New Orleans French Quarter Food Tour: Po-Boys, Pralines & Creole Lunch

Summary

French Quarter tastes—po-boys, pralines, Creole stories & laughter

You’ll taste your way through New Orleans’ French Quarter—sampling po-boys, pralines fresh from Laura’s kitchen, muffuletta in a quiet courtyard, and classic Creole dishes like jambalaya and gumbo. With a local guide leading you between historic spots and family-owned restaurants (and plenty of stories along the way), you’ll leave full—in more ways than one.

What’s the experience like?

“You can’t rush red beans and rice,” our guide Miss Cheryl grinned as we squeezed into Tujague’s, dodging a waiter balancing plates like it was Mardi Gras. She’d been telling us about her grandmother’s kitchen and the way New Orleans food always takes its time—honestly, I could smell the slow-cooked spices before we even sat down. The French Quarter felt alive in that sticky heat, music leaking from open windows and someone whistling on Royal Street. I’d never tasted red beans so smoky and rich; I almost forgot to listen to the story about how this place used to be a Spanish armory. Guess that’s what happens when you’re hungry and distracted by history.

After that, we wandered down Toulouse Street—still wiping sauce off my hands—to Little Vic’s for muffuletta. The bread was warm and soft but had this chewy bite (I asked if they baked it here; our guide nodded). We ate in a shady courtyard where the air smelled faintly of coffee and something sweet drifting over from a bakery nearby. There was this older couple at the next table who started chatting with us about their favorite jazz bar; people here just talk to you like they’ve known you forever. I liked that.

I thought I knew what pralines were until Laura’s handed me one still slightly warm from the kitchen—so sugary it stuck to my teeth in the best way. Li laughed when I tried to say “pecan” with a local accent (I definitely didn’t nail it). We stopped again for po-boys at Nola’s—a hot roast beef one, messy enough that nobody cared about napkins—and then shrimp and cheese grits at Cafe Fleur De Lis. At some point I lost track of which dish was “lunch” and which was just another excuse to keep eating.

Honestly, by the end near Jackson Square, my feet were tired but my mood was light. It wasn’t just the food—it was hearing why people love these recipes or watching Miss Cheryl wave at someone every other block. Rain threatened once or twice but nobody minded; there’s something about New Orleans that makes you want to linger even when your shoes get wet. I still think about that first bite of jambalaya sometimes when I’m hungry back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — French Quarter Culinary Exploration

• Meet guide at French Market complex
• Walk through French Quarter streets
• Visit Jackson Square and learn history
• Taste red beans and rice at Tujague’s
• Sample pralines and chocolates at Laura’s
• Enjoy Muffaletta sandwich at Little Vic’s
• Try French pastries at Croissant D’Or
• Eat hot roast beef po' boy at Nola Po-Boy
• Taste shrimp and cheese grits at Cafe Fleur De Lis

Top questions

How long is the French Quarter food tour?

The tour lasts about 3 hours as you walk between tasting locations in the French Quarter.

What foods are included on this New Orleans food tour?

You’ll try red beans and rice, muffuletta sandwich, pralines, po-boys (like roast beef), shrimp & cheese grits, plus other Creole specialties.

Where does the food tour start?

The meeting point is at the French Market complex in central New Orleans.

Is lunch included on this French Quarter food tour?

Yes—all tastings are included in your ticket price and together make up more than enough for lunch.

Are drinks included on this New Orleans food tour?

The reference doesn’t mention drinks being included—just food tastings.

Is this walking tour suitable for kids or people with strollers?

Yes—the tour is family-friendly and infants or small children can ride in prams or strollers.

Does this food tour operate rain or shine?

Yes—the tour runs in all weather conditions so dress appropriately for rain or heat.

Are there vegetarian options on this French Quarter food tour?

The menu may change but most stops feature classic meat or seafood dishes; contact ahead for dietary needs.

What’s included

Your day includes all tastings across five historic restaurants and bakeries in the French Quarter—enough for a hearty lunch—with guidance from a professional local storyteller who keeps things lively as you stroll between stops like Tujague’s, Laura’s Pralines & Candies, Little Vic’s Rosticerria, Nola Po-Boy, Croissant D’Or Patisserie, and Cafe Fleur De Lis before finishing near Jackson Square.