We have put together the ultimate New Orleans foodie bucket list to get your trip started. These are in our opinion the top 21 must eat foods in New Orleans that you should not miss!

There is probably no other city in the USA that is most known for its food as much as New Orleans so no one would blame you if the only reason for your visit to the Big Easy was to go on a food crawl.

Whether you’re looking to try Creole classics like gumbo and jambalaya, or something a little more modern with a NOLA twist, your taste buds will not be disappointed.

21 Foods You Must Eat In New Orleans

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1. Beignets from Cafe Du Monde

Beignets are the official state donut of Louisiana so the best place to start your New Orleans foodie bucket list would be with a taste of this French-style pastry. A beignet is a French donut that is traditionally fried and topped with powdered sugar. And yes, they are essentially the same as a regular donut but with a more doughy texture.

This well-liked New Orleans sweet treat is best accompanied with a Cafe au lait (coffee and chicory with steamed milk) which is Cafe Du Monde’s specialty. The popular eatery is open 24 hours so you can get your fix anytime!

2. Matcha Beignets from The Vintage

The matcha-flavored beignet is a twist on the classic beignet which you can order from The Vintage. In fact, this bakery has a few variations on this popuar New Orleans pastry which you can sample on a ‘beignet flight’ for only $6.25.

3. Muffaletta from Central Grocery Deli

The Central Grocery Deli is home to the original Muffaletta, a sandwich that was invented right here in New Orleans. All first time visitors to New Orleans must try this sandwich that is iconic to the city at least once!

Central Grocery Deli has been serving up the jumbo-sized sandwich since 1906 and is famous for the Sicilian olive salad that is spread on the bun. The Muffaletta doesn’t come cheap but it is worth it for the mouthwatering experience.

4. Crawfish Etoufee Dog from Dat Dog

Dat Dog has mastered the art of gourmet hot dogs growing from a small hot dog stand in 2011 to a critically acclaimed restaurant with four locations across New Orleans. They offer many creative hot dog experiences but what you must try here is the Crawfish Etoufee Dog which is made with crawfish sausage, sour cream, onions, tomatoes and creole mustard.

To be honest, there are a few other must eats at Dat Dog so let’s mention some of the other incredible options; The Guinness Special (Irish Guinness sausage, andouille sauce, onions, shredded cheddar cheese, bacon, yellow mustard), and the Rougarou (alligator sausage, grilled onions, creole mustard, tomatoes, jalapenos, BBQ sauce, and bacon). Both of these should also be on your New Orleans foodie bucket list too.

5. Fried Chicken from Willie Mae’s Scotch House

The fried chicken from Willie Mae’s Scotch House has been recognized as ‘America’s Best Fried Chicken’ by the Travel Channel and also acknowledged as being some of the best fried chicken in the country by the Food Network. You can’t argue with recommendations like that! Pop into this classic southern restaurant and find out for yourself why the food here is so award winning.

6. Seafood Okra Gumbo from Galatoire’s

Gumbo is a traditional Louisiana dish that has been around since the early 18th century. While there are many variations on the stew, one of the best restaurants offering the dish is at Galatoire’s Restaurant, a fine dining establishment in the French Quarter which was founded in 1905.

The Gumbo here is so good it was awarded the ‘Best Gumbo in New Orleans’ by Southern Living. The seafood okra gumbo here is packed with crab meat, shrimp, onion, celery, tomatoes, and okra. Reservations are required for Galatoire’s and there is a dress code.

7. Surf & Turf Po-Boy from Parkway Bakery and Tavern

The Po-Boy was invented in New Orleans and is a staple food with locals so needless to say it’s a must eat in New Orleans. The most popular Po-boy with locals and visitors alike are the shrimp or oyster Po-boy but at Parkway Bakery and Tavern they serve the most unbelievable Surf & Turf Po-Boys you will ever have! Trust us on this one. You will never forget this savory experience.

The Surf & Turf is a combination of roast beef and shrimp on a home-made roll big enough to feed two hungry adults. Parkway Bakery and Tavern has been serving up the Po-Boy sandwich for over 100 years and has a reputation as being the best when it comes to delicious, high quality food. Even Barack Obama himself has paid a visit to this legendary establishment.

8. Crab Daddy Biscuit from Bearcat Cafe

The Bearcat Cafe located in the Uptown District is consistently busy and well-known for their good food and high quality ingredients. Our favorite on the menu is the Crab Daddy Biscuit which involves a soft-shell crab on a biscuit served with a sunny egg and cajun gravy.

You might be waiting a while for a table but there is a reason why people are willing to wait for the food here.

9. Blackberry & Pistacio Pancakes from Bearcat Cafe

Another entry for Bearcat Cafe because of these to-die-for Blackberry & Pistachio Pancakes. Served with Early Grey cream cheese. Need I say more? It’s best accompanied by the store’s delicious lavender and honey latte.

10. Charboiled Oysters from Drago’s Seafood Restaurant

If you ask the locals where to find the best charbroiled oysters in town they will more than likely point you in the direction of Drago’s Seafood Restaurant. The secret to their specialty oysters is a delicious buttery sauce consisting of garlic, herbs, and a blend of Parmesan and Romano cheese served with French bread for dipping.

11. Oysters Voison from Drago’s Seafood Restaurant

Drago’s Seafood Restaurant gets a second entry in this New Orleans foodie bucket list for their Oysters Voison. Fried Louisiana oysters, creamed spinach, bacon, borderlaise sauce and extra cheese topped on toasted French bread medallions. It can’t be beat!

