To say New Orleans is a foodie town is an understatement. Turning 300 this year, New Orleans has a rich history of French, Spanish, German, African, and Indian cultures bringing a big influence on the food scene. So you can imagine the interesting and delicious array of foods to choose from!
During our stay in September, we indulged in countless dishes including innovative appetizers, traditional treats, and touristy must-haves. It can seem overwhelming to try to experience all of what New Orleans has to offer, but we've got you covered! Let us help you navigate the way to our top 10 EATS in New Orleans!
1. Muffuletta
The history: La Muffuletta, which means "little glove," was invented by Central Grocery for Sicilian workers. Owner Salvatore Lupo would pile mortadella, salami, provolone, and olive salad on a loaf of bread. Why no mayonnaise? Because it would spoil in the heat of New Orleans!
Where to eat: You absolutely want to get the original muffuletta from Central Grocery, still located on Decatur Street. We tried a couple, and this one was the best. There's something to be said about being the original!
2. Beignets
The first thing everyone wants to try when visiting New Orleans -- beignets. And for good reason -- these fried pillows of dough covered in powdered sugared are pure goodness.
Where to eat: While there is a bit of debate on where the best beignets are in New Orleans, they are all delicious. Café Du Monde is the place to go, but if you are looking for a place a wee bit less touristy, visit Cafe Beignet.
3. Charbroiled Oysters
A bit of history: Charbroiled oysters are a common (and scrumptious) thing in New Orleans. Drago's Seafood Restaurant is home to the original Charbroiled Oyster, invented back in 1993. Even if you are not a huge fan of oysters, you have to try these! You can't not love them.
Where to eat: You can find charbroiled oysters everywhere, but we ended up at our destination by accident. Jet-lagged and hungry, we walked Bourbon Street and ventured into the Royal House Oyster Bar, not knowing its reputation. We ordered Charbroiled Oysters and it ended up being one of our favorite dishes in New Orleans. We asked for extra bread, which we needed, as otherwise we'd have been forced to lick the plate.
4. Shrimp and Grits
A bit of history: A traditional Southern Dish, as the story from the locals goes, shrimp and grits originated when traditional grits were spiced up with an abundance of shrimp. They added a little butter, cream, salt, and seasonings to take the traditional grits to a brunch, lunch and dinner option.
Where to eat: Cavan Restaurant and Bar. If you could have seen our faces when we spooned a bite of those velvety grits into our mouths... the creamiest most decadent shrimp and grits we have ever had! This is a meal you will never forget.
5. Gumbo
A bit of history: Gumbo is truly all of the cultural elements of New Orleans coming together.
Where to eat: The chicken and andouille sausage gumbo at the Gumbo Shop is regularly voted as the best in New Orleans by the annual Gambit Readers' Poll every year. We also loved Dickie Brennan’s seafood gumbo!
6. Po-Boy
A bit of history: Originated in 1910, the Po-Boy was invented and given free to workers on strike. ("Here comes another one of those Po' Boys!") The original sandwich was made with fries, bread, and gravy. Now you can find all kinds of variations, and having it "dressed" means you are adding pickles, tomatoes, mayo, and lettuce. We think that's the only way to have it.
Where to eat: You can find a great Po-Boy in just about any place in New Orleans, but by popular demand, we chose Guy's Po-Boys and Coterie NOLA Restaurant & Oyster Bar.
7. Hurricane
A bit of history: Pat O'Brien is reported to have invented the hurricane cocktail in the 1940s. The cocktail is a sweet alcoholic drink consisting of rum, passion fruit syrup, and lime juice.
Where to drink: You can pretty much find this New Orleans drink anywhere, but we suggest going to the originator, Pat O'Briens.
8. Fried Chicken
A bit of history: The Fried Chicken Festival is a free outdoor festival that brings food, music, family, and festivities together in celebration of the classic Southern dish. It features more than 30 restaurants from New Orleans and around the United States.
Where to eat: Love fried chicken? Definitely plan your visit during the National Fried Chicken Festival! If you want to try a little bit of the best fried chicken that New Orleans and abroad have to offer, this is where you want to be.
9. Pralines
A bit of history: Invented nearly 400 years ago, the modern-day praline is not very different from the ones made so long ago. Pralinières were the women who used to sell pralines on the streets of the French Quarter in New Orleans during the mid-to-late 19th century
Where to eat: Leah's Pralines reigns as the oldest continually-operating family-owned praline shop in the competitive confines of the French Quarter. We stopped at Leah's and swooned, especially over the Bacon Pecan Brittle. You had us at BACON.
10. Bananas Foster
A bit of history: One of New Orleans' favorite desserts, Bananas Foster is a lasting legacy at Brennan's Restaurant. Brennan's then-chef Paul Blangé invented the dish in the early 1950's when Owen Brennan challenged him to include bananas in a new dessert for the restaurant. Fun fact: The Brennan family was instrumental in bringing bananas into New Orleans.
Where to eat: Only one place: Brennan's. Visit this New Orleans Original for the original Bananas Foster.
From our mouths to your ears, all opinions are our own.
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