The 5 Best Lunch Experiences in New Orleans

1.Daytime Steamboat Jazz Cruise + Optional Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 4,164 reviews · 2 hours · from $43Our pick

Spend two hours on the Mississippi aboard the Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS, currently filling in for the Steamboat NATCHEZ. Hear the Steamboat Stompers, listen to live narration, inspect four decks and the paddle wheel, and add a plated Creole lunch if you want catfish, jambalaya, red beans and rice, and bread pudding.

“Steam organ the jaz band and the narrators I felt safe and the ride was very informative I would definitely recommend this tour”

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2.Airboat and Plantations Tour with Gourmet Lunch from New Orleans

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,246 reviews · 9 hours (approx.) · from $279

Spend nine hours with a small group exploring Cajun country, riding an airboat through cypress swamps, touring Laura Plantation, and eating an unlimited buffet at Houmas House. Guides such as Giselle, Robert, Rene, and Steve add local history and humor along the way.

“The alligator bayou boat ride was excellent. Go early morning for the best temperature. The guide was most knowledgeable and friendly. The guides at both Laura and Houmas plantations were excellent, most informative, and interactive. The histories of both plantations should enlighten all visitors and hopefully encourage mankind not to make the mistakes of our past. The luncheon was most enjoyable, and our main guide, Steve, was impeccably knowledgeable about the history of New Orleans and its culinary delights! Thank you for a tour of tours.”

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3.Creole Queen History Cruise with Optional Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 1,112 reviews · 2h 30m · from $47

Take a 150-minute English-language cruise aboard the Creole Queen from Canal Street to Chalmette Battlefield. Hear local stories from guides such as Charles and Dr. Lauren, enjoy Mississippi views, and choose an optional buffet of Creole and Cajun dishes.

“The food was served up quickly and hot. The musicians were first rate. We enjoyed getting to see the mechanical works. Overall a good experience for our family group of eleven.”

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4.French Quarter Boozy Lunch Crawl with Seafood Boil

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 199 reviews · from $72

Walk the French Quarter with a guide such as DJ, Leah, Scott, or Geoff while sampling 6 to 7 New Orleans dishes, cocktails, and beignets. The roughly two-hour crawl ends with a seafood boil and peeling lesson. Food and drinks are included, with dietary requests welcomed in advance.

“DJ was awesome! He was easy to talk to and so knowledgeable about the city, food, and the history! Definitely recommend this as a great way to try different foods and see the city!!”

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5.Small-Group Louisiana Plantations Tour with Gourmet Lunch from New Orleans

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 135 reviews · 7 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $219Top rated

Travel from New Orleans to Destrehan Plantation and Houmas House in a 14-passenger van with a guide such as Giselle, René, Steve, or John. Expect mansion tours, the 1811 Slave Revolt Exhibit, gardens, and an unlimited buffet lunch with gumbo, catfish, étouffée, and bread pudding.

“Wonderful tour of two plantations, with local guides at each location. Lunch was buffet style and delicious. Our guide Ellen provided a lot of history of New Orleans and the area. Isabella provided excellent service before the tour. Cannot say enough good about our experience.”

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