Top 5: Best Jambalaya Restaurants in New Orleans

The city of New Orleans is, at its core, a city of jazz. Not only is jazz the music of the Big Easy — it is its heartbeat, albeit offbeat. Everything from the dialect to the parades and even the food has a bit of jazz in it. Following this philosophy, jambalaya, and its improvised, irregular recipes, is the culinary embodiment of New Orleans. For this reason, no two are alike, and comparing them can be difficult. However, a few jambalaya spots perhaps stand above the rest.

© Chelsea Marie Hicks | Flickr

Coop’s Place

Just a block away from the roaring Mississippi River is Decatur Street’s own Coop’s Place. This locally acclaimed late-hours Creole restaurant and bar is high on the lists of most New Orleans cuisine experts, and for good reason. Its unusual rabbit and sausage Jambalaya defeats its own modest slogan, “Where the not so elite go to eat.”

© Chun-Hung Eric Cheng | Flickr

Mother’s Restaurant

Mother’s may look like a church basement soup chicken, with its long lines and cafeteria-style serving, but one taste of its potent jambalaya and any apprehensions are dissolved.

Jacques-Imo’s, New Orleans, Louisiana © Mills Baker | Flickr

Jacques-Imo’s

A location a few blocks from Tulane University often drives a college crowd to this hipster mecca — its explosion of color both inside and out is perhaps the culprit. However, its alligator cheesecake and interesting red jambalaya dilutes the noise.

© Michael Bentley | Flickr

K-Paul’s Louisiana Kitchen

Located in the historic French Quarter, the balcony and courtyard setting of K-Paul’s is nearly more attractive than its food. Try not to get the jalapeno, garlic, sauce piquant jambalaya on your Sunday best, as the dress code is “business casual.”

Gumbo Shop, New Orleans, Louisiana © Matt Howry | Flickr

Gumbo Shop

The Gumbo Shop may be a touristy, predictable choice for Creole cuisine, but it still delivers with taste and quality. In a bold statement, the gumbo shop removes what many believe to be the primary ingredient of the jambalaya recipe — the rice.