This post is about where to find the best Muffuletta in New Orleans.
We include a map with places both within the French Quarter and outside as well as descriptions of and links to each recommended establishment.
- What is a Muffuletta
- 10 Top Places to get a Muffuletta
- French Quarter Food Tour
- 13 NOLA Foods You Must Try
- Free Tours by Foot
WHAT IS A MUFFULETTA
New Orleans has for some time been thought of as an epicenter for culinary delights.
This is likely because of our steep history of unique dishes. The Muffuletta is definitely on that list.
The roots of the Muffaletta start in Sicily where the original bread was made with sesame seeds.
The beginnings of its American origins are often questioned.
Most historians believe it was first created in 1906 at Central Grocery on Decatur Street by Salvatore Lupo who’s store fed many Italian Immigrants.
We definitely know that he put salami, ham, olive salad, provolone, Swiss cheese, and Mortadella on that Sesame bread.
It became an instant classic as its large size could be consumed throughout the day at a reasonable price point.
This seems simple, but there is a steep battle occurring in the Big Easy as to who has the best Muff.
TEN TOP PLACES TO HAVE A MUFFALETTA IN NEW ORLEANS
923 Decatur St.
Go to the source. Central Grocery, where the sandwich got its start, is the mecca for the Muffaletta.
There is a reason the line can often stretch down the block. They know what they are doing! You can also shop in the Italian grocery store for souvenirs to bring home.
*These Muffalettas are currently being sold next door at Sidney’s due to the Grocery sustaining damage during Ida.
2- Napoleon House
500 Chartres Street
If you want a sit down Muffaletta experience Napoleon House is the place. As their website states, you will experience old world ambience.
That aside, their sandwich is thought of as the 2nd best in the city.
Ordering a Pimm’s Cup makes this meal a quintessentially New Orleans experience.
3-Verti Marte
1201 Royal Street
Feeling like a Muffaletta at 4am? Verti Marte is the place! You can have it hot, or cold.
It is a small convenience store. A bag of Zap’s Potato Chips and a beer togo would be a great addition.
4-Chocon Butcher
930 Tchoupitoulas
Celebrity Chef Donald Link’s sandwich shop is the cream of the crop when it comes to artisanal sandwiches.
Their Muffaletta includes house cured meats, as well as really fluffy bread.
Your meats are specifically chosen for you based on their texture and are cooked in an oven that uses heat and steam.
5-World Deli
4414 Clearview Parkway
If you get off the airplane and immediately need your fix head to the World Deli in Metairie.
This deli has a range of poboys in addition to their huge Muffaletta. You could even buy a tray of mini-muffs to take to your lodging.
They have nightly specials for those who want variety.
6-Liuzza’s
3636 Bienville St.
This family run restaurant has been open since the 1940’s. They tout having the coldest beer in town.
We, however, go for the Muffaletta. With tons of New Orleans staples this is a place to experience a truly local meal.
You may want to try the Frenchuletta. We’ll let them explain it.
7-Terranova’s Supermarket
3308 Esplanade Ave
The Bayou St. John neighborhood is a beautiful area to experience the waterway, City Park, and St. Louis #1 Cemetery.
If you want a quick bite Terranova’s Muffaletta is to die for. The family run store has been open for over 90 years.
To accompany your sandwich you can try some of their in house made sausages or hogs head cheese.
These do sell out, so get there early.
8-Alberto’s Cheese and Wine Bar
1100 N. Peters St.
Albertos is located in the French Market. It is a lunch counter with a mostly Mediterranean menu.
The owner’s Spanish roots encline him to add Chorizo to their sandwich. The result is delicious.
They also make a vegetarian version which is yum!
9-Fiorella’s
5325 Franklin Ave.
Fiorella’s is most known for their fried chicken, but don’t sleep on their Muffaletta.
This family run counter service restaurant will remind you of a time and place in The Big Easy.
Called a “Red Sauce Joint” you can get all your Italian favorites.
They take pride in their Muffaletta Bread; they use it in other dishes.
10-Old Arabi Food Store
650 Friscoville Ave
If you want to venture down the road past the Lower 9th Ward make your way to Arabi to try the Old Food Store.
Opened in 1973 this is a great place for a po boy and a barqs. They have daily specials.
What we think is different is that they provide add ons to their Muffalettas including Shrimp. They also offer it as a wrap.
