French Quarters Best Food Tour: Signature Tastes of New Orleans

Discover the Signature Tastes of New Orleans in the French Quarter

The French Quarters Best Food Tour offers an enticing way to explore New Orleans’ culinary scene. Led by award-winning guides, this 3-hour walking experience visits five historic eateries where you sample local Creole, Cajun, and French-inspired specialties. Priced at $75 per person, this tour is designed to satisfy your appetite with all tastings included, making it an ideal choice for those eager to taste authentic New Orleans flavors in a lively, walkable setting. The tour departs from 816 Decatur Street and features a maximum of 16 participants, ensuring an engaging and personalized experience.

While the tour is praised for its knowledgeable guides and delicious food, it does have some limitations. For example, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are not available, so dietary restrictions may not be accommodated fully. Nevertheless, the tour’s balance of food, history, and local culture makes it a popular choice, especially for first-time visitors who want a comprehensive taste of the city’s culinary heritage.

Key Points

• Price: $75 per person, for a 3-hour walking tour of the French Quarter
• Includes: Tastings at five historic eateries, enough for a satisfying lunch
• Highlights: Creole, Cajun, and French-inspired dishes such as po-boys, jambalaya, pralines, and beef brisket
• Guide: Award-winning, knowledgeable local guide with a friendly approach
• Group Size: Limited to 16 guests, fostering an intimate atmosphere
• Additional perks: Option to purchase alcoholic beverages during the tour; all tastings included

Starting the Tour at the French Market

The tour begins near the French Market on Decatur Street, where the guide greets visitors and sets a relaxed pace through the French Quarter streets. You’ll come hungry, as the tastings combined are designed to serve as a full lunch. The guide shares insights into New Orleans’ unique culinary history, adding context to each stop. The small group size ensures personalized attention and lively conversations.

Visiting Laura’s Candies: Oldest Candy Store in New Orleans

One of the first stops is Laura’s Candies, located in the heart of the French Quarter. This historic candy shop has been making Creole pralines and hand-dipped chocolates since the 18th century. Visitors appreciate the famous pralines—which are made fresh daily—and often choose to mail some home as souvenirs. The 15-minute stop offers a sweet introduction to the city’s confectionery traditions.

The Court of Two Sisters: Jazz Brunch and Courtyard Views

Next, the tour visits the Court of Two Sisters, a restaurant famous for its daily jazz brunch and beautiful wisteria-covered courtyard. The setting is picturesque, with soothing fountains and a historic ambiance that has lasted for over two centuries. Here, the guide introduces a New Orleans muffuletta at the Poboy Tavern, giving guests a classic taste of local sandwich culture. The 30-minute stop provides both a scenic break and a chance to indulge in more regional flavors.

Bourbon Street’s Cornet Restaurant: Cajun and Creole Classics

A highlight of the tour is a stop at Cornet Restaurant on Bourbon Street, notable for having the largest balcony on Bourbon. Founded by the family who introduced Louis Armstrong to the cornet, this restaurant celebrates jazz and local flavors. You’ll sample authentic jambalaya, a dish many consider the hallmark of New Orleans cuisine. Guests often recommend purchasing a special cocktail to enhance this flavorful experience. The 30-minute visit combines lively street views with hearty, spicy dishes.

The Historic St. Louis Cathedral and Royal Street

The tour then takes a brief detour to the St. Louis Cathedral, North America’s oldest cathedral, founded in 1720. While this stop is brief—lasting only 5 minutes—it offers a perfect photo opportunity and a chance to appreciate the city’s architectural history. Following this, the walk along Royal Street shows off antique shops, art galleries, and live music, capturing the vibrant artistic spirit of the French Quarter.

Sampling at NOLA Po-Boy and New Orleans Creole Cookery

The culinary stops continue with NOLA Po-Boy, a favorite local spot for seafood po-boys. Expect to try a hot roast beef po-boy, fully dressed, that embodies the city’s casual, flavorful sandwich tradition. A 30-minute visit here guarantees a hearty taste of New Orleans’ street food.

Later, the tour visits New Orleans Creole Cookery, renowned for Gumbo YaYa and other Creole classics. This restaurant combines modern energy with traditional recipes, offering great cocktails (available for purchase). Guests enjoy the lively setting and the chance to experience iconic Cajun dishes like grilled oysters. This stop lasts 30 minutes.

Exploring the French Quarter Streets

Throughout the tour, the guide leads guests through colorful streets lined with cast-iron balconies. The French Quarter’s vibrant nightlife and historic architecture provide a lively backdrop to the culinary experience. Visitors get to appreciate the area’s distinctive ambiance, which is key to understanding the city’s cultural makeup.

Overall Tour Logistics and Experience

The tour operates rain or shine, with a moderate physical level required due to walking. The meeting point at 816 Decatur Street is accessible via public transportation, making it convenient for visitors. The small group size ensures that guides can engage with each guest, sharing stories and answering questions along the way. The inclusion of all tastings means guests leave full, with enough food to serve as a complete lunch.

Strengths and Notable Limitations

One of the main strengths is the expert guidance from guides praised for their knowledge and friendly manner. Many reviews highlight the quality and variety of the food samples, especially dishes like gumbo, po-boys, and jambalaya. The historic stops at Laura’s Candies and St. Louis Cathedral add cultural depth to the experience.

A key limitation is the inability to accommodate vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free diets, which is explicitly noted. While the tour provides a thorough overview of local cuisine, those with specific dietary needs may need to look elsewhere. Plus, some guests find the food quality varies depending on the stop, with a few critics mentioning the average nature of some dishes like jambalaya.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Appreciate This Food Tour

The French Quarters Best Food Tour stands out as a fun, informative, and flavorful introduction to New Orleans. It appeals especially to first-time visitors who want a guided overview of the city’s culinary and cultural gems. Those interested in historic venues and local storytelling will find the guides engaging and knowledgeable. Food aficionados will enjoy sampling regional classics, while casual visitors will appreciate the laid-back pace and all-inclusive tastings.

While it’s not suitable for special diets, the tour offers excellent value with enough food for lunch and insights into the city’s culinary traditions. For an authentic taste of New Orleans’ vibrant food scene, this tour offers an accessible, lively, and memorable experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, covering five stops with a mix of food tastings, sightseeing, and cultural stories.

Where does the tour start and end?
It departs from 816 Decatur Street near the French Market and ends within the French Quarter, making it easy to continue exploring afterward.

Are alcoholic beverages included?
No, alcohol is not included in the tour price but can be purchased during stops, such as cocktails at Cornet Restaurant and New Orleans Creole Cookery.

Is this tour suitable for vegetarians or those with dietary restrictions?
No, the tour does not accommodate vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free diets, so those with restrictions should plan accordingly.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to 16 guests, ensuring a more personal and engaging experience.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, with a full refund possible.