New Orleans is famous for its lively music, flavorful cuisine, and riverfront scenery. When it comes to dinner tours, the city offers a range of options that capture its soul—whether you’re craving a luxury jazz cruise on the Mississippi, a casual riverboat ride with Creole dishes, or a hands-on culinary experience. Choosing the right tour depends on your budget, interests, and how much you want to indulge. With so many options, you can enjoy everything from relaxing river views with live jazz to intimate cooking classes that reveal the secrets of local flavors.
Many tours feature live jazz performances, local Creole and Louisiana dishes, and scenic river views that make your evening memorable. Whether you prefer an open bar and front-row seats or a more laid-back cruise with a buffet, New Orleans’ dinner tours make for a fantastic way to experience the city’s vibrant culture after sunset.
1. Steamboat Natchez VIP Jazz Dinner Cruise with Private Tour and Open Bar Option
At number 1, the Steamboat Natchez VIP Jazz Dinner Cruise stands out for its blend of luxury, history, and live jazz on the mighty Mississippi River. For around $190.50 per person, you get about 3 hours of entertainment, gourmet food, and VIP treatment, making it a top choice for those wanting a classy evening with plenty of extras. The tour begins with early boarding and a complimentary Champagne cocktail, plus a private guided tour of the boat’s historic fixtures.
Your reserved table in the dining room allows you to relax as a live band, Dukes of Dixieland, plays Grammy-nominated jazz. The buffet features classic Louisiana dishes, including chicken and sausage gumbo, creole jambalaya, and seafood pasta—perfect for foodies wanting authentic flavors. If you opt for the open bar upgrade, enjoy call-brand cocktails, beer, and wine, which elevate the experience. The VIP package also includes a commemorative gift bag with a photo and jazz CD—ideal for souvenirs.
What makes this tour special is the combination of early VIP access, front-row seating, and a private boat tour. Many reviewers highlight Marlon’s excellent hosting and the feeling of being treated like royalty. The value is high, especially for couples or groups celebrating a special occasion.
Bottom Line: This cruise offers a luxurious, all-inclusive experience with superb music, food, and scenic views, perfect for travelers seeking a memorable night on the riverside.
2. New Orleans: Evening Jazz Boat Cruise with Optional Dinner
Coming in at number 2, the New Orleans: Evening Jazz Boat Cruise is a more budget-friendly option that emphasizes the scenic beauty of the Mississippi combined with live jazz. For about $60 per person, you get roughly two hours of relaxing river views and music aboard an old-fashioned sternwheeler paddleboat. The cruise is well-suited for visitors who want a taste of local culture without breaking the bank.
The highlight is the chance to see the city skyline and the French Quarter from the water, especially during dusk when the city lights start to glow. You can choose to add a Creole dinner to your experience, which many find adds great value. The food includes traditional dishes, and the atmosphere is casual but lively. Customers mention that despite some mixed reviews about the food, many found it quite tasty, and the live jazz enhances the mood.
The cruise is praised for its scenic views and authentic jazz music. Some reviews note the need to bring a jacket, as it can get chilly, and to arrive early for the best seating. It’s perfect for couples, families, and anyone wanting an easy, enjoyable evening on the river.
Bottom Line: A flexible, affordable option that combines scenic river views with live jazz, with the option to include a Creole dinner for a complete experience.
3. New Orleans Signature Tastes : A Cool Culinary Experience
Ranked third, the New Orleans Signature Tastes offers a hands-on culinary journey that’s perfect for food lovers. For about $84.24, you get a two-hour experience that combines guided tastings with a comprehensive explanation of New Orleans cuisine. This tour is a delightful break from typical sightseeing, as it features a four-course lunch or a seafood feast that highlights local flavors like bayou seafood and Gulf Coast ingredients.
What sets this apart is the interactive aspect—participants learn about local cooking techniques and the history behind dishes while sampling classics. The guide’s insights make it especially appealing for those who want more than just a meal; they want to understand the culinary culture of New Orleans. The reviews are glowing, with many praising the quality of food and the engaging guide.
This experience is best suited for those who love learning about food, want a cool indoor escape from the heat, or enjoy small-group, personalized experiences. It’s a good value for those interested in Gulf seafood, Creole, and the stories behind each dish.
Bottom Line: A rich, educational, and delicious way to indulge in New Orleans’ culinary traditions in comfortable surroundings.
