New Orleans: Beyond the French Quarter Food Tour

Exploring New Orleans can feel overwhelming — so many iconic sights, sounds, and tastes. This tour offers a chance to focus on what really makes the city special: its local cuisine and neighborhood charm. It’s a three-hour, small-group adventure that guides you through three award-winning restaurants in the beautiful Audubon area, where you can enjoy a full dinner and learn about the neighborhood’s story.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the intimate size of just 9 participants helps create a relaxed, VIP atmosphere. Second, the culinary variety — sampling dishes from celebrated chefs — ensures you’re getting more than just “tourist food.” That said, keep in mind that this is a dinner-sized feast, so coming hungry is definitely recommended.

A potential consideration is that the tour is geared toward adults and does not accommodate vegetarians, vegans, or those with specific dietary restrictions. It’s also a slightly upscale experience at one of the restaurants, so casual dress (like shorts or graphic T-shirts) may not be suitable everywhere. Still, for those eager to explore a less touristy side of New Orleans with authentic flavors, this tour hits the mark.

This experience is ideal for food lovers, history buffs interested in local neighborhoods, and travelers who want a relaxed, small-group dining adventure away from the crowds. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned NOLA visitor, you’ll find plenty to love.

Key Points

• Authentic Neighborhood Dining: Experience local favorites in the Audubon area, away from typical tourist spots.
• Full Dinner Experience: Enjoy generous portions at three top restaurants, providing a real taste of New Orleans cuisine.
• Educational & Cultural Insights: Learn about the history of the Audubon neighborhood from your knowledgeable guide.
• VIP, Small-Group Setting: Limited to nine guests, ensuring personalized attention and a comfortable atmosphere.
• Pre-Dinner Cocktail: Start with a drink at St. Joe Bar, setting a relaxed tone before the culinary journey.
• Accessible & Flexible: Wheelchair accessible; rain or shine; good for adult travelers and mature children.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Experience

The tour begins just outside St. Joes Bar at 5535 Magazine. Meeting here gives an authentic sense of the local scene — a cozy spot with a welcoming vibe. Your guide, who is well-versed in both food and neighborhood history, kicks things off with a signature cocktail, setting a convivial tone. This initial stop is more than just a drink; it’s an introduction to the area’s ambiance and a warm-up for the flavorful journey ahead.

From there, you’ll visit three different restaurants — each a jewel in the Audubon area’s culinary crown. These establishments are award-winning, often helmed by celebrated chefs. The focus is on full portions, meaning you won’t leave hungry. You’ll get to sample signature dishes that showcase New Orleans’ diverse food scene beyond the classic Creole fare.

Each restaurant visit involves plenty of seating, with most of the walking limited to about 0.35 miles across the entire tour. This makes it accessible for most guests, even those with limited mobility. The emphasis on comfort means you’ll spend more time savoring than walking or standing.

During each stop, your guide offers insights into the dishes’ origins and how they reflect local culture. For example, the guide might explain how certain ingredients became staples or share stories about the chefs behind the kitchens. This educational element elevates the experience from just eating to understanding what makes New Orleans food so vibrant.

Reviewers have praised their guides highly. Suzanne from the U.S. called Mark, the guide, “awesome, very knowledgeable,” adding that he offered ideas for other dining options around the city. Jacquelyn, a local herself, rated the tour a “10/10,” highlighting how she visited places she hadn’t been before and appreciated the personalized recommendations.

The tour concludes after about three hours, and while most guests are quite full, you’ll also leave with recommendations for other dining adventures. This makes the experience valuable not just for the meal itself but for the insider knowledge and local insights you take away.

Breaking Down the Itinerary

Start at St. Joes Bar — a cozy spot where your guide greets you with a specially crafted cocktail. This is a relaxed way to begin, giving everyone a chance to mingle and hear about what’s ahead. It’s a nice contrast to more hurried food tours and sets the tone for an intimate experience.

