A Food Lover’s Guide to the French Quarter: Best Cajun and Creole Dishes You Have to Try in New Orleans

If you’re a food lover who’s looking to try new and classic dishes then we’re pretty sure you’ll love all the Cajun and Creole foods in the French Quarter of New Orleans. Save this post for when you start planning that memorable trip to The Big Easy. In it, you’ll find all the best things you have to eat and which restaurants to find them at in the French Quarter of New Orleans.

A great way to discover some delicious Cajun food is to sign up for a French Quarter Food Walking Tour with a N’awlins local. Is there a better way to experience all the hidden spots than with someone who knows the city? I doubt it! If you’re planning on staying in the French Quarter the following list will describe some well known dishes and where to find them

Where Is The French Quarter In New Orleans?

Situated on the banks of the mighty Mississippi River, where the French established New Orleans back in 1718, is where you’ll find The French Quarter. It’s the oldest and most historic neighbourhood in the city and is just northeast of downtown New Orleans.

The French Quarter in New Orleans is known for it’s historic French architecture, being a very walkable neighborhood, vibrant streets, and a slew of world class restaurants. It’s also home to the annual Mardi Gras celebrations which takes place along Bourbon Street.

Jackson Square

The Po’Boy

This has to be one of the most popular sandwiches of all time. The name is an abbreviated pronunciation of “poor boy”, and references the go-to meal for streetcar strikers, farmers, dock workers, or generally impoverished fellows.

Today, the traditional po’ boy sandwich is made with French bread and filled with a choice of meat or fish such as beef, catfish, shrimp, crab, or oysters.

It can be ordered dressed (shredded lettuce, sliced tomato, sliced pickles, and mayonnaise), but most come with a remoulade (a French mixture of mayonnaise and pickles that has the texture of tartar sauce).

Shrimp Po’boy

Where To Get the Best Po’ Boy In The French Quarter

Most restaurants will have po’boys on the menu, but not all are equal as different restaurants will use different breads and toppings in their sandwiches. Regardless, here are some of the best po’ boys in the French Quarter.

If you are looking for something interesting and different, try Killer Po’boys (219 Dauphine St). They offer non-traditional, gourmet-inspired sandwiches like Roasted Sweet Potato, Pecan Butter and Jelly, and Chorizo.

Another place with a great shrimp po’boy is Verti Marte (1201 Royal St.). It’s a little away from the usual tourist area and the service is a tad slow, but the food and generous portions more than makes up for it.

Oceana Grill (739 Conti St) is a popular stop on the New Orleans food circuit. The sandwiches are delicious, and they offer more exotic fare like fried alligator.

Prices range between $12 and $20 depending on the filling.

Gumbo

If you have southern ancestors, or even if you don’t, you’ll know this Creole dish is prepared in a giant pot and served with rice. Perfection is attained when you start with the holy trinity of celery, onions, and bell peppers and build your gumbo on that foundation.

Some people may not be fans of okra but it’s essential in making the perfect gumbo. Those who dislike okra usually say that it’s because of the texture.

There is a slight difference between Cajun and Creole gumbo. Cajun gumbo is prepared with meats like chicken and spiced sausage (andouille) and topped with parsley and green onions. Creole gumbo most often consists of seafood-based ingredients like shrimp, crab meat, and oysters, with tomatoes.

Both are delicious. One thing to keep in mind is that portions are not always huge because the price is driven by the cost of seafood.

Chicken and andouille sausage gumbo

Where To Get the Best Gumbo In The French Quarter

There are plenty of places to choose from but these are some of the places to get the best gumbo in the French Quarter.

The Gumbo Shop (509 Canal St.) is an award-winning restaurant that offers Seafood Okra gumbo and a Chicken Andouille gumbo by the cup for less than $6 each. A lot of people are huge fans of seafood but others do not find okra to have a pleasing texture because of its texture. Try a cup to get the full experience of the genuine and authentic cuisine that New Orleans has to offer.

