One of the reasons why I wanted to visit The Southern USA so badly wasn’t the architecture or the history – if you guessed the food – ding! ding!

Don’t get me wrong, everywhere you visit here looks like a postcard. I spent quite a bit of time exploring the towns and visiting some incredible sights, but I can’t say enough about the food.

Oh the food.

Everything from catfish po’boys, gumbo, muffulettas, fried chicken, collard greens, my goodness. I don’t know if it’s something in the air or in the water or both – everything tastes so good here.

Here are some of my favourite eats here in NOLA. And the places to get them:

1. Cafe du Monde

I know, I know, everyone and their dogs says you have to visit Cafe du Monde your first time in NOLA – and here’s one more!

Seriously, I know this place has been hyped up to heaven and back, but it is totally well deserved. The beignets are like little clouds and are the perfect combination of sweet and chewy. Add to the equation a cup of their famous chicory coffee and you’re in heaven.

2. NOLA Vampire Cafe

If you’re looking for the ultimate goth vibe in NOLA, this place is it. Aside from an exquisite menu that you would expect from a vampire host, this restaurant hosts tea leaf readings and the occasional seance. Try the smoked crocodile bites, they’re really good.

3. Rusty’s Riverfront Grill

Moving on to Vicksburg, Mississippi for a second – You have to check out Rusty’s. They offer really good food for a very reasonable price. The portions are huge! They are also well known for their Fried Green Tomatoes and Shrimp and Grits. Make sure you come with an appetite – and if you can, save room for pie.

4. Anchuca Dining

This lovely restaurant is located on the grounds of one of the many impressive mansions in Vicksburg. The elegant yet comfortable atmosphere and friendly service makes this restaurant a must when visiting Vicksburg.

Make sure to order the fried chicken, it was amazing. And the catfish po’boy – which is big enough to share!

5. Court of Two Sisters

This isn’t a restaurant – it’s a legend. I highly recommend coming here and visiting their courtyard. This is really one of the prettiest restaurants I’ve ever been.

Come for their Live Jazz Brunch – available everyday from 9am to 3pm. This is a good opportunity to taste all sorts of Creole and New Orleans favourites buffet style. Don’t miss the Turtle Soup au Sherry, it’s a house specialty.

6. Central Grocery

Home of the original Muffuletta sandwich and lined with shelves stocked with imported pasta and olive oil as the aroma of cured pork and aged cheeses fill the air, this shop hasn’t changed over the years. Their Muffulettas are made with meats sliced in house, locally baked handmade bread and their family own Italian Olive Salad.

7. Molly’s Rise and Shine

Located in the legendary Garden District, Molly’s is a wonderfully eclectic diner with personality for days! You can’t go wrong ordering a chicken biscuit, collard greens, and sweet tea.

So much food, so little time. There were so many, many places I wished I had the time to visit. I can’t wait to go back and eat my way around some more!