Hungry travelers can experience authentic New Orleans cuisine through well-organized dining tours that bring local flavors to life. The city’s best food experiences combine good eating with culture – we especially love the Mississippi River dinner cruises for their combination of classic Creole cooking, live jazz, and spectacular views. The intimate French Quarter shrimp boils offer a more casual but equally memorable way to taste traditional seafood while mingling with locals. These food adventures deliver both outstanding meals and rich cultural context. Browse our favorite New Orleans dining experiences below:
Key Points
- The Steamboat Natchez VIP Jazz Dinner Cruise offers a premium 2-hour paddle-wheel boat ride on the Mississippi River with a gourmet Louisiana-style buffet and live jazz entertainment.
- The New Orleans Evening Jazz Boat Cruise provides a 2-hour cruise along the Mississippi River with an optional Creole-style dinner and accessibility for wheelchair users and young children.
- The French Quarter Shrimp Boil – Dinner Cabaret or Storytelling Lunch offers an immersive gastronomic experience with a wild-caught Gulf Shrimp Boil, live jazz, and storytelling by the Chef.
- The Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Jazz Dinner Cruise features a 2-hour sunset cruise on the Mississippi River with a Creole-style dinner buffet and attentive staff.
- The Steamboat Natchez Evening Jazz Cruise With Dinner Option includes a 2-hour cruise at dusk with Creole classics, live jazz performances, and picturesque riverfront views.
Steamboat Natchez VIP Jazz Dinner Cruise With Private Tour and Open Bar Option
For a truly immersive dining experience in New Orleans, the Steamboat Natchez VIP Jazz Dinner Cruise offers a captivating journey on the Mighty Mississippi River.
With over 735 reviews and a 93% recommendation rate, this 2-hour paddle-wheel boat cruise is a must-try for travelers seeking a unique and unforgettable evening.
The VIP experience includes early boarding, reserved front-row seating, and a complimentary champagne cocktail upon arrival. Guests can also enjoy a private tour of the boat, including the engine room and paddlewheel, for an insider’s perspective.
The highlight of the cruise is the gourmet Louisiana-style buffet dinner, featuring local favorites such as Bayou seafood pasta, chicken and sausage gumbo, and signature bread pudding.
The live jazz performance by the Grammy-nominated Dukes of Dixieland adds to the lively ambiance. For an enhanced experience, guests can opt for the full-bar upgrade with call brand cocktails, beer, and wine.
Read our full review: Steamboat Natchez VIP Jazz Dinner Cruise With Private Tour and Open Bar Option Review
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New Orleans: Evening Jazz Boat Cruise With Optional Dinner
On the banks of the Mississippi River, the New Orleans Evening Jazz Boat Cruise offers a captivating escape into the city’s rich musical heritage. This 2-hour cruise invites guests to enjoy live jazz performances by Sullivan Dabney Jr. and the Muzik Jazz Band, while taking in the scenic views of the New Orleans skyline and French Quarter.
Priced at $55 per person, the cruise provides an excellent value, with a free cancellation policy and a convenient reserve-now-pay-later option.
For those seeking a more complete dining experience, an optional Creole-style dinner is available, featuring a variety of local delicacies such as Cajun Caesar salad, Chicken & Andouille Sausage Gumbo, and Paddlewheeler White Chocolate Bread Pudding.
The boat is wheelchair accessible, and children aged five and younger can join for free. With an overall rating of 4.3 out of 5 based on 819 reviews, the New Orleans Evening Jazz Boat Cruise promises an unforgettable evening of music, scenery, and culinary delights.
Read our full review: New Orleans: Evening Jazz Boat Cruise With Optional Dinner Review
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French Quarter Shrimp Boil – Dinner Cabaret or Storytelling Lunch
The French Quarter Shrimp Boil – Dinner Cabaret or Storytelling Lunch offers an immersive gastronomic adventure in the heart of New Orleans. This highly-rated experience, with 138 reviews and a 95% traveler recommendation, invites up to 30 guests to indulge in an authentic Cajun feast.
