Very few cities stack up to New Orleans when it comes to famous dishes and cocktails. The blending of cultures throughout history created the Cajun cuisine that the city is known for. If the food isn’t one of the main reasons you’re visiting The Crescent City, then you’re doing it wrong. From sun up to sun down, you’ve got to be on a mission to try these New Orleans food favorites and cocktails to sip on.
This is the ultimate list that will keep you on track! I’ve included a bit of history about each dish or drink and where the locals recommend going for them. Plus, there are a few twists on the classics that next-generation chefs have created. They give the original dishes a run for their money.
For the best access to these New Orleans restaurants, you’ll want a centrally located hotel. Check out the Sheraton New Orleans and New Orleans Marriott as two great options where you can walk to most of these restaurants.
New Orleans Food You’ve Got To Try
1. Beignets
If I only went to New Orleans for one food, it would be beignets. You fall in love with them instantly. They’re an extra doughy fried donut that’s covered in powdered sugar. If you get them to go, in a bag, shake the bag to ensure the beignets are completely covered. The most famous place to order beignets is Cafe du Monde. Pro Tip: visit the City Park location because it’s less busy than the original.
2. King Cake
King Cake is famous during Mardi Gras season, but you can find them year-round throughout the city. Gambino’s Bakery is the most famous bakery for producing King Cakes. It’s similar to a cinnamon roll, but topped with a frosting and covered in sanding sugar in Mardi Gras colors. Every King Cake has a baby in it. The fun saying is: whoever gets the baby, throws the next party! If you can’t wait till your trip, try my homemade King Cake recipe.
3. Gumbo
Gumbo is typically a thick and hearty soup that’s filled with vegetables, shrimp, and sausage, and then served over rice. Some versions have chicken or crawfish, depending on where you order from. It’s a dish famous for its complex Creole flavors. Chefs take immense pride in producing an authentic Gumbo. The Sheraton New Orleans offers an award-winning Gumbo Yaya on their lunch and dinner menu, with a secret recipe that’s made fresh daily.
4. Jambalaya
Jambalaya has a rich history with influences from several cultures, reflecting the diverse heritage of Louisiana. Spanish, French, and African influences contribute to this flavorful dish. There are two types of Jambalaya: Creole that’s made with tomatoes (red) and Cajun that’s made without tomatoes (brown). The dish was originally a way to use leftovers and ingredients on hand, making it both practical and versatile. Jacques-Imo’s Café is a popular spot for brown Cajun Jambalaya.
5. Sno Ball
If you’re looking to cool off, you’ve got to try a Sno Ball. Not to be confused with shaved ice, an authentic Sno Ball has a snow-like texture. Find the most famous sno balls on Tchoupitoulas Street, at Hansen’s Sno-Bliz. They use homemade syrups, which make all the difference, and it is considered a must-visit for locals and tourists alike seeking a refreshing treat. Summers are very hot in New Orleans!
6. Po’ Boy Sandwiches
Originally called the “Poor Boy” sandwich, the Po’ Boy has a history that dates back to 1929. There are many versions, but none are more famous in New Orleans than at Parkways Bakery & Tavern. They serve over a thousand Po’ Boys per day. The restaurant has had many ups and downs throughout the generations of owners, but the sandwich has always been the same. The Shrimp Po’ Boy is the most traditional, but Parkways has many varieties including a roast beef version that guests love.
7. Bananas Foster
Bananas Foster is one of the most famous New Orleans desserts and it’s served flambeed tableside. It is bananas cooked in a caramelized sauce made from butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and banana liqueur (such as banana-flavored rum). It’s served hot over vanilla ice cream and the best restaurant to order it from is Brennan’s. It’s fun to watch it prepared in front of you and the hot-cold combination is delicious.
