10 One-Of-A-Kind Foods You Won't Find Anywhere But New Orleans

New Orleans has a reputation for having some of the most unique, delicious food in the country. People travel from all over the world to taste our one-of-a-kind cuisine, and we are blessed that we have all this amazing food right in our back yard. In no particular order, here are 10 one-of-a-kind foods you won’t find anywhere but New Orleans.

Antoine’s Restaurant/Facebook

Antoine’s Restaurant/Facebook

New Orleans is leading the pack in inventing amazing food. The oldest family-run restaurant in the country opened its doors in 1840, and we have Antoine’s son Jules to thank for his creation of Oysters Rockefeller. Named for the richness of the sauce, this is one dish you simply have to cross off your bucket list. 713 St. Louis St., New Orleans, Louisiana 70130.

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Brennan’s/Facebook

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Brennan’s/Facebook

Sure, technically you can get bananas foster outside of New Orleans, but did you know that this decadent dessert was invented right here in New Orleans? New Orleans was a major port for bananas being shipped from Central and South America in the 1950s, and Owen Brennan, the owner of Brennan’s Restaurant, challenged his chef, Paul Blange, to invent a new dessert featuring bananas. Bananas Foster was the end result, and it quickly became their claim to fame. 417 Royal St., New Orleans, LA 70130.

Cafe du Monde/Facebook

Peter Burka/Flickr

Beignets are an iconic food of New Orleans, no doubt about it. These airy, sugar treats live up to the hype and a trip to the Crescent City isn’t complete until you’ve had a beignet from Cafe du Monde. There are several locations in and around the city, so you’re never too far away from this iconic New Orleans treat.

Central Grocery/Facebook

Central Grocery/Facebook

This charming Italian market tucked away on Decatur was founded in 1906 and you’ll often see a line out the door. Home of the original muffuletta, you really need to gather up all your friends and share one of these colossal sandwiches. 923 Decatur St., New Orleans, LA 70116.

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Elizabeth’s Restaurant/Facebook

Elizabeth’s Restaurant/Facebook

If you’ve never been to Elizabeth’s, you’re in for a real treat. Located in the Bywater, this eclectic restaurant is the go-to spot for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Their praline bacon is out of this world, and an absolute must-try the next time you visit. 601 Gallier St, New Orleans, Louisiana 70117.

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Hansen’s/Facebook

Hansen’s/Facebook

This beloved snoball joint has been a New Orleans tradition since 1939. Their homemade syrups are absolutely incredible, you’ll be back again and again to try them all. 4801 Tchoupitoulas St, New Orleans, Louisiana 70115.

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Jacques Imo’s/Facebook

This funky little joint is one of the most popular restaurants in this city, and for good reason. The creole and Cajun inspired dishes are unparalleled, but their crawfish cheesecake is so unique, you simply have to get there to try it. 8324 Oak St, New Orleans, Louisiana 70118.

Lucky Dog/Facebook

Lucky Dog/Facebook

If you find yourself in the French Quarter after a few drinks, then stumbling across one of these hot dog carts can be a godsend.

Sheed888/Trip Advisor

Mother’s/Facebook

There’s usually a line out the door at Mothers, but trust us—it’s worth it! This down-to-earth eatery has been a go-to spot for New Orleanians since 1938, and it only gets better with age. They’re known for their baked ham, but what you should really be ordering is their Ferdi special, which has ham, roast beef, debris with au jus gravy. You’re going to need a lot of napkins! 401 Poydras St, New Orleans, Louisiana 70130.

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Tujaque’s/Facebook

Tujaque’s/Facebook

While brisket itself isn’t necessarily what you think of when you think of New Orleans cuisine, this particular restaurant has been serving this dish for over 160 years, so it’s worth your while to pay them a visit to join the thousands of others that have eaten this hearty meal. 823 Decatur St, New Orleans, Louisiana 70116.

This list could go on for days. What are some other iconic New Orleans dishes? Shout them out in the comments below and maybe we’ll do a part two of this article!