New Orleans is a city where food is a cultural expression, a way of life. Its famous Creole, Cajun, and French-inspired dishes burst with flavor, history, and local pride. Exploring the city through its food offers a window into its diverse neighborhoods, from the lively French Quarter to the elegant Garden District. Whether you’re after a hearty lunch of po-boys and gumbo or intrigued by cocktails with centuries of tradition, the options are plentiful. We especially like the French Quarters Best Food Tour for its comprehensive tastings and engaging stories, and the Cocktail and Food History Tour for its perfect mix of history and spirits. For a more intimate experience, the Small-Group Cocktail and Foodie Crawl offers a personalized taste of the city’s culinary scene.
If you’re short on time, a French Quarter Food Tour provides a satisfying intro with six restaurant stops, while the Beloved Bites & Famous Dishes Food Tour highlights iconic dishes like beignets and Cajun specialties. For a broader scope, the Roots of Creole Cuisine tour takes you beyond the French Quarter to explore the roots of local flavors. With so many choices, it’s worth considering your interests, budget, and how much walking you want to do.
1. French Quarters Best Food Tour: Signature Flavors of New Orleans
At number 1, this 3-hour walking tour immerses you in the heart of the French Quarter, sampling local favorites like po-boys, muffaletta, Creole cuisine, and handmade candies. It’s a full-on feast that’s enough for a hearty lunch, so bring your appetite. Your friendly guide takes you through historic streets, stopping at some of NOLA’s most iconic eateries, sharing anecdotes and legends along the way. What sets this tour apart is its focus on the city’s culinary traditions combined with engaging stories about its history and architecture. The tastings are generous, and reviews mention Reagan’s personable approach and the clean, comfortable sampling spots.
This tour is ideal if you want a comprehensive taste of the French Quarter’s food scene with enough food to fuel your explorations afterward. The only drawback? It doesn’t focus on seafood, which disappointed some seafood lovers. Still, at $75, it offers excellent value for its three hours of cultural and culinary insight.
Bottom line: Perfect for first-timers wanting an all-in-one introduction to New Orleans cuisine and history.
2. New Orleans Cocktail and Food History Tour
Number 2 on our list, this 4-hour tour combines up to eight dishes and four full-sized drinks across six different venues. It’s designed for those who want a deep dive into the culinary and cocktail heritage of the city. Your guide will whisk you through the French Quarter, revealing stories behind iconic drinks like the Hurricane and French 75, alongside classic New Orleans dishes such as gumbo and muffuletta. This tour offers a perfect blend of tastes and tales, making it a favorite for first-time visitors or those pressed for time but eager to understand NOLA’s flavors.
Guests praise guide Ben for his knowledge and friendly manner, often noting the generous portions and the chance to try drinks they wouldn’t find on their own. While pricier at $160, the inclusion of multiple dishes and cocktails makes it a solid value, especially for those interested in both food and drink culture.
Bottom line: An excellent choice for those who want a well-rounded experience of New Orleans’ culinary and cocktail history in one sitting.
3. New Orleans: French Quarter Food History Walking Tour
Coming in at number 3, this 3-hour tour visits five eateries to taste nine different local foods, from Boudin and Gumbo to Pralines. Its focus is on the eclectic mix of Creole, Cajun, and French influences that define NOLA cuisine. You’ll walk through historic spots, from boutique candy shops to authentic creole restaurants, with a guide sharing the culinary origins and cultural significance of each dish. Guests love the variety and the chance to explore both classic and lesser-known spots in the French Quarter.
This tour appeals to those wanting a more in-depth look at the city’s food heritage without overloading on quantity. The drawback is it’s slightly more expensive at $85 for three hours, but the tasting and walking experience is well worth it.
Bottom line: Ideal for foodies eager to discover a broad spectrum of New Orleans flavors with historical context.
4. French Quarter Small-Group Cocktail and Foodie Crawl
Number 4, this 3-hour intimate tour takes you to some of the most famous restaurants and bars in the French Quarter, with seven food tastings and four cocktail samples. It’s perfect if you want a personalized, relaxed experience. The guide leads you through legendary spots like Napoleon House, famous for its Pimm’s Cup, and other local favorites, revealing stories behind the city’s culinary and cocktail heritage. The small group size (max 9) ensures more interaction and flexibility, with plenty of time to ask questions.
Guests rave about guide Nate’s enthusiasm and knowledge, and the generous tastings make it a good value at $115. The tour is suited for travelers who want a more personal connection and a deeper understanding of local drinks and bites.
Bottom line: Best for those seeking a relaxed, personalized tour with a focus on both food and cocktails.
