What to Eat in New Orleans

on Feb 10, 2026

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New Orleans is a place where food and history are completely intertwined. Every meal feels like it comes with a story, and many of the places you eat have been feeding the masses for generations. If you’re looking for what to eat in New Orleans, start with your favorite flavors and work your way down the list.

On our first trip to The Big Easy, we barely scratched the surface. That said, we had some amazing food and definitely got a taste of the city.

A street view of a historic building with ornate iron balconies and abundant hanging plants under a clear blue sky in the French Quarter of New Orleans.

From iconic drinks to classic dishes, these stops stood out not just for what was on the plate, but for the history behind them. You can’t possibly try everything in one trip, but that just means you’ll have to return.

Or bring some of the flavors home with this Creole shrimp recipe and king cake donuts.

Drinks at Hotel Monteleone Carousel Bar

Hotel Monteleone has been family-owned since 1886, which already makes it special. The Carousel Bar, added in 1949, slowly rotates as you sip your drink, making it one of the most recognizable bars in the French Quarter.

A hand holds a glass of a red cocktail in front of a carousel-themed ceiling with glowing lights and ornate decorations.

Over the years, writers, celebrities, and locals have all taken a seat here, and it still feels just as timeless today. Aside from the atmosphere, the drinks and small bites are delicious. It’s a great place to relax.

This is a very popular spot, so I recommend going earlier in the day and expect a wait.

Hurricanes at Pat O’Brien’s

Pat O’Brien’s is credited with creating the original Hurricane cocktail during a time when rum was far more available than other spirits. What started as a creative workaround turned into one of the city’s most famous drinks.

A brick courtyard fountain surrounded by potted green plants, with outdoor tables, chairs, and a brick wall in the background.

Three tall glasses with cocktails, two with mint, orange, and cherry garnishes, and one with a bright red drink and orange slice, placed on a table with outdoor background.

Between the piano bar and the courtyard fountains, this spot has kept its lively personality for decades. Grab some friends and plan to sing your heart out.

Beignets are a NOLA Staple

Beignets are practically a way of life in New Orleans. Café du Monde has been serving them since 1862, making it one of the city’s oldest coffee stands.

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Three powdered sugar-covered beignets are served on a white plate with a small cup of chocolate dipping sauce in the background.

Café Beignet is a newer option with some solid loyalists, while historic hotels like The Roosevelt keep the tradition alive on-site, where we enjoyed them every morning. Warm, fluffy, and dusted generously, beignets are always worth the stop.

Oysters and Gumbo at French Market Restaurant & Bar

The French Market restaurant is a New Orleans mainstay serving Creole-style seafood and spicy dishes, and eating here feels like stepping into a piece of living history.

A plate of baked oysters topped with herbs and butter, served with slices of toasted bread and a lemon wedge on checkered paper.

Dishes like chargrilled oysters and gumbo fit perfectly into that legacy, showcasing the bold flavors the city is known for. This was my first go at Oysters and I am hooked! They were phenomenal.

Seafood and Jambalaya at Pier 424 Seafood Market

Pier 424 highlights New Orleans’ deep connection to the Gulf and its seafood traditions with a modern twist. This is the kind of place that keeps things straightforward and lets the food shine.

Neon sign for "Pier 424 Seafood Market Restaurant" above a brick archway entrance, with diners and tables visible inside the restaurant.

Two plates of fried appetizers: one with fried calamari and dipping sauce, another with fried cheese balls and dipping sauce. A small plate with lemon wedges is beside them.

Dishes include Jambalaya, Gumbo, Po-Boy sandwiches, and more. Fried Calamari, and other appetizers were great, and we loved the atmosphere and break from the heat of summer.

Muffuletta from Frank’s

The muffuletta is tied closely to the city’s Italian immigrant history, created as a filling, practical meal. Frank’s carries on that tradition with a version that’s generous, savory, and packed with flavor. And when I say generous, I mean this sandwich was as big as my entire head, and we split it between four people!

The Muffaletta feels inseparable from New Orleans itself. But if you do want to make it at home, try my muffaletta recipe.

A hand holding a thick sandwich with sesame seed bread, layers of meat, cheese, and chopped vegetables; people sitting at a table in the background.

Street view of Franks Restaurant with a large sign advertising Italian cuisine, seafood, steak, and muffuletta, located next to a shop with a green door numbered 933.

Eating your way through New Orleans is about so much more than checking places off a list. This is a city full of history, and the food is just the beginning. We can’t wait to go back.