Louisiana declared gumbo the official state dish in 2004, but it’s been a staple of Cajun and Creole cuisine for much longer. While the exact origins of the dish are unclear, the name comes from the West African Bantu word for okra, “ki ngombo,” which was (and still is) used as a thickener in some recipes. While every restaurant has their own variation, most start with a roux base, the French “trinity” of onions, bell peppers and celery, and a dash of filé powder. Chefs across the state are cooking up creative renditions, but the two you’re most likely to see are seafood gumbo or chicken and sausage gumbo.
The top 10 winners in the category Best Gumbo in Louisiana are as follows:
- Hambone - Mandeville
- Gris-Gris - New Orleans
- Eliza Restaurant & Bar - Baton Rouge
- Spahr's Seafood - Multiple Locations
- Antoine's Restaurant - New Orleans
- Mr B's Bistro - New Orleans
- Cher Amie's Seafood Restaurant - Cut Off
- Kajun Twist - Galliano
- Curio - New Orleans
- Copper Vine - New Orleans
A panel of experts partnered with 10Best editors to pick the initial 20 nominees, and the top 10 winners were determined by popular vote.
Congratulations to all these winning restaurants!
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The Experts
Beth D'Addono
Beth D'Addono is a food and travel writer obsessed... Read More
Beth D'Addono is a food and travel writer obsessed with flavor, exploring cultures, street music and the city of New Orleans. Beth writes about New Orleans and other destinations for outlets including USAToday, AAA Traveler, Taste, Country Roads and others. Her book 100 Things To Do in New Orleans Before You Die delivers an authentic New Orleans experience for lifelong New Orleanians, transplants and visitors. Take an audio tour here. She also wrote The Hunt New Orleans, a local's guide to restaurants, shops and experiences.
Beth D'Addono

Beth D'Addono is a food and travel writer obsessed with flavor, exploring cultures, street music and the city of New Orleans. Beth writes about New Orleans and other destinations for outlets including USAToday, AAA Traveler, Taste, Country Roads and others. Her book 100 Things To Do in New Orleans Before You Die delivers an authentic New Orleans experience for lifelong New Orleanians, transplants and visitors. Take an audio tour here. She also wrote The Hunt New Orleans, a local's guide to restaurants, shops and experiences.
10Best Editors
10Best.com provides users with original, unbiased... Read More
10Best.com provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.
10Best Editors

10Best.com provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.