Where to Eat in New Orleans

New Orleans cannot be described without mentioning food and where to eat. Quite honestly, no visit to the Big Easy is complete without eating gumbo or jambalaya at least a couple of times. Even though these two dishes are the mainstays of this region, there are many more that cannot not be missed. Follow this guide and you’ll be on your way to enjoying the best food that New Orleans has to offer.

Jambalaya

Jambalaya is a paella-like dish which traditionally consists of rice, chicken, andouille sausage, and vegetables known as the “holy trinity” – celery, onion and green pepper. Other proteins such as pork, chicken, crawfish or shrimp are also frequently added. It is very easy to find this dish throughout the city. If you want a fun experience with some locals, head over to Coop’s Place.

Beer and liquor bottles on the bar at Coop's Place, New Orleans
Bar at Coop’s Place

This dive bar has eclectic decor and amazing service. Trinkets and bumper stickers plaster the wall which kept everyone visually entertained. Eater named Coop’s Place one of the top 10 places to eat on Mardi Gras. The jambalaya was recommended to me, by one of my tour guides, and it did not disappoint. The recipe at Coop’s Place is non-traditional as it is made with rabbit and sausage. I ordered the “supreme” jambalaya which additionally comes with shrimp and ham. If you prefer a more traditional jambalaya, I would recommend Oceana Grill.

Jambalaya with rabbit, sausage, ham, and shrimp
Supreme Jambalaya at Coop’s Place

Oysters

When I was planning my trip to New Orleans, I had no idea how popular oysters were. Shout out to Elvis (my Uber driver, of course) for telling me otherwise! Walking around the French Quarter, I realized just how popular they are. They were the one food that I consumed multiple times. One of the most popular ways that oysters are prepared is charbroiled. Oysters are broiled with butter, garlic, and a pecorino crust. The best places to go for charbroiled oysters are Felix’s or Acme, but really, you won’t go wrong eating them anywhere they are served. They really are that good!

Oysters charbroiled with butter, garlic and pecorino cheese
Charbroiled oysters served with lemon and bread

As I mentioned, I had oysters more than once during my visit to New Orleans. While that wasn’t my intention, I headed across Canal Street to a restaurant called Galier’s. The restaurant was quiet and mostly locals were dining there. I went there with the intentions of getting gumbo. After striking up a conversation with the bartender and another guest, they both (nicely) refused to give me any recommendations other than oysters. There’s a happy hour special on raw oysters ($9 for a dozen!) so who am I to complain? Just 20 feet away was the oyster shucker and not 5 minutes later I was eating 12 decadent oysters. About halfway through eating them, I looked down to find 3 more added to my plate and the oyster shucker walking away! I was so full!

Gumbo

Similar to jambalaya, gumbo is the other staple of N’awlins cuisine. The difference is that gumbo is cooked in a roux which makes it more like a stew/soup. The traditional recipe has more seafood compared to jambalaya. The gumbo I had, at 30/-90, on Frenchmen St., was delicious. However, everything on the menu, including the gumbo, was overpriced – as in “$7 for a draft beer during happy hour” overpriced! Instead, head over to the Gumbo Shop or Galatoire’s… trust me, I wish I did!

Muffuletta

Mu-fu-whata? Muffuletta is a very filling Italian sandwich that originated in New Orleans. The rumor is that Salvatore Lupo created it when he owned the Central Grocery store in 1903. Though Sicilians have been eating similar sandwiches for centuries. The sandwich is made with salami, mortadella, capicola, mozzarella, provolone, and olive spread on a Sicilian sesame seeded bread that is about 10 inches across! Sounds good, right?  

Muffuletta sandwich with Italian meats, cheeses and olive spread on Sicilian bread from Central Grocery in New Orleans
Half of a muffuletta sandwich from Central Grocery

The sandwich can now be found throughout New Orleans, but it was created at Central Grocery so really, why go anywhere else? It is located on Decatur St. – you won’t miss it!

 

I love food so much that I frequently plan what to do and see around where to eat. New Orleans was no exception and it is definitely one of my favorite cities because of the amazing food. The places I mentioned here were my favorites. That being said, do you think I made a mistake or left out your favorite restaurant? Feel free to let me know! I’ll be happy to add it.

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10 thoughts on “Where to Eat in New Orleans”

  1. Ok Adam, you have me DROOLING over here! I bet the food is so good in New Orleans, I’m totally jealous. Beignets FOR LIFE! Thanks for joining Fly Away Friday – hope to see you again tomorrow! XO

  2. It all sounds fantastic. I would love to have a jumbalaya dish right now. It is so tasty. I am hoping to take hubby here in July! Such a great city. Thanks for joining Fly Away Friday! See you tomorrow!

  3. You have highlighted a lot of the things my husband likes (jambalaya, mussels). Well, he has tried Southern classics on the West Coast. Maybe he has not tried the real deal. I am sure the food is ten thousand times better in New Orleans (and other Southern cities). #FlyAwayFriday

    1. There is decent creole food on the West Coast. I thought it was good here until I went to New Orleans – much like having pasta in Italy. You must take him to New Orleans to experience the food there!

  4. I am always attracted to food related posts. 😉 But being vegetarian, I was little disappointed. But your list has some unique food recommendations. I am sure, there must be something interesting for me as well. #flyawayfriday

    1. I am sure that you will find something. As I replied in a previous comment, gumbo and jambalaya don’t have strict recipes so you may find that you’re able to eat them. My apologies if you were disappointed that I didn’t mention any alternatives for vegetarians/vegans. I’ll try to remember to look for such things in the future.

  5. I have only been to New Orleans once and oh my the food was heavenly , and yes all the fish was to die for, I had cajun craw fish. Thanks for sharing this, Ill use it next time I go!

    1. Given where New Orleans is (on the Gulf), it is fairly seafood heavy. There is still a lot to eat that is shellfish-free! The muffuletta is seafood-free. Gumbo and jambalayas don’t have a strict recipe and you can find those that don’t have any shellfish as well. Don’t forget about the beignets too!

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