Ranked by TableJourney editorial score.
Louisiana's one-pot rice dish, the holy trinity sweated with andouille and chicken or shrimp, rice toasted in the fat, simmered in stock until the liquid is gone and the rice carries the smoke.
Jambalaya traces to Spanish paella, brought to Louisiana under Spanish colonial rule (1763 to 1803). The name itself may come from a Provencal word for mishmash. The Creole (red) version, with tomato, evolved in New Orleans Spanish kitchens. The Cajun (brown) version, no tomato, evolved in the country parishes west of New Orleans where tomatoes were less common. Coop's Place on Decatur has run jambalaya since 1983 as one of the canonical Quarter versions. Brigtsen's runs a Frank Brigtsen-style jambalaya in his Riverbend dining room. The dish is a single pot that has to come together at one heat in one moment; you don't add cooked rice.
4 editor picks for Jambalaya in New Orleans, ranked by editorial score. All New Orleans signature dishes · Jambalaya across every city.
Commander's Palace in New Orleans is the 1893 Garden District grande dame on Washington Avenue, the Brennan family flag with turtle soup, jacket-required.
OrderThe turtle soup with sherry tableside. It has been on the menu since the dining room opened in 1893.
TipBook the upstairs Garden Room for the live courtyard view; the dress code requires collared shirts at dinner.
Brigtsen's in New Orleans is Frank and Marna Brigtsen's 1986 Victorian-cottage Creole Acadian room near the streetcar terminus, a Paul Prudhomme alumnus.
OrderThe shell-bean and crawfish stew, on the menu since 1986. Then the file gumbo.
TipDinner only, Tuesday to Saturday from 17:00. The whole restaurant is one cottage; book ahead.
Coop's Place in New Orleans is the Decatur Street Cajun dive open since 1983, with rabbit and sausage jambalaya, fried chicken and a Chicken Tchoupitoulas.
OrderThe rabbit and sausage jambalaya. Add the Chicken Tchoupitoulas if you have appetite.
TipCash-friendly dive bar atmosphere; the kitchen runs late and pairs with Abita on tap.
Mother's in New Orleans is the 1938 CBD lunch counter at Poydras and Tchoupitoulas, home of the Ferdi Special po-boy with ham, roast beef and debris served.
OrderThe Ferdi Special po-boy with debris. Add a side of red beans.
TipLines are real; arrive at 11:00 or after 14:00 for the shortest wait.
Jambalaya makes more sense with someone from New Orleans explaining it. These are the classes and tours we have checked, with booking links.
Guided tour · 3 hours
Join a guided walking tour of the French Quarter of New Orleans and visit 5 distinct eateries to discover its diverse cuisine. Taste up to 9 different food samples and...
Guided tour · 3 hours
Join this tour through New Orleans’ historic and fascinating history of cocktails, and sample them along the way.
Guided tour · 3 hours
Experience the flavors of New Orleans on this 3-hour walking food tour in the French Quarter. Savor local delicacies, explore historic eateries, and immerse yourself i...
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