B’s Bistro (201 Royal St) is a fantastic option for gumbo which has gulf shrimp, crabmeat, and okra. The food is Instagram-worthy and popular dishes like Jambalaya pasta and BBQ shrimp will blow you away.

Prices usually range between $6 and $12.

Jambalaya

New Orleans is famous for its rich cuisine and one of the more traditional dishes is their Jambalaya. It’s a  savory, one pot rice dish consisting of meat, seafood, various vegetables and seasonings. For added flavor some people toss in andouille sausages.

Sometimes you’ll find variations with pasta instead of rice, but the mouthwatering taste is the same.

Select restaurants sometimes offer a sampling of Jambalaya, Red Beans and Rice, Gumbo, and Crawfish Etouffee in the same meal (commonly referred to as a “medley” or “Taste of New Orleans”). It’s a great way to try various Cajun and Creole dishes in one go.

Where To Get the Best Jambalaya in the French Quarter

There are quite a few but The Gumbo Shop (509 Canal St.), Coop’s Place (1109 Decatur St), and Felix’s Restaurant & Oyster Bar (7400 Lakeshore Dr) are some of the more popular joints.

Prices usually range between $14 – $17.

Red Beans & Rice

This dish is a classic comfort food and is rich with tradition. It’s usually made with red beans, rice, onions, celery, bell pepper, pork bones, and spices.

Historically, the pork was leftovers from a traditional Sunday dinner. On Monday the leftover pork would be cooked down with red beans and served with rice.

It’s such a versatile dish and some people include smoked sausage and serve it with fried chicken.

Where To Get The Best Red Beans & Rice In The French Quarter

At Coop’s Place (1109 Decatur St) is the go to place to get some of the best red beans and rice in the French Quarter. There’s only one catch though: You have to be 21 and older to eat there. Don’t ask us why, it’s the house rules. The upside is that anyone can place an order to go!

Mr. Ed’s Oyster Bar and Fish House (512 Bienville St) is another spot that’s very popular. The rice has a creamy undertone and is served with andouille sausage and the skin pops when you take a bite!

Cafe Maspero (601 Decatur) is the place to be if you want to eat where the locals eat!

Prices for red beans and rice usually range between $6 – $17.

Muffuletta

One of New Orleans’s most famous creations is the Muffuletta (pronounced muffuLOTta) which has Italian origins derived from the bread known by its Sicilian name.

This trademark sandwich is typically huge and made with traditional Italian salami, ham, cheese (usually provolone and Swiss), and an olive salad consisting of finely chopped green and black olives, celery, cauliflower, carrots, sweet peppers, pepperoncini, onions, capers, vinegar, garlic, herbs, and spices.

This sandwich is the definition of flavor explosion.

Muffaletta

Where To Get The Best Muffulettas In The French Quarter

At Verte Marti (219 Dauphine St) you can usually find these sandwiches lined up and waiting for hungry folk.

Central Grocery (923 Decatur St.) is a local deli and truly a hidden food gem.

The Napoleon House (500 Chartres St) is also a great place to chill and share a charcuterie board and a  muffuletta. Here, you can get it in quarters, halves, or a whole one. The half size will usually serve two people, or one very hungry person.

Cochon (930 Tchoupitoulas St) is a few minutes away from the convention center and has some very good muffulettas. Their bread is worth the trek.

Prices for muffuletta sandwiches range between $7 – $20.

Crab Cakes

A crab cake is made with chunks of crab meat, bread crumbs, vegetables, condiments (like mayonnaise and mustard), and spices. The prepared cake varies in size and can be sautéed, baked, grilled, deep-fried, or broiled. It’s very versatile and can be eaten as an appetizer, in a sandwich, or part of a main dish.

In New Orleans most crab cakes are made with local blue crab and each restaurant has their own special recipe.

Crab cakes from Oceana Grill

Where To Get the Best Crab Cakes In The French Quarter

Like other popular Cajun dishes , you can get crab cakes at quite a few places in the French Quarter.

Oceana Grill (739 Conti St) covers their crab cakes with a creamy mushroom sauce which is different than how other places usually serve it.

