Exploring New Orleans: Total Food and Beyond

Are you excited to experience all of the different flavors that the city of New Orleans has to offer? Seeking a full-bodied experience of local food, cocktails and jazz? Wondering which places are popular among native New Orleanians or those who’ve visited before? Let’s dig into New Orleans’ food culture and get to know the best places to sample the delicious local eats.

New Orleanians take their food seriously—culinary traditions are almost religion here. Jazz, booze, and Creole cooking all give life and culture to one of America’s oldest cities. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or an extended trip, you won’t want to miss these great tastes from around town.

Where to Find the Best Eats in New Orleans

Local flavor is what makes New Orleans such a special place, and there’s no shortage of restaurants and eateries to sample. Here are some of the top locales to hit up while you’re in town:

Central Business District

• Arnaud’s: A true classic, this small restaurant is found in a 19th-century French Quarter townhouse and features French-Creole dishes.
• Bombay Club: A hidden oasis for live music, this spot is made for cool jazz, old-style cocktails, and Cajun-Creole eats.
• Kingfish: Serving up a blend of Creole and Southern cuisine in a historic French Quarter building.
• Molly’s at the Market: This casual hangout fuses delicious seafood, sandwiches, gumbo and other mouthwatering starters.
• Gumbo Shop : This popular spot has been serving up gumbo every which way since 1989.

Uptown Neighborhood

• Mahony’s : Touted as one of the city’s best restaurants, this charming spot serves some of the best fried seafood and other classic dishes.
• The Praline Connection : If you’re craving some Cajun-Creole soul food, look no further than this lunch spot serving up low-country classics.
• Domilise’s Po-Boys & Bar : This spot has been around since 1918 and specializes in all the po-boy goodness you can handle (and more).
• Coop’s Place: A relaxed local spot featuring New Orleans standards like jambalaya, crawfish étouffée and of course po-boys.

Marigny and Bywater

• Louisiana Pizza Kitchen : Home of pizza laden with delectable toppings like jalapeno peppers, shrimp and more.
• Junction : A Vietnamese-Creole joint with gastropub fare like mac n’ cheese balls, rice bowls and cocktails.
• St. Roch Market : This modern food hall offers tastes from all over the world, in a stylish atmosphere.
• Satchel’s Pizzeria : This hot spot features creative pizzas topped with ingredients like bacon jam, fries, eggplant and more.

Unique Eats in New Orleans: What to Try While You’re Here

From some of the oldest restaurants in America to modern eateries making waves with unique cuisines, the Crescent City has it all when it comes to amazing flavors. Here are some specialties you won’t want to miss:

Beignets

Ah yes—beignets were made for New Orleans. Pronounced ben-yays in Creole French language, these savory fried dough pastries (think doughnuts without the hole) are dusted in sugar and served up hot. The most popular spot to try beignets is Café du Monde in the French Quarter where the atmosphere is as unforgettable as the food.

Gumbo

Say gumbo and immediately mouths drool—this signature dish of New Orleans is like a hug from the inside out. The perfect comfort food, it derives from West African cooking combined with French cooking techniques. Both roux and okra act as thickening agents for the gumbo that comes in many forms—spicy chicken, seafood, vegetarian varieties, you name it. Andouille sausage is often added for a powerful punch of flavor.

Po-boys

When it comes to convenience food, po-boys in New Orleans are king. A sandwich featuring meat or seafood on French bread, served hot or cold with tomato and lettuce. Common options include fried oyster po-boys, fried chicken po-boys, and roast beef po-boys — but don’t be surprised to find creative renditions at hole-in-the-wall spots like Domilise’s or Parkway Bakery & Tavern.

Leave Room for Dessert

Don’t forget dessert! Since this is New Orleans after all, leave some room for delectable sweet treats when you’re finished with your meal. From classic New Orleans fried desserts such as beignets and king cake to the craze that is scattered all over town for ice cream-stuffed dessert cups made with croissant dough called “Dobash” – your taste buds won’t want to miss out on these treats! Plus you can always get a snoball or some pralines while strolling around town – which happen to be great souvenirs too!

Uncovering the Real Taste of New Orleans: Total Food

We’ve tasted some of what New Orleans has to offer — but there’s so much more awaiting discovery! Follow us into the hidden eateries of the French Quarter and embrace the jazz along with the fantastic cuisine the city has to offer. Capture the flavors of Louisiana by taking a New Orleans Total Food Cocktail and Jazz Tour, revealing tastes that only true connoisseurs can appreciate! Get whisked away through some of the best restaurants the Big Easy has to offer – with interesting anecdotes and history about each amazing locale! Enjoy the perfect blend of soul food flavors, jazz music flair, craft cocktails — all layered atop rich culture — this experience is one not to miss! So if your culinary heart desires and appetite yearns for something new, join us on this epic journey into uncovering another layer of beauty that is New Orleans: Total Food!