Restaurants Recommended by a New Orleans Swamp Tour Driver 🚤

During a swamp tour, our driver shared some local dining gems—here’s a handy list inspired by his tips: 1️⃣ Coterie Restaurant & Oyster Bar Tried blackened alligator here—the texture is somewhere between chicken and squid, with a meaty yet springy bite! 🐊 A bit salty, but totally worth it for the unique experience. Their New Orleans sampler plate was a standout—the gumbo and red beans & rice were the best I’ve had so far: not overly salty, beautifully balanced, and full of natural flavor. 👌 2️⃣ Deanie's Seafood Ordered the barbecue shrimp and fried seafood platter… but it was just okay. 😐 I went to the French Quarter location—though the driver mentioned that “the French Quarter isn’t where the real food is.” There’s also a location on Magazine Street (though it might be closed now). Maybe I picked the wrong branch? 👉 Other spots the driver mentioned (haven’t tried yet): 3. Cochon Restaurant 4. Pêche Seafood Grill 5. Boulevard American Bistro 6. Li'l Dizzy's Cafe 7. Jacques-Imo's 8. Frankie & Johnny's – said to have great red beans & rice and chicken gumbo 9. Parkway Bakery & Tavern – famous for po’boys ☕ Beignet Alert! The driver also called out Cafe Du Monde, saying quality dropped after they switched to machine-made beignets in 2019. His alternatives: Morning Call Coffee Stand Loretta's Authentic Pralines - French Market When in NOLA, eat like a local—these tips might just lead you to your next favorite meal! 🎷🍛 #NewOrleansFood #LocalEats #SwampTourEats #NOLADining