4. Steamboat Natchez Evening Jazz Cruise with Dinner Option
Number 4 on our list is the Steamboat Natchez Evening Jazz Cruise, which combines the charm of a historic paddleboat with live jazz and optional Creole-inspired dinner. Priced at around $58 per person, this is a great value for a 3-hour evening on the Mississippi, especially if you prefer a relaxed, informal atmosphere.
Boarding begins around 5:30 pm, with the cruise departing shortly after. You can choose between two dinner seatings, with a buffet that includes jambalaya, gumbo, Cajun seafood pasta, and baked chicken. The boat’s Victorian-style decor transports you back in time, and the live jazz by the Dukes of Dixieland provides a lively soundtrack to your river views. Many reviews mention how delicious the food is and how the scenery of the city skyline at dusk is breathtaking.
The cruise is friendly for families and couples alike, with plenty of space to roam the deck and enjoy the nighttime cityscape. Be aware that some stairs can be steep, but wheelchairs and walkers are accommodated. If you’re looking for a classic New Orleans experience at a reasonable price, this cruise delivers.
Bottom Line: A solid choice for a relaxed evening with live jazz, scenic views, and hearty Creole food in a historic paddleboat setting.
5. Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Jazz Dinner Cruise in New Orleans
The Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Jazz Dinner Cruise offers a sunset cruise with options for dinner, making it ideal for a romantic evening or a relaxed outing. For about $60 per person, you get a 2-hour 30-minute cruise along the Mississippi with live jazz and a Creole-style buffet available as an add-on.
The cruise departs from the river at 6:30 pm, with the boat cruising at sunset. The menu includes jambalaya, red beans and rice, Cajun seafood pasta, and chicken and sausage gumbo, along with a White Chocolate Bread Pudding dessert. The promenade deck offers great views of the illuminated city skyline and river. The on-board jazz band adds to the lively, celebratory atmosphere. Many reviews mention how beautiful and magical the scenery is at dusk, with some noting the friendly staff and good food.
This tour is perfect for those wanting an authentic Creole dining experience combined with scenic river views. It’s especially suitable for couples seeking a romantic date or anyone wanting a relaxed, atmospheric cruise.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded cruise with live jazz, scenic sunset views, and a delicious Creole buffet—a great value for a memorable evening.
6. Bom Creole Dining Experience w/ Pool and Louisiana Native Chef
Finally, the Bom Creole Dining Experience offers an intimate, authentic Creole cuisine experience directly from a Louisiana native chef. Priced at $135 per person and lasting about 3 hours, this tour is more personalized and hands-on. The chef, with roots in Cajun Country, prepares dishes with fresh Louisiana seafood and the Holy Trinity—onions, peppers, and celery—making it a true taste of local culinary craftsmanship.
This experience is unique because it combines a dining event with a pool and cooking lessons, providing a more immersive and interactive experience. Although this tour currently doesn’t have reviews listed, it promises a personalized approach to Creole cooking, perfect for those interested in culinary arts or a more exclusive experience. It’s ideal for travelers looking to learn how to cook or enjoy a full immersion in local flavors with a native chef.
Bottom Line: For those seeking an authentic Creole meal with a personal touch and culinary insights, this experience offers a rare, intimate taste of Louisiana.
How to Choose Your Perfect Dinner Tour
When selecting your ideal dinner experience in New Orleans, consider your budget, time, and interest. If you want a luxurious evening with VIP treatment, the Steamboat Natchez VIP Jazz Dinner Cruise delivers both scenic views and premium amenities. For a more casual but scenic river cruise, the Evening Jazz Boat Cruise offers a great value with live jazz and optional Creole dishes.
If you’re eager to learn about local cuisine, the Signature Tastes provides an interactive, educational experience, while the Creole Queen cruise combines scenic sunset views with authentic Creole food.
For those interested in a more personalized, hands-on culinary lesson, the Bom Creole Dining Experience offers a more intimate approach, although it may require more planning.
Final Thoughts
New Orleans offers diverse dinner tour options tailored for different tastes and budgets. For luxury seekers, the VIP jazz cruise combines food, music, and scenery with a touch of elegance. Budget-conscious travelers can still enjoy scenic river views and jazz on the regular Natchez cruise. Food lovers interested in culinary storytelling should consider the Signature Tastes, while those craving an authentic Creole experience might prefer the Creole Queen sunset cruise.
Booking early is advised, especially during peak seasons, as these experiences tend to fill quickly. Whichever you choose, an evening with live jazz, great food, and river views is sure to be a highlight of your New Orleans trip.