New Orleans Food Diary 🥯🦪🥘🦀🐊🍗

One of the highlights of visiting New Orleans is definitely the food! With its unique blend of French, Spanish, and Southern African-American influences, the cuisine here truly can’t be found anywhere else in the US. After traveling to so many American cities, where food often feels like just “good white-people food” or “bad white-people food,” New Orleans offers something different — whether it's delicious or not, your taste buds are in for a fresh thrill 🎉👅. 🥯 Beignet We tried them at three different spots: Cafe Beignet, Café Du Monde (the iconic chain since 1862), and Teddy’s Cafe in our hotel. Aside from slight differences in toppings, the beignets themselves were pretty much the same — think fluffy, sugar-dusted fried dough 🍩. If I had to pick one, I’d go with Cafe Beignet on Bourbon Street. Their garden patio often has live jazz, letting you soak up the lively Bourbon Street vibe while you eat 🎷🌿. Plus, they have the most beignet flavor options! 🦪🐊 Felix's Restaurant & Oyster Bar A popular Cajun chain — we visited the Lakeshore Dr location, right on the waterfront with amazing views 🌅. The grilled oysters and fried alligator were both delicious. Pro tip: Go during Happy Hour (3–6 PM) for half-price oysters! 🥘 Gumbo Shop An authentic Creole restaurant in the French Quarter. We ordered their signature Jambalaya and let the server recommend a few small plates — all tasty and full of local flair 😋. 🦪 Luke A bit more upscale Creole dining, but we hit it during Happy Hour— not too pricey! About $50 per person (without drinks) and we left stuffed. Their oysters are famous, though eating too many raw ones got a little heavy. We also tried some Creole specialties we’d never had before — not mind-blowing, but a unique experience for sure! 🦀🦐 Big EZ Seafood Seafood boils are everywhere in the US, but New Orleans’ Cajun-style seafood bucket is something else — so flavorful and delicious! 🌶️🦞 🍳☕️ BEARCAT Had a cute, satisfying brunch here on our last morning ☀️. 🍗 Fried chicken from street-side spots in lively neighborhoods is also a must-try — after all, this is the birthplace of Popeyes! 🐔✨ #NewOrleans #NOLAFood #TravelEats #FoodDiary #RestaurantRecommendations #EatLikeALocal