8. Red Beans & Rice
If you’re looking for a hearty and comforting dish that’ll warm you to the core, you’ve got to try Red Beans & Rice. Red beans and rice is a classic New Orleans food that embodies the rich Creole culinary traditions. Kidney beans, rice, seasonings, vegetables, and meat are most often included. The flavors meld together after being slow-cooked. The result is a thick, flavorful stew-like mixture served over a bed of rice. The Gumbo Shop is an award-winning NOLA restaurant and the best place to grab your Red Beans & Rice!
9. Crawfish étouffée
Did you know that Crawfish is considered a local specialty in the Crescent City and on many menus? Crawfish étouffée is one of the more rich ways to enjoy the crustacean. It’s a quintessential New Orleans dish, known for its rich, buttery sauce and flavorful crawfish.
Head to Commander’s Palace for the best Crawfush étouffée. The restaurant is known for its refined Creole cuisine and they bring out the flavor of the dish beautifully. However, if you want to knock off a couple of dishes from this list, Café du Monde also serves Crawfish étouffée at their original location, if you need a savory accompaniment to your beignets.
10. Boudin Balls
A must-try New Orleans food is Boudin Balls – one of my favorites. Essentially, Boudin Balls are a fried version of Boudin, which is Cajun sausage. It’s a mixture of cooked pork, spices and rice. Versions might include ingredients like onions, green peppers, and Cajun spices, then stuffed into casings or formed into patties before being fried.
The result is a crispy, golden exterior with a flavorful, savory filling inside. Head to Meril’s, which is a contemporary restaurant owned by famous New Orleans Chef Emeril Lagasse. They serve a classic crispy Boudin Balls small plate with spicy Cajun mustard that’s delicious.
Photo Credit: Emeril’s
Related: How To Plan The Ultimate New Orleans Family Vacation
11. Mouffelata
If you love the saltiness of olives, you’ve got to try a Mouffelata sandwich. It’s a classic New Orleans sandwich known for its unique combination of flavors and hearty ingredients. Served on flat Italian-style loaf, the sandwich has a mix of Italian cold cuts, cheese, and an olive salad. The olive salad adds a tangy, savory mixture of chopped olives, pickled vegetables, and spices. The briny olive flavor adds so much dimension to the sandwich and you can’t have Mouffelata without the olive salad! Locals love Napoleon House for Mouffelata.
Photo Credit: Napoleon House
12. Bread Pudding
Bread pudding is a beloved dessert in New Orleans. There are so many variations of it, but it’s traditionally topped with a bourbon sauce. The base is made by soaking stale bread in a mixture of milk or cream, eggs, sugar, and spices, then baking it until it’s set and has a custard-like texture. The result is a warm, sweet, and slightly spongy pudding. Brennan’s and Commander’s Palace are two hot spots for ordering bread pudding in New Orleans.
13. Baked Alaska
Baked Alaska, a dessert consisting of cake and ice cream covered in meringue and baked briefly, is a classic dish that became popular in the United States in the mid-20th century. It combines elements of cake, ice cream, and meringue into a dramatic presentation, often flambéed or baked just long enough to toast the meringue. Antoine’s Restaurant is one of the oldest and most famous restaurants in the city and they popularized serving Baked Alaska in the city. While the roots of the dessert are connected to just NOLA, it’s a popular dessert to enjoy in the city.
14. Daube
A list of New Orleans food isn’t complete with Daube. Daube is a classic Creole dish that showcases the rich and robust flavors of Louisiana’s culinary history. It’s a beef stew that is braised slowly in a mixture of red wine and aromatic vegetables. The result is tender, flavorful meat with a savory sauce – perfect to soak up with a crusty bread. Coop’s Place is a casual restaurant, popular with locals, and a great spot to enjoy traditional Daube.
15. Crawfish Boil
Crawfish season is January through April, which coincides with Lent. Traditionally, seafood is enjoyed on Fridays during Lent while Catholics abstain from meat. That’s how the popularity of crawfish boils grew in New Orleans. It’s not just Catholics who are enjoying crawfish boils now. Many NOLA residents enjoy this seasonal dish. Many times it’s served with potatoes, corn, and sausage. Peche Seafood Grill offers a seasonal crawfish boil that guests can order.
