New Orleans is a city where every meal tells a story, and every drink comes with a slice of its vibrant history. From Creole classics to refreshing cocktails, this cultural melting pot serves up a dining scene that’s as unique as the city itself. Whether you’re exploring the French Quarter or the Garden District, here are 20 must-try dishes and drinks that capture the true essence of New Orleans.
Sazerac
Widely considered the world’s first cocktail, the Sazerac is New Orleans’ signature drink. Made with rye whiskey, Peychaud’s bitters, sugar, and a rinse of absinthe, this cocktail has a bold, aromatic flavor. Sip on one at the Sazerac Bar for a taste of New Orleans history.
Beignets at Café du Monde
Your first breakfast in New Orleans – even if you had breakfast at the hotel. Get in line or sneak in one of the side entrances to have the most touristy treat in town. Not experiencing a Café Du Monde beignet is like not hitting the Sistine Chapel in Rome. These just-fried clouds of dough and sugar wouldn’t be around since the 1860’s if they weren’t that good. There may be places proclaiming that theirs are new, lighter, healthier, but just forget all that and head to Café Du Monde.
Gumbo
Gumbo is a classic Creole stew packed with flavors from the city’s French, Spanish, and West African influences. It’s typically made with a rich roux base, okra, and your choice of chicken, sausage, or seafood. Served over rice, gumbo is hearty, comforting, and brimming with history.
Po’boys
The New Orleans po’boy is a sandwich you can’t miss, served on French bread and stuffed with fried seafood or roast beef. Dressed with lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and mayonnaise, this handheld meal is both delicious and filling. Domilise’s and Parkway Bakery are top spots to grab one.
Crawfish Étouffée
A signature Creole dish, crawfish étouffée features tender crawfish tails smothered in a flavorful, buttery sauce made with a roux. This dish is typically served over rice and is rich with a depth of spices and herbs. It’s a celebration of the Gulf Coast’s beloved crustacean.
Hurricanes at Pat O’Brien’s
This fruity cocktail is a must-try for visitors looking to experience the city’s more playful side. Made with rum, passion fruit syrup, and lime juice, the Hurricane packs a punch in both flavor and strength. Enjoy one at Pat O’Brien’s, where it’s served in an iconic hurricane glass.
Muffuletta
This oversized sandwich, born in the Italian community of New Orleans, is filled with layers of salami, ham, mortadella, and provolone cheese. What makes it special is the tangy olive salad spread, packed with olives, garlic, and pickled vegetables. Central Grocery is where this delicious sandwich originated.
Oysters Rockefeller
Antoine’s Restaurant created this luxurious dish in 1899, and it’s been a New Orleans classic ever since. Oysters Rockefeller are baked with a rich mixture of butter, parsley, and breadcrumbs, creating a savory, indulgent bite. Enjoy them at Antoine’s, where history and flavor meet.
Jambalaya
A cousin of paella, jambalaya is a spicy, one-pot dish packed with rice, sausage, chicken, and sometimes seafood. Each bite is a flavorful explosion of Creole and Cajun influences, with smoky undertones from the sausage and the aromatic blend of herbs and spices. It’s a comfort food you can find in homes and restaurants alike.
Fried Chicken
I was lucky enough to grow up tasting real southern fried chicken, but Alabama-style. Nothing can really equate to homemade, but Willie Mae’s gets as close as you can. Maybe it’s the long wait outside, but the minute the hot, oily goodness arrives on the table it disappears before you can say yum. You have to be super cocky to call it “America’s Best Fried Chicken” on the menu but there it is and you just can’t argue!
Bananas Foster
Invented at Brennan’s Restaurant, Bananas Foster is a flambéed dessert that combines caramelized bananas, brown sugar, and dark rum. Served over vanilla ice cream, the dish is set on fire tableside, making for a dramatic presentation. The contrast of warm bananas and cold ice cream is irresistible.
Shrimp Creole
Shrimp Creole is a vibrant, tomato-based dish packed with Gulf shrimp, bell peppers, onions, and a blend of Creole seasonings. The shrimp are simmered in a spicy, savory sauce and served over rice, making this dish both satisfying and flavorful. It’s a staple of New Orleans home cooking.
Fried Catfish
Fried catfish is a Southern delicacy that’s also a favorite in New Orleans. Lightly breaded in cornmeal and fried to perfection, the fish is crispy on the outside and tender inside. Pair it with hush puppies and coleslaw for the full experience.
Ramos Gin Fizz
This creamy, frothy gin-based cocktail is as delicate as it is complex. Created in the late 1800s by Henry Ramos, the drink blends gin, lemon and lime juice, egg white, cream, and orange flower water for a one-of-a-kind texture. Enjoy one at The Carousel Bar, where you can sip while slowly rotating around the bar.
King Cake
King Cake is a colorful, ring-shaped cake traditionally eaten during Mardi Gras. Made with sweet dough and topped with icing and colored sugar, it often hides a small plastic baby inside. Whoever finds the baby is tasked with buying the next cake—a fun tradition during carnival season.
Pimm’s Cup
The Pimm’s Cup is a light and refreshing cocktail made with Pimm’s No. 1, lemonade, and cucumber. Popularized in New Orleans by the Napoleon House, this cocktail is a perfect way to cool down in the city’s warm climate. It’s as refreshing as it is unique.
Crawfish Boil
A crawfish boil is an essential Southern experience, especially in New Orleans. Crawfish, potatoes, corn, and spices are boiled together, then served in heaps for everyone to enjoy. It’s a communal meal that’s full of flavor and fun, often paired with a cold beer.
Café Brûlot
Café Brûlot is a coffee drink unlike any other, combining strong coffee with brandy, orange peel, cloves, and cinnamon. The mixture is often set aflame tableside, creating a fiery show that heightens the experience. Arnaud’s is known for serving this iconic after-dinner drink.
Pralines
Pralines are sweet, nutty confections made from sugar, cream, and pecans. These melt-in-your-mouth treats can be found in candy shops across the city, offering a taste of New Orleans’ French influence. Their buttery sweetness makes them a perfect souvenir to bring home.
Grasshopper
Created at Tujague’s in the French Quarter, the Grasshopper is a sweet, minty cocktail that’s as nostalgic as it is delicious. Made with green crème de menthe, white crème de cacao, and cream, it has a dessert-like quality. Its vibrant green color and silky texture make it a fun and indulgent choice.
Where Can You Get the Best Cocktails in New Orleans
The United States is a melting pot of cultures, and its food scene is a perfect reflection of that diversity! From coast to coast, you’ll find cities that have mastered their local cuisine and embraced international flavors. Can you guess the others??