The muffuletta is more than just a sandwich in New Orleans—it’s a symbol of the city’s rich cultural tapestry. With its Sicilian roots, bold flavors, and unmistakable round sesame bread, the muffuletta has stood the test of time as one of the Crescent City’s most iconic bites. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, no trip to New Orleans is complete without savoring one of these olive-laden masterpieces. Below, we explore the origins of the muffuletta and highlight some of the best places in the city to grab one today.
A Bite of History
The muffuletta was born in 1906 at Central Grocery on Decatur Street. Italian immigrant Salvatore Lupo, who owned the small grocery store, noticed that his patrons—many of them Sicilian dock workers—struggled to juggle their lunch orders of cold cuts, cheeses, and olives separately. Lupo had the idea to combine all of it into one sandwich using a round, dense Sicilian sesame loaf known as muffuletta bread. The result was both practical and delicious: layers of mortadella, salami, ham, provolone, and Swiss, topped with a generous scoop of briny olive salad.
The sandwich quickly became a staple in New Orleans, particularly among the city’s Italian-American community. Over time, it’s been reimagined in countless ways while still staying true to its original flavors.
Where to Get a Great Muffuletta in New Orleans
Central Grocery & Deli
The originator and still the gold standard. Though Central Grocery is often swarmed by tourists, it’s worth the wait. The muffuletta is made fresh daily and served in generous portions—perfectly balanced between meat, cheese, and their signature olive salad.
923 Decatur St, French Quarter
Verti Marte
This hole-in-the-wall deli in the French Quarter is beloved by locals and is known for serving up massive, flavor-packed sandwiches 24/7. Their muffuletta comes hot or cold, and the portion size can easily feed two. A great grab-and-go option.
1201 Royal St, French Quarter
Frank’s Restaurant
Located across from Central Grocery, Frank’s offers a heated muffuletta for those who prefer the cheese a bit melty and the bread toasty. It’s a nice twist on the classic with all the right components.
933 Decatur St, French Quarter
Stein’s Market & Deli
A Jewish-Italian hybrid deli on Magazine Street, Stein’s puts a gourmet spin on the muffuletta. Their version includes high-end meats and cheeses, house-made olive salad, and crusty ciabatta if sesame bread isn’t your thing.
2207 Magazine St, Lower Garden District
Napoleon House
For a uniquely New Orleans take, Napoleon House serves a warm muffuletta alongside a Pimm’s Cup in a historic 200-year-old building. Their sandwich is lighter on the meats, heavier on the olive salad, and toasted to perfection.
500 Chartres St, French Quarter
Cochon Butcher
This trendy Warehouse District eatery puts a modern Cajun twist on classic charcuterie. Their muffuletta features house-cured meats and a spicy, tangy olive spread that brings extra depth to every bite.
930 Tchoupitoulas St, Warehouse District
DiMartino’s Famous New Orleans Muffulettas
With locations in Algiers, Covington and the Westbank, DiMartino’s is a local favorite. Their version is the closest in spirit to Central Grocery, and their fresh bread and heaping olive salad make every sandwich crave-worthy.
1788 Carol Sue Ave, Terrytown
St. James Cheese Company
Though better known for their artisanal cheese boards, St. James also offers a gourmet muffuletta sandwich during lunch service. It’s refined, well-balanced, and a bit more upscale—perfect for foodies.
5004 Prytania St, Uptown / 641 Tchoupitoulas
R&O’s Restaurant
This neighborhood Italian and seafood spot in Bucktown offers one of the most underrated muffulettas in the metro area. It’s a hearty, satisfying take with loads of meat and just the right amount of olive salad.
216 Metairie-Hammond Hwy, Metairie
Continue Reading: Best Diners in New Orleans: Where to Get Classic Comfort Food
