The Best Food Places in French Quarter: A Guide to Satisfy Your Cravings

Embarking on a culinary adventure is one of the best ways to explore a city. And if you’re planning a trip to New Orleans, you’re in for a treat. The French Quarter is home to some of the best food places in the world. From traditional Cajun and Creole to contemporary cuisine, the options are endless.

Why French Quarter?

The French Quarter is the oldest neighborhood in New Orleans, and it’s also the heart and soul of the city’s cuisine. The area is home to many of the city’s most iconic restaurants, bars, and cafes. The streets are lined with historic buildings, and the atmosphere is lively and colorful. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a fine dining experience, the French Quarter has something for everyone.

Iconic Dishes

When it comes to food, the French Quarter is famous for its iconic dishes. Here are some of the must-try dishes:

Beignets 🍩 – These fluffy, deep-fried doughnuts are a New Orleans staple and can be found at the famous Cafe Du Monde.
Jambalaya 🍲 – A spicy rice dish that typically contains sausage, chicken, and shrimp.
Gumbo 🍲 – A thick soup/stew that usually contains shrimp, sausage, chicken, and okra.
Po’boys 🥪 – A traditional New Orleans sandwich filled with fried seafood or roast beef.
Etouffee 🦐 – A thick stew made with crawfish, vegetables, and a roux base.

The Ultimate Guide to Best Food Places in French Quarter

If you’re looking for the best food places in French Quarter, you’ve come to the right place. Here are our top picks:

1. Commander’s Palace

Commander’s Palace is one of the most iconic restaurants in New Orleans. The restaurant has been serving up classic Creole cuisine since 1880, and it’s a must-visit for anyone who loves fine dining. Be sure to try the turtle soup and the bread pudding souffle.

2. Cafe Du Monde

No trip to New Orleans is complete without a visit to Cafe Du Monde. This iconic cafe has been serving up beignets and coffee since 1862. Be prepared to wait in line, but trust us, it’s worth it.

3. Coop’s Place

If you’re looking for a no-frills, down-home Cajun restaurant, Coop’s Place is the place to be. The restaurant is known for its spicy jambalaya and fried chicken. Be sure to try the rabbit and sausage jambalaya.

4. Galatoire’s

Galatoire’s has been serving up classic Creole cuisine for over a century. The dress code is formal, so be sure to dress up for this one. The restaurant is known for its oysters Rockefeller and crabmeat Sardou.

5. Antoine’s

Antoine’s is another classic Creole restaurant that has been around since 1840. The restaurant is known for its oysters Rockefeller and baked Alaska. Be sure to check out the wine cellar, which is one of the largest in the world.

6. Arnaud’s

Arnaud’s has been serving up classic Creole cuisine since 1918. The restaurant is known for its shrimp Arnaud and souffle potatoes. Be sure to check out the Mardi Gras Museum upstairs.

7. Brennan’s

Brennan’s is a classic New Orleans restaurant that has been around since 1946. The restaurant is known for its bananas foster and turtle soup. Be sure to check out the courtyard, which is one of the most beautiful in the city.

8. Cochon

Cochon is a modern Cajun restaurant that serves up some of the best pork dishes in the city. Be sure to try the cochon de lait and the boudin. The restaurant also has a great selection of craft beers.

9. Central Grocery

Central Grocery is home to the famous muffuletta sandwich. The sandwich is made with Italian meats, cheese, and a unique olive salad. Be sure to get it to go and enjoy it in Jackson Square.

10. Cafe Beignet

Cafe Beignet is another great spot for beignets and coffee. The cafe also has live jazz music, which makes for a great atmosphere. Be sure to try the crawfish beignets.

11. Johnny’s Po-Boys

Johnny’s Po-Boys is a classic New Orleans sandwich shop that has been around since 1950. The restaurant serves up some of the best po-boys in the city. Be sure to try the fried shrimp po-boy.

12. Port of Call

Port of Call is a classic New Orleans burger joint that serves up some of the best burgers in the city. Be sure to try the Monsoon, which is a famous rum-based drink.

13. Mr. B’s Bistro

Mr. B’s Bistro is a classic New Orleans restaurant that serves up contemporary Creole cuisine. Be sure to try the barbecue shrimp and the gumbo ya-ya. The restaurant also has a great selection of cocktails.

FAQs about French Quarter Food

1. What is the difference between Cajun and Creole cuisine?

Cajun cuisine is more rustic and comes from the Acadian people who settled in Louisiana. Creole cuisine is more refined and comes from the French and Spanish settlers.

2. What is a muffuletta sandwich?

A muffuletta sandwich is made with Italian meats, cheese, and a unique olive salad.

3. What is a po-boy sandwich?

A po-boy sandwich is a traditional New Orleans sandwich that is typically filled with fried seafood or roast beef.

4. What is beignets?

Beignets are fluffy, deep-fried doughnuts that are a New Orleans staple.

5. What is jambalaya?

Jambalaya is a spicy rice dish that typically contains sausage, chicken, and shrimp.

6. What is gumbo?

Gumbo is a thick soup/stew that usually contains shrimp, sausage, chicken, and okra.

7. What is etouffee?

Etouffee is a thick stew made with crawfish, vegetables, and a roux base.

8. What is the best time to visit French Quarter for food?

The best time to visit French Quarter for food is during the annual New Orleans Food and Wine Festival in September.

9. What is the dress code for fine dining restaurants in French Quarter?

The dress code for fine dining restaurants in French Quarter is formal.

10. What is a roux?

A roux is a mixture of flour and fat that is used as a thickening agent in Cajun and Creole cuisine.

11. What is the best way to get around French Quarter?

The best way to get around French Quarter is on foot or by taking the streetcar.

12. How much should I expect to spend on a meal in French Quarter?

The cost of a meal in French Quarter varies depending on the restaurant, but expect to spend around $30-$50 per person for a good meal.

13. What is the best drink to pair with Cajun and Creole cuisine?

The best drink to pair with Cajun and Creole cuisine is a Sazerac, which is a classic New Orleans cocktail made with rye whiskey and Peychaud’s bitters.

Conclusion

The French Quarter is a foodie’s paradise, and there’s no shortage of amazing restaurants to try. From classic Creole to contemporary cuisine, the options are endless. Be sure to try the iconic dishes like beignets, jambalaya, and gumbo, and don’t forget to pair them with a Sazerac or a local craft beer. Book your trip to New Orleans and indulge in the delicious food of the French Quarter.

Remember to plan ahead, as some restaurants may require reservations. Bon appétit!

Disclaimer

The information in this article is accurate as of the time of writing. However, restaurants may close or change menus, so please check with the restaurant before visiting. Prices may also vary depending on the season and demand.