Taste Your Way Through the Big Easy on the 8 Best Food Tours in New Orleans
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Looking for the best food tours in New Orleans? Well, we have got you covered!
New Orleans is a culinary paradise, with a rich history and a unique blend of flavours that will tantalize your taste buds.
And take it from us, we definitely ate our way through New Orleans during our visit! As a major foodie family, we couldn’t wait to sink our teeth into all the local specialties!
So, whether you’re travelling as a family, or with friends, a food tour is a perfect way to experience the city’s delicious offerings. From savoury creole dishes to sweet beignets, there’s something for everyone.
Join us as we embark on a culinary journey through the heart of Louisiana and discover the best food tours in New Orleans. Bon Appétit!
Best Cocktail & Food History Tour in New Orleans
🦀 Don’t have time to read the whole article? The New Orleans Cocktail and Food History Tour is the best food tour in New Orleans, with tons of stellar reviews!
If you’d rather explore all your options, there are 7 more tours on this list, and they all have perfect 5 Star ratings.
New Orleans is a food-lovers paradise, with everything from street food po’boys to incredible beignets and pralines — so you really can’t go wrong with anything featured here. In short, we vetted these tours, so you don’t have to.
Without further ado, let’s get to this list of the best food tours in New Orleans, so you can book your tour already!
1. New Orleans Cocktail and Food History Tour
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 4 hours | ✔️ BOOK NOW
Embark on a culinary journey through the streets of New Orleans. This tour will take you to a total of 6 stops, and includes samples of up to ten different dishes, plus four full-sized drinks that showcase the best of Louisiana’s culinary and cocktail heritage.
Starting at the award-winning Red Fish Grill, you can savour the flavours of Alligator Sausage and Seafood Gumbo, served with warm, freshly baked Leidenheimer French bread. Sample a glass of the iconic Cat 5 Hurricane cocktail as you dive into the perfect appetizer for the delicious discoveries yet to come.
Venturing just four blocks southward, you’ll find yourself at the fiery gates of Pepper Palace. Get ready to explore the spicy realm of Cajun cuisine as you sample a plethora of fiery delights, including hot sauces, BBQ sauces, Buffalo Wing seasonings, salsas, dry rubs, and more.
As a bonus, all tour-goers will receive a complimentary bottle of classic Louisiana-style hot sauce to take home and add some heat to their cooking.
Next on the journey, you’ll arrive at the sweet haven of Leah’s Pralines, a family-owned confectionery that’s been passed down through three generations. Indulge in the sugary delights of traditional pralines, and be sure to try their one-of-a-kind Bacon Pecan Brittle. Trust me, we had a difficult time getting the kids out of this shop!
Ben was an amazing tour guide, very knowledgeable and made it fun. The food was great and something that we wouldn’t have tried otherwise. The drinks were strong and also very good.
— Charlotte (SEE MORE REVIEWS)
Next up is the iconic Napoleon House. At this legendary eatery, you will have the chance to sample the renowned Muffuletta sandwich, a heavenly blend of meats and cheeses, as well as the hearty Chicken and Andouille Sausage Jambalaya, and their signature Pimm’s Cup Cocktail.
Fun Fact: Pimm’s Cup Cocktail was first introduced to the Americas by Napoleon House in the 1940s.
With just a short jaunt of three blocks, you’ll arrive at the illustrious Dickie Brennan’s Tableau, an award-winning establishment where you can refresh your palate with the delightful French 75 cocktail. Sipping on this harmonious blend of tangy lemon, smooth brandy and effervescent bubbles is the perfect way to take in the ambiance of this New Orleans gem.
The last stop on this New Orleans Cocktail and Food History Tour is at the James Beard Award-nominated Cane & Table, a culinary destination that celebrates rustic colonial cuisine and playful rum-based drinks. Here, you’ll indulge in the savoury delights of plantains and curry pork skins, and sip on a classic Daiquiri crafted from Caribbean white rum, fresh lime, and sugar, for a true taste of the Caribbean.
2. Small-Group French Quarter Cocktail and Foodie Crawl
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3 hours | ✔️ BOOK NOW
This culinary adventure takes you on 4 stops through the French Quarter and New Orleans Riverwalk. There you will discover the best of New Orleans’ world-renowned restaurants.
