New Orleans is a city that practically vibrates with flavor, culture, and music — especially at lunchtime. Whether you’re craving a historic river cruise with live jazz, a gourmet plantation feast, or a boozy crawfish crawl through the French Quarter, the options are as diverse as the city itself. What makes NOLA stand out is how many of these experiences blend delicious food with local history, lively atmosphere, and even some art and culture. For example, the Daytime Steamboat Jazz Cruise offers a two-hour trip on the Mississippi with live music and stunning river views, topped with an optional Creole meal. It’s a relaxing way to enjoy the city’s musical roots without leaving the water.
If you’re after a more immersive cultural experience, the Small-Group Louisiana Plantations Tour combines historical insight with a gourmet lunch, giving you a deep dive into the antebellum south. Or, for those who want a taste of the lively street scene and bold Creole flavors, the French Quarter Boozy Lunch Crawl makes sampling the best dishes and cocktails a fun, guided adventure. Below, you’ll find detailed descriptions of these top lunch experiences to help you pick the perfect midday outing in New Orleans.
1. New Orleans: Daytime Steamboat Jazz Cruise + Optional Lunch
At number 1 on our list, this Daytime Steamboat Jazz Cruise is a classic way to soak up the essence of New Orleans. For around $33, you get two hours on the Mississippi River with live jazz performed by the Steamboat Stompers. This cruise isn’t just about the music; it’s also a chance to take in breathtaking photo opportunities of the river and city skyline. The cruise includes live narration by the captain, sharing stories about the river’s history and the city’s connection to the water. Seasonal cocktails and full-service bars on every deck ensure you can sip and enjoy as you glide past historic sights.
What sets this tour apart is the authentic jazz soundtrack, which captures the soul of New Orleans’ musical tradition. The optional Creole lunch, served on board, is prepared fresh and offers a taste of local flavors without leaving the boat. It’s a great choice if you want a relaxed, music-filled lunch with scenic views and a bit of history. This tour is perfect for those wanting a low-key cultural experience that combines food, music, and river scenery without breaking the bank.
Bottom Line: A laid-back, musically rich experience with the option to add a tasty Creole lunch, ideal for first-time visitors who want a taste of NOLA’s musical roots.
2. New Orleans: Creole Queen History Cruise with Optional Lunch
At number 2, the Creole Queen History Cruise offers a slightly longer, more narrated river trip. For $47, you’ll spend 2.5 hours cruising along the Mississippi while learning about the city’s landmarks and the last battle of 1812. The highlight is a stop at the historic battlefield where the Battle of New Orleans took place, making this tour compelling for history buffs. The narration paints a vivid picture of the city’s strategic importance and the stories behind its iconic sites.
The boat features a cash bar with New Orleans cocktails, allowing you to sip as you take in the views. The cruise’s relaxed pace means you can sit back and absorb the stories of the river lore and culture. The optional lunch adds a tasty element, often including local dishes that tie into the region’s culinary traditions.
This cruise is best suited for travelers wanting to combine history and scenery in one sit-down experience. It’s perfect for those who prefer a quieter, more educational outing with the chance to learn about New Orleans’ role in the War of 1812 and its river heritage.
Bottom Line: An ideal choice for history lovers seeking a scenic cruise with a storyteller’s touch, plus the option to enjoy a casual onboard meal.
3. Small-Group Louisiana Plantations Tour with Gourmet Lunch from New Orleans
For around $189, this Small-Group Louisiana Plantations Tour is a full-day immersion into the antebellum South. This tour includes visits to Destrehan Plantation and Houmas House Plantation, both of which showcase stunning architecture and lush grounds. The tour is limited to just 12 people, ensuring a more personalized experience and plenty of time to ask questions.
The highlights include touring the historic homes, viewing antique furnishings and artwork, and hearing fascinating stories of plantation life—including the somber stories of slavery and resilience. The meal at Houmas House is a private, unlimited gourmet buffet, featuring dishes like chicken and Andouille gumbo, fried catfish, and chili-glazed roasted chicken. Professional guides bring the history alive, making it a meaningful and delicious experience.
Guests consistently praise the guides’ depth of knowledge, with many noting the delicious food and atmospheric surroundings. The tour makes for a full day of sightseeing, history, and southern cuisine, suitable for active travelers comfortable with a full schedule.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for history and architecture enthusiasts who appreciate intimate tours and gourmet dining, with a focus on understanding Louisiana’s complex past.
4. French Quarter Boozy Lunch Crawl with Seafood Boil
Number 4 brings you the French Quarter Boozy Lunch Crawl, a 2-hour guided tour that’s perfect for anyone who loves good food and a lively atmosphere. For $72, your guide takes you to some of the best brunch spots in the historic French Quarter, sampling iconic Creole and Cajun dishes like crawfish grilled cheese, beignets, and alligator tacos. The tour includes tastings of refreshing cocktails, so you can indulge without worrying about the check.
