4 Best Dinner Experiences In New Orleans

New Orleans’ most memorable dinner experiences blend local cuisine with classic entertainment. The Steamboat Natchez VIP cruise stands out for its intimate atmosphere and traditional jazz, making it worth the splurge. I especially love the Frenchmen Street food crawl – it’s efficient, authentic, and lets you sample multiple local specialties in one evening. The French Quarter Shrimp Boil combines two essentials: fresh Gulf seafood and local storytelling. For photographers, the Evening Jazz Boat Cruise offers the best nighttime views of the city while serving up solid Creole cuisine. These remarkable dining experiences showcase the best of the Big Easy. Let’s look at my favorite dinner tours.

Key Points

• Steamboat Natchez VIP Jazz Dinner Cruise offers a gourmet Louisiana-style buffet, live jazz, and VIP perks like early boarding and private tours.
• Dinner Time Food Crawl on Frenchmen Street showcases the city’s diverse Creole and Cajun cuisine through visits to 5-6 local eateries.
• French Quarter Shrimp Boil Dinner Cabaret provides a private party atmosphere with fresh seafood, Creole cuisine, and live entertainment.
• Evening Jazz Boat Cruise with optional Creole-style dinner features stunning skyline views and live jazz music from Sullivan Dabney Jr. and the Muzik Jazz Band.
• Dining experiences in New Orleans often feature intimate settings, local flavors, cultural storytelling, accessibility features, and live entertainment.

Steamboat Natchez VIP Jazz Dinner Cruise With Private Tour and Open Bar Option

The Steamboat Natchez VIP Jazz Dinner Cruise offers a truly one-of-a-kind experience on the Mighty Mississippi River. This cruise boasts an impressive 93% traveler recommendation and a Badge of Excellence, thanks to its unique features. Guests are greeted with a complimentary champagne cocktail and a guided tour of the boat’s authentic fixtures, including the engine room.

The evening culminates in a reserved table for a gourmet Louisiana-style buffet dinner and a live jazz performance by the Grammy-nominated Dukes of Dixieland.

The VIP experience includes early boarding, front-row seating, and a private tour led by the captain. Guests also receive a commemorative gift bag and access to climate-controlled areas and restroom facilities. The maximum of 20 travelers ensures an intimate experience.

While some guests have reported minor check-in confusion, the overall feedback praises the attentive hosts, informative tours, and the quality of food, drinks, and entertainment.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start, the Steamboat Natchez VIP Jazz Dinner Cruise is a must-try for those seeking an unforgettable evening on the 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

One of the best ways to experience New Orleans’ vibrant dining scene is through the Dinner Time Food Crawl along Frenchmen Street. This 3-hour walking tour offers an opportunity to sample the diverse cuisine that makes the city famous.

Participants can expect to visit 5-6 local eateries, tasting Creole and Cajun specialties like jambalaya, gumbo, and beignets. The tour is led by a knowledgeable guide who provides insights into the history and culture behind the dishes.

At $75 per person, the Dinner Time Food Crawl is a great value, allowing visitors to discover the flavors of New Orleans without the hassle of navigating the city’s many dining options on their own.

Whether you’re a foodie or simply looking to learn about the local culture, this tour is a must-do activity that will leave you satisfied and inspired to further explore the culinary delights of the Big Easy.

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 – Dinner Cabaret or Storytelling Lunch offers visitors a unique dining experience that combines local flavors with vibrant entertainment.

Located in New Orleans, this highly-rated (4.8/5 from 138 reviews) dinner experience features a private party atmosphere with a menu showcasing the region’s fresh seafood and Creole cuisine.

The meal starts with starters like Red Fish on the Half Shell, Hickory Smoked Alligator Sausage, and Stuffed Local Blue Crab.

The main event is a wild-caught Gulf Shrimp Boil, served with sausage and corn. Dessert is a delightful Creole Cream Cheese and Fruit.

Throughout the evening, guests enjoy live entertainment from local performers, with a cabaret-style experience that includes storytelling and music.

With a maximum of 30 guests, the intimate setting provides a personal touch from the host.

The experience is wheelchair accessible, and infants can join on laps. Priced from $59 per person with free cancellation, this dinner is a highlight for many New Orleans visitors.

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 a memorable evening in New Orleans, the Evening Jazz Boat Cruise with Optional Dinner offers a delightful experience. Starting at $55 per person, this 2-hour cruise aboard a sternwheeler paddleboat provides stunning views of the New Orleans skyline and French Quarter, accompanied by live jazz music from Sullivan Dabney Jr. and the Muzik Jazz Band.

Guests can opt for a Creole-style dinner featuring local favorites like gumbo, jambalaya, and bread pudding. After dinner, they can enjoy cocktails on the promenade deck and dance or relax in the dining hall.

The cruise is wheelchair accessible, and children under 5 can join for free.

With an overall rating of 4.3 out of 5 from 819 reviews, this experience is praised for its good value, attentive staff, and quality food. Attendees are advised to arrive early and bring a jacket for cooler evenings.

No outside food or drinks are allowed onboard, and pets, smoking, and weapons are prohibited.

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 diverse array of dinner experiences, from a VIP jazz cruise with open bar to a lively food crawl on Frenchmen Street. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic shrimp boil or an evening jazz boat cruise, the city’s vibrant dining scene has something to satisfy every palate. With so many options, visitors are sure to find the perfect dinner experience to suit their tastes.