Your guide, a true foodie at heart, will lead you on a journey through the city’s rich culinary heritage, showcasing the most iconic and hidden gems of the French Quarter. By the end of the tour, you’ll have a full belly, a newfound appreciation for New Orleans’ culinary scene, and insider knowledge on where to go for your next meal.
Step back in time as you enjoy a stop at Napoleon House, a beloved French Quarter institution that has stood the test of time. Built over 200 years ago, this iconic building has a rich history and is celebrated for its famous Pimm’s Cup cocktail.
As you sip on this refreshing beverage, you will hear tales of how this establishment served as a sanctuary for the exiled Emperor of France. Take in the charming ambiance and soak in the history of this one-of-a-kind spot.
The best food tour we’ve been on! Wow!!!! We’ve done this in Europe and Portugal and I have to say that this was truly amazing! Nate was so much fun as our guide! We enjoyed every minute!!!!
— cat (SEE MORE REVIEWS)
At the next stop, the New Orleans Creole Cookery, you will have the opportunity to delve into the rich and flavorful world of Cajun and Creole cuisine. This renowned eatery serves up dishes steeped in the culinary traditions of Louisiana, showcasing the unique blend of flavours that have made the state’s cuisine so beloved around the world.
From classic gumbo and jambalaya to more contemporary creations, the New Orleans Creole Cookery is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the true taste of the city. So come along and let your taste buds be transported to the heart of the Big Easy.
The final stop of the Small-Group French Quarter Cocktail and Foodie Crawl is at Cane and Table, a Havana-style restaurant that serves up a unique blend of Caribbean and Creole flavours. Immerse yourself in the tropical ambiance as you sip on a signature cocktail and enjoy small plates of delicious Caribbean-inspired cuisine.
This restaurant is the perfect ending to your culinary journey through the French Quarter, as it combines traditional New Orleans flavours with a touch of island flair. Don’t forget to take a moment to appreciate the decor and atmosphere, as it transports you to the streets of Havana.
3. New Orleans Food and History Walking Tour
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3 hours | ✔️ BOOK NOW
This incredible food tour takes you to 6 stops, starting in the French Quarter at 3rd Block Depot. This restaurant, owned by the renowned Commander’s Palace family, is where you will savour a delicious bowl of Chicken and Andouille Sausage Gumbo, as you are regaled by the history of Louisiana cuisine and its influences from local American Indian tribes, Europeans, and West Africans.
Learn about the unique geography of southern Louisiana and the linguistic origins of local dishes, such as beignets, étouffée, gumbo, and jambalaya.
Next on the tour, visit the Pepper Palace Hot Sauce Bar, where you can sample a variety of spicy, Cajun-style hot sauces, BBQ sauces, dry rubs, and seasonings while gaining an understanding of rural Louisiana cuisine.
Of course, no New Orleans food tour would be complete without a stop at Leah’s Pralines. This family-run candy shop was established in 1933 and is where you will get to try some iconic Creole pralines as well as their signature bacon pecan brittle. We bet you won’t leave empty-handed!
One of the best food tours we’ve ever been on. The food was delicious and authentic. The tour guide was very knowledgeable in Nola history and cuisine and entertaining.
— Tania (SEE MORE REVIEWS)
As you stroll down Royal Street, the tour will make a quick stop at NOLA Poboys, where you’ll savour two New Orleans specialties: the muffuletta and the po’boy. Indulge in the rich history of New Orleans’ immigrants as you sample the fried catfish po’boy on freshly baked New Orleans-style French bread.
Next, indulge in a slightly warmed muffuletta, which is an Italian-style sandwich of ham, salami, mortadella, provolone cheese, mozzarella cheese, and New Orleans-style olive salad. And don’t forget to try the savoury Boudin Balls with Creole Remoulade sauce before moving on.
Finally, the New Orleans Food and History Walking Tour will end at the Creole Cookery where you will get a taste of Red Beans & Rice and sweet Bananas Foster Bread Pudding as dessert.