The tour not only satisfies your taste buds but also offers great photo ops around Jackson Square and other iconic spots. Since all food and drinks are included, the experience is relaxed — you can focus on enjoying the flavors and lively vibe of the city’s most famous neighborhood. The tour’s reviews highlight how knowledgeable the guides are and how much fun it is to sample diverse dishes in a social setting.
This experience is perfect for travelers wanting a fun, social introduction to New Orleans’ food scene with plenty of local color and delicious bites. It’s also a smart choice if you want a guided experience that covers multiple stops without the hassle of planning.
Bottom Line: A fun, flavorful dive into the heart of the French Quarter’s culinary scene, ideal for those wanting a lively, all-in-one lunch outing.
5. Private Art and Street Art Tour of New Orleans with Lunch
At number 5, the Private Art and Street Art Tour offers a personalized 3-4 hour journey into the city’s colorful art scene. Perfect for art lovers, this tour visits galleries, murals, and street art, including the famous Banksy’s Rain Girl. You’ll meet local artists in their studios and explore neighborhoods like Magazine Street, the Warehouse District, and the French Quarter.
The tour includes a stop for lunch, which makes it convenient to focus on the art while enjoying some regional flavors. The guides are knowledgeable about both the art and the city’s culture, making this a more intimate exploration suited for those who love discovering local creativity.
Guests praise the tour as “amazing,” noting how it combines visual arts with authentic interactions with artists. It’s ideal if you want a customized experience tailored to your interests, and the private format ensures flexibility and a more personal touch.
Bottom Line: A must-do for art enthusiasts wanting an exclusive insider’s look into New Orleans’ mural and gallery scene alongside local art studios.
6. Airboat and Plantations Tour with Gourmet Lunch from New Orleans
For a full-day adventure, the Airboat and Plantations Tour combines thrilling wildlife encounters with historical insights. Priced at $255, this 9-hour trip starts with a scenic drive through Cajun country, crossing the Mississippi on a suspension bridge and passing sugarcane fields. The highlight is a high-speed airboat ride through remote cypress swamps, where you’ll likely see alligators and learn about swamp ecology from your guide, who is also a seasoned alligator hunter.
After the swamp adventure, visit the historic Laura Plantation to hear stories of Creole life and plantation history. The day concludes with a gourmet buffet lunch at Houmas House, featuring dishes like Chili Glazed Roasted Chicken and Crawfish Étouffée. This tour offers a rare mix of adventure, education, and regional cuisine, making it perfect for active travelers who want to experience both nature and history in one trip.
Reviews note how knowledgeable the guides are and emphasize the unique wildlife sightings and informative plantation visits. The entire experience is well-paced, with hotel pickup included.
Bottom Line: An engaging, full-day tour ideal for those interested in nature, history, and a hearty Southern lunch, with plenty of adventure thrown in.
$255.00 per person
How to Choose Your Perfect Lunch Experience in New Orleans
Choosing between these diverse options depends on your interests, budget, and how much time you want to spend. If you prefer a relaxed, music-filled water cruise, the Daytime Steamboat Jazz Cruise offers excellent value with scenic views and live tunes. For history lovers, the Creole Queen Cruise provides a richer narrative about the city’s past alongside river scenery.
Those craving a more immersive experience should consider the Small-Group Louisiana Plantations Tour for its combination of history, architecture, and gourmet meal. If your idea of a fun day involves sampling a variety of Creole and Cajun dishes in a lively atmosphere, the French Quarter Boozy Lunch Crawl is hard to beat.
For art aficionados, the Private Art and Street Art Tour offers a personalized, creative perspective, ideal for those who want an insider’s look at NOLA’s murals and galleries. Finally, for a full-day adventure mixing wildlife, history, and gourmet dining, the Airboat and Plantations Tour is perfect for active travelers.
Final Thoughts
New Orleans offers a wealth of lunch experiences, from scenic river cruises and historical plantation visits to lively street food crawls and art tours. For a quick, music-infused water outing, the jazz cruise is hard to beat. History buffs will love the plantation tours, especially with gourmet meals included. If you want a taste of the city’s famous Creole and Cajun cuisine with a fun crowd, the French Quarter crawl is ideal.
No matter what you choose, booking early is wise — these experiences fill up fast, especially in peak season. Consider your interests, how much time you have, and whether you want a laid-back cruise or an active, immersive day. With so many great options, your perfect New Orleans lunch adventure is just a reservation away.