Food

Food tours in New Orleans are as diverse as the city itself, covering everything from Creole classics to haunted pub crawls. With 107 food-focused activities—15% of all tours sold here—there’s something for every palate and curiosity. These tours attract everyone from first-time visitors eager for gumbo and beignets to repeat travelers looking for hands-on cooking classes or a new twist on the French Quarter.

Most tours combine generous tastings with stories of New Orleans’ history and culture. Some focus on the city’s famous restaurants, while others take you to local bars, cemeteries, or even out on the Mississippi River for a jazz dinner cruise. With 95% of food tours rated 4 stars or better, most travelers come away satisfied, but the range of styles and prices means picking the right one matters.

Food is a major draw in New Orleans, and the city offers 107 food tours—more than one in seven of all activities available. Prices start as low as $15 for a distillery tasting and climb to over $250 for private or luxury experiences, but most people pay between $30 and $120. The median price is $63, which matches the citywide average for tours. You’ll find everything from budget-friendly pub crawls and cooking demos to multi-course walking feasts and dinner cruises with live jazz.

Compared to other categories, food tours are more affordable than bus tours (median $125) and priced on par with walking, historical, and cultural options. Most last 2-3 hours, with some stretching to four hours for in-depth experiences. Whether you want a quick bite or a full evening out, there’s a tour at nearly every price point.

A small fraction—just 5%—of food tours are rated below 4 stars, so most deliver what they promise. The best-reviewed options consistently highlight generous portions, engaging guides, and a balance of food with local stories.

Choosing the right food tour in New Orleans depends on your appetite for both cuisine and experience. Walking tours of the French Quarter, such as the New Orleans Food Walking Tour of the French Quarter with Small-Group Option, are favorites for travelers who want to sample classic dishes at several local restaurants while learning about the city’s history. These typically cost $80-$85 for three hours and consistently earn ratings above 4.8, with guests praising knowledgeable guides and generous tastings. If you want a more immersive meal, hands-on cooking classes and demonstration sessions (from $45 for demos to $168 for full participation) let you learn how to make gumbo, jambalaya, and pralines—ideal for foodies who want to bring a bit of New Orleans home.

For those who prefer their food with a side of music and scenery, riverboat cruises like the Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise with Dinner Option ($58 and up) or the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen offer Southern-style buffets and live jazz as you float down the Mississippi. These cruises are popular for groups and families, though reviews note that the experience can vary depending on seating and whether the advertised stops or entertainment are delivered as promised.

Night owls and cocktail lovers might opt for haunted pub crawls or cocktail history tours, which start around $28-$37. These tours blend local legends and bar stops, but reviews are more mixed—some guides focus more on history than hauntings, and the quality of storytelling can make or break the night.

While most food tours in New Orleans deliver, a few common complaints stand out. Some guests on walking tours felt the food portions were too small for the price, or that the experience leaned too heavily on history at the expense of tastings. On river cruises, cancellations and last-minute changes have left some travelers stranded or disappointed. Cooking classes earn high marks for engagement, but a handful of reviews mention lack of hands-on participation or off-topic commentary from instructors. Checking recent reviews and confirming details before booking helps avoid surprises.