New Orleans: 3 Ways to Sample the City’s Tastiest Food Trends

New Orleans is a foodie city elevated by local ingredients, multicultural influences and innovative cooks. Crafted throughout New Orleans, Creole cuisine blends the flavors of its European, African and Native American roots — more specifically, French influences with some Italian, Spanish, German and Caribbean elements. These cosmopolitan dishes, featuring rich sauces, ripe tomatoes and local seafood, are served in Creole restaurants throughout the French Quarter.

While the robust, rustic flavors of Cajun food can be found in New Orleans, the cuisine is abundant in northwest Louisiana communities. These “country-cooking” dishes blend French and Southern influences into one-pot meals. Sample Cajun favorites at several restaurants throughout New Orleans' Central Business District. For the more adventurous foodies, restaurants in the artsy Marigny and Bywater fuse international flavors into stunning modern dishes.

From rich, roux-based gumbo and locally sourced seafood to colorful king cake, signature dishes are central to New Orleans’ status as a culinary haven. Celebrate rich traditions at the New Orleans Wine & Food Experience, and sample local favorites like crawfish etouffee, jambalaya and shrimp po-boys at participating restaurants. Discover a sophisticated blend of flavors at Tales of the Cocktail, where industry professionals and cocktail enthusiasts share new takes on mixed drinks. Prepare to dust your fingers with powdered sugar when you bite into a deep-fried beignet. This New Orleans classic shines at the annual Beignet Fest, where you can enjoy the tasty pastry stuffed with sweet or savory delicacies.

Learn about New Orleans’ fascinating history and unique local culture through some of its most beloved dishes and restaurants. Take a culinary tour to discover the iconic drinks and dishes of the French Quarter, the Garden District and beyond. Sample flavorful muffaletta sandwiches and sip hurricane cocktails as you savor the sights and sounds of each neighborhood. Learn to cook the Louisiana way at one of the city’s many cooking classes. Perfect for amateur cooks, professional chefs or everyday foodies, these hands-on classes teach you how to prepare authentic Cajun and Creole dishes.

Fly into Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) and rent a car or travel by shuttle or bus. Walking or using public transport is recommended for getting around the heart of New Orleans.