The menu highlights include mouthwatering starters like Redfish on the Half Shell and Hickory Smoked Alligator Sausage, followed by the main attraction – a wild-caught Gulf Shrimp Boil with sausage and corn. Guests can also savor Creole Cream Cheese and Fruit for dessert.
The intimate setting fosters interaction, with live entertainment from a jazz band and captivating storytelling from Chef Gregory. Conveniently located and wheelchair accessible, this experience is a must-try for those seeking a unique blend of delicious cuisine, live music, and the rich history of New Orleans.
Based on overwhelmingly positive reviews, this dining experience is sure to leave a lasting impression on visitors.
Read our full review: French Quarter Shrimp Boil – Dinner Cabaret or Storytelling Lunch Review
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Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Jazz Dinner Cruise in New Orleans
Exploring the city’s vibrant jazz scene, the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Jazz Dinner Cruise offers a captivating way to experience New Orleans from the Mississippi River.
This 2-hour sunset cruise features a talented on-board jazz band, providing the perfect soundtrack to the scenic views from the promenade deck. Guests can opt for a Creole-style dinner buffet, allowing them to savor the flavors of the region while taking in the sights.
With 1,197 reviews and a 4.0 overall rating, the cruise seems to be a hit among visitors. Travelers praise the attentive staff and the quality of the food, though some find the buffet value a bit pricey.
The jazz entertainment, however, is consistently lauded for its ability to set the perfect ambiance. Suggestions for improvement include adding more dessert options and including non-alcoholic beverages.
Read our full review: Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Jazz Dinner Cruise in New Orleans Review
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Steamboat Natchez Evening Jazz Cruise With Dinner Option
Travelers seeking to enjoy New Orleans’ renowned jazz scene can embark on the Steamboat Natchez Evening Jazz Cruise with Dinner Option. This 2-hour paddle-wheel boat cruise takes passengers along the Mississippi River, providing a unique vantage point to experience the city’s iconic skyline at dusk.
Onboard, guests will be entertained by the Grammy-nominated Dukes of Dixieland, whose lively jazz performances are complemented by a calliope concert and historical narration.
The cruise offers an optional dinner buffet, featuring Creole classics like chicken and sausage gumbo, Louisiana fried chicken, and crawfish étouffée. While the dining experience may not consistently meet expectations, the cruise’s overall atmosphere and live music are the main draws.
With a maximum capacity of 500 travelers, the Steamboat Natchez Evening Jazz Cruise offers an intimate and immersive way to savor New Orleans’ vibrant culture and picturesque riverfront views.
Read our full review: Steamboat Natchez Evening Jazz Cruise With Dinner Option Review
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Attire Is Appropriate for the Cruise Experience?
For a cruise experience, casual attire is typically appropriate, such as comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes. Guests should avoid overly formal or revealing outfits, as the focus is on relaxation and enjoyment of the voyage.
Are There Any Dietary Restrictions or Accommodations Available?
Many cruise lines offer a variety of dietary accommodations, including vegetarian, vegan, kosher, and gluten-free options. Guests should inquire about specific dietary needs when booking their cruise to ensure their preferences are met.
How Accessible Are the Boats for Guests With Mobility Issues?
The boats are generally quite accessible for guests with mobility issues. Most offer ramps, elevators, and staff assistance to help passengers board and disembark comfortably. Guests should inquire about specific accessibility features when booking their cruise.
Are There Any Age Restrictions or Recommendations for the Cruises?
Most cruises don’t have age restrictions, but they may not be suitable for young children or infants. Some operators recommend kids be at least 6 years old to participate comfortably. Families should check with the cruise company for their specific policies.
Can the Cruise Experience Be Customized for Special Occasions?
Yes, cruise experiences can often be customized for special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, or proposals. Many cruise lines offer packages with add-ons like private dining, floral arrangements, or champagne to make the event even more memorable.
Recap
New Orleans’ dining experiences offer a unique blend of Cajun and Creole flavors, live music, and scenic river cruises. From the Steamboat Natchez’s jazz dinner cruise to the French Quarter’s shrimp boil, these options provide visitors with a memorable and immersive taste of the city’s rich culture and culinary heritage.