What to do and see in Louisiana, United States: The Best Food Tours

September 22, 2021 Renato Branum

Louisiana tourism is centered on New Orleans and the North Shore region in the southeastern corner of the state near the Florida border. West of New Orleans is the Great River Road, with the I-10 running to the Mississippi River port capital city of Baton Rogue. West of New Orleans along the Gulf of Mexico, the I-10 cuts through Lafayette and Lake Charles on its way past Abbeville to Texas. Central Louisiana is Lake Country, and home to cities like Alexandria and Natchitoches. In northern Louisiana, the I-20 runs west from Monroe to Bossier City, Shreveport, and East Texas. Unless Louisiana is very familiar and frequent territory, New Orleans will be the top choice for a Louisiana vacation. Though Mardi Gras, music, and the winning ways of the New Orleans Saints football team get the spotlight, there is much more to explore in New Orleans. Within New Orleans choose among Bourbon Street, Royal Street, the Upper and Lower French Quarters, the Warehouse and Central Business District, the Garden District and Uptown, and Mid-City. With street car lines linking the French Quarter to the Garden District, Convention Center, and everywhere else, it is easy for the whole family to get around. If long walks are your exercise, explore the scenic city on foot. An easy two-hour drive from New Orleans brings you to Baton Rogue, Natchitoches and Lake Country. Explore old Beauregard Town in downtown Baton Rogue, the historic homes of the Baton Rogue Garden District, and tour one or several working plantations. Walk the 33-block Historic Landmark District and tour the historic homes and churches of Natchitoches. Relive Spanish Empire history in Louisiana at Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Historic Site. Heading west from New Orleans is Cajun Country and Lafayette with its mix of French, French Canadian (Acadian), Spanish, and Caribbean cultures. Besides Cajun and Creole cookery, explore the Civil War heritage at the Lafayette Museum. Stop by Abbeville to view the courthouse designed by Hayes Town, St. Mary Magdalen Church, and have a seafood meal. With 75 annual festivals Lake Charles is Louisiana's Festival City, and home to the Creole Nature Trail Scenic Byway. Shreveport and Bossier City in northwest Louisiana are casino and entertainment centers. Shreveport is renowned for hosting the Louisiana State Fair in the fall. Plus floral centers, art galleries, and museums. Monroe in the northeast also has notable gardens.
Restaurants in Louisiana

1. New Orleans Private Food Tour

701 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA New Orleans Private Tours
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Experience the best of New Orleans on this 3-hour private walking food and history tour of the French Quarter. Learn colorful history from an expert guide while stopping for bites at famous eateries. Try new foods in a social setting and investigate the best of what city has to offer.

Inclusions: 3 hour guided walking tour of New Orleans French Quarter, Fully narrated tour, visits to local establishments for carefully selected food and drink options, Licensed and insured local guide

Exclusions: Gratuities, Food and drinks , Private transportation, Admission to unplanned attractions

Reviewed By stoneathan

Dominick is extremely informative and did a great job keeping our young children engaged! He was prompt in picking us up from our home, and willing to work with us to tailor the tour to our young children. It is apparent from the moment you meet him, that the next 7-8 hours were money well spent!

2. From Garden District to French Quarter Food Tour

2729 Prytania St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA New Orleans Urban Adventures
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5.0 based on 5 reviews

From eye-catching architecture to palate-pleasing local foods, this half-day tour packs a serious punch when it comes to getting to know New Orleans. Spend some time exploring the historic Garden District and Irish Channel neighborhoods, then join your guide for a deep dive into the city’s culinary scene (trying everything from beignets to gumbo) in the French Quarter.

Inclusions: Local, English-speaking guide, Food samples, Streetcar fare

Exclusions: Additional food and drinks

Reviewed By robert b

Holly was so loved her tour she knows the history and the food loved the boudin the gumbo and potato salad wow!

3. Private New Orleans Food Tour of the French Quarter

600 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA Destination Kitchen
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

Find out what all the fuss is about on this private, half-day tour of some of the best food in New Orleans' famous French Quarter. Your knowledgeable, passionate guide will escort you and your group to famous restaurants in the French Quarter and River area, including a few commonly mentioned in cookbooks. Depending on your tour time, you may sample a variety of authentic tastings which may include, Seafood Gumbo at a Dickie Brennan's restaurant, Muffuletta, Jambalaya, Creole Brisket in a pre civil war Creole restaurant, Pralines, Boudin beignets and stroll pass the famous Cafe du Monde. Learn about the rich legacy of fine food in the French Quarter and which hotspots to check out on your own later; you can even work with your guide to customize the tour to your interests.

