The French Quarter, with its rich history, vibrant culture, and mouth-watering Creole cuisine, is a food lover’s paradise. While tourists flock to famous restaurants like Dooky Chase’s Restaurant and Cafe du Monde, locals know that the best eats can be found in lesser-known establishments. In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey to uncover the hidden gems where locals eat in the French Quarter.
A Brief History of French Quarter Cuisine
Before we dive into the local eateries, it’s essential to understand the history and evolution of French Quarter cuisine. The French Quarter, also known as the Vieux Carré, has been a melting pot of cultures since its founding in 1718. The city’s unique blend of French, Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences has given birth to a distinct Creole cuisine.
Creole cuisine is characterized by its use of local ingredients, such as seafood, okra, and rice, combined with African, French, and Spanish cooking techniques. The cuisine has evolved over time, with the addition of new ingredients and cooking styles, but its core remains rooted in the city’s cultural heritage.
Breakfast in the French Quarter
When it comes to breakfast, locals know that the French Quarter has plenty of options beyond the famous beignets at Cafe du Monde. Here are a few local favorites:
- Willie Mae’s Scotch House: This Treme institution has been serving up Southern-style breakfasts since 1957. Try their fried chicken and waffles or eggs with andouille sausage.
- Cafe Maspero: This cozy cafe on Chartres Street serves up delicious breakfast dishes, including eggs benedict and quiche.
Hidden Gems for Breakfast
- Atchafalaya: This Garden District restaurant may not be in the French Quarter proper, but it’s worth the short drive. Their breakfast menu features dishes like shrimp and grits and eggs with alligator sausage.
- Joey K’s Restaurant: This casual eatery on Magazine Street serves up breakfast favorites, including pancakes and omelets, with a side of local flavor.
Lunch in the French Quarter
When it comes to lunch, locals know that the French Quarter has plenty of options beyond the famous po’ boys at Parkway Bakery and Tavern. Here are a few local favorites:
- Coop’s Place: This casual Cajun restaurant on Decatur Street serves up delicious gumbo, jambalaya, and fried chicken.
- Johnny’s Po-Boy Restaurant: This family-owned eatery on St. Louis Street has been serving up po’ boys since 1950. Try their famous fried catfish po’ boy.
Dinner in the French Quarter
When it comes to dinner, locals know that the French Quarter has plenty of options beyond the famous fine dining restaurants like Antoine’s and Galatoire’s. Here are a few local favorites:
- Dooky Chase’s Restaurant: This Treme institution has been serving up Creole cuisine since 1941. Try their famous gumbo z’herbes or jambalaya.
- Bayona: This Warehouse District restaurant may not be in the French Quarter proper, but it’s worth the short drive. Their menu features dishes like shrimp and scallops with pasta and filet mignon.
Hidden Gems for Dinner
- GW Fins: This upscale seafood restaurant on Bienville Street serves up fresh seafood dishes, including lobster and scallops.
- Herbsaint: This Warehouse District restaurant serves up delicious Creole cuisine, including dishes like shrimp and grits and roasted duck.
Snacks and Desserts in the French Quarter
When it comes to snacks and desserts, locals know that the French Quarter has plenty of options beyond the famous beignets at Cafe du Monde. Here are a few local favorites:
- Cafe du Monde’s rival, Morning Call: This cafe on Canal Street serves up delicious beignets and coffee.
- Creole Creamery: This ice cream shop on Magazine Street serves up unique flavors like Creole cream cheese and sweet potato.
Hidden Gems for Snacks and Desserts
- Reverend Zombie’s House of Voodoo: This voodoo shop on St. Peter Street serves up delicious pralines and other treats.
- Central Grocery Co.: This Italian grocery store on Decatur Street serves up delicious muffulettas and other sandwiches.
Conclusion
The French Quarter is a food lover’s paradise, with a wide range of delicious options to suit every taste and budget. While tourists flock to famous restaurants like Dooky Chase’s Restaurant and Cafe du Monde, locals know that the best eats can be found in lesser-known establishments. By exploring the hidden gems of the French Quarter, you can experience the authentic flavors and culture of this unique city.
| Restaurant | Cuisine | Address |
|---|---|---|
| Willie Mae’s Scotch House | Southern | 2401 St. Ann St |
| Cafe Maspero | Cafe | 621 Decatur St |
| Coop’s Place | Cajun | 1109 Decatur St |
| Johnny’s Po-Boy Restaurant | Creole | 511 St. Louis St |
| Dooky Chase’s Restaurant | Creole | 2301 Orleans Ave |
| Bayona | Creole | 430 Dauphine St |
| GW Fins | Seafood | 808 Bienville St |
| Herbsaint | Creole | 701 St. Charles Ave |
| Morning Call | Cafe | 3325 Severn Ave |
| Creole Creamery | Ice Cream | 6260 Vicksburg St |
Note: The addresses listed are subject to change, and it’s always a good idea to check for updates before visiting a restaurant.
