Your Guide To Eating In New Orleans: The Dishes To Try And Where To Find Them

Flavor comes with history on every plate in this one-of-a-kind food city.

Recipes shaped by Creole and Cajun roots mix French, African, Spanish, and Southern influences into dishes people never forget.

Sweet bites, savory staples, and spicy favorites all have a place at the table. Every corner seems to offer another taste worth talking about.

Disclaimer: Restaurant menus, recipes, hours, pricing, and availability can change without notice, and some dishes may vary by season or location. Descriptions reflect an editorial perspective and general public information rather than a measured ranking.

12. Beignets And Café Au Lait At Café Du Monde

Picture powdered sugar dusting your shirt as you bite into a pillowy square of fried dough. Plenty of locals and visitors point to Café Du Monde as the go-to stop for beignets.

Golden puffs arrive hot and generous, buried under sweet powder that guarantees a smile with every messy bite. Pair them with creamy café au lait, and the morning ritual instantly feels complete.

This kind of simple pleasure turns tourists into regulars and makes every visit feel like coming home.

Find this iconic spot at 800 Decatur Street, New Orleans, LA 70116.

11. Warm Muffuletta At Napoleon House

If sandwiches had royalty, the muffuletta would wear the crown. Layers of salami, ham, mortadella, provolone, and tangy olive salad stack high on round sesame bread.

At Napoleon House, they serve it warm, letting the cheese melt just enough to bind everything together.

The olive salad is the real star, bringing briny brightness that cuts through the rich meats. One bite and you understand why locals have been lining up here for generations.

Head over to 500 Chartres Street, New Orleans, LA 70130 to try it yourself.

10. Classic Po-Boy At Parkway Bakery & Tavern

Craving something hearty? A po-boy from Parkway Bakery & Tavern delivers crispy fried shrimp or roast beef piled high on French bread that’s crunchy outside and fluffy inside.

The shrimp version comes dressed with lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and mayo, creating the perfect balance of textures and flavors.

This is comfort food at its finest, the kind of sandwich that makes you forget your manners and dig in with both hands. Locals swear by it, and once you try it, you will too.

Find them at 538 Hagan Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70119.

9. Jambalaya At Coop’s Place

Jambalaya captures the spirit of Louisiana in a single bowl.

Rice, sausage, chicken, and holy trinity of onions, bell peppers, and celery simmer with Creole spices until flavors meld into one unforgettable dish.

At Coop’s Place, the kitchen never holds back on seasoning or portion size.

Each spoonful warms you from inside out, spicy enough to wake taste buds without going overboard. Meal sticks to your ribs and leaves you ready for seconds, maybe even thirds when appetite allows.

Stop by 1109 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116.

8. Gumbo And Shrimp Creole At Dooky Chase’s Restaurant

Few places turn Creole cooking into an art form quite like Dooky Chase’s, where gumbo runs dark, rich, and loaded with seafood or chicken and sausage depending on your mood. Richness carries through every spoonful, delivering flavor that feels deep and deliberate.

Meanwhile, shrimp creole arrives with plump shrimp swimming in tomato-based sauce packed with peppers and onions.

Tradition stays front and center, yet bold, unforgettable flavor never gets lost. Chef Leah Chase built lasting legacy here, and every bite shows why the restaurant remains a pilgrimage stop for food lovers everywhere.

Visit 2301 Orleans Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70119 to taste history.

7. Barbecue Shrimp At Pascal’s Manale

Don’t let the name fool you – there’s no actual barbecue involved.

Instead, Pascal’s Manale serves jumbo shrimp swimming in a buttery, peppery sauce so good you’ll want to sop up every drop with French bread. The shrimp arrive in their shells, which means eating them is a deliciously messy affair that calls for extra napkins and a ready appetite.

This dish has been a New Orleans staple since the 1950s, and one taste explains why it never goes out of style. Make your way to 1838 Napoleon Ave, New Orleans, LA 70115.

6. Charbroiled Oysters At Drago’s Seafood Restaurant

Oysters on the half shell feel almost mild once you try what Drago’s puts on the grill. Original charbroiled oysters arrive bubbling hot, topped with butter, garlic, herbs, and Parmesan cheese.

Smoky char adds depth, while rich toppings build a savory bite that feels impossible to resist.

The signature dish helped turn Drago’s into local legend, inspiring copies across the city, yet the original version still stands above the rest. See for yourself at 2 Poydras Street, New Orleans, LA 70112 inside the Hilton Riverside.

5. Oysters Rockefeller At Antoine’s

Antoine’s first served Oysters Rockefeller in 1899, and they’ve kept the exact recipe secret ever since.

What we do know is this: plump oysters get topped with a vibrant green sauce made from herbs and breadcrumbs, then baked until golden. The result is elegant, rich, and utterly delicious, with a texture and flavor combination that feels both luxurious and comforting.

Dining at Antoine’s means stepping into history, where white tablecloths and old-world charm enhance every bite. Experience it at 713 Saint Louis Street, New Orleans, LA 70130.

4. Shrimp Remoulade At Galatoire’s

Galatoire’s shrimp remoulade arrives as a cool, tangy starter that instantly wakes up your palate. Boiled shrimp come chilled and coated in zesty Creole mustard sauce with hints of paprika, lemon, and horseradish.

Bright, refreshing flavor brings a lively kick that lingers pleasantly.

The dish reflects elegance and tradition that Galatoire’s has upheld for more than a century on Bourbon Street. Dressing up for a special occasion or simply indulging in something memorable, this appetizer sets the tone for an unforgettable meal.

Find it at 209 Bourbon Street, New Orleans, LA 70130.

3. Bananas Foster At Brennan’s

Watching Bananas Foster being made tableside is half the fun.

Bananas get sautéed in butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon, then finished tableside with a dramatic flourish before being served over vanilla ice cream. The result is a warm, caramelized dessert that’s both theatrical and downright heavenly.

Brennan’s introduced Bananas Foster in 1951, and it remains a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth. The combination of hot and cold, sweet and buttery, makes every spoonful feel like a celebration.

Enjoy it at 417 Royal Street, New Orleans, LA 70130.

2. Turtle Soup At Commander’s Palace

Turtle soup may sound unusual, yet at Commander’s Palace it stands as a refined classic.

Rich, savory broth often gets a tableside finish before serving, adding warmth and depth to every spoonful. Tender pieces of turtle meat mingle with vegetables and spices, forming a dish that feels both comforting and sophisticated.

Commander’s Palace has remained New Orleans institution since 1893, and its turtle soup highlights culinary creativity that defines the city. Bowl offers small adventure that rewards curiosity while still pleasing fans of tradition.

Visit 1403 Washington Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130.

1. Fried Boudin At Cochon

Cochon celebrates Cajun cooking with boucherie-style dishes that honor nose-to-tail traditions.

Their fried boudin takes spiced pork and rice sausage, coats it in a crispy shell, and fries it to golden perfection. Each bite offers a satisfying crunch followed by savory, well-seasoned filling that bursts with flavor.

It’s rustic, hearty, and utterly addictive, the kind of dish that makes you appreciate the craftsmanship behind Southern cooking. Pair it with one of their creative sides, and you’ve got a meal that feels both authentic and exciting.

Head to 930 Tchoupitoulas Street, New Orleans, LA 70130.