New Orleans: Beyond the French Quarter Food Tour

Explore the Best of New Orleans’ Audubon Neighborhood with an Intimate Food Tour

The “New Orleans: Beyond the French Quarter Food Tour” offers a 3-hour guided experience in the vibrant Audubon neighborhood, where you visit three award-winning restaurants led by celebrated chefs. Priced as a full dinner, the tour provides full portions of signature dishes, making it ideal for food lovers eager to explore beyond tourist spots.

Starting with a cocktail at the cozy St. Joe bar, this small-group experience is limited to just 9 participants, ensuring an intimate and VIP feel. It’s suited for adults and mature children, offering a relaxed, seated dining style with minimal walking of only 0.35 miles. This tour stands out for its combination of culinary excellence, local insights, and personalized service, though it is not designed for vegetarians, vegans, or those with food allergies.

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Key Points

• Includes a cocktail at St. Joe bar before dining
• Full dinner portions at 3 top-rated restaurants in Audubon
• Small group of just 9 people for a VIP experience
• Limited walking (around 0.35 miles) with ample seating
• Educational about local history and cuisine from the guide
• Perfect for adults and mature children; alcohol served only to those 21 and over

Starting the Night: Cocktails at St. Joe Bar

The tour kicks off outside St. Joes Bar at 5535 Magazine, where everyone gathers for a special cocktail to set the mood. The bar’s cozy atmosphere makes for a relaxed start, and water is provided at each restaurant stop. This initial drink helps guests settle in and get excited for the culinary journey ahead. It’s important to note that additional beverages can be purchased along the way with restaurant tabs settled separately.

Visiting Three Award-Winning Restaurants in Audubon

The core of this experience involves dining at three of the best restaurants in the Audubon area, each renowned for their culinary mastery. Guests enjoy full portions of signature dishes, giving a true taste of local flavors. Each venue offers a different ambiance and cuisine style, curated to showcase the neighborhood’s vibrant dining scene.

Guests will experience dining in small, comfortably seated settings, allowing ample time to savor each course. The focus is on authentic, high-quality food prepared by celebrated chefs, giving an insight into New Orleans’ culinary talent outside the typical tourist spots.

Learning About Audubon’s History and Culture

Throughout the tour, the guide shares insightful stories about the history and charm of the Audubon neighborhood. The small group size facilitates engaging conversations, and the guide offers recommendations for other dining options across New Orleans. This educational element enriches the experience, providing context beyond just tasting food.

Guests learn about local culture, the neighborhood’s development, and how the culinary scene has evolved over time. The guide’s knowledgeable narration helps deepen appreciation for both the food and the area.

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The Pacing and Comfort of the Tour

With limited walking—around 0.35 miles—the tour emphasizes comfort and convenience. Seating is plentiful, and the pace allows guests to relax and fully enjoy each dish without feeling rushed. The tour is geared toward adults, but mature children are welcome, with the understanding that alcohol is only served to those 21 and over.

Dress code advice includes avoiding shorts, graphic T-shirts, or ripped clothing for the upscale restaurant, along with sensible shoes for walking. The experience runs rain or shine, so weather-appropriate clothing is recommended.

Accessibility and Special Requests

The tour is wheelchair accessible, and guests are encouraged to notify the organizers about any accessibility needs or allergies at the time of booking. Additional water and the possibility of purchasing extra drinks enhance flexibility during the evening.

Since the experience is not suitable for vegans, vegetarians, or those with food allergies or gluten/lactose intolerances, it’s best suited for those with flexible dietary preferences.

The Value of this Culinary Journey

Priced to reflect a full dinner experience with three top restaurants, the tour offers excellent value for foodies wanting to sample distinct local flavors in a relaxed, guided setting. The small group size guarantees personalized attention, and the educational insights add depth to the tasting experience.

Guests leave with recommendations for other dining spots and a richer understanding of New Orleans’ culinary scene. The tour’s limited walking and seating arrangements make it accessible to a wide range of travelers seeking comfort and quality.

Comparing with Other Local Experiences

While this tour emphasizes dining in the Audubon neighborhood, similar experiences include evening steamboat cruises and walking ghost tours. However, none match the combination of culinary mastery, small-group intimacy, and local history offered here. It’s an ideal choice for those wanting a relaxed, full-flavor dinner with a side of cultural storytelling.

Final Thoughts on the Beyond the French Quarter Food Tour

This 3-hour culinary adventure offers an authentic taste of New Orleans outside the busy French Quarter. Its full portions, expert guides, and small-group setting create an experience that feels personal and immersive. The focus on local, award-winning restaurants makes it perfect for visitors wanting to enjoy genuine New Orleans cuisine without the tourist crowds.

While it’s best suited for adults and mature children, it may not be appropriate for those with special dietary needs, given the focus on specific cuisines and the absence of vegetarian or vegan options. This tour provides a delicious, educational, and comfortable evening that highlights the vibrant culinary scene in Audubon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for vegetarians or vegans?
No, the tour is not suitable for vegetarians, vegans, or those with food allergies or gluten/lactose intolerances, as it features full portions of specific dishes that may not cater to these diets.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended. For the upscale restaurant stop, avoid shorts, graphic T-shirts, ripped clothing, open-toe shoes, or tank tops for men.

Can I bring children?
Mature children are welcome, but only guests 21 and over are served alcohol during the tour. The experience is geared toward adults, with ample seating and minimal walking for comfort.

How much walking is involved?
The tour involves just 0.35 miles of walking, mainly between stops, with plenty of seating at each restaurant.

What is included in the price?
The price covers the cocktail at St. Joe bar, full portions at three restaurants, and water at each stop. Additional beverages are at guests’ expense, and restaurant tabs are settled separately.

What if I need accommodations for a wheelchair?
The tour is wheelchair accessible. Be sure to notify the organizers about any specific accessibility needs when booking.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby