Louisiana's Top Food Tours: Dine Across the Bayou State

At a Glance 

• Plan a Louisiana culinary adventure through food tours to meet local guides and visit beloved restaurants, markets and culinary landmarks that showcase the state's diverse regional flavors and hospitality.
• Taste beloved Louisiana dishes including gumbo, étouffée, boudin, cracklins, muffulettas, pralines and more.
• Enjoy guided food tours in Louisiana cities like Lafayette, Baton Rouge, Avery Island and New Orleans.

So you want to savor authentic Louisiana fare, meet locals and get a taste of our rich culture, too? Take a food tour through one of our many foodie cities, from Cajun delicacies in Lafayette to global cuisine in Baton Rouge and New Orleans. Come hungry and leave satisfied, with a new understanding of Louisiana’s history and culture — and a few new friends!

Lafayette: Touring the South's Top Culinary Town

The unofficial capital of Louisiana’s Cajun heartland is also one of its most revered, thanks to the restaurants and roadside stands that made The Local Palate name Lafayette the South’s top culinary town in 2024. 

Cajun food rules in Lafayette, with mom-and-pop joints, high-end dining and just about everything in between. With so many choices, you may have a tough time deciding where and what to eat — and that’s where Cajun Food Tours comes in. Company founder Marie Ducote-Comeaux takes visitors on approximately three-hour tours of at least five locally owned restaurants. Pick from four different tour options, including the original Cajun Food Tour. Hear stories about the history and culture of Acadiana while eating gumbo, étouffée, cracklin, boudin and other Louisiana specialties. 

Baton Rouge: Louisiana’s Culinary Capital

Louisiana’s capital city is home to an eclectic mix of cosmopolitan flavors and Cajun cooking, and Baton Rouge Food Tours invites you to sample all of them. The three-hour riding-and-tasting tour takes visitors to dining destinations throughout Baton Rouge, with several opportunities to pick up a souvenir, too.

Avery Island: Visiting Hot Spots in TABASCO Country

If you’ve heard of Avery Island, it’s probably because of the famous pepper sauce known as TABASCO®. It’s found on dinner tables not just in Louisiana, but around the world.

On the Avery Island Fan Experience self-guided tour, stroll through the factory and learn about the rich history of one of Louisiana’s proudest exports — and how the spicy sauce is made. In addition to the museum tour, you’ll visit the pepper greenhouse, the barrel warehouse, TABASCO® Country Store (filled with brand apparel, kitchen goods and spicy souvenirs that also make for perfect gifts), TABASCO® Restaurant 1868! and the 170-acre tropical wonderland known as Jungle Gardens, a botanical garden and wildlife refuge. 

New Orleans Food Tours: The Birthplace of Creole Cuisine

New Orleans’ contribution to American cuisine cannot be overstated. Étouffée, beignets, po’boys and the muffuletta — the culinary world would be a poorer place without these foods that are synonymous with New Orleans cuisine.

Now, you could take your chances and find a fine restaurant on your own, or you could leave it to the experts to guide you through the fascinating history of this foodie city’s famous haunts and even more famous dishes.

Destination Kitchen

The experts at Destination Kitchen take guests on tasting tours of the French Quarter, with six or seven delicious stops along the way.

Tastebud Tours

Tastebud Tours offers visitors a chance to taste Creole dishes from some of the best-known French Quarter restaurants. Check out the aptly named Signature Tastes of New Orleans du Jour food tour, which takes visitors on a three-hour culinary journey.

Doctor Gumbo Tours

Doctor Gumbo Tours invites visitors on a guided excursion through New Orleans’ culinary and cocktail history. You can sign up for separate dining and drinking tours, or combine the two. You’ll visit locations that include award-winning bars, historical Creole restaurants and candy shops.

You'll experience a little taste of history, Louisiana culture and epic flavors on every tour.
 

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is a Louisiana food tour? 

A Louisiana food tour is a guided culinary experience that combines tastings at local restaurants, markets or specialty food shops with stories about the state's history, culture and regional cuisine. Many tours introduce visitors to iconic dishes while sharing the traditions behind them. 

What should I wear on a Louisiana food tour? 

Comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended. During warmer months, lightweight clothing, sunscreen and water can make the experience more enjoyable. 

Which Louisiana cities are best for food tours? 

New Orleans, Lafayette, Baton Rouge and Avery Island are among the state's most popular food tour destinations. Each offers its own distinct culinary traditions, from Creole classics and Cajun specialties to internationally inspired cuisine and Louisiana-made products. 

How long do most Louisiana food tours last? 

Most guided food tours last between two and four hours and include multiple tasting stops. Tour lengths vary depending on the itinerary and whether transportation is included. 

Do I need to book a Louisiana food tour in advance? 

Yes! Reservations are recommended, especially during weekends, holidays and peak travel seasons. Popular tours often sell out well in advance. 

Are Louisiana food tours family friendly? 

Many food tours welcome families, although age recommendations vary depending on walking distances, tour length and whether alcohol tastings are included. 

Can food tours accommodate dietary restrictions? 

Many tour operators can accommodate vegetarian, gluten-free or allergy-related dietary needs with advance notice. Availability varies by operator, so it's best to inquire before booking.