The Original Pierre Maspero’s (440 Chartres St) is a tiny place that packs a big punch as their crab cakes are well seasoned and topped with a tangy housemade sauce.

Prices for crab cakes range between $13 – $17.

Crawfish Étouffée

Crawfish étouffée, loosely translated to “smothered crawfish”, is another Cajun classic. It’s similar to gumbo as it’s usually served with rice. It has a thicker, gravy-like consistency due to the fact that it’s made with a  roux  (pronounced “roo”) which is a mixture of flour and butter.

Crawfish etoufee

Where To Get the Best Crawfish Étouffée In The French Quarter

At Royal House (441 Royal St) they’re known for loading up their étouffée with tons of crawfish.

Oceana Grill (739 Conti St) is a fan favorite and you can add extra fried crawfish tails.

At the Gumbo Shop (509 Canal St.) you can try the Creole Combination Platter and get Shrimp Creole, Jambalaya, and Red Beans and Rice (substitute the Red Beans and Rice for Crawfish Étouffée with a small upcharge).

Prices for crawfish étouffée range between $18 – $23.

Beignets

It’s no secret that in many food-centric cities there are rivalries between restaurants. In Philadelphia they have the battle of the cheesesteak with multiple restaurants claiming to have the best. On the other hand there are rivalries between cities such as the pizza battle between New York and Chicago.

In New Orleans they have the Battle Of The Beignets! For those who have never had one, a beignet is a square shaped piece of dough that’s deep-fried then generously covered with powdered sugar. Sometimes they’re served with a drizzle of melted chocolate. It’s no exaggeration when we say that there are a lot of people in The Big Easy who are very passionate about their beignets. The great thing is that they can be eaten at any time of the day. It’s not a sweet pastry which is why so many people like them.

If you want to discover your favorite beignets make sure you sign up for the Underground Donut and Beignet Walking Tour.

Beignets

Where To Get the Best Beignets In The French Quarter

Cafe Beignet is a crowd favorite with four locations in the French Quarter — 600 Decatur (near French Market), 311 Bourbon St (at the Musical Legends Park), 334 Royal St (one block from the Bourbon St location), and 622 Canal (near the streetcar lines). The Canal St. location has a a super cute soda shop ambiance and it’s near its biggest rival (in case you want to do a taste test). The beignets at Cafe Beignet are softer with a slightly sweet baked dough texture.

Cafe Du Monde is located at the French Market (800 Decatur St). If you’re visiting you should know that there are two lines to get your beignets. One near the street and one on the other side near the wall. Both split into one or two additional windows depending on how busy they are. They offer seating so you can enjoy your beignets nice and fresh. Their beignets are known for having a crispy exterior. One thing to keep in mind is that this place only accepts cash.

Prices for 3 beignets are $5 which come with a very generous amount of powdered sugar.

Shrimp and Grits

This dish is iconic in the south and is perfect for “Brelinner” (breakfast, lunch, or dinner)!

Grits are made from ground corn which is boiled in a mixture of water and milk and whisked till it turns nice and creamy. Often butter and cheese are added to add flavor and richness. The shrimp is prepared in a thick, gravy often flavored with onions, peppers, and bacon. Another popular dish in New Orleans is BBQ shrimp and grits.

Shrimp and grits

Where To Get the Best Shrimp and Grits In The French Quarter

Café Amelie (900 Royal St) has a small plate but it is a hearty portion. These are considered the best in town! It’s an enchanting location with a lovely shaded courtyard. The ambiance at Café Amelie is definitely one to experience.

Oceana Grill (739 Conti St) never disappoints. best food in the French Quarter.

Prices for shrimp and grits range between $15 – $28.

Bread Pudding

Similar to po’ boys, bread pudding was considered a poor man’s meal as 12th-century cooks looked for ways to use stale, leftover bread instead of letting it go to waste.

Today in New Orleans, bread pudding is made from the leftover bread that’s used to make po’boy sandwiches.

It is typically served with a caramel topping, a scoop of ice cream, whip cream, or another sweet accompaniment.

