New Orleans is a city known for its vibrant culture, rich history, and, of course, its distinctive cuisine. From spicy Cajun dishes to French-inspired creations, the city's food scene truly reflects its diverse cultural influences. If you’re planning to visit this culinary haven, there’s no better way to experience the flavors of New Orleans than through the ultimate food tour. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this guide will take you through the best dishes and iconic eateries in the Big Easy. 

1. Start with Beignets at Café du Monde 

No food tour of New Orleans would be complete without stopping at the famous Café du Monde, a historic café serving up beignets and café au lait since 1862. Beignets, the city’s signature pastry, are square-shaped fried dough treats, dusted with powdered sugar. At Café du Monde, the beignets are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making them the perfect way to kick off your food adventure. 

The café is located in the French Quarter and is always bustling with locals and tourists. Pair your beignets with a café au lait, made with strong French roast coffee and steamed milk, for the full experience. Whether you’re here for breakfast, lunch, or a late-night snack, Café du Monde offers an iconic taste of New Orleans. 

2. Savor a Po'boy Sandwich 

Next, head over to a local po’boy shop to try one of New Orleans’ most beloved sandwiches. A po’boy is a traditional Cajun sandwich typically filled with fried seafood, roast beef, or chicken, and served on a soft, crusty French baguette. While many places serve po’boys, one of the best spots is Parkway Bakery & Tavern in the Mid-City neighborhood. 

Parkway offers a wide range of po’boys, but their fried shrimp po’boy is particularly famous. The shrimp are perfectly battered and fried, and the sandwich is topped with lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and a tangy remoulade sauce. The flavors are bold and satisfying, making it a must-try for any food lover in New Orleans. 

3. Indulge in Gumbo at a Local Restaurant 

Gumbo is one of the heart and soul dishes of New Orleans, a hearty stew made with a flavorful broth, vegetables, meat or seafood, and the all-important roux, a mixture of flour and fat that thickens the dish. The dish has deep roots in Creole and Cajun cultures, and it varies in flavor depending on the ingredients and the cook’s personal touch. 

For an authentic gumbo experience, head to the French Quarter and visit Dooky Chase’s Restaurant, a historic Creole institution. Dooky Chase’s is known for its excellent gumbo, particularly the chicken and sausage. The broth is rich and flavorful, with a perfect balance of spices. The gumbo is often served with rice, which absorbs the delicious flavors of the stew. For an extra touch, ask for a side of cornbread or French bread to soak up the leftover goodness. 

4. Enjoy a Crawfish Étouffée 

If you’re visiting New Orleans during crawfish season (spring and early summer), a crawfish étouffée is a must-try dish. Étouffée is a French-inspired stew with roux-based sauce, vegetables, and crawfish (or sometimes shrimp), served over rice. The dish is savory, rich, and flavorful, with just the right amount of spice. 

Head to the famous Acme Oyster House for a bowl of crawfish étouffée. Known for its seafood dishes, Acme serves up an excellent version of this classic New Orleans dish. The crawfish is tender and sweet, and the sauce is thick and flavorful. The dish is a great representation of New Orleans’ love for both seafood and bold, complex flavors. 

5. Try a Muffuletta Sandwich 

Another iconic New Orleans sandwich is the muffuletta, a hearty Italian-inspired creation that originated in the city’s Italian immigrant community. The muffuletta consists of layers of cold cuts, including salami, ham, mortadella, provolone, and Swiss cheeses, all topped with a tangy olive salad. The sandwich is served on a round sesame seed loaf, which gives it a unique, satisfying texture. 

One of the best places to try a muffuletta is Central Grocery, this famous sandwich's original home. Located in the French Quarter, Central Grocery has been serving muffulettas since 1906. The sandwiches are huge, so be prepared to share or take some home. The combination of salty meats, creamy cheeses, and zesty olive salad is absolutely delicious. 

6. Taste the Best Charbroiled Oysters 

No trip to New Orleans would be complete without trying some fresh oysters. One of the best ways to enjoy them is charbroiled, a cooking style that involves grilling oysters on the half shell with butter, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. The result is a rich, smoky, and incredibly flavorful dish. 

Drago’s Seafood Restaurant is famous for its charbroiled oysters and is a must-visit for anyone craving this delicious seafood treat. The oysters are perfectly grilled, with the butter and cheese adding a decadent richness. Pair the oysters with a cold local beer for the perfect New Orleans seafood experience. 

7. End with a Sweet Treat: Pralines 

Treat yourself to a classic New Orleans praline to wrap up your ultimate food tour. These sweet, nutty candies are made from sugar, cream, butter, and pecans, and they have a rich, fudge-like texture. You’ll find pralines at many shops throughout the city, but one of the best places to buy them is Aunt Sally’s Pralines in the French Quarter. 

Aunt Sally’s has been making pralines since 1935, and their handmade pralines are the perfect souvenir to take home. The pralines are sweet, crunchy, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious, making them the perfect ending to your culinary adventure in New Orleans.