New Orleans is a city that loves to celebrate food, music, and culture—all with a generous helping of spice and soul. For those exploring plant-based eating, this city offers a surprising range of tours that reveal the local vegan and vegetarian scene.
We especially like the Vegan Food Tour of the French Quarter for its delicious plant-based take on classic NOLA dishes, and the Vegan French Quarter Food Tour NOLA cuisine for its intimate small-group experience exploring lesser-known local restaurants. Both give a taste of how New Orleans is redefining Southern comfort food for vegans and vegetarians alike.
New Orleans isn’t just about jambalaya and crawfish—it’s a city that’s increasingly embracing plant-based cuisine. Whether you’re a lifelong vegan, a curious vegetarian, or just someone eager to try something different, these tours offer authentic bites, lively history, and a chance to support locally owned businesses.
We’ve included options that focus on street food, classic dishes reimagined, and hidden culinary gems, so there’s something for every kind of traveler.
Quick Overview
Below, you’ll find two top-rated vegan and vegetarian tours that stand out for their unique offerings and authentic experiences. One is a Vegan Food Tour with a 5-star rating, perfect for those wanting classic dishes with a plant-based twist.
The other, the Vegan French Quarter Food Tour NOLA cuisine, offers a more intimate, full-meal experience exploring local restaurants and lesser-known spots. Both tours are around 3 hours long and include visits to locally owned businesses that are redefining Southern cuisine.
1. New Orleans: Vegan Food Tour
At number one on our list, the New Orleans: Vegan Food Tour offers a flavorful journey through the French Quarter. For just $139 per person, you’ll spend roughly three hours tasting plant-based versions of iconic NOLA dishes like po’ boys and pralines—yes, even the sweet treats are reinvented vegan style.
The tour includes stops at small, locally owned businesses that are changing the way Southern cuisine is understood, emphasizing sustainability and creativity.
What makes this tour stand out is the combination of culinary delights and storytelling. Your guide will share insights into the history of the French Quarter while you indulge in tasty vegan fare and wash it down with a beer or soda.
The route is well-paced and designed to satisfy both your appetite and curiosity. Visitors have given it a perfect 5/5 rating based on the quality of food, the friendly guides, and the authentic feel.
If you’re looking for a lively, approachable way to discover New Orleans’ innovative vegan scene, this tour hits the mark.
Bottom Line: For a well-rounded, tasty experience with a focus on local businesses and classic dishes reimagined, this tour offers excellent value and an engaging introduction to NOLA’s plant-based culinary scene.
2. Vegan French Quarter Food Tour NOLA cuisine
At number two, the Vegan French Quarter Food Tour NOLA cuisine offers a more intimate, full-meal experience for $149. This small-group tour, limited to just nine people, provides a closer look at locally-owned restaurants that are pioneering vegan and vegetarian dishes.
The itinerary includes a visit to the historic French Market, where you’ll learn about old NOLA cuisine and sample spices, and a stroll down Frenchmen Street, famous for live music and unique eateries.
What makes this tour distinctive is its focus on off-the-beaten-path dining spots—perfect for those wanting a deeper understanding of the local food scene. You’ll enjoy a full meal, not just small bites, and your guide will share stories about the cultural significance of each dish.
The tour features a vegan beer tasting and visits to places that are redefining Southern cuisine for plant-based diets. While there are no reviews yet, the carefully curated stops and small-group setting suggest a high-quality experience.
Bottom Line: If you’re keen on discovering lesser-known vegan eateries and want a more immersive, sit-down meal experience, this tour offers great value and personal attention.
How to Choose between These Tours
Choosing the right vegan or vegetarian tour in New Orleans depends on your priorities. If you’re after a delicious sampler of classic dishes with a modern, plant-based twist—plus a lively, social atmosphere—the New Orleans: Vegan Food Tour is a fantastic pick.
Conversely, if you prefer a more intimate, full-meal experience that explores local restaurants and discusses the city’s culinary culture in depth, then the Vegan French Quarter Food Tour NOLA cuisine is your best bet.
Think about your budget, how much time you want to spend, and whether you prefer sampling or dining. Both tours are around three hours, making them easy to fit into a day of sightseeing. Booking early is recommended, especially during peak travel seasons, to secure your spot in these popular experiences.
Final Thoughts
New Orleans offers a surprising array of vegan and vegetarian food tours that appeal to a variety of tastes and interests. For those looking for a lively taste of classic dishes with a plant-based twist, the Vegan Food Tour delivers a fun and flavorful experience.
Meanwhile, travelers seeking a more personal, restaurant-focused adventure will appreciate the Vegan French Quarter Food Tour NOLA cuisine, which offers a deeper dive into local culinary innovation.
Either way, these tours showcase how New Orleans is redefining Southern cuisine—perfect for enjoying the city’s flavors without compromising your dietary choices. Be sure to book early, and prepare for a memorable, tasty journey through one of America’s most culinary-rich cities.