What is the French Quarter known for in terms of food?
The French Quarter is known for its rich culinary history, which reflects the cultural diversity of New Orleans. The neighborhood is famous for its Creole and Cajun cuisine, which combines French, Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences. From beignets to gumbo, jambalaya to po’ boys, the French Quarter offers a wide range of delicious dishes that showcase the city’s unique flavor.
Some popular local eateries in the French Quarter serve traditional New Orleans cuisine, while others offer modern twists on classic dishes. Visitors can sample the city’s famous seafood, indulge in decadent desserts, or try some of the best coffee in the country. Whether you’re in the mood for something classic and comforting or adventurous and new, the French Quarter has something for every palate.
What are some hidden gems for dining in the French Quarter?
While many visitors flock to famous restaurants like Dooky Chase’s Restaurant and Cafe du Monde, there are plenty of hidden gems to discover in the French Quarter. One local favorite is Coop’s Place, a casual Cajun restaurant that serves up delicious red beans and rice, gumbo, and fried chicken. Another gem is Parkway Bakery and Tavern, which offers mouthwatering po’ boys and a wide selection of craft beers.
For a taste of something new and exciting, try one of the French Quarter’s many modern eateries. The Rum House, for example, offers a creative menu of Caribbean-inspired dishes, while The Gumbo Shop serves up traditional New Orleans cuisine with a modern twist. These hidden gems offer a chance to experience the real New Orleans, away from the crowds and tourist traps.
What is the best way to find local eateries in the French Quarter?
The best way to find local eateries in the French Quarter is to ask locals for recommendations. Talk to your hotel concierge, a local shopkeeper, or a street performer, and ask them where they like to eat. You can also try searching online for “local eats” or “hidden gems” in the French Quarter, or look for reviews on websites like Yelp or TripAdvisor.
Another great way to discover local eateries is to explore the neighborhood on foot. Wander down side streets and alleys, and look for small, family-owned restaurants that may not be listed in guidebooks. You can also try following local food bloggers or social media influencers, who often share their favorite eats and hidden gems.
What are some popular local dishes to try in the French Quarter?
Some popular local dishes to try in the French Quarter include gumbo, jambalaya, po’ boys, and beignets. Gumbo is a hearty stew made with a combination of ingredients like okra, rice, and a variety of meats and seafood. Jambalaya is a one-pot dish made with sausage, rice, and a mix of vegetables and meats. Po’ boys are crispy French bread sandwiches filled with fried seafood, meat, or vegetables.
Beignets are sweet fried dough pastries covered in powdered sugar, typically served with coffee or chicory. Other local specialties include muffulettas (a Sicilian-style sandwich made with cured meats and cheese), pralines (sweet candies made with sugar, cream, and pecans), and king cake (a sweet bread eaten during Mardi Gras season).
Are there any local eateries that offer vegetarian or vegan options?
Yes, there are many local eateries in the French Quarter that offer vegetarian or vegan options. One popular spot is The Gumbo Shop, which offers a vegetarian gumbo made with okra and a variety of vegetables. Another great option is Coop’s Place, which serves up delicious vegetarian red beans and rice.
For vegan options, try The Rum House, which offers a creative menu of Caribbean-inspired dishes made with plant-based ingredients. Another great spot is Cafe Maspero, which serves up delicious vegan breakfast dishes like tofu scrambles and chickpea omelets. Many local eateries are happy to accommodate special dietary requests, so don’t be afraid to ask your server for options.
Can I find affordable dining options in the French Quarter?
Yes, there are many affordable dining options in the French Quarter. While some restaurants can be pricey, there are plenty of casual eateries and cafes that offer delicious food at a lower cost. One affordable option is Parkway Bakery and Tavern, which serves up mouthwatering po’ boys for around $10.
Another great option is Cafe du Monde, which offers beignets and coffee for a few dollars. Many local eateries also offer happy hour specials or discounts for large groups, so be sure to ask your server about any deals. Additionally, consider eating at local markets or food trucks, which often offer affordable and delicious options.
Are there any local eateries that offer outdoor seating?
Yes, there are many local eateries in the French Quarter that offer outdoor seating. One popular spot is Cafe du Monde, which has a large outdoor patio where you can enjoy beignets and coffee. Another great option is The Rum House, which offers a cozy outdoor courtyard where you can enjoy Caribbean-inspired dishes.
Many local eateries also offer sidewalk seating, where you can people-watch and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the French Quarter. Some popular spots for outdoor seating include Jackson Square, where you can find several cafes and restaurants with outdoor tables, and the French Market, which offers a variety of food stalls and restaurants with outdoor seating.