Unearth The Voyage
Louisiana knows gumbo like no other place on Earth. Every cook has their own secret, every pot tells a story, and every bowl is a reason to sit down and stay awhile.
From the bustling streets of New Orleans to the quiet bayou towns where recipes have been passed down for generations, gumbo is more than just a meal – it’s a tradition worth traveling for.
1. Gumbo Shop (French Quarter, New Orleans)
Right in the heart of the French Quarter, this spot has been feeding locals and visitors since the 1940s. The menu gives you choices – Seafood Okra Gumbo, Chicken Andouille Gumbo, or the herbaceous Gumbo Z’Herbes – each one packed with flavor and tradition.
The dark roux here is cooked low and slow, giving the broth that deep, rich color people dream about.
After you finish your bowl, Jackson Square is just steps away. You can browse street artists, listen to live jazz, and wander through the French Market without breaking a sweat.
Save room for dessert because their classic New Orleans sweets are hard to resist.
This is the kind of place where tourists and regulars sit side by side, all chasing the same thing: a perfect bowl of gumbo.
2. Dooky Chase’s Restaurant (Tremé, New Orleans)
Leah Chase made this place a legend, and her gumbo is still one of the most talked-about dishes in the city. The gumbo here is soulful, seasoned with generations of knowledge, and served with pride.
Gumbo Z’Herbes, a meatless version traditionally eaten on Good Friday, is a standout that connects you to deep Louisiana roots.
Tremé itself is a cultural treasure. Spend your day soaking up live music history, walking the neighborhood streets, and visiting nearby museums that tell the story of New Orleans like nowhere else.
The food and the culture here go hand in hand.
Eating at Dooky Chase’s is more than lunch. It’s a history lesson, a cultural experience, and a meal you’ll remember long after you leave town.
3. Herbsaint (CBD, New Orleans)
Chef Donald Link’s Herbsaint serves a dark roux gumbo that stops conversations mid-sentence. The kind of gumbo that makes you pause, close your eyes, and just taste.
It’s refined without losing its soul, and the flavors are layered in a way that only comes from serious kitchen skill.
Located in the Central Business District, Herbsaint fits perfectly into a relaxed downtown day. Hop on the streetcar, stroll along the riverfront, and let the city unfold at its own pace.
Dinner here feels like a reward for taking your time.
This is gumbo for people who appreciate the craft behind the bowl. Every spoonful reminds you why Louisiana cooking is respected worldwide, and why some meals are worth planning a whole trip around.
4. Cochon (Warehouse District, New Orleans)
Cochon brings Cajun cooking to the Warehouse District with serious flavor and zero fuss. Their chicken and andouille gumbo is smoky, hearty, and built for people who like bold tastes.
The andouille here has a kick, and the chicken is tender enough to fall apart with just a spoon.
The Warehouse District is perfect for a stress-free day. Walk through art galleries, grab a coffee, and settle in for a long lunch that doesn’t require reservations weeks in advance.
Everything you need is within a few blocks.
This is the kind of meal that makes you want to linger. Order a side, sip something cold, and let the gumbo do what it does best: make you feel like you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be.
5. Commander’s Palace (Garden District, New Orleans)
Commander’s Palace is where gumbo meets elegance. Their Creole Gumbo is listed as a starter, but it’s anything but small in flavor.
Rich, perfectly seasoned, and served in a setting that makes you sit up a little straighter, this is gumbo with a dress code.
The Garden District is made for slow mornings and long meals. Walk under giant oak trees, admire the wraparound porches, and take your time getting to the restaurant.
Once you’re there, turn the meal into an event.
This is gumbo for special occasions, or for any Tuesday you decide deserves to feel special. The service is warm, the atmosphere is classic New Orleans, and the gumbo lives up to every bit of hype you’ve heard.
