The Ultimate New Orleans Foodie Guide: 10 Pounds and a Million Bites Later

If you're heading to New Orleans, do yourself a favor and pack your stretchy pants. The Big Easy is a food lover’s paradise, where calories don’t count (until you get home), and every meal is a culinary event. From rich, buttery étouffée to deep-fried gator bites, New Orleans will romance your taste buds and leave you questioning whether moving here permanently is really such a bad idea. Here’s my ultimate guide to eating your way through NOLA, one bite at a time.

Fair Warning: these pictures might not be pretty, but they are delicious!

The Must-Try Dishes & Where to Find Them

Étouffée at Luke’s
If you want to experience the kind of étouffée that makes you weak in the knees, Luke is the place. This classic dish—plump shrimp or crawfish smothered in a rich, flavorful roux-based sauce—feels like a warm hug from a Cajun grandma. Served over rice, it's the perfect balance of comfort and indulgence. Pair it with one of Luke’s craft mocktails, and you’ll understand why people have emotional connections to food in this city.

Turtle Soup at Commander’s Palace
Yes, it sounds a little intimidating and weird if you’ve never had it before, but trust me—this is a must. Commander’s Palace serves up a bowl of deep, velvety goodness with a rich broth infused with sherry. The result? A soup that tastes like history, luxury, and a slight existential crisis over how you lived this long without trying it.

Beignets at Café du Monde
It’s basically illegal to visit New Orleans and not go to Café du Monde. These deep-fried, powdered sugar-drenched pillows of happiness are the kind of thing you dream about long after you leave. Pro tip: Don’t wear black. You will leave looking like a powdered donut yourself. Pair them with a chicory coffee for the full, slightly jittery, NOLA experience.

Muffuletta at NOLA Poboys
One bite into a muffuletta, and you’ll understand why New Orleans takes sandwiches so seriously. Layers of salami, ham, mortadella, provolone, and olive salad are all packed into a sesame-crusted round loaf, making for a hefty, flavor-packed bite. While Central Grocery is the classic choice, I found the one at NOLA Poboys to be just as divine, and without the hour-long wait.

Fried Alligator at Cochon
If you’ve ever wondered what alligator tastes like, Cochon is the place to find out. Spoiler: It’s like chicken, but with a little more attitude. Fried to crispy perfection and served with a spicy aioli, it’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like a true Louisiana badass.

Key Highlights

Lula Restaurant Distillery
Lula’s claim to fame? It’s the only distillery in New Orleans where you can sip locally crafted rum, vodka, and gin while feasting on dishes like shrimp and grits. If you’re looking for a great meal with a relaxed atmosphere, Lula delivers without the need for a cocktail in hand.

Crepes & Smoothies in the French Market - Shops of the Colonnade
When you need a break from all the deep-fried decadence, the French Market has a gem hiding in plain sight: fresh crepes and smoothies. Whether you go for a sweet Nutella-filled crepe or a refreshing strawberry smoothie, it’s a nice way to reset before diving back into your regularly scheduled indulgence.

Drinks at Brennan’s
Brennan’s is famous for its Bananas Foster, but don’t sleep on their drinks. Their cocktail game is strong, with classics like the Brandy Milk Punch and the Sazerac served in a setting that just oozes New Orleans charm. Go for happy hour and stay for the full-on old-school, fancy-but-fun NOLA vibe.

Johnny’s Po-Boys
If you want a po’boy that’s messy in the best way possible, Johnny’s is the spot. This no-frills joint has been serving up monster sandwiches since forever, and you can’t go wrong with a roast beef or fried shrimp po’boy. Prepare to get a little messy. It’s worth it.

And a No: Antoine’s Restaurant

Listen, I wanted to love Antoine’s. It’s historic, it’s fancy, it’s got all the classic Creole vibes—but the food? Meh. The experience was underwhelming with long wait times for food and service, and for the price, you can eat at three other places that’ll blow your mind. So unless you’re just here for the clout, save your money and go get another round of beignets instead.

Final Thoughts: I Gained 10 Pounds and No Regrets

After a month in New Orleans, I can confirm that the food here is dangerously good. My jeans? Not so much. But honestly, who cares? New Orleans is a city where food is love, and I fell hard. So if you’re heading there, eat everything, say yes to the extra butter, and just know that your scale might cry a little when you get home. Worth it? Absolutely.