12. Crawfish Boil from Bevi Seafood Co.

Crawfish is synonymous with the city of New Orleans so naturally consuming this insect of the ocean is a must in NOLA.There are quite a few really good places to get your crawfish fix however Bevi Seafood Co would have to be one of the best places for seafood.

This neighborhood seafood market has locations in Mid-City and Metaire and offers live and boiled crawfish throughout crawfish season (December through June).

13. Banana Foster from Brennan’s

This world-famous dessert was first created right here at Brennan’s restaurant by chef Paul Blange in 1951 when he was challenged to create a dish featuring the fruit. The delectable result is now the most ordered item on the Brennan’s menu. Patron’s of the restaurant will dine here just to order the Banana Foster having dined elsewhere for dinner.

14. Baked Alaska from Antoine’s

Antoine’s is the oldest family-run restaurant in the country and is steeped in history. The restaurant was first established in 1840 and the menu has changed very little since. This establishment can lay claim to being the birthplace of Oyster Rockerfeller and Eggs Sardou however it is their traditional Baked Alaska dessert we recommend adding to your NOLA foodie bucket list.

The Omlette Alaska Antoine (Baked Alaska) is Antoine’s specialty and for those not familiar with this dessert it is vanilla ice cream and pound cake topped with egg white meringue and chocolate sauce flambeed to perfection.

Their Baked Alaska is ginormous and even though it says it feeds two, we think even four people would be very satisfied with these portions. Be sure to order at the commencement of your dinner.

15. Blue Crab Gratin from Luke

Luke is a French-style brasserie serving French and German inspired cuisine with a Louisiana twist. The menu here is very ‘old world’ and uses slow and traditional cooking techniques. We recommend ordering their Blue Crab Gratin plate to share which is made with spinach, Emmenthaler cheese and country bread croutons.

16. Duck Crepe from Galatoire’s

One of the best dishes in New Orleans that you must add to your foodie bucket list is the Duck Crepe from Galatoire’s. The duck meat is so soft it almost melts in your mouth and the crepe itself is decadent.

The spectacular tasting appetizer also features dried cranberries and pistachios which complements the flavors and adds a nice texture.

17. Hurricane from Pat O’Brien’s

How did New Orleans favorite alcoholic beverage come about? Well, in the 1940’s when domestic liquor was scarce, rum from the Caribbean Islands was plentiful and being imported via the Mississippi River.

Local bar folk experimented with many recipes and rum concoctions and agreed that passionfruit was the perfect mixer and that a glass shaped like a hurricane lamp would be the perfect vessel.

Voila the Hurricane was born! The best place to try this local favorite for the first time is at Pat O’Brien’s which got its start in 1933 as a speakeasy.

18. Donuts from District Donuts Sliders Brew

If you love donuts you need to stop in at District Donuts Sliders Brew. Not only do they have a mouthwatering creative combination of donut flavors like carrot cake or pumpkin cheesecake (the latter filled with pumpkin cheesecake and topped with ginger beer glaze and candied pepitas) but all of their donuts are made from scratch using natural ingredients. They offer six rotating donuts every week with over one hundred options!

Related: Where to Find the Best Donuts in New Orleans (You’ll Want to Try Them All!)

19. Croque Madame from District Donuts Sliders Brew

The Croque Madame is a beautiful tasting twist on the croque monsier served on a griddled donut with Applewood smoked ham, Havarti cheese, dijon, and bechamel topped with a sunny-side up egg.

As an alternative you can order the Monte Christo which is basically the same thing minus the bechamel sauce and topped with raspberry preserve and powdered sugar instead of the egg. Both taste incredibly amazing!

20. Blue Hawaiian Daiquiris from Fire Food and Spirits

If you are looking for a nice cold drink to cool off in the Louisiana heat, head to Fire Food and Spirits and order one of their signature Blue Hawaiian Daiquiris.

21. Jambalaya from Acme Oyster House

Jambalaya is an iconic New Orleans dish typically made with long-grain rice, smoked sausage, and chicken. The tasty one-pot dish is very similar to the Spanish paella but has absorbed French and African influences here.

While there are many places you could try this traditional dish, Acme Oyster House serves a delicious and perfectly seasoned smoky flavored Creole Jambalaya with Andouille sausage.

Where to Stay in New Orleans

Ritz-Carlton Hotel

Step into timeless elegance at The Ritz-Carlton, housed in a stunning 1908 Beaux Arts building in the heart of the French Quarter. Each guest room features rich wooden floors, marble foyers, and opulent marble bathrooms, complete with plush robes and slippers for ultimate comfort. Unwind in style—or embrace the city’s musical soul with an exclusive opportunity to learn the trumpet alongside the hotel’s in-house jazz musician.

The Riverfront Hotel

Blending vintage charm with modern comfort, the The Riverfront Hotel offers a four-star stay just steps from the Mississippi River. This stylish retreat features classically designed guest rooms and an inviting on-site restaurant and bar—perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring New Orleans.

The Westin

Soak in sweeping river views at The Westin New Orleans, perched above the Mississippi River in a prime location near the French Quarter. You’ll be just steps from the boutiques of Royal Street and the lively restaurants and nightlife of Bourbon Street. Guest rooms offer a luxurious retreat, featuring plush Westin Heavenly® Beds, marble bathrooms, and sleek modern touches—perfect for relaxing after a day in the city.

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