New Orleans stands out as a city where food isn’t just a meal — it’s a celebration. The city’s distinctive Creole flavors, legendary jazz, and lively river scenes combine to create unforgettable dining experiences. For those looking to indulge on the water, the Evening Steamboat Jazz Cruise + Optional Dinner offers a fantastic way to enjoy the city’s skyline and live music. Meanwhile, if you want a more upscale, VIP atmosphere, the Steamboat Natchez VIP Jazz Dinner Cruise delivers a premium experience with front-row seats, a guided tour, and a gourmet buffet. For a relaxed, moonlit vibe, the Evening Jazz Boat Cruise combines scenic views with live jazz and a Creole dinner, perfect for winding down after a day of sightseeing. Lastly, the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Jazz Dinner Cruise offers a sunset cruise that features jazz and a delicious buffet, making it a popular choice for romantic evenings.
Whether you’re after a musical river adventure, a luxury dining experience, or a casual cruise with incredible views, New Orleans has a range of options that showcase its famous cuisine and lively spirit.
Quick Overview
Our list combines river cruises with live jazz and optional dinners with VIP experiences and scenic daytime cruises. We also include a special restaurant week activity that helps you sample the city’s top eateries hassle-free. Explore below to find the perfect way to combine your love of food, music, and river views in New Orleans.
1. New Orleans: Evening Steamboat Jazz Cruise + Optional Dinner
This 2-hour cruise along the Mississippi River offers a relaxed way to see the city from the water while enjoying the soulful sounds of live jazz by the Grammy-nominated Dukes of Dixieland. The cruise departs from the Mississippi River, offering great photo ops of New Orleans’ skyline and the French Quarter’s iconic architecture.
The highlight here is the live narration from the captain, which adds a local flavor to your journey. For an extra touch of indulgence, you can upgrade to an optional dinner buffet featuring classic Creole dishes, making this experience both scenic and flavorful. The seasonal cocktail menu and full-service bars on every deck ensure that your drinks keep flowing as you soak in the evening atmosphere.
What makes this cruise stand out is its combination of sightseeing, live music, and optional dining — all at a reasonable $44 per person. Reviews highlight the boat’s lively vibe and stunning views, making it a favorite for those who want a relaxed yet memorable evening on the water.
Bottom Line: For a budget-friendly river cruise with plenty of musical soul, this is hard to beat. Perfect if you love jazz and want a good overview of the city from the water.
2. Steamboat Natchez VIP Jazz Dinner Cruise with Private Tour and Open Bar Option
For those seeking a luxurious experience, the Steamboat Natchez VIP Jazz Dinner Cruise delivers just that, with an emphasis on comfort and exclusivity. Starting with early boarding and front-row seats for the Dukes of Dixieland, this tour offers a gourmet Louisiana-style buffet and a private guided tour of the historic vessel — an opportunity to explore its authentic features and learn about its history firsthand.
Upgrade to the full bar for a selection of call-brand cocktails, beer, and wine, adding a refined touch to your evening. The VIP package also includes a commemorative gift bag with a photo and Jazz CD — a lovely keepsake of your night on the river. The entire experience lasts around three hours, giving you plenty of time to relax, dine, and listen to live jazz.
Guests consistently praise the personalized service and the special atmosphere created by the early boarding and reserved seating. As one reviewer put it: “Marlon was our concierge and he was fantastic!!! What a wonderful host!!!” This experience is best suited for romantic evenings or special celebrations where you want to feel pampered.
Bottom Line: If you’re after a classy, all-inclusive jazz dinner with VIP treatment, this cruise offers an unforgettable night with excellent value for the added luxury.
3. New Orleans: Evening Jazz Boat Cruise with Optional Dinner
This 2-hour moonlit cruise is perfect for those seeking a relaxing, scenic evening on the Mississippi. You’ll glide past the city’s illuminated skyline and the French Quarter, all while enjoying the soulful sounds of jazz performed on a historic sternwheeler paddleboat.
The cruise features a Creole dinner available as an optional add-on, which you can enjoy while the band plays. It’s a straightforward experience that combines beautiful views, live jazz, and delicious food in a casual setting. The atmosphere is lively but not overly formal, making it suitable for families or couples looking for a laid-back night.
