What is the best time to start this food walk?

Start around 10:00 AM or 10:30 AM. This allows you to see the restaurants as they prepare for lunch and ensures you reach Cafe Du Monde before the largest mid-day crowds arrive.

Do I need to dress up for this self-guided walk?

If you are only viewing the buildings from the outside, casual clothing is fine. However, if you plan to dine at Galatoire's or Antoine's, men will likely need a sport coat and flip-flops are generally discouraged.

Is the French Quarter safe for a solo walking route?

Yes, during daylight and early evening hours, the main streets of the French Quarter are busy and generally safe. Always stay aware of your surroundings as you would in any major city.

Can I actually eat at these stops along the way?

Yes, though some require reservations. Cafe Du Monde and Central Grocery are perfect for quick, walk-up service, while the 'Grand Dames' like Brennan's are better for a planned sit-down meal.

Is this route accessible for strollers or wheelchairs?

The route is flat, but the French Quarter's historic sidewalks are notoriously uneven and can be narrow. It is manageable but requires caution and occasional detours into the street.

What are the must-try foods on this route?

Essential tastes include beignets at Cafe Du Monde, a Pimm's Cup at Napoleon House, and a muffuletta sandwich at Central Grocery. These are the most accessible 'quick' bites on the walk.

Where is the best place to park for this walk?

Parking in the French Quarter is difficult and expensive. It is best to park in a garage in the Central Business District (CBD) near Canal Street and walk or take the streetcar into the Quarter.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Step into a world where flavor and history are inextricably linked. This self-guided walk invites you to explore the legendary culinary landscape of the New Orleans French Quarter, known locally as the Vieux Carré. As you wander through the cobblestone streets, you will encounter the 'Grand Dames' of Creole dining—institutions that have survived for over a century by perfecting the art of hospitality. This neighborhood stroll is not just about tasting food; it is about understanding the complex cultural tapestry of French, Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences that created the unique Creole identity. You will see the elegant dining rooms where the city's elite have gathered for generations and the humble stands that pioneered world-famous snacks. Along this walking route, you will uncover the stories behind iconic dishes like Oysters Rockefeller and Bananas Foster, and learn about the flamboyant characters who founded these establishments. From the vibrant energy of Bourbon Street to the historic charm of Royal Street, this experience captures the essence of a city that lives to eat. Whether you are a dedicated foodie or a history enthusiast, this walking tour New Orleans route provides the perfect independent exploration of the city's most delicious landmarks. Discover why these culinary classics remain the beating heart of the French Quarter at your own pace.

Highlights

The historic 'Grand Dames' of Creole cuisine

Origin sites of Oysters Rockefeller and Bananas Foster

The legendary 24/7 beignet stand at Cafe Du Monde

Napoleon House, where a plot to rescue an Emperor was born

Sicilian heritage and the original muffuletta at Central Grocery

The elegant architecture of the oldest family-run restaurant in the US

Tour Stops (7)

Galatoire's

Welcome to Bourbon Street, home to Galatoire's, a pillar of New Orleans society since 1905. Founded by Jean Galatoire, this restaurant is famous for its strict adherence to tradition. For over a century, the Friday lunch here has been the most coveted 'reservation' in town—though famously, the downstairs dining room did not accept reservations for decades, leading to long lines of socialites in the street. Inside, the bright mirrors and brass coat racks have seen generations of New Orleanians celebrate milestones. The cuisine is quintessential French Creole, focusing on local seafood like trout amandine and crabmeat ravigote. It is a place where the jacket-required dress code and the lively atmosphere remind us that in New Orleans, dining is a grand performance.

Arnaud's New Orleans

Just a short walk away stands Arnaud's, established in 1918 by 'Count' Arnaud Cazenave. A colorful character, the Count believed that dining should be an indulgent experience. This restaurant is actually a collection of interconnected 19th-century townhouses. Arnaud's is credited with popularizing Shrimp Remoulade, served with their signature spicy, mustard-based sauce. If you look up, you might notice the second floor, which houses a free museum dedicated to Germaine Cazenave Wells, the Count's daughter. She was a prolific Mardi Gras queen, and the museum displays her elaborate gowns. This stop highlights the deep connection between New Orleans' culinary world and its festive Carnival traditions.

Brennan's

Pause here at the striking pink building on Royal Street. This is Brennan's, a landmark that redefined the New Orleans breakfast. In the 1950s, Owen Brennan challenged the idea that breakfast was a simple meal, creating 'Breakfast at Brennan's' as a multi-course, decadent affair. The most famous contribution from this kitchen is Bananas Foster. Created in 1951 by Chef Paul Blangé, the dish was named after Richard Foster, a friend of the Brennan family and a local civic leader. The theatrical flaming of bananas in rum, cinnamon, and banana liqueur remains a staple of the city's dessert repertoire. The building itself dates back to 1795 and once housed the First Bank of Louisiana.

Antoine's Restaurant

You are standing before the oldest family-run restaurant in the United States. Founded in 1840 by Antoine Alciatore, this institution is the birthplace of Oysters Rockefeller. The dish was created by Antoine's son, Jules, in 1889; it was so rich that he named it after the wealthiest man of the time, John D. Rockefeller. The exact recipe remains a family secret, though it is known to contain a blend of green herbs rather than the spinach many imitators use. With 14 dining rooms, each with its own history—like the 1812 Room or the Rex Room—Antoine's is a labyrinth of New Orleans history. It has served everyone from US Presidents to Pope John Paul II.

Napoleon House

The atmosphere shifts as we reach Napoleon House. This building was the residence of Nicholas Girod, the first elected mayor of New Orleans. In 1821, Girod allegedly plotted with local pirates to rescue Napoleon Bonaparte from his exile on St. Helena and bring him here to live. Although Napoleon died before the plan could be executed, the name stuck. Today, the building is a protected National Historic Landmark. It is famous for its weathered walls, classical music, and its signature drink: the Pimm's Cup. This refreshing gin-based cocktail, garnished with cucumber, became a local favorite here in the 1940s as a way to beat the sweltering Louisiana heat.

Cafe Du Monde

No culinary exploration of the French Quarter is complete without a stop at Cafe Du Monde. Established in 1862 as a coffee stand in the French Market, it is an iconic symbol of the city. Here, the menu is simple: dark roasted coffee with chicory and beignets. The use of chicory—the root of the endive plant—dates back to the American Civil War when coffee was scarce; locals found that chicory added a chocolatey bitterness and stretched their supply. The beignets are square pieces of fried dough, served in sets of three and buried under a mountain of powdered sugar. It is a tradition to never blow the sugar off, or you will end up covered in white dust!

Central Grocery and Deli

Our final stop is Central Grocery, an old-fashioned Italian market founded in 1906 by Salvatore Lupo, a Sicilian immigrant. This is the birthplace of the muffuletta sandwich. Lupo noticed that Italian workers in the nearby French Market would buy various meats, cheeses, and olive salad for lunch, struggling to eat them separately. He decided to put everything inside a large, round loaf of Sicilian sesame bread, and the muffuletta was born. The secret is the marinated olive salad, which soaks into the bread. This deli stands as a testament to the massive influence of Sicilian immigrants on the food culture of New Orleans, providing a savory end to our walk.

Frequently Asked Questions

The route is approximately 1 mile (1.6 km) long and takes 2 to 3 hours depending on how long you stop to eat or take photos. The walk is entirely within the flat French Quarter district.