Welcome to the lively, soulful New Orleans — where jazz and gumbo flow as freely as the Mississippi and the streets resonate with life, laughter, and the most wondrous tastes you’ll ever get to enjoy! If your heart cries out for great food and adventure, then buckle up — New Orleans food tours are a memorable visit to the center of your foodie paradise.
Why Choose a Food Tour in New Orleans?
New Orleans is more than just jazz to your ears; it’s a four-course dream for your soul! How many influences can you think of that molded New Orleans into the culinary mecca that it is? Creole, Cajun, gumbo, po’boys, and so much more! And some of the best ways to experience that is on a food tour! Here are three reasons you have to partake in a food tour:
- Find the hidden gems: There are some epic tour guides who rock some great outfits and show you some hidden gems that you might otherwise miss.
- Experience Authenticity: Taste dishes made with family recipes passed down through generations.
- Meet the people who make your food: You can get to meet and be in the presence of the chef, the artist, the passionate souls, and the geniuses who are behind the delicious food you get to eat.
- Learn about the culture: It’s not all about stuffing your face with delicious food. If you are a history buff you also get some insight into the history of these dishes that have been around for a while.
The Ultimate Culinary Journey
Beginning in the French Quarter: A Feast for the Senses
Kick off your New Orleans food walks in the heart of the old French Quarter. The smell of beignets is a call to all the foodie senses. Here are two of our favorite spots:
- Café du Monde: Proud purveyor of the classic hole-less beignets doused with powdered sugar and icy chicory coffee. You have not truly visited NOLA if you have not experienced this sweet treat!
- Central Grocery: The famous originator of the first muffuletta, this deli is a sandwich lover’s dream. Layers of meats, cheeses, and tangy olive salad make for one delicious bite. That’s Italian-Creole harmony, baby!
A Taste of the Garden District: Elegance and Flavors
From here, make your way to the delightful Garden District of New Orleans. Beautifully restored homes and gardens abound, and so does some mighty good food. Check out a few of these gems:
- Commander’s Palace: A continuing tradition of serving haute Creole cuisine done right. Don’t miss that bread pudding soufflé. It is dessert divinity!
- Cochon Butcher: A laid-back place with full-on din-worthy food. You will go hog wild over the delectable Cajun specialties, house-made sausages, and awesome sandwich concoctions.
Sampling the Local Flavors in Bywater and Marigny
No New Orleans Food Tour is complete without exploring the funky neighborhoods of Bywater and Marigny, filled with incredible art, music, and of course, food! You’ll find so much to love, including fresh and bold flavors.
- Blue Oak BBQ: What started as a wildly popular food truck, has turned into a brick-and-mortar restaurant for delicious backyard BBQ taste!
- Elizabeth’s: Innovative twists on Southern comfort food, you can’t leave without trying the Praline Bacon! A scrumptious delight of sweet and savory!
Unique Food Tour Experiences
Cooking Classes
Continue to discover the flavors New Orleans has to offer through hands-on Cooking Classes. Local chefs will show you the tricks to making Gumbo, Jambalaya, or that famous Banana Foster!
Nighttime Culinary Tours
Want to experience New Orleans into the night? Any of the Food Tour options can be made into a night out with food and bar stops. Savor local craft cocktails and some of the best late-night locale foods in the city!!!
Themed Food Tours
Customize your food tour special request. Do you want the Food Tour to include Vegan or Dessert Stops? It’s all up to you, as New Orleans Food Tours offers an array of enablements to fit your needs!!!
Tips for Enjoying Your Food Tour
Come Hungry: You’ll want to try everything, so keep your appetite ready!
Stay Hydrated: Our “big easy” city can feel rather toasty so be sure to hydrate the day away!
Ask Questions: Whether it be to your guide or new friends, you are encouraged to ask questions. The more you know, right?
#PhotoOp: Of course, snap a pic of your favorite dish, but don’t spend too much on the phone, be present and enjoy the moment.
Your Gourmet Adventure Awaits!
There is no better way to experience New Orleans than through the palette. As you go on a food tour you will come across historical buildings and the art scene without even trying. So why not taste your way through New Orleans? You will not regret it!