Reviewers love how the cruise “lets you see New Orleans from a different perspective” and mention that the music and dinner create a truly memorable experience. The price is $60, which includes the cruise and an optional dinner, making it a solid choice for those wanting a balanced combination of sightseeing and dining.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers wanting to enjoy jazz and Creole cuisine while soaking in the city’s nighttime ambiance.
4. Steamboat Natchez Evening Jazz Cruise with Dinner Option
This three-hour cruise is one of the most popular river experiences in New Orleans, combining live jazz music with an optional Creole-inspired buffet dinner. Departing from the Mississippi River, it offers a relaxed way to experience the city’s evening charm.
What makes this tour special is its longer duration and the opportunity to choose your dinner seating. The buffet features local favorites such as jambalaya, seafood pasta, and chicken & sausage gumbo. The Grammy-nominated Dukes of Dixieland provide a lively musical backdrop. Guests praise the “delicious food” and “spectacular views of the city skyline and river.”
The review highlights that “the trip on the Mississippi was informative and fun,” making it ideal for those who want to combine sightseeing with good food. The $58 price is reasonable given the length and inclusiveness of the experience, and its family-friendly vibe makes it suitable for all ages.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded choice for those who want a longer cruise with optional dinner and lively jazz music, offering great value.
5. Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Jazz Dinner Cruise in New Orleans
This 2.5-hour sunset cruise combines live jazz music with a Creole-style buffet as the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen glides along the Mississippi. Launching in the early evening, the cruise offers a perfect setting to enjoy a relaxing dinner while watching the sunset over the river.
The buffet includes dishes like jambalaya, Cajun seafood pasta, and chicken & sausage gumbo, with the option to add dinner for a full experience. The promenade deck provides unobstructed views of the city’s skyline, and this cruise’s romantic ambiance makes it popular for couples. The live jazz band adds a lively soundtrack to the scenic backdrop.
Reviewers note that “the boat ride was smooth and the crew very attentive,” with many mentioning the “beautiful sunset and delicious buffet” as highlights. The price of $60 provides a solid value for a sunset cruise with dinner and jazz.
Bottom Line: Excellent for a romantic evening with scenic sunset views, jazz, and Creole cuisine.
$60.00 per person
6. New Orleans Restaurant Week
If you’re interested in exploring multiple top restaurants without the hassle of booking each one yourself, New Orleans Restaurant Week offers a hassle-free way to enjoy local cuisine. For around $189.87 per group, you get a scenic ride to and from a restaurant of your choice, with reservations taken care of.
This experience is perfect for food lovers who want to sample several spots or indulge at a specific eatery during your visit. The program does not include the meal price itself, so be prepared for extra costs, but the convenience of transportation and reservation is a big plus. It’s flexible, offering 2 to 4 hours to enjoy the city’s culinary scene without fuss.
Reviewers haven’t left reviews yet, but the concept appeals to those who prefer to customize their dining experience and avoid waiting in lines. It suits travelers who want a personalized meal experience combined with easy logistics.
Bottom Line: Best for those who want a customized, hassle-free way to dine at top restaurants, especially if you’re pressed for time or want to try several places.
$189.87 per group (up to 2)
How to Choose the Best Dining Experience in New Orleans
When selecting among these options, consider your budget, schedule, and preferences. For a casual, music-filled evening, the Evening Steamboat Jazz Cruise + Optional Dinner offers good value. If you want a luxury, all-inclusive experience, the Steamboat Natchez VIP Jazz Dinner Cruise is hard to beat, especially if you enjoy VIP treatment and gourmet food.
For a romantic sunset experience, the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen offers stunning views and a balanced mix of jazz and Creole cuisine. Budget travelers may prefer the standard cruises like the Evening Jazz Boat Cruise with Dinner, which provide a relaxing experience without breaking the bank.
Finally, those who want a custom culinary adventure should consider the New Orleans Restaurant Week, which allows you to explore several top spots with the convenience of pre-arranged transportation.
Final thoughts
New Orleans offers a remarkable variety of dining experiences that blend live music, scenic views, and authentic food. Whether you’re after a luxury cruise with VIP perks or a relaxed evening with jazz melodies, booking early is recommended, especially during peak seasons. Take the time to match your preferences and budget with the right experience — and enjoy a truly memorable taste of the Big Easy.