Inclusions: Private walking tour for your group , Food tastings from various French Quarter locations

Exclusions: Alcoholic beverages (additional cost), Gratuities (15-20% recommended)

Reviewed By Roman-981

Highly recommend taking this food tour!!! Laurent was our tour guide and he was AMAZING!! Very knowledgeable, funny, and engaging. It was a great time!!

4. Eat Like A Local: New Orleans Bywater Best Food & Art Tour

Dat Dog, 601 Frenchmen St, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA Bon Moment
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

A New Orleans native, I work with some of my favorite places to help you drink and eat like a local in Bywater! The arts and food/bar scene are the main draws to this bohemian neighborhood that thrives on the soul of our culture. In addition to enjoying food stops, you'll see street art, learn the roots of voodoo and see the site that launched the historic case of Homer v. Plessy. Experience Cajun history told through sausage, our Haitian influence in a historic food hall, German-New Orleans fusion on the Mississippi River and a secret popsicle pop-up. This tour offers a unique look into Creole and Cajun classics and the new, innovative direction of our local cuisine. Food, drinks, tax & tip are included so you can sit back and relax! Will accommodate allergies/dietary restrictions if told in advance. Menu & food stops are subject to availability. Tour is all weather, wear comfy shoes & bring a face mask. I also offer the New Orleans Garden District Food & History Tour (7 days a week)!

Inclusions: Local taxes, Food tasting, Professional guide, Beverages, Alcoholic Beverages, Gratuities, Lunch

Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off

Reviewed By noellv2017

Michelle was great and super knowledgeable about the Garden District. She was eager to have us try new things and we did! Super great recommendations from her! Would definitely recommend her tours and I plan to use her again for another tour when we go back!

5. The 10 Tastings of New Orleans With Locals: Private Food Tour

New Orleans Jazz Museum, 400 Esplanade Ave, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA ►► Withlocals™ - Local Private Tours ????????
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5.0 based on 5 reviews

Eat your way through New Orleans’ culinary scene on a private food tour. Go on a delicious journey as you try 10 of the best food items beloved by the locals: from savory to sweet and local drinks; this tour will leave every foodie satisfied! Enjoy tastings typical of the local cuisine and hand-picked by a local guide passionate about food like Po’Boy and Beignets. But that's not it! This tour is more than just food; it's a cultural experience! In between food stops, you'll also find city highlights making this experience a well-rounded tour that will satisfy every foodie. Withlocals The 10 Tastings Private Food Tour™ is one of Withlocals' signature tours available in major cities worldwide. We work with passionate local guides who earn a fair fee. We support local economies by only offering local produce and prevent over-tourism with only small non-intrusive groups. Our tours are carbon-neutral and away from the standard tourist routes.

Inclusions: Private Tour, Small group tour option available, Local Guide, 10 Food & Drinks Tastings, Vegetarian alternatives

Exclusions: Hotel pick-up and drop off

Reviewed By AzGirl85120

Not a good experience. MARY met us, my husband and I, as planned. The listing showed every 10 minutes you were at a different spot. Highlights. Our tour started at 7:30pm. At 7:50 pm we should’ve been to Bourbon St for the 1st of 2 stops. At 8:00 she had us heading away from Bourbon St not towards it. So I said “ aren’t we going to Bourbon St ? My husband was really counting on the stops at Bourbon St”. She said “ fine, if you don’t want to hear what I have to say I’ll take you to Bourbon St”. With that she took off 1/2 block ahead of us. We literally were running to try to keep up with her, which we never did. When we reached Bourbon St she took off to some side Street and left us. That was about 8:10 and our tour was till 9:00. Gone. Horrible to say the least.

6. NOLA Carte Food Tours

630 St Peter, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA New Orleans Music & Heritage Tour
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

NOLA Carte Food Tours are the creation of Chef Keith Abel. Currently, Food Stylist for NCIS New Orleans for all 7 seasons of the hit CBS Television show. You will learn 300 plus years of culinary history. Learn about the "rock star" chefs of New Orleans. Learn the origins of cooking techniques and ingredients. Not only do you learn these interestingly unique food tales, you get to try such notable dishes as Gumbo, PoBoys or Muffaletas, Pralines, Beignets and Cafe au Lait.

Inclusions: First stop will be for Gumbo, a classical New Orleans dish with origins in Africa, the Carribean and with later French influence.

Exclusions: Any beverages other than restaurant service water are excluded, will be at guests expense.

