Exploring the Best Muffuletta in New Orleans French Quarter

The New Orleans French Quarter is a treasure trove of culinary delights, and the muffuletta is undoubtedly one of its most iconic dishes. This sandwich, with its layered olive salad, mortadella, salami, ham, and provolone on a round sesame seed loaf, has captured the hearts of both locals and tourists alike. In this guide, we compare the best spots to indulge in this sandwich, highlighting the unique offerings of each place.

Central Grocery: A Timeless Icon

Central Grocery, a historic deli that has been serving its famous muffuletta since 1906, is often regarded as the quintessential spot. This renowned establishment has a storied history and is beloved by many for its traditional approach to the muffuletta. The sandwich is made with layers of olive salad, mortadella, salami, ham, and provolone on a round sesame seed loaf. Central Grocery's muffuletta is enjoyed by locals and visitors, often considered the gold standard due to its authentic flavors and rich history.

Muffuletta’s at the Napoleon House: A Modern Twist

Muffuletta’s at the Napoleon House offers a more relaxed atmosphere while still delivering a delicious muffuletta experience. This spot is known for its house-made olive salad and its unique house dressing, which adds a distinguishing flavor to the sandwich. Visitors can enjoy a comfortable seating area, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a casual meal. While it may not have the same historical significance as Central Grocery, it remains a highly recommended alternative.

Personal Preferences and Experiences

When discussing the best muffuletta, it’s important to recognize that everyone has their own personal preferences. Unlike a simple question such as, "Who has the best burger?", opinions on muffuletta can vary widely. In my experience, I prefer my muffuletta to be warm and toasted, which justifies the visit to Central Grocery. While Central Grocery is indeed a classic, its muffuletta is often made cold, making it suitable for a quick, portable lunch on a busy day.

I have three favorite places in the French Quarter that offer a warm and toasty muffuletta: Verti Marte, Johnny’s Po Boys, and RO. All three places are renowned for their incredible muffuletta, each serving a massive sandwich that is hard to resist. The quality and size of the muffuletta make them stand out, regardless of the location and service type.

Verti Marte and Johnny’s Po Boys are both located in the French Quarter, offering a bustling atmosphere with different service styles. Johnny’s Po Boys has a counter service with a self-serve seating option and can get quite crowded; it closes early, around late lunch. In contrast, Verti Marte is in a more convenient spot, making it easier for those who prefer a smaller sandwich or a quick bite.

Napoleon House: Freshness and Quality

Napoleon House on Chartres Street is renowned for its fresh ingredients and homemade olive salad, which sets it apart from other spots. While Central Grocery uses mass-produced olive salad, Napoleon House bakes the bread daily and prepares the olive salad in-house. This attention to freshness and quality makes the muffuletta at Napoleon House stand out, providing a more authentic and satisfying experience.

Mo’s Pizza in Westwego: A Different Flavor

While the traditional muffuletta spots in the French Quarter are beloved, Mo’s Pizza in Westwego on the Westbank is worth mentioning. This place offers a different take on the muffuletta. Both Central Grocery and Mo’s are great spots, but Mo’s muffuletta is a bit better and much larger. The size of the sandwich means one person can’t finish it, but you can always order a half, making it a more substantial option for a satisfying meal.

Whether you prefer the traditional, historical experience at Central Grocery or the more relaxed and homemade approach at Napoleon House, the muffuletta in the New Orleans French Quarter is a must-try for any food lover visiting the area. Whether it’s a warm, toasty bite at Verti Marte or a hearty meal at Johnny’s Po Boys, the muffuletta is a testament to the rich culinary heritage of New Orleans.