6. Acme Oyster House (New Orleans, multiple locations)
Acme is famous for oysters, but their gumbo deserves just as much attention. The menu lists both Seafood Gumbo and Chicken Andouille Sausage Gumbo, and both are solid, no-frills versions that hit the spot every time.
The seafood version is loaded with shrimp and crab, while the chicken and sausage brings that smoky, meaty depth.
Go early, grab a seat at the bar, and start with gumbo before moving on to oysters. The French Quarter is right outside, so you can easily turn this into an all-day food crawl.
Acme keeps things simple and does it well. No fancy plating, no complicated menus—just good gumbo in a place that knows how to feed a crowd without losing quality.
7. Prejean’s (Broussard/Lafayette area)
Prejean’s serves the kind of gumbo that makes you understand why people drive out of their way. Their Seafood Gumbo is built on a dark roux and loaded with shrimp, crawfish tails, and blue crab fingers.
Every spoonful is packed with texture and flavor, and the seasoning is spot-on.
The Lafayette area is perfect for a full food day. Stop for boudin on the way, grab a plate lunch somewhere else, and make Prejean’s your dinner destination.
The drive between stops is half the fun—scenic, slow, and full of Louisiana charm.
This is Cajun country cooking at its best. The portions are generous, the vibe is welcoming, and the gumbo tastes like someone’s been stirring that pot since sunrise.
8. Bon Temps Grill (Lafayette)
Bon Temps Grill keeps things straightforward and delicious. Their Chicken and Andouille Gumbo is available for online ordering, which tells you it’s a go-to for locals who know what they want.
The gumbo here is hearty, well-seasoned, and perfect for a quick lunch or a sit-down meal before heading out for the evening.
Lafayette is built for a relaxed schedule. Grab gumbo for lunch, explore the area, and keep your evening open for live music.
The city has a rhythm all its own, and it’s easy to fall into.
This is the kind of spot where you don’t need a reservation or a plan. Just show up hungry, order the gumbo, and let the rest of the day unfold however it wants.
9. Randol’s (Lafayette)
Randol’s is where food and music collide. Their menu lists both Chicken and Sausage Gumbo and Seafood Gumbo, complete with prices and descriptions that let you know exactly what you’re getting.
Both versions are rich, flavorful, and made to fuel a long night of dancing and live Cajun music.
Come hungry and plan to stay awhile. The energy here is contagious, and the gumbo is just the beginning.
This is the kind of place where dinner turns into a full evening without anyone noticing the time.
If you like your meals with a side of accordion and fiddle, Randol’s is a must. The gumbo is authentic, the atmosphere is electric, and the whole experience feels like Louisiana in a single night.
10. Pat’s of Henderson (Henderson)
Pat’s of Henderson has a gumbo lineup that could fill a whole page. Shrimp and okra gumbo, seafood gumbo with crawfish, crab, and shrimp, chicken and sausage gumbo—they’ve got it all.
Each one is made with care, and the flavors reflect the kind of cooking that only happens near the Atchafalaya Basin.
Henderson is a great spot for a scenic day. Drive the slow roads, take in the swampy views, and stop at Pat’s for a meal that feels like a reward for taking the scenic route.
The area is beautiful, quiet, and full of Louisiana character.
This is gumbo country. The bowls are big, the flavors are bold, and the setting is as authentic as it gets.
11. Parrain’s Seafood Restaurant (Baton Rouge)
Parrain’s serves Seafood Gumbo by the cup or bowl, and both sizes are worth ordering. The gumbo here is loaded with shrimp, crab, and a roux that’s been cooked to that perfect dark, nutty stage.
It’s the kind of meal that makes you want to order a second bowl before you’ve finished the first.
Baton Rouge is perfect for a casual afternoon. Grab gumbo for lunch, then wander the LSU area or explore downtown.
The pace here is easy, and the food scene is solid without being overwhelming.
This is a great stop if you’re looking for good gumbo without all the fanfare. Just a solid bowl, friendly service, and a city that knows how to keep things simple and satisfying.
