Rarely do we find a dish that represent a culture and it’s history so well. Gumbo, has come a long way from its humble beginnings to becoming an iconic, state dish of Louisiana.

Gumbo is an absolute must-try for all visitors to this culturally rich state and its capital New Orleans. It is one of the most ultimate comfort foods that will have you craving for more.

While most restaurants would serve Gumbo, tourists often wonder where do locals go for gumbo in New Orleans, Louisiana. If you want the real deal, authentic, delectable shellfish with okra stew, then these are the places you need to go.

A quick note that for our plant-based food lovers, we have also listed the best vegan gumbo restaurants in New Orleans as well as one that serves chicken and sausage gumbo apart from the classic seafood version.

Restaurants in New Orleans with the Best Gumbo

Cafe Sbisa

I think its only fair that we open our list of the best gumbo restaurants in New Orleans with one of the most recommended places by the locals themselves.

Cafe Sbisa is a wonderful restaurant with a charming setting serving one of the best seafood gumbos you can have.

This restaurant has a bit of history to it considering it was established in 1899. Amongst the first fine-dining places in the French Quarter of New Orleans, Cafe Sbisa has been serving delighted locals as well as tourists for a really long time.

With Cafe Sbisa, you get great food, you get to be part of the incredible culture and history of Louisiana and of course, get to eat great gumbo amongst other delectable dishes.

Cafe Sbisa location: 1011 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116-3309

Olde Nola Cookery

Olde Nola Cookery is not just a brilliant place to eat seafood gumbo, it is in general seen as one of the best restaurants in New Orleans.

Hence even if you are not particularly in the mood for gumbo, Olde Nola Cookery would be the place to go to try various dishes that are as loved by patrons as their gumbo.

Of course being a list for the best gumbo restaurants in New Orleans, I do recommend you try the gumbo. It doesn’t disappoint.

The restaurant is open till 1 am on all days and on Fridays and Saturdays it is open till 2 am.

Olde Nola Cookery location: 205 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70130-2204

Orleans Grapevine Wine Bar and Bistro

Orleans Grapevine Wine Bar and Bistro is highly recommended for its gumbo as well as its overall Cajun and Creole cuisine.

Serving the classic Louisiana style gumbo, customers can have access to an extensive wine list and a beautiful setting in a historic building.

Orleans Grapevine Wine Bar and Bistro is open four days a week from Thursday to Sunday till 10 pm at the moment.

Orleans Grapevine Wine Bar and Bistro location: 720 Orleans Ave The French Quarter, New Orleans, LA 70116-3111

Lil Dizzy’s Café

A hearty welcoming family owned restaurant, Lil Dizzy’s Café serves the classic Creole gumbo that you must try.

Lil Dizzy’s Café is currently open only for lunch from 11 am to 3 pm. They are closed on Sundays.

I feel this cozy little place is well worth spending an afternoon if you are in Nola. It is located in Treme and definitely the place to try gumbo and Louisiana cuisine as recommended by the locals.

Lil Dizzy’s Café location: 1500 Esplanade Ave, New Orleans, LA 70116-1805

Oceana Grill

Both seafood lovers and those looking for the best gumbo should head over to Oceana Grill.

Consistently rated as one of the best restaurants in New Orleans, Oceana Grill not only serves the traditional seafood gumbo, they have a chicken and sausage gumbo as well.

Their menu is quite extensive with a few dishes for vegetarian guests. There is a separate kids menu that is great for families visiting the restaurant.

Oceana Grill is quite a popular restaurant with both locals and tourists. It is open all days from 8 am to 1 am.

Oceana Grill location: 739 Conti St, New Orleans, LA 70130-2220

Seed

If you are looking for a vegan or vegetarian gumbo, Seed is the restaurant for you.

Rated as one of the best vegan restaurants of New Orleans, this is a must try even if you are a non-vegan.

Food served here is completely plant based but customers have raved about the deliciousness of every dish.

The vegan gumbo with mushrooms has received a lot of praise by all gumbo lovers. Hence this is definitely the place for you if you want the same delightful gumbo experience in New Orleans but want a vegan or vegetarian friendly option.

Seed location: 1330 Prytania St, New Orleans, LA 70130-4316

Muriel’s Jackson Square

Open through the week from 4 pm to 9 pm and on Fridays and Saturdays till 10 pm, Muriel’s Jackson Square is a great place if you wish to try gumbo for dinner.

Menu items can be ordered on a la carte basis or they also have an option to choose any 3 dishes from the menu for a fixed cost.

Of course you must try the seafood gumbo. Guests have reserved high praise for the dish and overall for the delectable menu at Muriel’s Jackson Square.

Muriel’s Jackson Square location: 801 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70116-3206

Meals From The Heart Café

With a name like Meals From The Heart Café, you just have to try this place.

Meals From The Heart Café has extensive vegan as well as gluten free options.

They serve a vegan okra gumbo with brown rice. Meat lovers can add prawns, chicken or turkey sausage. Their vegan gumbo is amongst the best rated gumbos in New Orleans.

Meals From The Heart Café is open Monday to Friday from 10 am to 3.30 pm and on Sunday 9 am to 6 pm

This is only the second restaurant in our list that serves a vegan gumbo and has options for all types of customers.

Meals From The Heart Café location: 1100 N Peters St Ste 13 Located Inside of the Historic French Market District, New Orleans, LA 70116-2637

Final thoughts

I can’t even begin to describe how much I love gumbo. You cannot visit New Orleans and not try this delightful comfort food that has so much history and tradition behind it.

Enjoy your scrumptious bowl of this gratifying meal and be part of the amazing Louisiana culture.