New Orleans is a Mississippi River port city of about 384,000 people in southeast Louisiana, known for the French Quarter, jazz and brass bands, Creole and Cajun food, Mardi Gras, above-ground cemeteries and the streetcar-lined Garden District.
New Orleans cooking blends French, Spanish, African, Caribbean and Native American traditions into Creole and Cajun cuisines. Staples include gumbo, jambalaya, red beans and rice, crawfish etouffee, po'boys, muffulettas, oysters and beignets. Fine dining clusters in the French Quarter, Warehouse District and Garden District, while po'boy shops and neighborhood counters are found in Mid-City, Uptown and Treme.
Must-try dishes
Iconic dishes that define New Orleans.
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
Creole
Cajun
Caribbean
Creative Po'Boys
Creole And Cajun
Creole Sandwiches
French
Gourmet Hot Dogs And Sausages
Inventive Sandwiches
Italian
Modern Israeli
New Orleans Contemporary
Oysters And Creole
Seafood
Food tours & tastings in New Orleans
Eat your way through New Orleans with a guide.
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Street food
Local flavours at affordable prices.
Food markets
Where locals shop and graze.
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Reserve Commander's Palace, Galatoire's, Antoine's, Brennan's and Arnaud's several days ahead, especially for weekend jazz brunch.
Po'boy shops such as Parkway and Domilise's are walk-in and can have lines at weekday lunch.
A tip of 18-20 percent is customary at sit-down restaurants; check the bill for an added gratuity on large parties.
Many fine-dining restaurants have dress codes, so jackets are preferred at dinner in the older Creole houses; check each website.
Hours change often after storms and holidays; confirm on each restaurant's website or by phone before going.
Traditional Creole and Cajun cooking uses pork, shellfish and roux, so vegetarian and vegan options take some searching, but most restaurants offer vegetable plates and meatless gumbo on request. Shellfish and gluten are present in many sauces and fried dishes; diners with allergies should state them when ordering.
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $35-55 per person per day: a beignet breakfast, a po'boy lunch and a casual dinner (US$35-55) | Street food, local eateries, and simple restaurants. |
| Mid-range | $15-40/meal | Sit-down restaurants with good service and varied menus. |
| Upscale | $40+/meal | Fine dining, international cuisine, and premium experiences. |