culture

What Is The Most Popular Food In New Orleans?

New Orleans has a cuisine uniquely its own. All of its restaurants represent the Nola food heritage well. When you visit the city, “flavor” is a word that comes to mind.

The city regards it as a matter of pride that they can satisfy the most bland taste buds.

The city has a reputation for serving some of the most tasty dishes in the United States, but what is New Orleans really known for?

What Are New Orleans’ Most Popular Dishes?

Here are the most popular foods that are served in New Orleans, according to popularity.

Not only are those the most popular foods in New Orleans, but those are the best dishes in all of Louisiana.

Where To Get Gumbo In New Orleans

If you’re all in on gumbo, here are three restaurants to find it in the city.

Gabrielle

 2441 Orleans Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119 |  (504) 603-2344

Here’s what one reviewer says about Gabrielle’s: “It’s a family-owned and run so it provides great welcoming atmosphere. A loaf of fresh warm bread welcomes you as you await for your entre. We ordered the fish on a crab cake and served with corn and snap peas – it was really tasty and fresh. Then we also ordered the duck per the server’s recommendation, this was also great.”

Grand Isle Restaurant

575 Convention Center Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70130 | (504) 520-8530

Here’s what one customer says about Grand Isle Restaurant: “Amazing seafood! Restaurant was nice, service was great! Definitely 5 stars, and will return!! I had the Blackened Gulf fish, hot Crab dip.”

Gumbo Ya-Ya

600 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70130 | (504) 291-8600

Here’s what one customer says about Gumbo Ya-Ya: “We stopped by this gumbo place as we were walking toward the French Quarter. It was supposed to be a 30 minute wait but we were seated in about 10 mins. We ordered a seven steaks gumbo with jambalaya rice topping and a seafood and okra gumbo also with jambalaya rice topping for $6.50 each. It was a good portion, tasty, and filling. The view was very romantic and beautiful! And the service was fast and awesome – Kori was our server!”

Here are more of New Orleans’ top gumbo spots.

Where To Get The Best Beignets

Do you love beignets (who doesn’t love beignets)? These spots have the best ones around New Orleans.

Streetcar Cafe

312 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130 | (504) 218-7256

Here is what one customer says about Streetcar Cafe: “Best beignets I ever ate. They were huge. 3 covered a plate.”

The Vintage

3121 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115 | (504) 324-7144

Here is what one customer says about The Vintage: “Best beignets in New Orleans, very light and fluffy!! I highly recommend giving them a try!”

Loretta’s Authentic Pralines

13 French Market Pl, New Orleans, LA 70116 |  (504) 323-8350

Here is what one reviewer says about Loretta’s Authentic Pralines (French Market): “Beignets are the best! Far better than any other place in my opinion. These are light and fluffy, others are heavy and more like a pound cake or bread. Not my favorite pralines, but not the worst in town either.”

Here’s more on the best beignets in New Orleans.

Where To Find The Best Po-Boys

Here are some of the best places to find those good po-boys in New Orleans:

Parkway Bakery

538 Hagan Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119 | (504) 482-3047

Here is what one customer says about Parkway Bakery, which is the home of the po-boy: “My first trip to New Orleans and my first stop to eat was Parkway Bakery and Tavern for a Fried Shrimp Poor Boy Dressed. This and a Sweet Tea hit the spot. Great place to eat and a must if you are wanting a Poor Boy. I’ve been other places to get a Po Boy, but nothing like getting one in New Orleans. I highly recommend making a trip to Parkway and get your Poor Boy fix. Just need one in North Alabama. This was my first time dining here.”

Domilise’s Po-Boy & Bar

5240 Annunciation St, New Orleans, LA 70115 | (504) 899-9126

Here’s what one reviewer says about Domilie’s: “Great little place. Classic NOLA po-boys. Quick service. Was not dine in when we were there, but it was 70 degrees outside with clear blue skies and our crew got a variety of sandwiches: shrimp, roast beef, ham/cheese – they were all good. Great fries – very substantial.”

Guy’s Po-Boys

5259 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115 |  (504) 891-5025

Here’s what one custome says about Guy’s Po-Boys: “Amazing! Loved our shrimp po boy! Cheese fries were nothing to write home about. Staff was super friendly and we loved this quaint spot!”

Here’s more on the best po-boys in New Orleans.

Where To Find The Best Jambalaya In New Orleans

Now let’s look at some top places for some good old jambalaya.

Gumbo Shop

630 St Peter, New Orleans, LA 70116 |  (504) 525-1486

Here’s what one reviewer says about the Gumbo Shop: “Best jambalaya in New Orleans. We were there for 8 days and searched out the best places for jambalaya on the internet… and we tried them all. This one was absolutely the best!”

New Orleans Creole Cookery

508 Toulouse St, New Orleans, LA 70130 | (504) 524-9632

Here’s what one customer says about New Orleans Creole Cookery: “The absolute BEST Jambalaya I have ever had In my life!!! I took a girls trip to New Orleans and found this little place by accident and we were so glad I did! We made sure to go back before we left! The jambalaya, the catfish and the hush puppies were to LIVE for!! Precious (The hostess) is the sweetest person, and the waiters (I don’t remember the first ones name I just remember he said he was newish but he was amazing) the second ones name was James and he was also amazing. I definitely recommend stopping through here if you want great cuisine!”

Mulate’s — The Original Cajun Restaurant

201 Julia St, New Orleans, LA 70130 | (504) 522-1492

Here’s what one customer says about Mulate’s: “The bread pudding is the best! Very good jambalaya. Good live Zydeco band!”

Final Word

New Orleans food is legendary around the world, but you might e surprised to learn which dishes stand out the most to people.

If you’re the type of person that doesn’t get out much, you’re missing out on the city’s top-notch cuisine. You can get your food to go or even delivered to you in most cases.

New Orleans is not only a world-class city, but a cultural centerpiece of the Southeast, from restaurants to its parks, the city stands out as a place to visit and live. Looking for something to do in the city? What To See And Do In New Orleans.

More From NolaFi.com:

Keisha Smith

Keisha Smith is a Contributing Writer who attended college at Southern University A&M College in Baton Rouge. She is currently writing a book on south Louisiana culture.

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