5. New Orleans: Combo Cocktail and Food History Tour
At number 5, this 4-hour tour explores multiple historic venues, sampling six dishes and four craft cocktails. It’s a deeper look into the culinary diversity of New Orleans and Louisiana. From seafood grills to candy shops, you’ll learn about the origins of cocktails like the Hurricane while enjoying classic dishes like gumbo and pralines. It’s perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive taste of both food and drink history in one tour.
Participants note the variety of flavors and the insightful stories told by guides, with reviews highlighting the generous portions and memorable experience. The price of $160 reflects its extensive itinerary, but many find the value well-matched to the experience.
Bottom line: Suited for those wanting a mix of food, drinks, and local history in a single, engaging experience.
6. French Quarter Food Tour
Number 6 offers a 3-hour walk through the French Quarter, with six restaurant visits and generous tastings. It’s designed as a quick but comprehensive introduction, with an emphasis on classic dishes like oysters, pralines, and Creole favorites. The tour is capped at just 12 people for a personal touch and includes stops at well-loved spots like Felix’s Oyster Bar and Leah’s Pralines.
Guests appreciate the well-paced itinerary and knowledgeable guide, with some noting the tour’s suitability for those short on time but eager for a hearty sampling of New Orleans’ culinary scene. The price is $89, making it a reasonably priced way to get a solid taste of the city.
Bottom line: Great for visitors seeking a concise, flavorful introduction to NOLA’s culinary scene.
7. New Orleans: Beloved Bites & Famous Dishes Food Tour
Number 7 features a 2.5-hour walking tour focusing on the iconic dishes of the French Quarter. It’s a more relaxed option that includes sampling beignets, gumbo, and Cajun favorites. It’s perfect if you want a shorter, more relaxed experience with a focus on the city’s most beloved bites. Reviews highlight the personalized storytelling and the variety of tasty samples.
Ideal for travelers who want a taste of the most iconic dishes without a lengthy commitment. The tour is affordable at $76, and reviews praise the interesting stories and the small-group intimacy.
Bottom line: Suitable for those who want a quick, delicious overview of NOLA’s best-known flavors.
8. French Quarters Best Food Tour: Signature Tastes of New Orleans
Number 8 offers a 3-hour walk through historic eateries, sampling classic Creole, Cajun, and French-inspired dishes like po-boys and pralines. The tour emphasizes local flavor and history, with all tastings included, making it a satisfying lunch experience. Guests enjoy the storytelling and the variety of flavorful stops, especially the pralines from the oldest candy store.
Priced at $75, it provides a good value for a well-rounded food and history tour. Some reviews highlight the guide’s ability to share intriguing cultural insights alongside delicious bites.
Bottom line: Excellent for those looking for a traditional, story-rich food tour with enough tastings for lunch.
9. New Orleans Food Tour: Discover the Roots of Creole Cuisine
Number 9 is a 6-hour tour focusing specifically on Creole dishes and their history. This is for the dedicated foodie who wants an in-depth exploration of Creole food and its cultural roots. It includes visits to multiple neighborhoods and tastes at food shops and local restaurants, with tastings already paid for. Kelly, the guide, is praised for her extensive knowledge.
This tour suits those with a keen interest in culinary history and authentic experiences, and it’s a full-day venture, so be prepared for a lot of walking and eating. The price reflects its length, but reviews note the delicious samples and educational value.
Bottom line: Ideal for dedicated food lovers wanting a thorough Creole culinary journey.
10. The Premier New Orleans Food Walking Tour
Number 10 offers a 3-hour exploration of the French Quarter’s historic eateries. It’s tailored for culture and history enthusiasts, with all tastings included and stories of 300-year-old New Orleans. The tour visits several well-known restaurants, like the French Market, and highlights local dishes such as gumbo and muffaletta.
Reviews mention the guide’s entertaining storytelling and tasting variety. It’s priced at $81, offering a solid balance of quality and affordability. It’s especially suitable for travelers who want to combine food with a broader cultural tour.
Bottom line: Perfect for those wanting a mix of culinary and historical insights in one tour.
11. Food Tour of New Orleans Garden District group of 9 or less
This semi-private 3-hour tour takes you out of the French Quarter into the quieter, elegant Garden District. It spotlights local favorite restaurants and modern gastronomy. The tour covers more than just food, including art and architecture, with stops on Magazine Street. It’s ideal for those who want a more intimate experience and enjoy diverse cuisines, including classic New Orleans dishes and contemporary bites.
