The Taste of Tradition: Exploring New Orleans Cuisine

The Taste of Tradition: Exploring New Orleans Cuisine What happens when history, culture, and flavor collide on every plate? In this episode, Ashleigh and Christopher share their recent experience navigating the rich and diverse food scene of New Orleans — a city where every bite tells a story.

Why New Orleans Cuisine Matters With deep roots in French, Spanish, African, and Caribbean traditions, the city’s cuisine is bold, soulful, and anything but ordinary. Think gumbo that simmers all day, muffulettas stacked with flavor, and beignets that are worth the powdered sugar mess.

Some of the links below are affiliate links and as such, we earn a small commission from purchases that allow us to continue telling you our stories without costing you anything extra.

Tried-and-True Classics (That Actually Live Up to the Hype)

• Commander's Palace – Legendary Creole dining, jazz brunch, and yes… 25¢ martinis at lunch.

• Dooky Chase – A cornerstone of both culinary and civil rights history.

• Evangeline – A solid, less touristy French Quarter pick with real local charm.

• Napoleon House – A muffuletta + Pimm’s Cup combo in a building with stories to tell.

Quick Bites & Local Favorites

• Café du Monde – Touristy? Sure. Still worth it? Absolutely.

• Central Grocery – Grab the OG muffuletta to-go and find a shady spot nearby.

• Stein’s Deli – When you're craving a killer Reuben that rivals NYC’s.

A Few Offbeat Gems

• Latitude 29 – A tiki bar done right, with food that surprises.

• French Toast – A wallet-friendly breakfast spot tucked near the French Market.

• The Maison – Live jazz + gumbo fries = a very New Orleans night out.

Wine Break This episode’s sip: Bel Lago’s Auxerrois from Michigan. Light, juicy, and refreshingly unpretentious — the kind of wine that invites conversation.

Planning tip: Check out New Orleans Foodies on Facebook for more restaurant ideas!