What To Eat And Drink In New Orleans: 9 Iconic NOLA Flavors
Looking for tips on what to eat and drink in New Orleans? Read on! NOLA isn’t just a city—it’s a flavor. From its deep Creole roots to its soulful jazz soundtrack, the Crescent City tells its story through food.
Whether you’re wandering the French Quarter, hopping between music clubs on Frenchmen Street, or exploring quiet neighborhood joints, one thing is certain: New Orleans cuisine is unlike anything else in the US, if not the world.
A Brief History of Louisiana Cuisine
Louisiana’s cuisine is a rich tapestry woven from the diverse cultures that settled in the region. The roots of both Creole and Cajun food trace back to the 18th century, shaped by French, Spanish, African, Native American, Caribbean, and German influences.
Over time, the lines between Creole and Cajun cooking have blurred, but both continue to thrive and evolve, forming the soul of Louisiana’s culinary identity.
Today, they are celebrated worldwide for their depth of flavor, cultural significance, and historical roots.
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Origins of Creole and Cajun Food
Creole cuisine, often associated with the city of New Orleans, developed among the descendants of European colonists, African slaves, and free people of color.
It was an urban, cosmopolitan cuisine that incorporated local ingredients with Old World techniques.
Dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, and shrimp creole reflect this blending—featuring spices from West Africa, French sauces, Spanish tomatoes, and local seafood.
Cajun cuisine originated with the Acadians, French settlers expelled from Canada (Nova Scotia) in the 1700s who resettled in rural Louisiana. Unlike the more refined Creole cooking, Cajun food is known for its hearty, rustic style.
It evolved from the need to use accessible ingredients and cook in large pots. Staples like boudin, étouffée, and dirty rice highlight bold seasoning and resourcefulness.
What to Eat And Drink In New Orleans
Here’s your essential guide to what you must eat and drink in New Orleans—and the legendary places where you should try them.
1. Po’ Boys — Johnny’s Po-Boys
You haven’t been to New Orleans until you’ve had a po’ boy. These overstuffed sandwiches are built on flaky-crusted French bread and loaded with everything from fried shrimp to roast beef debris.
Where to try it:
Johnny’s Po-Boys (French Quarter)
Family-run since 1950, Johnny’s is the quintessential spot for a classic po’ boy. Try the fried shrimp or the hot roast beef with gravy for a real taste of the city.
Also try: NOLA Poboys, Parkway Bakery & Tavern (Mid-City), Domilise’s (Uptown)
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2. Oysters (Raw & Rockefeller) — Antoine’s & Casamento’s
Raw Gulf oysters are a New Orleans staple—briny, fresh, and best served with a dash of hot sauce or lemon. But the real local legend is Oysters Rockefeller, invented in New Orleans and made with a rich green sauce and breadcrumbs.
Where to try it:
Antoine’s (French Quarter) – The birthplace of Oysters Rockefeller (est. 1840). Dine in old-world elegance and savor the original recipe.
Casamento’s (Uptown) – For raw or chargrilled oysters, Casamento’s is a local institution.
3. Gumbo — Dooky Chase’s Restaurant
Gumbo is the soul of Louisiana cooking—an earthy, complex stew often made with a dark roux, sausage, chicken, or seafood, and served over rice. It’s Creole comfort in a bowl.
Where to try it:
Dooky Chase’s Restaurant (Treme)
A historic pillar of Black Creole cuisine and civil rights-era gathering place. Their gumbo is rich, flavorful, and steeped in tradition. This is where culture and cuisine meet.
Also try: Atchafalaya.
4. Jambalaya — Coop’s Place
Jambalaya is the bold, rice-based cousin of paella, featuring sausage, chicken, and/or seafood all simmered with Creole spices.
Where to try it:
Coop’s Place (French Quarter)
A no-frills, locals-loved spot known for its spicy rabbit and sausage jambalaya. It’s casual, affordable, and perfectly seasoned.
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5. Fried Chicken — Willie Mae’s Scotch House
Golden, crispy, and peppery, New Orleans fried chicken is second to none. And Willie Mae’s Scotch House has the crown.
Where to try it:
Willie Mae’s Scotch House (Treme)
James Beard Award-winning and frequently named the best fried chicken in America. The batter is thin and shatteringly crisp, the meat juicy, the vibe soulful.
6. Beignets — Café du Monde
Light, square pillows of fried dough buried under a mountain of powdered sugar. Beignets are the sweet heart of the French Quarter.
Where to try it:
Café du Monde (French Market)
Established in 1862, this 24/7 coffee stand is an icon. Order beignets with a café au lait (chicory coffee mixed with milk) and enjoy people-watching just off Jackson Square.
7. Muffuletta — Central Grocery & Deli
This oversized Sicilian-style sandwich is made with layers of cold cuts, cheese, and a tangy olive salad, all packed into round, sesame-crusted bread.
Where to try it:
Central Grocery & Deli (French Quarter)
The original muffuletta was created here in 1906. Grab one to go and eat it by the Mississippi River. Also try Verti Marte.
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8. Crawfish Étouffée — Bon Ton Café
A thick, savory stew made with crawfish tails simmered in a buttery roux and served over rice—étouffée is comfort food with a Cajun flair.
Where to try it:
Bon Ton Café (CBD)
A classic Creole restaurant dating back to the 1950s. Their crawfish étouffée is legendary and often considered among the city’s best. Also try Dooky Chase’s.
9. Classic Cocktails: Sazerac, Hurricane & Ramos Gin Fizz
New Orleans isn’t just about food—the drinks have serious pedigree too.
- Sazerac – America’s first cocktail, made with rye whiskey, absinthe, and bitters.
Try it at: Sazerac Bar (in the Roosevelt Hotel) - Hurricane – Fruity and potent, this rum-based drink is a Bourbon Street legend.
Try it at: Pat O’Brien’s or Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar - Ramos Gin Fizz – Frothy and citrusy, this gin-based classic is a pre-Prohibition favorite.
Try it at: Bar Tonique or Carousel Bar
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What to Eat and Drink in New Orleans: Final Bites
New Orleans food is a living tradition—bold, layered, and unafraid of spice or soul. Every dish tells a story of the city’s history, its resilience, and its joyful obsession with good times and even better meals.
Whether you’re sitting down for fried chicken at Willie Mae’s or grabbing beignets at 2 a.m. at Café du Monde, eating in New Orleans isn’t just a necessity—it’s a celebration.
Ready to eat your way through NOLA? Bring your appetite, your curiosity, and maybe some stretchy pants. Bon appétit, y’all!
What else would you add to the list of what to eat and drink in New Orleans? Let us know in the comments or tag eightyflavors on socials!
OUR TRIED AND TESTED FOOD TRAVEL RESOURCES: Book a hotel with Booking.com. Search for the best flight deals on Skyscanner. Find the best local food tours on Viator. Browse curated conscious group trips with G Adventures. Get your travel insurance with World Nomads.
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