spot for a hearty breakfast or late-night snack.
- Willie Mae’s Scotch House – Located in the Treme neighborhood, Willie Mae’s is famous for its fried chicken. It was even named America’s best fried chicken by The New York Times in 2003.
- Domilise’s Po’ Boys – This Uptown institution has been serving up po’ boys since 1918. It’s the perfect spot for a casual lunch or dinner.
Upscale Dining Options
If you’re looking for a more upscale dining experience, these restaurants are sure to impress. Each one offers a unique take on traditional New Orleans cuisine.
- Herbsaint – Located in the Warehouse District, Herbsaint offers a modern interpretation of classic Creole and French dishes. It’s a great place to go for a romantic dinner or special celebration.
- Coquette – This acclaimed restaurant in the Garden District offers a menu of seasonal dishes with influences from around the world. It’s a great spot for a leisurely brunch or dinner.
- August – Located in the Central Business District, August offers a menu of contemporary New Orleans cuisine with global influences. It’s a great place for a special occasion.
10 Iconic Dishes You Must Try When Visiting New Orleans
When visiting New Orleans, you’ll want to sample as many of the city’s iconic dishes as possible. Here are 10 dishes you won’t want to miss:
Gumbo
Gumbo is a classic New Orleans dish made with a roux-based stew filled with seafood, sausage, and vegetables. It’s usually served over rice and is a popular dish during Mardi Gras celebrations.
Jambalaya
Jambalaya is a hearty dish made with rice, vegetables, and either pork, chicken, or seafood. It’s a popular dish at festivals and can be found at most restaurants around the city.
Po’ Boys
Po’ boys are sandwiches filled with fried seafood or other meats and topped with lettuce, tomatoes, and mayonnaise. They’re a popular lunchtime option and can be found at most restaurants throughout the city.
Beignets
Beignets are deep-fried pastries dusted with powdered sugar. They’re a popular breakfast item and can be found at most cafes and bakeries around town.
Muffulettas
Muffulettas are sandwiches made with salami, ham, cheese, and olive salad. They’re a popular lunchtime option and can be found at most delis and sandwich shops in the city.
Crawfish
Crawfish are a staple of New Orleans cuisine. They’re often boiled and served with potatoes, corn, and mushrooms. Crawfish boils are a popular way to enjoy them and can be found at most seafood restaurants around town.
King Cake
King cake is a sweet pastry made with cinnamon, sugar, and icing. It’s traditionally served during the Mardi Gras season and can be found at most bakeries around the city.
Soft Shell Crab
Soft shell crab is a delicacy in New Orleans. It’s usually fried and served with a variety of sauces and sides. It’s a popular dish at seafood restaurants around the city.
Shrimp Creole
Shrimp creole is a classic Creole dish made with shrimp, tomatoes, onions, and peppers. It’s a popular dish at many restaurants around town and is often served over rice.
Bananas Foster
Bananas foster is a traditional New Orleans dessert made with bananas, butter, sugar, and rum. It’s a popular dish at many restaurants around town and is often served with ice cream.
Exploring the Unique Cuisine of New Orleans
New Orleans cuisine is a unique blend of Cajun, Creole, and global influences. Here’s a quick overview of each of these culinary styles:
Cajun Cuisine
Cajun cuisine is a style of cooking native to the Acadiana region of Louisiana. It’s characterized by its use of spices, such as cayenne pepper and paprika, and ingredients like rice, sausage, and crawfish.
Creole Cuisine
Creole cuisine is a style of cooking native to the New Orleans area. It’s characterized by its use of fresh seafood, tomatoes, onions, and peppers. It’s often referred to as “haute Creole” due to its sophisticated flavors and techniques.
Fusion Cuisine
Fusion cuisine is a style of cooking that combines elements of Cajun and Creole cuisine with global flavors. It’s a popular style of cooking in New Orleans and can be found in many restaurants around town.
A Food Lover’s Guide to New Orleans
New Orleans is an amazing city for food lovers. Here are some tips for exploring the city’s unique cuisine:
Where to Find the Best Eats
When looking for the best restaurants in New Orleans, there are a few neighborhoods you’ll want to check out. The French Quarter is a great place to start, as it’s home to some of the city’s most iconic restaurants. Other neighborhoods to explore include the Warehouse District, Uptown, and the Garden District.