Where To Get the Best Bread Pudding In The French Quarter

Creole House (509 Canal St) soaks the bread in cream and sugar before baking. This results in a very moist bead pudding. They’re also known for their generous servings that comes with a delicious house-made caramel sauce.

Muriel’s Jackson Square (801 Chartres Street) is a restaurant located on a beautiful corner in the historic French Quarter and serves a Pain Perdu Bread Pudding. It’s delicious and decadent and comes with a buttery rum sauce and candied pecans.

The Puddin’ Shop (901 N. Rampart) specializes in a variety of fantastic bread puddings and other baked goods. You’ll find flavors like sweet potato bread pudding with praline sauce and triple chocolate bread pudding.

Prices for bread pudding range between $9 – $10.

Char-grilled Oysters

Oysters are a must when you’re in the French Quarter of New Orleans and char-grilling is a popular way to prepare them in the south.

The oysters that are served in New Orleans live in a unique environment. They live in an area where fresh water from the Mississippi River flows into the Gulf. The fresh water dilutes the salt content and this results in oysters that are more full-bodied with a softer texture.

Popular ways of serving oysters are having them grilled, fried, baked, or raw. Often people who are trying oysters for the first time are unsure if they should chew or swallow them whole. The good thing is that there’s no right or wrong way, you do what feels and tastes right for you.

Chargrilled Oysters

Where to Get the Best Grilled Oysters In The French Quarter

If you love Cajun flavors then head over to Oceana Grill (739 Conti St) and order their famous char grilled oysters topped with Cajun sauce and parmesan cheese, it’s unbelievably good.

Felix’s Restaurant & Oyster Bar (7400 Lakeshore Dr) has two versions, bienville ( oysters baked in a cream sauce flavored with mushrooms, white wine, and cheese), and rockefeller(oysters on the half shell topped with a creamy spinach sauce and bread crumbs then baked). Get the half and half for the best of both worlds.

Acme Oyster House (724 Iberville St) is best known for its chargrilled oysters and hails as the best spot to eat them. The plump, juicy oysters are drenched in butter and Parmigiano cheese, and served with a magical fairy sauce. Use the bread to sop up the excess sauce, ’cause that’s how it’s done in the south!

Mr. Ed’s Oyster Bar – Bienville (512 Bienville St) oysters are fresh and are seriously tasty.

Prices for char-grilled oysters range between $12 – $14 for 1/2 dozen (or market price).

King Cake

King Cake takes its name from the three kings who arrived bearing gifts for the baby Jesus and is traditionally served at Mardi Gras. You can often find it pre-packaged at local grocers. If you visit the Mardi Gras World(a tourist attraction in New Orleans) you can get a slice for free.

The oval shape of the King Cake symbolizes the unity of faith. Each cake is decorated in purple, green, and gold, the traditional Mardi Gras colors. The purple represents justice, green represents faith, and gold represents power.

The cakes come in various flavors, but traditionally, the king cake is a cinnamon-flavored dough covered in sweet green, gold, and purple sugar and/or icing.

Where To Get the Best King Cake In The French Quarter

Three spots serving up some very good King Cakes are Croissant D’or Patisserie (617 Ursulines), Royal Praline Company (300 Royal St), and SoBou (310 Chartres St.).

Conclusion

Cajun food came to Louisiana with French speaking immigrants who came from Nova Scotia. They are very simple and hearty meals and most dishes are easy to make at home. Creole food can be traced all the way back to Africa but over time it has evolved to its current state. The cuisine in New Orleans is so delicious because of the perfect blend of spices, and fresh ingredients. They all work together to enhance the dish.

There are many food experiences in New Orleans which allow visitors to learn about the history and ingredients used in Cajun and creole cooking.

If you’ve ever enjoyed a meal in the French Quarter please let us know about it in the comments below.

Huge thanks to Tanya from Travels & Treasures for this guest post. Tanya is a full-time financial services manager who has lived in the Chicago area for over 30 years.  Her love of travel started as a management consultant, and she enjoys sharing her travels across the US and Europe.  As she explores new cities, she invites you to discover them with her at her website.