Where to Find the Best Cajun Food in New Orleans

New Orleans is most widely associated with two things: Mardi Gras and Cajun food. The heavy Cajun traditions in the city come from the Acadian people deported by the British from Acadia in Canada to the Acadian region of Louisiana. It’s a simple cooking method that delivers plenty of spice and local seafood ingredients. These are the best spots to get Cajun in NOLA.

Mulate, New Orleans, Louisiana © Elliot | Flickr

Mulates

Located right on the Mississippi River, they are the self-proclaimed “original Cajun restaurant” and whether or not it’s true, they deliver a menu that won’t make you think twice. The Cajun favorites are red beans and rice with sausage, BBQ shrimp and fried alligator. Every night, they feature live music and dancing that’ll put you in the Bayou spirit.

© Krisa | Flickr

Toups’ Meatery

If you’re looking for traditional Cajun food with an upscale fine dining feel, check out Toups’ Meatery. The Toups family line goes back 300 years in Louisiana, so when Chef Issac Toups and his wife Amanda had the chance to bring fine dining together with their deep-rooted love for Cajun food, they jumped at it. Each meal comes with a rustic level of sophistication you’ll have to try to fully appreciate.

K-Paul’s Louisiana Kitchen, New Orleans © Food Group | Flickr

K-Paul’s Kitchen

Chef Paul Prudhomme first opened this restaurant in 1979, seating only 62 guests. It quickly became famous for the blackened fish with a magical kind of seasoning incredibly unique at the time. Today, he has expanded to a bigger space that can seat more than 200 guests due to popular demand. If you like blackened fish, come to where it all began.