Tips for Eating Out
When eating out in New Orleans, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, try to make reservations in advance, as many restaurants can get very busy. Second, don’t be afraid to ask your server for recommendations. And finally, remember to bring cash, as many restaurants don’t accept credit cards.
Suggested Menu Items
When ordering at a restaurant in New Orleans, there are a few dishes you’ll definitely want to try. Gumbo, jambalaya, po’ boys, and beignets are all must-try dishes. You should also try some of the city’s signature dishes, such as crawfish, muffulettas, and shrimp creole.
The Best Late-Night Eats in New Orleans
New Orleans is a great city for late-night eats. Here are some of the best spots for a late-night snack:
Where to Find the Best Late-Night Meals
When looking for late-night meals in New Orleans, there are a few neighborhoods you’ll want to check out. The French Quarter is a great place to start, as it’s home to some of the city’s most iconic restaurants. Other neighborhoods to explore include the Marigny, Bywater, and Mid-City.
Recommended Restaurants
When looking for late-night meals in New Orleans, here are some of the best restaurants to check out:
- Mother’s Restaurant – This 24-hour diner near the French Quarter serves up classic comfort food like po’ boys and red beans and rice.
- Willie Mae’s Scotch House – Located in the Treme neighborhood, Willie Mae’s is famous for its fried chicken.
- Domilise’s Po’ Boys – This Uptown institution has been serving up po’ boys since 1918.
Best Snacks for Late-Night Cravings
When looking for late-night snacks in New Orleans, here are some of the best options:
- Beignets – These deep-fried pastries are a popular breakfast item and can be found at most cafes and bakeries around town.
- Muffulettas – These sandwiches are a popular lunchtime option and can be found at most delis and sandwich shops in the city.
- Seafood Po’ Boys – These sandwiches are filled with fried seafood and can be found at most restaurants around the city.
Classic New Orleans Desserts You Can’t Miss
New Orleans is known for its delicious desserts. Here are some of the city’s classic desserts you won’t want to miss:
Pecan Pie
Pecan pie is a classic Southern dessert made with a flaky crust and a sweet filling of pecans, brown sugar, and molasses. It’s a popular dessert in New Orleans and can be found at most bakeries around town.
Bread Pudding
Bread pudding is a classic New Orleans dessert made with stale bread, eggs, milk, and sugar. It’s usually served warm and is a popular dish at many restaurants around town.
Banana Split
Banana split is a traditional New Orleans dessert made with banana slices, ice cream, and chocolate sauce. It’s a popular dish at many restaurants around town and is often served with whipped cream and a cherry on top.
Éclair
Éclairs are a classic French pastry made with choux dough and filled with custard or cream. They’re a popular dessert in New Orleans and can be found at most bakeries around town.
A Taste of New Orleans: A Culinary Tour
For an immersive experience of New Orleans cuisine, consider taking a culinary tour. These tours provide an in-depth exploration of the city’s diverse food scene and are a great way to sample some of the best dishes in town.
Recommended Tours
When looking for a culinary tour in New Orleans, here are some of the best options:
- Taste of New Orleans Food Tour – This three-hour walking tour takes you through the French Quarter and surrounding neighborhoods to sample some of the city’s best dishes.
- Cajun Country Food Tour – This seven-hour tour takes you to some of the best restaurants in Cajun country to sample local dishes like gumbo and jambalaya.
- French Quarter Food Tour – This two-hour tour takes you to some of the best restaurants in the French Quarter to sample classic New Orleans dishes.
Benefits of Taking a Tour
Taking a culinary tour in New Orleans has many benefits. Not only will you get to sample some of the city’s best dishes, but you’ll also learn about the city’s unique culture and history. Plus, you’ll get to meet some interesting locals along the way.
Sample Itinerary
Here’s a sample itinerary for a culinary tour in New Orleans:
- Visit the French Quarter to sample po’ boys and beignets.
- Head to the Garden District to sample Creole cuisine at Commander’s Palace.
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