Good places to eat

Question

Hi there, several of us are visiting from New Zealand for four days. We're very excited to try the local food - don't need fancy places. We've been watching Youtube clips, researching online and subscribed to Nola Eater but it's all getting overwhelming as there is so much delicious food! Hoping the lovely locals can help us out. We plan on going to Dooky Chase and Willie Maes - good choices? Will sample Cafe Du Monde, Cafe Beignet and Lorettas for Beignets and Turkey and the Wolf for sandwiches. Where's best for Po-boys, muffalettas? We want to try chargrilled oysters and seafood - what is better Acme or Felix or another recommendation? Very keen for good authentic gumbo, jambalaya, etouffee too etc. Any suggestions very much welcomed. Thanks so much!

Answer

New Orleans is a food lover’s paradise, and it’s great to hear you’re excited to try so many local specialties! You've already got some excellent choices lined up. Below are some additional recommendations for po-boys, muffulettas, seafood, gumbo, jambalaya, and more—ensuring you get a truly authentic taste of the Crescent City!

For Po-boys:

Parkway Bakery & Tavern – Known for its legendary po-boys, Parkway is a local favorite. The roast beef po-boy and the fried shrimp po-boy are particularly popular.
Johnny's Po-Boys – Another classic spot for po-boys, located in the French Quarter. They offer a variety of options, including fried shrimp, oyster, and sausage po-boys.
Domilise's Po-Boys – A bit off the beaten path, but if you’re willing to venture a little farther, Domilise’s is a local treasure, especially for their shrimp po-boy with remoulade sauce.

For Muffulettas:

Central Grocery & Deli – The originator of the muffuletta sandwich, Central Grocery is the place to go for this iconic New Orleans dish. It’s a no-frills spot, but the muffuletta is perfection.
Big Easy Deli – A more modern twist on the muffuletta, this deli is still loved for its authentic taste and reasonable prices.

For Chargrilled Oysters & Seafood:

Acme Oyster House – Acme is a classic spot for chargrilled oysters and fresh seafood. It’s very popular, especially with tourists, but still delivers a solid, tasty experience. If you’re up for a little wait, it’s worth it.
Felix's Restaurant & Oyster Bar – Felix’s is right next door to Acme, but offers a slightly less touristy vibe. Their chargrilled oysters are delicious, and their raw oysters are always fresh.
The Blind Pelican – If you want a laid-back, local vibe with great chargrilled oysters, The Blind Pelican is a perfect spot. They have a happy hour with $1 oysters!

For Gumbo, Jambalaya, and Etouffee:

Li'l Dizzy's Cafe – Known for its fantastic gumbo and jambalaya, Li'l Dizzy’s is a casual, local spot that serves up authentic Creole dishes with great flavor.
Mother’s Restaurant – A New Orleans institution, Mother’s is famous for its gumbo, jambalaya, and po-boys. Their baked ham is another local favorite.
Bayona – A little more upscale, but still casual and cozy, Bayona is known for its delicious gumbo and other Creole specialties.
Franklin Avenue Seafood – Great for etouffee, as well as other classic seafood dishes. It’s a local gem off the tourist path.

For Beignets and Sweets:

Café du Monde – You’ve already mentioned this iconic spot, and it’s a must-try for the famous beignets and café au lait. While it’s touristy, it’s still a fantastic New Orleans experience.
Café Beignet – Another good spot for beignets, with a more relaxed, often quieter atmosphere than Café du Monde.
Loretta’s Pralines – A great place to pick up pralines and other sweet treats. It’s a smaller, local shop with fantastic flavors.

For Sandwiches:

Turkey and the Wolf – A quirky spot known for its creative sandwiches and modern twist on classic New Orleans dishes. The "Fried Chicken Biscuit" sandwich is a fan favorite.
Coop’s Place – Known for their fried chicken, but their sandwiches and gumbo are also top-notch. It’s a laid-back, no-frills place with delicious food.

It sounds like you already have a great list of places to visit, but these additional recommendations should help you fill in the gaps and try as many of New Orleans' culinary delights as possible. Enjoy your food adventure in the Crescent City!

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