Best Gumbo in New Orleans: Perfect Roux-Based Stew

New Orleans is famous for its unique cuisine, and one dish that has become a hallmark of the city’s culinary culture is gumbo. This dish is a savory stew that blends together various meats, seafood, and vegetables with a roux-based broth to create a flavorful and filling meal. There are many different versions of gumbo, but some of the best can be found in New Orleans. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the best gumbo in New Orleans, including where to find it and what makes it so special.

What is Gumbo?

Before we dive into the best gumbo in New Orleans, it’s important to understand what this dish is and where it comes from. Gumbo has roots in West African, French, and Spanish cuisine, and it has been a staple of Louisiana cooking for centuries. The dish typically includes a combination of seafood, sausage, chicken, or other meats, along with a roux-based broth that is thickened with okra or filé powder. Vegetables such as onions, celery, and bell peppers are also often added to the mix.

Gumbo is typically served over rice, and it is often accompanied by crusty bread or cornbread. It is a hearty, filling dish that is perfect for cold winter nights or anytime you need a comfort food fix.

Best Gumbo in New Orleans

Now that you know what gumbo is, let’s take a closer look at some of the best places to find it in New Orleans.

1. Dooky Chase’s Restaurant

Dooky Chase’s Restaurant is a New Orleans institution that has been serving up delicious Creole cuisine for over 70 years. The gumbo here is made with a dark roux that gives it a rich, nutty flavor, and it is loaded with shrimp, crabmeat, and Andouille sausage. Dooky Chase’s is a must-visit spot for anyone who wants to experience the true flavor of New Orleans.

2. Galatoire’s Restaurant

Galatoire’s is another iconic New Orleans restaurant that has been around for over a century. The gumbo here is made with a roux that is cooked to a deep, chocolatey brown, giving it a complex and satisfying flavor. The dish is loaded with shrimp, crabmeat, and sausage, and it is served over fluffy white rice. The atmosphere at Galatoire’s is elegant and sophisticated, making it a perfect spot for a special occasion.

3. Commander’s Palace

Commander’s Palace is a New Orleans classic that has been serving up refined Creole cuisine since 1893. The gumbo here is made with a rich, dark roux that is loaded with shrimp, crabmeat, and Andouille sausage. The dish is served with fluffy white rice and a side of crusty French bread. Commander’s Palace is a great spot for a fancy night out, but be sure to dress up, as the dress code here is strict.

4. Liuzza’s Restaurant & Bar

If you’re looking for a more casual spot to try some delicious gumbo, Liuzza’s is the place to go. This neighborhood restaurant has been serving up classic Creole cuisine for over 70 years, and the gumbo here is a standout dish. Made with a light roux that lets the flavors of the shrimp, crabmeat, and sausage shine through, the gumbo at Liuzza’s is a perfect example of the kind of home-style cooking that New Orleans is famous for.

5. K-Paul’s Louisiana Kitchen

K-Paul’s Louisiana Kitchen is the brainchild of legendary chef Paul Prudhomme, and it has been a fixture of the New Orleans dining scene since the 1970s.

Where to Find the Tastiest Gumbo in and Around New Orleans