New Orleans Food Tour
Follow Your Tastebuds to the Best of the Big Easy
What comes to mind when you think of New Orleans? For many people, the answer is Mardi Gras. But there’s so much more to the Crescent City.
Our advice? Plan a tour of the city’s best and most popular eateries. It’s our favorite way to experience New Orleans, particularly for first-timers, introducing them to the city’s iconic venues, historic neighborhoods, and a few off-the-beaten-path local favorites.
We’ll leave it to you to decide which one of these eateries is the best of the bunch. Our part is to ensure your flights to and from New Orleans are as memorable as the time you spend exploring the city.
Start at the Beginning
Begin your tour in the heart of the French Quarter at Café Du Monde. This haven for locals and tourists alike began serving its famous beignets and café au lait in 1862. It’s been a must-visit destination for a true New Orleans breakfast for over a century.
Just a few blocks away is Central Grocery, home to the original muffuletta. This sandwich, filled with layers of salami, ham, cheese, and olive salad, is a New Orleans classic that continues to attract people from around the globe each year. Get a half sandwich if you’re dining alone—it’s more than big enough.
Experience the Best of the Best
As you move from the bustling Vieux Carré to the quieter neighborhoods, follow your nose to Dooky Chase’s Restaurant in Tremé. The timeless legacy of Chef Leah Chase, the Queen of Creole Cuisine, invites locals to reconnect with their roots and welcomes visitors to taste Creole culture. Her legendary dishes, from gumbo to fried chicken, continue to tell the story of New Orleans through food.
Further west in the Garden District, you’ll find Commander’s Palace, a high-end restaurant serving New Orleans since 1893. A world of haute Creole cuisine unfolds behind its illustrious turquoise-and-white Victorian façade. This is the place to relish turtle soup, pecan roasted gulf fish, or Creole bread pudding soufflé, all accompanied by the sounds of a lively jazz band.
Rub Shoulders With the Locals
No food tour is complete without exploring New Orleans’ vibrant street food culture. Grab a po’ boy from Parkway Bakery & Tavern in Mid-City, a favorite of locals since 1911, for these classic overstuffed sandwiches.
You won’t find New Orleans’ best eats on Bourbon Street. But our favorite French Quarter sandwich is found just steps away at the Erin Rose. This beloved local bar plays host to the popular Killer Poboys. Make sure to get a frozen Irish coffee while you’re there.
To cool down further, head to Hansen’s Sno-Bliz, a snowball stand cherished by locals since 1939. This isn’t your average snow cone; it’s a refreshing mound of finely shaved ice generously doused with homemade syrups of flavors like nectar cream and satsuma.
Cap off your food tour in the Bywater district at Bacchanal Fine Wine & Spirits. This wine shop, outdoor kitchen, and music venue is a favorite amongst locals. Spend your evening savoring a carefully selected wine paired with cheese and charcuterie while musicians fill the night air with soulful tunes.
Indulge in the Gastronomic Pleasures of New Orleans
A tour of New Orleans offers a feast for your senses, where every bite tells a story of tradition and every sip sings of culture. From the favorite breakfast of the French Quarter to the hidden culinary gems in residential neighborhoods, this food journey truly uncovers the city’s gastronomic identity.
In the words of Mark Twain, “New Orleans food is as delicious as the less criminal forms of sin.” Call your flight broker or contact Global Air Charters today to schedule your flight to New Orleans.