Beyond the French Quarter Food Tour

If you’re looking for a way to experience New Orleans’ culinary scene outside the usual tourist hotspots, the Beyond the French Quarter Food Tour offers an inviting alternative. This three-hour, intimate journey takes you through the charming Audubon neighborhood, visiting three acclaimed restaurants owned by award-winning chefs. It’s not just about tasting food—it’s about understanding the stories behind it and the neighborhood that shapes it.

What we love about this tour are the carefully curated culinary stops—each restaurant offers a unique glimpse into New Orleans’ local flavor—and the scenic walk through one of the city’s most beautiful areas. The tour’s small-group size promises a personal and relaxed experience, perfect for those who want genuine interaction and insider knowledge.

A possible consideration? If you’re expecting a “tasting” rather than a full dinner, you’ll want to come hungry—this is definitely a substantial eating experience. Also, it’s best suited for those without strict dietary restrictions, as the tour isn’t designed to accommodate special diets.

This experience is ideal for food lovers eager to explore beyond the typical tourist fare, history buffs interested in local stories, and anyone wanting a more authentic, personal slice of New Orleans.

Key Points

• Authentic local dining beyond the busy French Quarter
• Visits to three top-rated restaurants in Audubon neighborhood
• Small groups of 9 or fewer, ensuring a personalized experience
• Includes all food—it’s a full dinner, not just tastings
• Learn the stories behind the chefs and menus
• Approximate 3-hour walk covering about a quarter-mile
• Ideal for those who love culinary storytelling and authentic neighborhood atmospheres

Starting Point: St. Joe’s Bar on Magazine Street

Our journey begins at St. Joe’s Bar, a cozy spot on Magazine Street known for its welcoming vibe and local clientele. Meeting here at 3:15 pm, you’ll be greeted by your guide, who will set the tone for a relaxed yet immersive evening. The tour is designed to be a progressive dining experience, meaning you’ll visit three distinct restaurants, sampling different dishes at each.

The meeting point is perfect because it’s central enough to easily access from various parts of the city, and the bar itself offers a comfortable place to gather, get your bearings, and chat with fellow foodies.

The Intimate Group and Walking Pace

With a maximum of 9 guests, the tour maintains a friendly, conversational atmosphere. We appreciated how this size fosters genuine interactions—not just with the guide but also among travelers. The walking portion is brief—about 0.35 miles—and takes you through some of Audubon’s most scenic streets, giving you a taste of the neighborhood’s charm and history.

Expect a leisurely pace, allowing you to savor the food without feeling rushed, while also enjoying some of the neighborhood’s sights and stories.

Restaurant 1: An Award-Winning Culinary Gem

The first stop is at an acclaimed restaurant owned by a top chef — one that has earned recognition such as being listed on the New York Times Best 25 Restaurants in New Orleans. While specific menu items are not detailed, you can expect dishes crafted with care, showcasing local ingredients and inventive techniques.

This initial meal sets the tone for the tour—delicious, thoughtfully prepared, and rooted in New Orleans tradition. Past reviews mention the “delicious food and tapas,” which suggests a variety of small, flavorful plates to whet your appetite and introduce you to the chef’s style.

Restaurant 2: A Scene-Setting Local Favorite

The second stop continues your culinary journey, often highlighting a different cuisine or specialty of the neighborhood. These are places beloved by locals, so you get an authentic taste of how New Orleanians dine. The connection to the chef’s story and their approach to regional cuisine adds depth to the experience.

Expect a hearty portion, as the tour is designed to be a full dinner by the end. Past comments have praised the “stunning views” and “delicious food,” indicating a setting that’s both visually appealing and satisfying.

Restaurant 3: A Final Flavorful Farewell

Your last stop wraps up the tour with one of the neighborhood’s top restaurants. This venue, sometimes recognized in major publications, offers a fitting finale that encapsulates the flavors and stories encountered throughout the evening. Often, this is where you’ll indulge in signature dishes or local specialties, making it a memorable end to your culinary exploration.

Throughout, the focus is on learning about the chefs and the history of the neighborhood, giving your dining experience a meaningful backdrop. Past travelers comment on how the stories added richness to the tasting, transforming a meal into an immersive cultural experience.

What’s Included and What to Bring

All food at the three stops is included in the $149 ticket. This means you’ll enjoy a substantial dinner—not just small bites—so come prepared to eat. Beverages aren’t included, but the tour recommends sampling drinks at each restaurant, enhancing your understanding of local flavors.

Remember, this isn’t designed for those with dietary restrictions, so if you have specific needs, it’s worth checking with the provider beforehand.

Final Thoughts on the Experience

This tour combines culinary excellence, neighborhood charm, and personal stories—a winning mix that offers much more than a typical food crawl. The small-group format ensures a more relaxed, engaging experience, allowing you to truly connect with the chefs, the neighborhood, and fellow travelers.

The fact that all food is included and the walk is brief means you get a full, satisfying dinner without feeling overwhelmed. Plus, the chance to explore a scenic part of New Orleans away from the touristy core makes this a refreshing way to see a different side of the city.

If you’re a food enthusiast eager to taste authentic New Orleans dishes crafted by top chefs, this is a no-brainer. It’s also perfect for history buffs interested in the stories behind the food and the neighborhood. Those who appreciate personalized experiences and dislike huge crowds will find this tour especially appealing.

However, if you have strict dietary restrictions or prefer a very quick taste rather than a full meal, you might want to consider other options. The tour’s focus on substantial food and local stories makes it less suitable for light eaters or those craving a purely sightseeing experience.

This is a fantastic way to spend an afternoon or early evening if you want to deepen your understanding of New Orleans’ culinary scene while enjoying some of the city’s finest food in a relaxed, intimate setting.

Is the tour suitable for vegetarians?
Since the tour isn’t designed for dietary restrictions and focuses on the chef’s menus, it’s best to check with the provider beforehand. Vegetarians might find limited options, but it’s worth asking.

How long is the walking portion?
The walk covers about a quarter-mile (.35 miles) and is leisurely, designed to complement the dining stops rather than be a strenuous part of the experience.

What is included in the price?
Your ticket covers all food served at the three restaurants. Beverages are recommended but not included, so plan to sample drinks at each stop.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour. If canceled less than 24 hours in advance, a full refund isn’t available.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While most travelers can participate, note that it’s geared toward adults and involves a full dinner. Children’s dietary needs and attention span should be considered.

What if the weather is bad?
The experience is weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Where does the tour end?
The tour concludes near the final restaurant at Magazine Street & State Street, making it easy to explore more or head back to your accommodations.

The Beyond the French Quarter Food Tour offers a compelling alternative for visitors who want to taste authentic New Orleans cuisine while exploring a charming neighborhood away from the tourist crowds. The blend of delicious food, engaging stories, and scenic walking creates a well-rounded, meaningful experience that’s worth the $149 price tag, especially for those eager to see a more local side of the city.

Ideal for food lovers, curious travelers, and those seeking an intimate, memorable outing, this tour promises a full evening of satisfying bites and authentic stories—sure to be a highlight of any trip to New Orleans.

Whether you’re craving a taste of top-tier regional dishes or eager to learn about the chefs shaping the city’s culinary scene, this tour delivers a genuine, flavorful experience you won’t forget.