12 Must-Try Food Tours In New Orleans

Introduction

Few places do food tourism quite like New Orleans. Its culinary scene is a colorful blend of Creole, Cajun, French, and African influences that have evolved over centuries. Whether you’re nibbling on a crispy po’boy on Bourbon Street or sipping a classic Sazerac, the city’s flavors tell stories of its diverse history and vibrant culture. A food tour in NOLA is a fantastic way to go beyond the typical tourist fare and taste authentic dishes at local eateries that often hide in plain sight.

In this guide, we’ve rounded up the 15 best food tours in New Orleans—each offering a unique experience. From 3-hour walking tours packed with hearty tastings, to small-group cocktail crawls that combine culinary delights with New Orleans’ legendary drinks, these options cater to various interests and budgets. We’ll help you find the perfect match—whether that’s a comprehensive French Quarter walk or a semi-private expedition through the Garden District. Ready to satisfy your curiosity and appetite? Let’s explore what each tour has to offer.

Quick Overview

This list includes walking tours that focus on local eateries, historic landmarks, and signature dishes, such as French Quarter Best Food Tour: Signature Flavors, which combines history with hearty tastings. For those seeking a little liquor with their local flavors, the New Orleans Cocktail and Food History Tour offers up to eight dishes and four drinks in a relaxed four-hour walk. If you prefer a small-group experience that explores iconic restaurants and cocktails, the French Quarter Small-Group Crawl might be your best choice. For a more in-depth dive into Creole cuisine, the Food Tour: Discover the Roots of Creole Cuisine provides a six-hour taste of authentic dishes. Each offers something special—whether it’s local flavor, history, or the perfect photo op—making New Orleans food tours a highlight of any visit.

1. French Quarters Best Food Tour: Signature Flavors of New Orleans

This 3-hour walking tour offers a full taste of New Orleans’ culinary soul. Your guide will lead you through historic buildings, local hotels, and beloved eateries, all within the French Quarter. All tastings are included, providing more than enough food for a hearty lunch—think po-boys, muffalettas, Creole specialties, and handmade candies. What makes this tour stand out is its blend of food, history, and urban legends, making it not just about what’s on your plate but also why it’s there.

Guests rave about the personable guides like Reagan, who shares anecdotes about NOLA’s culinary tradition along with fun facts about the city’s architecture. The tour visits Jackson Square, Bourbon Street, and Royal Street, offering a well-rounded introduction to local favorites. With a perfect 5-star rating from hundreds of reviews, this tour combines value and insight, making it ideal for first-timers wanting a sampler of the city’s best bites. Expect generous tastings and plenty of tips for your stay.

Bottom Line: A lively, comprehensive introduction to French Quarter cuisine, perfect if you want a hearty lunch and a taste of New Orleans’ history.

2. New Orleans Cocktail and Food History Tour

If your idea of a food tour involves both bites and booze, this 4-hour jaunt is a top pick. It’s a walking tour that takes you to six different venues, where you’ll sample up to eight dishes and four full-sized drinks—covering everything from Cajun seafood to classic cocktails like the hurricane and French 75. The focus is on local flavors and cocktail heritage, giving you a taste of New Orleans’ reputation for inventive mixology.

Tour guide Ben is praised for his knowledge and friendliness, making the experience lively and educational. The tour’s highlight is the opportunity to explore local bars and restaurants rarely visited by travelers, with visits to historic landmarks like Napoleon House, famous for its Pimm’s Cup. The $160 price reflects a comprehensive tasting experience suitable for foodies and drink enthusiasts who want to understand how New Orleans’ cuisine and cocktails are interconnected.

Bottom Line: A flavorful way to combine history, food, and cocktails with a small-group vibe, perfect for those who appreciate a good story and a good drink.

3. French Quarter Small-Group Cocktail and Foodie Crawl

For a more intimate experience, this 3-hour tour is capped at just seven people. You’ll visit renowned restaurants and local establishments, tasting seven hearty bites and four cocktail samples. The route includes the French Quarter and Riverwalk, with insider stories about the history of food and drinks.

Hosted by a savvy guide, this tour allows for personalized recommendations and even some customization based on your preferences. Stops include famous spots like Napoleon House and New Orleans Creole Cookery. Guests enjoy learning why certain dishes have become staples in New Orleans cuisine while sampling authentic flavors. The $115 price offers good value for a small-group and high-quality experience.

Bottom Line: An excellent choice for those seeking an in-depth, relaxed exploration of the city’s culinary and cocktail scene with fewer people.

4. New Orleans: French Quarter Food History Walking Tour

This 3-hour tour is ideal for history and food lovers alike. You’ll visit five eateries and taste nine different samples, including Boudin, Po-boys, Pralines, and Gumbo. The focus is on illuminating the roots and evolution of NOLA’s distinctive cuisine through visits to creole restaurants, candy shops, and hole-in-the-wall joints.

Guests appreciate the pace and variety of food stops, with some reviewers saying it’s a great way to get familiar with the neighborhood’s culinary heritage. With a $85 price, this tour offers a good balance between depth and affordability. It’s best suited for those who want a rundown without a long time commitment.

Bottom Line: A tasty, educational walk through the history and flavors that define New Orleans’ culinary identity.

5. French Quarter Food Tour

This small-group tour offers a 3-hour walk through the French Quarter with six local restaurants, bakeries, and mom-and-pop joints. You’ll enjoy generous tastings that make up a satisfying lunch, like Creole, Cajun dishes, and French-inspired favorites. Along the way, your guide shares stories that bring the city’s culinary culture to life.

Rated 5 stars from many reviewers, the guide’s engaging storytelling is a highlight. The tour includes visits to Laura’s Candies and the famous Court of Two Sisters. The $89 price is competitive, especially considering the multiple tastings and the personalized experience. It’s perfect for food lovers wanting a relaxed, yet comprehensive introduction.