Visit the first restaurant — here, you’ll indulge in a signature dish prepared by a celebrated chef. The focus is on full servings, so you’ll get a genuine taste of their culinary style. The atmosphere in each restaurant varies from casual to upscale, but the tour instructor will advise on appropriate attire, especially for the more formal venues.

Second stop — this is where most of the “big flavors” happen. The dishes here might surprise even those familiar with New Orleans cuisine, offering a fresh perspective on local ingredients and techniques. The guide shares stories and history, making each bite more meaningful.

Final restaurant — the culmination of your journey, often featuring a signature dessert or a standout entrée. You’ll likely be quite full at this point but satisfied knowing you’ve experienced a wide spectrum of local flavors.

Wrap-up — the tour concludes back at St. Joes Bar or nearby, with plenty of time for questions, recommendations, or just soaking in the neighborhood’s late-evening atmosphere.

The Value of This Tour

Compared to typical food tours, this experience offers generous portions and a relaxed pace. While some may wonder if three hours is enough, the combination of full meals and informative commentary ensures you leave feeling satisfied — both physically and culturally.

Pricing-wise, while it might seem premium, the value is evident in the quality of the restaurants, the intimate size, and the educational component. You’re not just sampling food; you’re experiencing a neighborhood through its culinary lens with a knowledgeable guide by your side.

The small group size—limited to 9—means plenty of personal attention and the opportunity to ask questions or get customized recommendations. Reviewers consistently praise the guide’s knowledge and friendliness, which greatly enhance the experience.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is perfect for adults and mature children interested in authentic local cuisine and neighborhood stories. It suits those who are comfortable with upscale dining and don’t have specific dietary restrictions, as the tour doesn’t accommodate vegans, vegetarians, or those with food allergies.

Travelers wanting a more relaxed, intimate experience than larger, busier food tours will appreciate the small-group setting. It’s especially valuable for visitors who want to go beyond the French Quarter, exploring a neighborhood known for its local flavor and culinary hidden gems.

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FAQ

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
Yes, the tour involves limited walking (about 0.35 miles total) and is wheelchair accessible. Be sure to mention any mobility needs when booking so venues can accommodate.

Do I need to be really hungry for this tour?
Absolutely. Since you’ll be enjoying full portions at three restaurants, arriving hungry ensures you can truly savor each dish without feeling overly full or uncomfortable.

Can I bring children on this tour?
Yes, mature children are welcome, but alcohol is only served to guests 21 and over. The experience is geared toward adults, so consider whether children will enjoy the food and atmosphere.

What should I wear?
Dress appropriately for an upscale restaurant if you’re visiting a more formal venue. Generally, comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothes are advisable. Avoid shorts, graphic tees, ripped clothing, open-toe shoes, or tank tops for certain stops.

What if I have food allergies or dietary restrictions?
Please specify allergies when booking. However, the tour does not cater to vegans, vegetarians, or gluten/lactose intolerances, so check beforehand if this aligns with your needs.

How far in advance should I book?
Booking ahead is recommended, especially since the tour is limited to just 9 guests. You can reserve now and pay later if you wish, providing flexibility for your travel plans.

What happens if it rains?
The tour runs rain or shine, so come prepared with weather-appropriate clothing. Many venues offer indoor seating, so the experience should still be enjoyable.

Final Thoughts

This Beyond the French Quarter Food Tour offers a delightful way to explore New Orleans far from the typical tourist paths. You get to enjoy generous, full-sized dishes, learn about local neighborhoods, and meet a knowledgeable guide who makes the food and history come alive. The small-group setup ensures a personalized, relaxed atmosphere, perfect for those who want to savor the city’s flavors at their own pace.

While it may not suit everyone—especially those with strict dietary restrictions or casual dress preferences—it’s a superb choice for foodies, culture seekers, and anyone wanting a genuine taste of NOLA’s neighborhood life. Expect delicious food, engaging stories, and a memorable evening that takes you beyond the usual sights and sounds of New Orleans.

This tour is a smart choice if you’re looking to combine culinary excellence with a little bit of local history, all wrapped up in an intimate, fun setting.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby