New Orleans is famous for its delicious food, lively music, and colorful history. What better way to enjoy a midday break than with a unique lunch experience that combines authentic flavors and local culture? Whether you’re craving a Creole buffet on a plantation, a lively seafood crawl through the French Quarter, or a relaxing boat ride with jazz, New Orleans offers options to suit every taste.
We love the Steamboat Jazz Cruise for its charming river atmosphere and live music, and the French Quarter Seafood Crawl for its casual, fun exploration of local bites.
To help you plan your perfect midday experience, we’ve put together a list of the best lunch tours in New Orleans. Each offers something special — from historic plantation feasts to boutique art gallery lunches. Keep reading to find the one that best matches your style and schedule.
- 1. New Orleans: Daytime Steamboat Jazz Cruise + Optional Lunch
- 2. New Orleans: Creole Queen History Cruise with Optional Lunch
- 3. Small-Group Louisiana Plantations Tour with Gourmet Lunch from New Orleans
- 4. French Quarter Boozy Lunch Crawl with Seafood Boil
- 5. Private Art and Street Art Tour of New Orleans with Lunch
- 6. Airboat and Plantations Tour with Gourmet Lunch from New Orleans
- How to Choose Your Perfect Lunch Experience in New Orleans
- Final Thoughts
1. New Orleans: Daytime Steamboat Jazz Cruise + Optional Lunch
Sailing the Mississippi River on a two-hour jazz cruise is a delightful way to soak in the city’s musical soul. This cruise features live jazz performed by the Steamboat Stompers, creating a lively soundtrack against the river’s gentle backdrop. The route offers plenty of photo ops of New Orleans’ skyline, historic riverbanks, and passing ships, making it a feast for the eyes.
For just $33, you get a fun, relaxing way to see the city from the water—plus the option to add a Creole lunch prepared fresh on board. The full-service bar offers seasonal cocktails, so you can sip as you listen to live music and watch the city drift by.
What makes this cruise stand out is its blend of history, music, and scenery in a compact, two-hour outing. The narration from the live captain adds a personal touch, sharing stories about the river and the city’s history. It’s ideal for those who want a taste of New Orleans’ musical heritage without committing to a full day.
Bottom Line: A great choice for music lovers and river fans wanting an easy, inexpensive, and authentic New Orleans experience.
2. New Orleans: Creole Queen History Cruise with Optional Lunch
For around $47, the Creole Queen offers a 2.5-hour journey down the Mississippi, combining history, culture, and scenic views.
This cruise takes you past key landmarks, including the site of the Battle of New Orleans, with a lively narration about the last battle of 1812. You can enjoy New Orleans cocktails at the Cash Bar as you learn about the city’s storied past and the significance of the river in local life.
The cruise’s highlight is its storytelling about famous landmarks and river lore, making it both educational and relaxing. The optional onboard lunch isn’t included in the base price but can be added if you want a simple, no-fuss meal while taking in the views. With its balance of history and leisure, this tour is perfect for travelers interested in the city’s military past and river culture.
Bottom Line: An engaging, moderately priced cruise that pairs well with a history buff’s curiosity and a desire for scenic relaxation.
3. Small-Group Louisiana Plantations Tour with Gourmet Lunch from New Orleans
This full-day trip includes visits to two iconic Louisiana plantations, Destrehan and Houmas House, for about 7.5 hours. The tour is limited to just 12 people, making it intimate and personal. Starting with the guided tour of Destrehan Plantation, you’ll hear detailed stories about its Greek Revival architecture and the lives of both owners and enslaved people who worked there.
Then, a short drive takes you to Houmas House, where you’ll enjoy a private, unlimited gourmet buffet lunch in a historic setting, with dishes like Chicken and Andouille Gumbo and Crawfish Étouffée.
What sets this tour apart is the depth of history and the quality of the included meal, which offers a true taste of the South. Past guests praise the knowledgeable guides, the delicious food, and the chance to see contrasting plantation styles. The small-group size ensures a more personal experience, ideal for history lovers, architecture fans, and those wanting a leisurely, in-depth day.
Bottom Line: A premium, immersive experience perfect for those eager to learn about Louisiana’s antebellum past while enjoying excellent food.
4. French Quarter Boozy Lunch Crawl with Seafood Boil
For $72, this 2-hour guided crawl is a fun and flavorful way to explore the French Quarter’s best brunch spots. It features tastings of Creole and Cajun dishes like crawfish grilled cheese, beignets, and alligator tacos, with included cocktails and drinks.
Your guide leads you through iconic streets, stopping at top spots where you get a bite of authentic local cuisine without the stress of planning or paying at each stop.
Guests love the tour for its casual, social atmosphere and the variety of delicious food and drinks. It’s a relaxed way to discover New Orleans’ culinary scene, especially if you appreciate street food, cocktails, and lively conversations. Plus, you’ll get great photo opportunities near Jackson Square and other photogenic spots.
Bottom Line: Ideal for foodies who want a lively, no-pressure tour of French Quarter brunch spots with lots of tastings and a good dose of local flavor.
5. Private Art and Street Art Tour of New Orleans with Lunch
If you prefer a more personalized experience, this private art tour offers a 3 to 4-hour exploration of New Orleans’ vibrant art scene. You’ll visit galleries along Magazine Street, see murals like Banksy’s Rain Girl, and meet artists in their studios in the French Quarter.
The tour is fully customizable, with a focus on street art, local galleries, and artist interviews. Included is a lunch break in the midst of this creative journey, making it a perfect choice for art lovers.
Guests rave about the knowledgeable guide, Gisele, and how the tour offers a unique perspective on local culture. This experience is best suited for those wanting a private, in-depth art encounter that combines visual art with the chance to meet creators.
Bottom Line: Perfect for art enthusiasts and travelers seeking a tailored, immersive cultural experience combined with a convenient lunch.
6. Airboat and Plantations Tour with Gourmet Lunch from New Orleans
This full-day adventure begins with an exciting airboat ride through Louisiana’s cypress swamps, giving you a close-up view of alligators, exotic birds, and the swamp’s eerie beauty. Afterward, you’ll visit Laura Plantation and Houmas House for guided tours, soaking up stories of Creole heritage and plantation life. The tour includes hotel pickup and a gourmet buffet lunch.
The highlight is the combination of high-speed swamp exploration and historical insight. Past travelers note that the airboat is a fun, adrenaline-filled experience, and the plantation visits are deeply informative. This tour suits those who want a full immersion in Cajun and Creole culture, with plenty of adventure and history.
Bottom Line: Excellent for active travelers who want a mix of outdoor excitement and cultural learning, all with fantastic food.
How to Choose Your Perfect Lunch Experience in New Orleans
Picking the right tour depends on your interests and schedule. For a relaxed river cruise with jazz, go for the Steamboat Jazz Cruise. If history and elegant surroundings appeal, the Plantation Tours with Gourmet Lunch offer a full-day deep dive. For a fun, casual food crawl, the French Quarter Boozy Lunch Crawl is perfect.
Those craving art and culture should consider the private art tour, especially if you want a customizable experience. If you’re after a thrilling outdoor adventure combined with history, the Airboat and Plantations Tour blends excitement and storytelling seamlessly.
When booking, consider your budget, physical activity level, and what experiences excite you most. Tours with more inclusions tend to be pricier but offer a richer experience—like the plantation tour with gourmet lunch. For shorter visits, the river cruises or food crawls are perfect.
Final Thoughts
New Orleans offers a wide range of lunch experiences that highlight its musical, culinary, and cultural richness. For those seeking a relaxing river cruise, the Steamboat Jazz Cruise is a classic choice. History buffs will appreciate the Plantation Tours, especially with gourmet food included.
Food lovers might prefer the lively French Quarter Crawl, while outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the Airboat and Plantation Tour.
No matter your interests, these experiences are best booked early, especially during peak seasons. They’re a great way to enjoy New Orleans’ flavorful cuisine and authentic atmosphere without missing out on the city’s unique vibe. Pick what resonates most, and dive into one of these memorable midday adventures—you’ll leave with stories and tastes to remember.