Bottom Line: A flavorful tour that combines history, culture, and hearty tastes in a cozy, small-group setting.

6. The Premier New Orleans Food Walking Tour

This 3-hour tour is for culinary and history buffs who want to sample multiple historic eateries. It covers French Quarter highlights, including Gumbo, Red Beans and Rice, and Muffaletta sandwiches. The tour promises storytelling and tastings in a small group environment, adding a personal touch.

Tour guide Larry gets rave reviews for his knowledge and helpfulness. The $81 ticket includes all food tastings, making it good value for an immersive experience. It’s best for first-time visitors who want a well-rounded taste of New Orleans’ culinary heritage.

Bottom Line: A solid, balanced experience that combines food, culture, and historic sights, ideal for first-timers.

7. French Quarters Best Food Tour: Signature Tastes of New Orleans

This 3-hour walk showcases homestyle Louisiana cooking. You visit several iconic restaurants to sample dishes such as po-boys, beef brisket, pralines, and jambalaya. The tour features authentic flavors and local storytelling, making it a delicious journey through Cajun, Creole, and French-inspired cuisine.

Rated 4.5 stars, guests love the personalized touches and generous tastings. The $75 price makes it affordable for a comprehensive culinary experience. It’s perfect for those eager to explore New Orleans’ traditional dishes.

Bottom Line: A flavorful, hearty tour ideal for foodies eager to taste Louisiana classics.

8. The New Orleans Food Walking Tour

This 3-hour tour features several historic eateries in the French Quarter. You’ll taste signature dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, and the muffaletta, with all tastings included. It’s perfect for those wanting a broad overview of local cuisine and culture.

Tour guide Bryon has a reputation for engaging storytelling and hospitality. The $81 ticket provides delicious sampling at a reasonable price. This tour suits visitors who want a comprehensive, fun introduction to New Orleans.

Bottom Line: An all-around culinary walk that balances history and flavor for first-time visitors.

9. New Orleans Food Tour: Discover the Roots of Creole Cuisine

Spending 6 hours exploring Creole dishes, this tour is perfect for deep foodies. You visit multiple neighborhoods including the French Quarter and Treme, with tastings at food shops and eateries. It’s a thorough dive into the origins and evolution of Creole cooking.

Kelly, the guide, is praised for her extensive knowledge and ability to connect food with culture. The $150 price reflects its comprehensive nature and length, making it suitable for serious food lovers who want an immersive experience.

Bottom Line: A long, detailed exploration of Creole cuisine ideal for culinary history fans.

10. Food Tour of New Orleans Garden District group of 9 or less

This semi-private tour (max 9 people) takes you away from the French Quarter to explore the Garden District. You’ll visit local favorite restaurants, sampling both classic New Orleans dishes and modern gastronomy. The tour also includes sights of historic mansions and art shops along Magazine Street.

Guide Ty is commended for his excellent storytelling and flexibility. At $129, it offers personalized attention in a less crowded setting, perfect for those interested in both food and architecture.

Bottom Line: An intimate, full-meal tour perfect for design and food lovers wanting to see a different side of New Orleans.

11. Lower Garden District Food Tour

Focusing on the Lafayette Cemetery and Magazine Street, this 3-hour tour visits five eateries featuring international and southern dishes. Highlights include artisan donuts and award-winning deli sandwiches. It’s a less touristy option that explores local flavors in a lively neighborhood.

Tour guide Kaffey is praised for her knowledge and friendliness. The $89 cost includes sampling at each stop, making it a good value. Best suited for those wanting to explore diverse cuisines outside the main tourist areas.

Bottom Line: A global flavor sampler that’s ideal for adventurous eaters interested in off-the-beaten-path spots.

12. New Orleans: Garden District Food, Drinks & History Tour

This 3-hour tour combines history, architecture, and food. You’ll visit three stops with regional Cajun and Creole dishes, plus small local businesses along Magazine Street. It’s a tasty and cultural experience that showcases the neighborhood’s charm.

Michelle, the guide, gets high marks for her passion and storytelling. The $95 price includes full meal stops and is suited for those who enjoy a balanced mix of history and culinary discovery.

Bottom Line: A lovely combination of culture, history, and flavors in a less hectic neighborhood.

How to Choose Your Perfect Food Tour

Picking the right food tour depends on your time commitment, budget, and interests. If you want a comprehensive introduction to French Quarter classics, French Quarters Best Food Tour: Signature Flavors is a great pick. For those craving craft cocktails along with local bites, the Cocktail and Food History Tour offers a flavorful mix. If small group size is your priority, the French Quarter Small-Group Crawl delivers a more personalized experience.

Consider your geographic interests too. The Garden District tours and Lower Garden District show a different side of historic neighborhoods, while longer experiences like the Discover Creole Cuisine suit culinary history buffs. Budget-wise, tours range from $44 for a shorter, basic French Quarter Food Walking Tour to $160 for the full combo experience.

Booking early is recommended, especially in peak seasons, to secure your spot and tailor your experience.

The Sum Up

New Orleans offers a diverse array of food tours, with options ranging from quick bites to in-depth explorations of Creole and Cajun roots. For a balanced introduction, the French Quarters Best Food Tour: Signature Flavors remains a top choice, while those looking for a more intimate, drink-focused adventure may prefer the Small-Group Cocktail Crawl. If you’re eager to learn about and taste the full spectrum of Louisiana cuisine, the Discover Creole Cuisine tour is unmatched.

No matter which tour you choose, booking early and preparing for hearty portions will ensure you get the most out of your culinary adventure in NOLA. These tours promise not just delicious food, but also stories, history, and memories to last long after your trip ends.