The tour covers about one and a half miles (2.4 km) at a leisurely pace, allowing you to fully enjoy the sights and flavours of the French Quarter.
4. French Quarter Food Tour
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3 hours | ✔️ BOOK NOW
This impressive New Orleans small-group walking tour takes you to a total of six different stops. Meet your guide in the French Quarter, and embark on an afternoon of exploring the city’s most beloved eateries and foodie hotspots.
Sample classic dishes and delicacies, and learn about the history and culture of New Orleans cuisine from your expert guide. With a maximum group size of 12, this tour offers a personalized experience as you visit six different restaurants, bakeries, and mom-and-pop joints.
Lisa was a wonderful tour guide. Enjoyed her insight, humor, and knowledge. Places she selected on the day we toured were delicious, and the hosting locations gracious.
— Kim (SEE MORE REVIEWS)
This French Quarter Food Tour will take you through the French Quarter, Bourbon Street and Jackson Square, and is perfect for time-pressed visitors looking to taste the best of New Orleans in one tour. You can be sure that this experience will leave your taste buds satisfied and your heart full.
5. New Orleans Food Walking Tour of the French Quarter with Small-Group Option
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3 hours | ✔️ BOOK NOW
Embark on a culinary adventure in the heart of the French Quarter, where a local guide will take you on a three-hour walking tour of the city’s most renowned restaurants and foodie hotspots. Explore the vibrant streets and get a glimpse behind the scenes of kitchens featured on popular food shows and cookbooks.
Whether you have specific restaurants in mind or prefer to let your guide surprise you with their personal favourites, you’ll be sure to indulge in an array of delicious food tastings along the way. Sample classic New Orleans dishes like gumbo, boudin beignets and other authentic bites.
Wash it all down with a Pimms Cup, a cocktail that originated in England but has been given a unique twist by the city of New Orleans. Your food tastings are included in the tour price and many find that it adds up to a satisfying meal.
Our tour guide was awesome. Very friendly, very informative and offered a wealth of knowledge about New Orleans food and history. I’d definitely recommend this tour for anyone that wants to sample some New Orleans staples and learn the history behind it.
— Thomas (SEE MORE REVIEWS)
Please note: alcohol is not included in this food tour. If you would like to sample a local cocktail recommended by your guide, you will need to purchase the drink on your own.
Your 3-hour New Orleans Food Walking Tour of the French Quarter concludes in the charming streets of the French Market, where you can continue to explore or maybe head back to your favourite restaurant for a sit-down meal.
6. New Orleans Culinary Tour: French Quarter Food Adventure Includes 5 Food Samples
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2.5 hours | ✔️ BOOK NOW
This amazing culinary journey through the heart of New Orleans starts at the banks of the mighty Mississippi River and includes 4 food stops and 6 food samples.
To start the day off right, you will indulge in one of New Orleans’ most beloved breakfast treats, the beignet. These fried dough pastries, covered in powdered sugar, are a must-try for any first-time visitor.
Next, head to The French Market, America’s oldest public market, where you’ll discover a melting pot of cultures and flavours. From local specialties to exotic imports, this historic market is a food lover’s paradise.
This French Quarter Food Adventure then takes you through the charming streets of the French Quarter, as your guide stops at some of their top picks for mouthwatering delicacies. Sample a mix of classic New Orleans dishes and regional specialties that you won’t find anywhere else.
The Restaurant choices were outstanding. We had the best of New Orleans from Jambalaya to Beignets! You certainly won’t go hungry. Bonnie was the best Tour Guide. She was very knowledgeable and told interesting stories. I would highly recommend it!!
— Deb (SEE MORE REVIEWS)
From the bountiful seafood of the bayou to the rich history of spice trading, you’ll begin to understand why the flavours of this city are so captivating.
If you’re a fan of heat, don’t be afraid to embrace the local spice and try some of Louisiana’s boldest and most delicious sauces. After all, this is the birthplace of Tabasco!
On this New Orleans Culinary Tour, you’ll also have the opportunity to try gumbo, a dish that has sparked much debate among chefs and locals alike. Learn how centuries of history have shaped this recipe and discover how it can vary from one restaurant to the next.
