Skip to content
  • Essence GU
  • Beautycon
  • NaturallyCurly
  • Afropunk
  • Essence Studios
  • Soko Mrkt
  • Ese Funds
  • Refinery29
  • WeLoveUs.shop
  • 2026 ESSENCE Festival Of Culture
  • Celebrity
  • Fashion
  • Beauty
  • Lifestyle
  • Entrepreneurship
  • News
  • Shopping
  • Video
  • Events
  • Subscribe
Home • 2013 ESSENCE Music Festival

New Orleans' Hidden Food Gems

If you're familiar with New Orleans cuisine, you've probably already heard about traditional foods like beignets or gumbo. While those are delicious, there are a few other tasty New Orleans dishes that are too good to pass up. Read on to see what you can't miss while you're at the ESSENCE Festival in New Orleans July 4th weekend.
By Monique Valeris · Updated October 28, 2020
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready…
01
BBQ Shrimp

Trade in ordinary fried shrimp for a jazzed-up version that’s prepared with tons of seasonings and Worcestershire sauce. The smoky flavor is so good.

New Orleans' Hidden Food Gems
The Washington Post/Getty Images
02
Charbroiled Oysters

Oyster lovers, rejoice. Drago’s Seafood Restaurant is known for its charbroiled oysters, which are grilled and seasoned to perfection with garlic, butter, herbs, as well as Parmesan and Romano cheese.

New Orleans' Hidden Food Gems
Drago’s Seafood Restaurant
03
Fried Alligator

Fried alligator is a must for any adventurous foodie traveling to New Orleans.

New Orleans' Hidden Food Gems
Lara Hata
04
Meat Pies

These small pastries, filled to the max with meat, make for the perfect lunch treat.

New Orleans' Hidden Food Gems
James Baigrie
05
Shrimp and Grits

Whether it’s enjoyed for breakfast or even dinner, shrimp and grits is probably the one dish most New Orleans natives love.

New Orleans' Hidden Food Gems
Susan Gary Photography
06
Spumoni

Spumoni, Italian ice cream, is available in a slew of creamy flavors all around New Orleans. Brocato’s is just one of the many places where you can find this dessert in New Orleans.

New Orleans' Hidden Food Gems
Susan Gary Photography