8 Best Jambalaya Restaurants In New Orleans

Opened in 1938, Mother’s is a popular cafeteria-style eatery located on Poydras Street’s restaurant row. Drawing customers in with delicious, authentic Southern fare, this traditional joint is famous for coining the citywide term “debris,” bits of roast beef that have fallen into the gravy. Mother’s offers tourists Jerry’s Jambalaya, a local favorite and one of the best versions of the dish you’ll find in the city. Cooked with chicken, andouille sausage, vegetables, herbs, and seasonings, this Creole jambalaya is hard to beat. Visitors will appreciate that this famous CBD landmark is within walking distance of the National World War II Museum, the French Quarter, Aquarium, and more. Open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., you have no excuse not to go. Don’t let the line intimidate you. Take our word for it; it’s totally worth it.

Inside a casual, restored 1794 cottage you’ll find the Gumbo Shop, an authentic, locals-approved restaurant serving traditional and contemporary Creole staples. Located in the French Quarter, this casual eatery that opens daily at 11 a.m. serves the traditional jambalaya plate filled with rice, smoked sausage, shrimp, and chicken in a seasoned sauce, as well as the Creole Combination Platter, a large dish of shrimp Creole, jambalaya, and red beans and rice.

Nationally recognized as one of the top-rated restaurants in New Orleans, GW Fins is a stylish eatery located between Bourbon and Dauphine Streets. Featuring a menu filled with fresh catches, such as the yellowfin tuna crudo, the house-cured salmon carpaccio, and the cobia crudo, GW Fins gives guests the option of pairing the main entrées with a side of their one-of-a-kind jambalaya. This French Quarter gem, open on Sundays through Thursdays from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and from 5:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, provides visitors with free parking for up to three hours. Although reservations are not required, they are encouraged due to the restaurant’s popularity.

You may find it hard not to get behind this restaurant’s mantra: “Eat at Melba’s. Pray before meals. Love New Orleans.” Born in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, this New Orleans landmark is a favorite for locals and neighbors alike. While they’re known for their po-boys, Melba’s sides are tasty and come in shareable sizes so the whole family can try. Our top recommendation for passing around the dinner table is Melba’s jambalaya. Make your way to the intersection of North Claiborne Avenue and Elysian Fields to get a taste for the epic flavors from Melba’s any time of the day or night because they’re open 24/7.

A French Quarter landmark, Café Maspero opened its doors in 1971 and has been slinging Southern favorites ever since. The best way to enjoy a New Orleans classic dish is at a classic New Orleans restaurant. Who knew the simple combination of rice, Gulf shrimp, smoked sausage, chicken, and vegetables could be so tasty? Run, don’t walk, to Decatur Street Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., or Sunday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. to get your fill.

Our last pick to satisfy your jambalaya craving on your next visit to the Big Easy is not technically in New Orleans, but it’s well worth venturing to Metairie for. Although their gumbo tends to take the spotlight, the jambalaya is worth an order. Cooked with smoked sausage and diced chicken, this traditional recipe is also hard to beat. Get your jambalaya fix Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Chef Ron’s Gumbo Stop on Causeway Boulevard.