The tour ends on a sweet note when you get to indulge in a treat made from locally grown sugarcane and the region’s plentiful pecans. If you’re too full to finish, don’t worry – they call New Orleans the Big Easy for a reason!
Take your praline to-go and savour it later. But before you leave, ask your guide for more recommendations on where to eat and what to do during your stay in New Orleans.
7. Underground Donut Tour – Historic Beignet & Donut Tour in New Orleans
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours | ✔️ BOOK NOW
This sweet culinary tour will take you to 4 different stops in the picturesque Garden District neighbourhood. The tour kicks off at PJ’s Coffee, where you’ll savour some of the most delicious beignets New Orleans has to offer.
Then, take a stroll down charming Magazine Street, and make your way to District Donuts, a must-visit destination for donut lovers. Along the way, the tour will stop at two more locations where you’ll indulge in a diverse selection of flavours and styles of donuts and beignets.
This tour was amazing! Our tour guide did such a great job … She was extremely knowledgeable about the restaurants we went to and gave us a bit of history of some of the houses we walked by. I completely recommend this tour! Sooo yummy.
— Melissa (SEE MORE REVIEWS)
Satisfy your sweet tooth and discover the city’s hidden gems with this awesome Underground Donut Tour. It definitely promises to be an unforgettable culinary experience. Be sure to come hungry and ready to explore!
Please note: the tour does not start and end at the same location.
8. New Orleans Demonstration Cooking Class & Meal
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours | ✔️ BOOK NOW
Looking for a unique and delicious way to experience the culture of New Orleans? Look no further than a cooking demonstration class at the New Orleans School of Cooking!
Join a local expert chef and dive into the rich history and flavours of Creole and Cajun cuisine. Watch as your chef prepares mouth-watering dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, and crawfish etouffée, all while sharing fascinating stories and insights about Louisiana’s soulful food.
You’ll learn the importance of a good roux, the unique spices that give these dishes their distinct flavour, and maybe even the subtle differences between Cajun and Creole food.
The class was entertaining and informative. The food was delicious with full size servings. I would highly recommend.
— felecia (SEE MORE REVIEWS)
After the demonstration, indulge in hearty samples paired with refreshing local beer, iced tea, or coffee. Not only will you leave with a full stomach, but you’ll also take home recipes and techniques to impress your friends and family back home.
Booking a New Orleans Demonstration Cooking Class at the New Orleans School of Cooking, you’ll not only learn how to cook like a pro but also leave with a better understanding of the culture and history of New Orleans cuisine.
New Orleans Food Tours FAQs
You will have the opportunity to try a variety of traditional New Orleans dishes, including Creole and Cajun cuisine, as well as some of the city’s famous sweets like beignets and pralines.
Food tours in New Orleans typically last around 2-4 hours.
Many food tours offer vegetarian options. However, it will be more difficult for those needing a vegan or gluten-free menu to have access to all the food on a normal tour. Check with the tour operator beforehand to ensure they can accommodate your dietary restrictions.
Popular food tours in New Orleans include the French Quarter Food Tour, the Treme and Seventh Ward Food Tour, and the Garden District Food Tour.
Some food tours in New Orleans include stops at bars and taverns where you can taste local cocktails and beer. However, it’s best to check with the tour operator beforehand to confirm if they include alcohol tastings.
Yes. Many food tours in New Orleans are suitable for families with children, but it’s best to check with the tour operator beforehand to ensure they can accommodate young children.
Some food tours in New Orleans include stops at local markets and shops where you can purchase the food and drinks you taste.
Some food tours in New Orleans are wheelchair accessible, but it’s best to check with the tour operator beforehand to ensure they can accommodate your needs.
Yes. Many food tour companies in New Orleans offer private tours for groups.
Final Thoughts
Food tours in New Orleans are definitely an unforgettable experience that showcases the best of the city’s delicious and diverse culinary offerings. From the savoury Creole dishes to the sweet Beignets, these tours offer a taste of the local culture and history.
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, a food tour is a must-do activity that will leave you with lasting memories and a full stomach. So, hop on a tour, explore the delicious flavours of New Orleans, and discover why it’s known as the culinary capital of the South. Bon Appétit!
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