United States

What to eat in New Orleans

New Orleans blends French, Spanish, African and Caribbean influences into a vibrant Creole cuisine. The city is famous for hearty dishes, bold spices, and a lively street‑food culture.

Local dishes to try

Gumbo

A thick stew of roux, seafood or sausage, and the holy trinity, served any time, especially lunch.

Jambalaya

One‑pot rice with chicken, shrimp, and Andouille sausage, common at festivals and family gatherings.

Po' boy

Crispy French‑bread sandwich filled with fried shrimp, oysters or roast beef, sold in markets and street stalls.

Beignets

Square fried dough dusted with powdered sugar, a classic breakfast or snack on Bourbon Street.

Étouffée

Smothered crawfish in a roux‑based sauce, typically enjoyed for dinner in the French Quarter.

Red beans and rice

Slow‑cooked beans with smoked meat, served on Mondays as a traditional comfort meal.

Bananas Foster

Flambéed bananas with butter, brown sugar, rum and ice cream, a popular after‑dinner treat.

Hurricane cocktail

Rum‑heavy cocktail with passion fruit juice, a staple at bars along the Riverfront.

Where to eat

1
French Quarter
Find beignets, po' boys and live jazz on Rue St. Louis and Decatur.
2
Café du Monde area
Grab beignets and café au lait at the iconic open‑air stand on Decatur Street.
3
St. Claude Avenue (Bywater)
Street‑side stalls serve gumbo, jambalaya and craft cocktails in a laid‑back vibe.

Photos: Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons

Tips for eating out

Lunch is usually served 11 am–2 pm; many restaurants close between lunch and dinner.
Tip 15‑20 % of the bill; service is often shared among staff.
Reservations are recommended for dinner on weekends, especially in the French Quarter.