New Orleans delivers America’s most distinctive food scene, where Creole cooking and jazz music create unforgettable dining moments. Several standout experiences showcase this perfectly: The Steamboat Natchez dinner cruise pairs excellent local cooking with authentic jazz in an intimate riverboat setting. Along Frenchmen Street, a well-organized food crawl connects you with three hours of local specialties and neighborhood character. We love the French Quarter Shrimp Boil for its fresh seafood and lively atmosphere, while the Evening Jazz Boat Cruise offers the best combination of city views and music. Let’s explore these top food experiences that make New Orleans special.
Key Points
- Steamboat Natchez VIP Jazz Dinner Cruise offers an intimate, personalized experience with a gourmet Louisiana-style buffet and live jazz entertainment.
- Frenchmen Street Food Crawl provides a 3-hour walking tour exploring the vibrant neighborhood and sampling a variety of Creole and Cajun dishes.
- French Quarter Shrimp Boil offers a highly-rated dining experience featuring sustainably-sourced seafood and live entertainment in an intimate setting.
- Evening Jazz Boat Cruise combines stunning skyline views with live jazz music and optional Creole-style dinner.
- New Orleans offers diverse dining experiences that highlight local ingredients, traditional cooking methods, and engaging atmospheres with live entertainment and storytelling.
Steamboat Natchez VIP Jazz Dinner Cruise With Private Tour and Open Bar Option
The Steamboat Natchez VIP Jazz Dinner Cruise offers a truly unique experience on the Mighty Mississippi River. With a 93% traveler recommendation and a Badge of Excellence, this cruise provides guests with a gourmet Louisiana-style buffet dinner and live jazz performance by the Grammy-nominated Dukes of Dixieland.
The VIP experience includes early boarding, a private tour led by the captain, and a commemorative gift bag. Guests can enjoy a complimentary champagne cocktail upon boarding and a guided tour of the boat’s authentic fixtures, including the engine room.
The climate-controlled areas and restroom facilities on board ensure a comfortable journey. For an enhanced experience, guests can upgrade to a full-bar option with call brand cocktails, beer, and wine. Complimentary shrimp cocktail and a souvenir Jazz CD are also included.
With a maximum of 20 travelers, the intimate setting provides a personalized and memorable experience on the Mighty Mississippi.
Read our full review: Steamboat Natchez VIP Jazz Dinner Cruise With Private Tour and Open Bar Option Review
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The Dinner Time Food Crawl – Frenchmen Street
Frenchmen Street, located just outside the bustling French Quarter, offers a delightful dinner time food crawl for those seeking an authentic New Orleans experience.
This 3-hour walking tour takes visitors on a culinary adventure through the lively neighborhood, with stops at several renowned local eateries. Guests can savor a variety of Creole and Cajun dishes, from hearty gumbo to delectable beignets.
The tour includes tastings at 4-5 different establishments, allowing visitors to sample the diverse flavors that make New Orleans a renowned culinary destination. Along the way, the knowledgeable guide provides insights into the history and culture that have shaped the city’s renowned food scene.
This immersive experience is perfect for foodies and first-time visitors alike, offering a delicious introduction to the vibrant tastes of New Orleans.
At $75 per person, the Frenchmen Street Food Crawl provides an excellent value for the comprehensive dining tour, making it a must-do activity for those seeking to indulge in the city’s gastronomic delights.
Read our full review: The Dinner Time Food Crawl – Frenchmen Street Review
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French Quarter Shrimp Boil – Dinner Cabaret or Storytelling Lunch
Mister Gregory’s French Quarter Shrimp Boil offers visitors a captivating dining experience that blends local flavors with vibrant entertainment.
Hosted in New Orleans, this highly-rated dinner or luncheon (4.8 stars from 138 reviews) transports guests to the heart of the city’s culinary scene. The menu showcases fresh, sustainably-sourced seafood, including wild-caught Gulf shrimp, red fish, and alligator sausage.
Diners can expect a private, intimate setting with live entertainment and storytelling from local performers. The experience accommodates up to 30 guests and provides wheelchair accessibility.
Numerous visitors have praised the delicious food, warm hospitality, and engaging atmosphere as highlights of their New Orleans trip.
With prices starting at $59 per person and free cancellation available, this shrimp boil cabaret is an excellent option for those seeking an authentic, immersive dining adventure in the French Quarter.
Read our full review: French Quarter Shrimp Boil – Dinner Cabaret or Storytelling Lunch Review
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New Orleans: Evening Jazz Boat Cruise With Optional Dinner
For those seeking an unforgettable evening in New Orleans, the Evening Jazz Boat Cruise with Optional Dinner offers a captivating experience. Priced starting at $55 per person, this 2-hour cruise aboard a sternwheeler paddleboat promises stunning views of the New Orleans skyline and French Quarter, accompanied by live jazz music from the Sullivan Dabney Jr. and Muzik Jazz Band.
Guests can opt to indulge in a Creole-style dinner, featuring local favorites like gumbo, jambalaya, and bread pudding. During the cruise, they can enjoy cocktails on the promenade deck and dance or relax in the dining hall after the meal.
The cruise is wheelchair accessible, and children under 5 can join for free.
With an overall rating of 4.3 out of 5 based on 819 reviews, this evening cruise is praised for its good value, attentive staff, and quality food. Attendees are advised to arrive early and bring a jacket for cooler evenings, as no outside food or drinks are allowed onboard.
Read our full review: New Orleans: Evening Jazz Boat Cruise With Optional Dinner Review
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The Sum Up
New Orleans offers a variety of exceptional dining experiences, from a VIP jazz cruise to a Shrimp Boil with dinner cabaret. Whether you’re looking for a lively night out or a more intimate setting, the city’s rich culinary heritage and vibrant entertainment scene provide ample opportunities to savor the local flavors and atmosphere. With so many options, there’s something to suit every taste and preference.