Ranked by TableJourney editorial score.
A round, sesame-seeded Sicilian loaf split and packed with mortadella, salami, ham, provolone, mozzarella and the canonical olive salad: chopped giardiniera, olives, garlic, olive oil and herbs.
The muffuletta was invented at Central Grocery on Decatur Street in 1906 by Sicilian-American Salvatore Lupo, who wanted to serve Sicilian dock workers a lunch they could eat one-handed at the counter. The round seeded loaf comes from the Sicilian muffuletta bread tradition. The olive salad is the dish; the meat is supporting cast. The sandwich travels well and tastes better at room temperature after the olive salad has soaked the bread. Central Grocery still cuts whole and half muffulettas at the original 923 Decatur counter; Cochon Butcher in the Warehouse District makes a chef's-take version with the same instinct.
4 editor picks for Muffuletta in New Orleans, ranked by editorial score. All New Orleans signature dishes · Muffuletta across every city.
Killer Poboys in New Orleans is the back-of-Erin-Rose Conti Street po-boy counter, with chef-driven internationally-inspired po-boys including the seared.
OrderModern po-boy
TipSeared Gulf shrimp with daikon and sriracha aioli is the cult order; bring the po-boy to the bar.
Central Grocery in New Orleans is the 1906 Decatur Street Sicilian-American deli that invented the muffuletta, with the round seeded loaf and house olive.
OrderMuffuletta
TipOrder a whole or a half; the olive salad needs 15 minutes to soak into the bread for the canonical bite.
Cochon Butcher in New Orleans is the Donald Link sandwich counter and butcher case beside Cochon, with a muffuletta and Le Pig Mac that have outsold.
OrderThe muffuletta with the house olive salad. Add the Le Pig Mac.
TipLunchtime is queued; come at 11:00 or after 14:00. Same kitchen as Cochon, faster turn.
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.
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