Top New Orleans Cooking Classes

Get the full Louisiana dining experience during a fun and educational New Orleans cooking demonstration class. Take a seat amongst other foodies in a converted 19th-century molasses warehouse and get ready to learn and eat. Meet a lively local chef and learn the fundamentals of preparing classic Creole dishes such as gumbo, jambalaya, and pralines. Then dig into delicious samples complemented by local beer or a sweet ice tea.

New Orleans’ French Quarter is known for its amazing food, and this Cajun and Creole cooking class centered in the French Quarter provides you with the tips you need to be able to make three dishes in your own kitchen. This intimate, small-group experience means you get quality time with your group as you make gumbo, etouffee, and bananas foster all from scratch. Most dietary restrictions can be accommodated.

New Orleans’ food is one of the highlights of visiting the city. Now you can learn how to take some of those flavors home in this cooking class held in the French Quarter. In a small group of no more than 10 people, learn how to make typical dishes, such as shrimp and grits and bananas foster waffles, from scratch. You’ll learn the secrets to each dish, and enjoy a glass of bubbly to help you work.

Take a deep dive into local culinary culture with a Cajun cooking class guided by a chef who’ll teach you how to make three delicious courses of barbecue shrimp, jambalaya, and chocolate bread pudding. Your engaging teacher will share recipes, professional techniques, and Louisiana’s culinary history. Most dietary restrictions can be accommodated. Just make sure you bring your appetite.

Enjoy an only-in-New-Orleans experience when you embark on a paddle-wheel boat tour of the mighty Mississippi River. In the evening, hop aboard the Steamboat Natchez or her sister vessel, the Riverboat City of New Orleans, and admire views of the city from the water's edge. This cost-saving package additionally includes a Creole‐inspired dinner (if option selected), plus live jazz music to set the mood.

Step into the sweet side of New Orleans at the historic Court of Two Sisters and discover the story behind one of the city’s most iconic desserts, Bananas Foster. Watch a step-by-step demonstration from caramelizing the bananas to the dramatic flambé that gives this classic dessert its signature finish. Along the way, discover the fascinating history behind Bananas Foster and how this beloved New Orleans creation became a culinary tradition. You’ll also hear stories and little-known tidbits about the historic Court of Two Sisters and the colorful history of Royal Street. After the demonstration, indulge in the delicious dessert served over homemade vanilla ice cream and take home a recipe card to try it yourself. NOTE: This is a demonstration activity and does not include a hands-on experience.

Explore the rich culinary heritage of New Orleans' French Quarter on this half-day food tour. Sample traditional NOLA dishes such as gumbo, po-boys, jambalaya, and pralines while learning about the area's history. Your expert guide will lead you through local hotspots, offering cultural insights and tips on where to eat next. Upgrade to a small-group tour for a more intimate setting. Food offerings are subject to availability.

Discover a different side of New Orleans—and admire a new perspective from the water's edge—on this steamboat tour down the Mississippi River. Board the historic riverboat—either the Steamboat Natchez or her sister vessel—for a morning or afternoon tour. Stroll the deck, admire the iconic paddlewheel, enjoy live music, and snap photos of the picturesque shoreline. This family‐friendly excursion offers an optional lunch (additional expense).

Experience the charm of New Orleans on a two-hour Sunday jazz cruise along the Mississippi River. Enjoy live jazz music, stunning views from the top deck, and the option to savor a Louisiana-style buffet brunch featuring local favorites. This authentic paddle-wheel riverboat offers a perfect blend of history, ambiance, and relaxation for all ages. The legendary Steamboat NATCHEZ and her sister vessel Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS will sail interchangeably, depending on bookings and private events.

The New Orleans Hard Rock Cafe brings classic cuisine to the Big Easy with a prix-fixe menu that highlights the city's musical heritage. Choose a 2- or 3-course menu with your preferred musical theme. No matter what meal you choose, your appetite will be quenched at this transcontinental cultural icon.

Experience New Orleans’ culture through its cuisine on a foodie walking tour. Your guide leads you to popular Creole eateries, markets, and artisanal shops to sample diverse foods that define Louisiana’s culinary landscape. Stopping at several locations, savor such classic bites as gumbo, muffulettas, po'boys, and pralines. Come hungry as you sample dishes at five different eateries.

If you're looking for no-holds-barred frights in New Orleans, explore the city’s dark history on this adults-only tour. Set off after nightfall to discover a new perspective on the city, and steel yourself for gruesome tales and fearsome encounters: Your guide saves the most grisly true-crime stories, voodoo legends, and paranormal frights for this tour, and takes you past the French Quarter's most supposedly haunted locations.

Discover the rich culinary heritage of Sicily in this hands-on cooking class at the New Orleans School of Cooking. Sicilian cooking has been part of the New Orleans table for generations. In this hands-on class, we’ll explore the dishes, ingredients, and traditions that traveled from Sicily to New Orleans and the local flavors they picked up along the way. Participants prepare a delightful three-course meal featuring handmade Ravioli con Tacchino with Pesto Trapanese, Pesce alla Ghiotta, and a classic Sicilian Cannoli. The experience starts with a tasty Olive Salad Crostini and is complemented by Italian red wine and freshly brewed espresso with lemon peel. Engage with expert chefs and learn the traditions that meld Sicilian and New Orleans flavors, creating a memorable dining experience that honors both cultures.

Timed perfectly for happy hour—a cocktail class with the fun, relaxed energy of an evening wind-down. Local bartenders sharing both recipes and New Orleans’ legendary barroom stories. Three handcrafted cocktails, plus history, technique, and plenty of laughs. Light bites included, so you can sip, snack, and savor the moment. Limited seating for a cozy, convivial atmosphere.

Experience the best of New Orleans on a historical walking tour that introduces you to the city’s diverse flavors and culture. Follow your guide to different locations and sample multiple dishes—such as gumbo and sweet fried plantains—plus four full-size drinks that showcase the best of New Orlean's cocktail heritage. Taste food and drinks you might otherwise miss while learning how they are integral to life in New Orlean.