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.
Hambone Mandeville
The Hambone Gumbo, found on the Small Plates menu of this Mandeville restaurant, serves their variation of the classic Louisiana dish with gulf shrimp, ham hocks, collards and a pickled okra potato salad. Photo courtesy of Hambone
Gris-Gris New Orleans
The gumbo du jour at Gris-Gris in New Orleans typically features chicken and spicy andouille sausage. It’s a guest favorite. Photo courtesy of Gris-Gris / Facebook
Eliza Restaurant & Bar Baton Rouge
The Gumbo Ya-Ya from Eliza in Baton Rouge is made with savory roasted chicken and andouille sausage in a dark roux with rice. Photo courtesy of Eliza Restaurant & Bar
Among the extensive lineup of Creole and Cajun dishes at Antoine's Restaurant in New Orleans is a Gombo Créole prepared with blue crabs, oysters and fresh gulf shrimp. Photo courtesy of Antoine's Restaurant
Mr B's Bistro New Orleans
Two variations of gumbo make an appearance on the menu at Mr. B’s Bistro in New Orleans, a classic seafood gumbo with gulf shrimp, oysters and okra, as well as a country-style chicken and andouille sausage gumbo. Photo courtesy of Mr B's Bistro
Cher Amie's Seafood Restaurant Cut Off
Diners will find two types of gumbo on the menu at Cher Amie's Seafood Restaurant in the town of Cut Off, a chicken and sausage gumbo and a seafood gumbo. Both come as a cup or bowl with a side of potato salad. Photo courtesy of Cher Amie's Seafood Restaurant
Kajun Twist Galliano
Kajun Twist brings the flavors of Louisiana’s Cajun Country to a 50s-style diner. Hungry patrons can choose from a range of poboys, burgers and fried chicken, as well as a gumbo of the week (typically chicken or seafood). Photo courtesy of Kajun Twist / Facebook
Curio New Orleans
Housed in a former curio shop on Royal Street, Curio serves what they call “American cuisine with a Creole soul.” The menu includes a roast duck and black-eyed pea gumbo with andouille sausage and popcorn rice. Photo courtesy of Curio NOLA Restaurant
Copper Vine New Orleans
Housed in a National Register of Historic Places building from 1876, Copper Vine serves a menu of classic New Orleans dishes alongside 30 wines on tap. Copper Vine’s gumbo is made with chicken and boudin sausage. Photo courtesy of Copper Vine / Facebook
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 picked the initial 20 nominees, and the top 10 winners were determined by popular vote.
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, Philadelphia Inquirier, Taste, Country Roads and others.
Her new book 100 Things To Do in New Orleans Before You Diedelivers 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, Philadelphia Inquirier, Taste, Country Roads and others.
Her new book 100 Things To Do in New Orleans Before You Diedelivers 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.
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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.