Reviewed By Kkoleary

Surprised it was just the two of us but then appreciated I could ask questions that may have been off topic and not annoy anyone. Started a little slow but then we walked through city discussing the beginning of blues and jazz. Although my husband is a fan I really knew little going in but feel I learned a lot about NOLA’s contribution to music. It helped to have learned a little of NOLA history beforehand so I could relate it to these music stories. Music samples were played on phone, but that’s okay because most of the great artists talked about are no longer with us. Face it, only a few street artists are out at 10am. Worthwhile tour if you are interested in music and culture.

7. New Orleans Hidden Gems Food and Cocktail Tour

5030 Freret St, New Orleans, LA 70115, USA Destination Kitchen
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4.9 based on 19 reviews

Uncover the little known treasures of an uptown New Orleans neighborhood. Combine the cultural delights and delectable tastings of Freret Street on this 3-hour food & cocktail tour of Louisiana's gem accompanied by a savvy guide. Delve into the culinary scene of the city by visiting several popular bars, restaurants and gelateria's. Sample local Creole and Cajun specialties like Cajun Gumbo with lagniappe, Natchez style meat pies, homemade melt in your mouth gelato and a refreshing French 75 cocktail.  Deepen your knowledge of New Orleans culinary and cultural traditions and enjoy personalized attention from your guide on this small-group tour limited to 12 people.

Inclusions: Local guide, Food tastings per itinerary, Five (5) drinks (Beer, Wine, Cocktails)

Exclusions: Gratuities, Additional drinks (available for purchase)

Reviewed By Roman-981

Highly recommend taking this food tour!!! Laurent was our tour guide and he was AMAZING!! Very knowledgeable, funny, and engaging. It was a great time!!

8. Small-Group French Quarter Cocktail and Foodie Crawl

North Peters Street & Ursulines Avenue, N Peters St & Ursulines Ave, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA Destination Kitchen
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4.9 based on 49 reviews

Savor the culinary history of New Orleans with this 3-hour cocktail and food tour of the French Quarter.

Inclusions: 7 food tastings, 4 cocktail tastings

Exclusions: Additional alcoholic beverages, Gratuities (15-20% recommended)

Reviewed By Roman-981

Highly recommend taking this food tour!!! Laurent was our tour guide and he was AMAZING!! Very knowledgeable, funny, and engaging. It was a great time!!

9. New Orleans Food and History Walking Tour

SoBou, 310 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA Doctor Gumbo Tours
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4.9 based on 674 reviews

This New Orleans food tour has every culinary taste covered. With a history-savvy guide leading the way, you’ll walk from classic Creole restaurants and neighborhood sandwich shops to hot sauce bars and artisanal candy stores. Visit up to six locations to sample diverse foods representing the breadth of Louisiana’s culinary heritage, including dishes like seafood gumbo, po-boys, muffulettas and pralines. Learn about the historical origins of each cuisine and, when possible, hear the chefs discuss their influences. Enjoy plenty of food on this afternoon tour. Please note: all venues are subject to change based on availability. This tour features a set menu and does not have a gluten-free, pork-free or vegetarian option. However, please notify us of any food allergies (not aversions) during check-out.

Inclusions: Lunch, Gratuities for servers at establishments

Exclusions: Beverages other than water, Gratuity for guide (optional), This tour features a set menu and does not have a gluten-free, pork-free or vegetarian option, Please notify us of any food allergies (not aversions) during check-out

Reviewed By mirandahardy

Amazing! Beth was an incredible tour guide, knew so much history. Made friends on this trip and would 100% recommend and do it again!

10. New Orleans Small-Group French Quarter Food Tour

Jackson Square, 701 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA New Orleans Urban Adventures
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4.9 based on 247 reviews

Dig into the rich and varied flavors that make New Orleans one of the USA’s top foodie destinations. From the most famous local haunts to some delectable hidden gems, you’ll leave with not only a full stomach and a smile, but a greater understanding of how New Orleans food, culture and history all go hand-in-hand.

Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, Food samples. Food options and portion sizes vary - total amount of food equals a full meal.

Exclusions: Tips/gratuities for your guide

Reviewed By NikumanDet

I booked this tour for March 27th and paid via Paypal. I never received an email voucher until I emailed them days later and they said they never received my payment but sent me a voucher anyway as "an act of good faith". They did eventually inform me that they did receive my payment and all was good. Then the day of the tour I go to the designated meeting area, no tour, no tour guide. I wait a good 30 minutes before calling the number on the voucher, they tell me I cancelled the tour (obviously I didn't) and since I was the only one who booked the tour that day it was cancelled entirely. I was disappointed but I said as long as they issue me a refund, things will be fine. I wait a good two weeks and no sign of a refund, I emailed them again and they said it was "processing". It wasn't until I reported them through PayPal that I was issued my refund immediately. Needless to say I will not be doing business with Urban Adventures again.

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