Guests highlight the friendly guide and the quality of food, with reviews noting the great mix of history, food, and local culture. The price of $129 reflects the smaller group size and personalized service.
Bottom line: Excellent for travelers seeking a quieter, more refined taste of New Orleans’ culinary scene.
12. Lower Garden District Food Tour
Number 12 offers a 3-hour tour of the less-touristed Garden District, with stops at five hand-picked eateries. You’ll sample international and Southern dishes, like Mexican tacos and artisan donuts. The focus is on discovering local, hip eateries near Magazine Street. The tour is well-suited for those wanting to explore beyond the usual tourist zones.
Guests appreciate the insider knowledge of local cuisine and the neighborhood’s vibe. The tour is priced at $89, with many reviewers mentioning the diversity of flavors.
Bottom line: Great for food lovers who want to explore New Orleans’ international side and trendy spots.
13. New Orleans: Garden District Food, Drinks & History Tour
Number 13 combines cultural, culinary, and architectural highlights in a 3-hour tour of the Garden District. You’ll indulge in Cajun and Creole specialties at three food stops, exploring historic mansions and shops along the way. The tour emphasizes local traditions and the neighborhood’s ambiance.
Guests enjoy the blend of food, history, and architecture, making it suitable for travelers who want a broader sense of the city’s living history. The price of $95 makes it a good value for the experience.
Bottom line: Perfect for those interested in architecture, local lore, and authentic cuisine.
14. New Orleans Sunset Food Tour Experience
Number 14, this 3-hour evening tour is a celebration of culinary delights and sunset views. It features classic dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, po-boys, and pralines in an air-conditioned setting. Known as NOLA’s oldest food tour celebrating 15 years, its focus on learning the cultural significance of each dish makes it stand out.
Guests mention the friendly guides and the delicious variety, with some saying it’s a relaxed, memorable way to end a day. It’s priced at $84.75, offering a good balance of cost and content.
Bottom line: Ideal for those seeking a laid-back, scenic, food-focused evening experience.
15. New Orleans: Food Tour with Seafood Boil in French Quarter
Number 15 centers on a 2-hour tour featuring a Seafood Boil platter and Cajun and Creole dishes, with stops in the oldest district. It’s perfect for seafood lovers wanting an authentic peel-and-eat experience in a lively neighborhood setting. The tour’s highlight is the local seafood boil, a true NOLA specialty.
Guests praise the visual appeal and taste of the seafood, and the tour offers a lively, casual vibe. It costs $95, making it a tasty yet affordable option for seafood fans.
Bottom line: Best suited for seafood aficionados eager for a hands-on, flavorful experience.
16. New Orleans Food Walking Tour
Closing our list, this 2-hour tour offers a tasty, no-nonsense exploration of authentic Creole and Cajun dishes. It visits hidden, less touristy spots that are often overlooked. Reviewers love the informative stories and generous tastings at restaurants like Crawfish Etouffée and Red Beans and Rice.
For just $44, it’s the most affordable tour on the list and perfect if your goal is to sample local, authentic cuisine without a long commitment. It’s ideal for travelers wanting a quick, flavorful overview with a focus on small, local establishments.
Bottom line: Great for budget-conscious travelers or those short on time who want authentic NOLA flavor.
How to Choose Your Perfect Food Tour
When selecting a food tour in New Orleans, consider your interests, time, and budget. If you love historical context alongside your bites, the Cocktail and Food History Tour (see here) offers a fantastic mix. For those wanting the full French Quarter experience with lunch included, the Signature Flavors (see here) is hard to beat.
Budget travelers might prefer the Food Walking Tour (see here), which offers generous tastings at a lower price point. If you’re into neighborhood exploration beyond the French Quarter, the Garden District tours (see here) and Lower Garden District (see here) give you a taste of local life and hidden eateries.
Booking early is always wise, especially in peak season, to secure your spot on your desired tour. Think about whether you want a shorter snack-focused experience or a full-day deep dive—your ideal NOLA food adventure awaits!
Final Thoughts
From quick bites to comprehensive multi-hour experiences, New Orleans offers an impressive array of food tours tailored to all tastes and schedules. For a rich, culture, the French Quarters Best Food Tour and the Roots of Creole Cuisine are top picks. If your interest is in spirits and cocktails, the Cocktail and Food History Tour delivers a spirited lesson. For couples or small groups seeking a more personal touch, the Small-Group Cocktail Crawl shines.
No matter your choice, each tour provides a delicious taste of New Orleans, with enough stories and flavors to make your visit memorable. Book early, bring your appetite, and prepare for a culinary journey that captures the soul of this unique city.