There are a number of must-try foods in New Orleans and the city’s rich culinary history combines the best of French, American Southern and international styles into a wholly unique experience.
At the heart of it, New Orleans' food comes from the renowned practices of French cuisine, but the Creole and Cajun styles each have their own unique flavor profile and ingredients. From spicier to more tomato-based, you can savor historical dishes easily nearly anywhere in town.
While seafood is certainly a mainstay for the city, you’ll also find more Southern styles of fried chicken and BBQ along with fluffy beignets, which are the perfect pastry for any hour and an icon of the city.
This guide will help you dive into New Orleans' historical and modern culinary scene, which is both constantly evolving while also paying deep respect to its history. From exciting new dishes to those brought firmly from the past, let’s look at the famous food in New Orleans and where you can try the best of them today.
Where to Try the Best Creole and Cajun Food in New Orleans
Cajun and Creole cuisines are very similar, yet still very distinct and with their own unique cultural history, making it a fascinating topic for visitors to New Orleans.
Creole people are often a mix of African American, Colonial French and Native American ancestry, whereas Cajun people are often derived from the colonial French and their territories as opposed to Native American territories.
Both Cajun and Creole cuisine share similar dishes like gumbo, a hearty shellfish or meat stew, but each has its own unique variation that gives it a distinct flavor profile.
While both cuisines share a similar French ancestry, in both ingredients and techniques, there are some key differences. Historically, Cajun food was thought of as country food, with an emphasis on heartier meals and a more pronounced mixing of ingredients. In comparison, Creole cuisine was considered more refined and based on fewer ingredients with a more delicate profile.
One major difference is the heavy use of tomatoes in Creole cuisine and the lack of them in Cajun cuisine. Also, Cajun food is often spicier than the more herbal Creole food.
While that may get confusing, both styles offer incredibly delicious meals for all tastes. Here's where to find some of the best Cajun and Creole cooking in New Orleans today.
Dooky Chase
• Address: 2301 Orleans Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119
• Essential Dishes: Creole seafood gumbo, fried chicken, red beans plus rice and chicken, poor boys, shrimp creole.
Dooky Chase is one of New Orleans' most popular Creole restaurants and it’s been serving authentic homestyle meals since 1941. Try the acclaimed Creole Gumbo, along with classic fried chicken and other local favorites.
Reservations are highly recommended and business-casual attire is necessary.
Olde Nola Cookery
• Address: 205 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70130
• Essential Dishes: Cajun seafood or meat gumbo, fried shrimp, Cajun fries, po boy, pecan pie
Olde Nola Cookery is a no-frills and casual restaurant with some of the best Cajun food in town and it’s a place that brings locals and visitors together due to its incredible authentic food and competitive prices.
Palace Café
• Address: 605 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA, 70130
• Essential Dishes: Creole and Cajun cuisine, live jazz, weekend brunch
With classical decor and a welcoming charm, Palace Café is the perfect spot for authentic local cuisine in a casual yet gorgeous environment. Plus, they have weekend brunches complete with live jazz, making it a great place to start your New Orleans adventure.
Restaurant R’evolution
• Address: 777 Bienville St, New Orleans, LA 70130
• Essential Dishes: blue crab beignets, lobster and black gnocchi, seafood and steak
Specializing in Creole cuisine, along with some Cajun influences, Restaurant R’evolution is a gorgeous high-end restaurant featuring upscale seafood, unique Southern dishes and an expansive wine menu making it ideal for special events and romantic evenings.
Where to Try a Po' Boy in New Orleans
A "poor boy," or simply po’ boy among other abbreviations, is a favorite sandwich in New Orleans that you must try on your next visit. A po’ boy is made on New Orleans French bread, which is soft on the inside but crispy on the outer layers and contains anything from roast beef to fried meat or fried seafood and “dressed” with lettuce, tomato, pickles, plus mayonnaise, hot sauce and sometimes spicy mustard.
While the po’ boy can vary, both in its ingredients and the ratio of toppings, it’s generally a very filling meal that has a surprising kick of flavor and spice. Here are some of the best po’ boys in New Orleans to get you started.
Johnny’s Po-Boys
• Address: 511 St Louis St, New Orleans, LA 70130
• Essential Dishes: Po' boys available with endless toppings, plus other Creole meals
Johnny’s Po-Boys has been serving hearty sandwiches since 1950 and they remain a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Try a classic roast beef po’ boy, or go more eclectic with alligator sausage plus oysters, shrimp and much more.
Walker’s BBQ
• Address: 10828 Haybe Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70127
• Essential Dishes: Meat po’ boys and other smoked classics
Walker’s BBQ is one of the best places in town for meat po' boys. This casual and cash-only restaurant focuses on premium BBQ and their spicy po' boys are stuffed with expertly crafted meats and homemade toppings. While you won’t find seafood here, this is a great place to enjoy tangy and savory brisket, sausages, chicken and more in true local fashion. Make sure to try their Cochon De Lait Po' Boy as well, which is their famous pork specialty.
Where to Try Beignets in New Orleans
Beignets are a delicious donut-like treat and one of the most iconic foods in New Orleans and they have a rich history in the region and from the broader French cuisine. Made from pate a choux, a popular French dough, these square pastries are deep-fried and covered in powdery white sugar.
Here’s where to get some of the best beignets during your next New Orleans trip.
Cafe Du Monde
• Address: 800 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116
• Essential Dishes: Beignets, café au lait, espresso
Café Du Monde has been serving fresh beignets and great coffee since 1862 and it’s an iconic cafe that’s worth a visit during your vacation. The interior is classical and refined, yet the atmosphere is charming and casual making this the perfect spot for any occasion.
Morning Call Coffee Stand
• Address: 5101 Canal Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70124
• Essential Dishes: Beignets, coffee
Morning Call Coffee Stand has local-approved beignets that are made fresh to order and you sugar them yourself which allows you to enjoy an optimal sweetness.
With an unassuming central location, this is a great place to stop day or night for a tasty treat and a hot cup of coffee.
Other Essential Restaurants in New Orleans
Here are some other exceptional restaurants that are worth savoring when visiting New Orleans. These places are great for a romantic night out, or for enjoying the best of the city’s rich culinary history. Reservations are highly recommended.
Mr. B’s Bistro
• Address: 201 Royal Street, New Orleans, LA 70130
• Essential Dishes: Creole, shrimp and grits, jumbo scallops, steak, banana pudding
Mr. B's Bistro is a classical restaurant that features a wonderful mix of Creole cuisine along with broader Southern stylings, making it a great spot to enjoy the finest regional dishes.
Brennan’s
• Address: 417 Royal Street, New Orleans, LA 70130
• Essential Dishes: Creole, turtle soup, gulf fish, filet mignon, banana Fosters
Brennan’s is a high-end and historical restaurant with grand decor and even grander meals and it’s been praised for its authentic Creole dishes since opening in 1946.
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