New Orleans School of Cooking

The basics

The school offers two types of classes: demonstration classes and hands-on classes. The most popular options are the open demonstration classes where guests sit back and watch an expert chef prepare traditional Cajun or Creole dishes from start to finish, all while serving up tasty tidbits about the history and culture of New Orleans cuisine. During hands-on classes, participants actually chop, sauté, and stir at kitchen stations. With either option, guests get to sit down and savor a complete meal after the cooking is done.

Things to know before you go

• Take-home recipe cards are provided so you can impress friends and family with your newfound skills.
• Authentic Cajun seasonings and cookbooks can be purchased at the school’s Louisiana General Store.
• During demonstration classes, keep an eye on the large mirror above the cooking station for a top-down view of the action.
• Meals are served with iced tea, lemonade, coffee (morning classes), and local Abita beer.
• Participants in the hands-on classes must be 18 years of age or older.

How to get there

The New Orleans School of Cooking is located in a historic molasses warehouse in the heart of the French Quarter. It is within easy walking distance of most French Quarter attractions.

When to get there

Demonstration classes are offered in the mornings at 10am and 2pm and range from 2–2.5 hours long. Hands-on classes are 3 hours long and are held at 10am and 6pm (weekdays), 5pm (Saturdays), and 4pm (Sundays). Advance reservations are required.

Famous New Orleans Restaurants

New Orleans cuisine is a long-held source of local pride, with authentic Creole and Cajun flavors that are unmatched anywhere else in the world. If a cooking class leaves you hungry for more, try legendary restaurants like K-Paul’s Louisiana Kitchen, Broussard’s, Criollo, Commander’s Palace, and Muriel’s Jackson Square. The Ruby Slipper Cafe is famous for its southern-style brunches, while Loretta’s Authentic Pralines is the go-to place to satisfy a sweet tooth.

Ways to explore

Two types of classes are available at the New Orleans School of Cooking: demonstration classes and hands-on cooking classes. During demonstration classes, guests sit back and watch as a chef prepares traditional Cajun or Creole dishes from scratch, while providing fun stories about the history and culture of New Orleans cuisine. In hands-on classes, participants chop, sauté, and stir at kitchen stations. Both experiences end with a sit-down meal that consists of the food made during the session.

Accessibility

The cooking school is wheelchair accessible.

Age limits

Some hands-on classes are for over-18s only, but demo classes are open to all ages.

What to pack

Notebook and pen, hair ties (if you have long hair), reusable water bottle

What to wear

Choose comfortable clothing—the school recommends closed-toe shoes, shirts with sleeves, and long pants.

Not allowed

Dangling jewelry for hands-on lessons

Amenities

Kitchen utensils, aprons, restrooms

Address

The New Orleans School of Cooking is situated in the heart of the city’s French Quarter. Visitors typically reach it on foot or by rideshare.

Driving

It’s generally best to take public transportation to the French Quarter, as parking is limited and can be expensive. If you’d rather travel by car, consider a rideshare service.

Public transportation

It’s super convenient to get to the French Quarter via public transport, as the RTA’s Riverfront and St. Charles Avenue streetcar lines stop nearby.

Best times to visit

It’s best to prebook a cooking class, and then aim to arrive 10–15 minutes before your class time begins.

Best days to visit

Classes take place throughout the week, but weekends can be popular—come on a weekday for better availability.

Best months to visit

While the school is open year-round, New Orleans is great to visit in spring (March through May) or fall (October or November), if you’d like to avoid the summer heat.

Special events

The school offers demo classes, hands-on classes, brunch experiences, and more—so check the events schedule in advance to find a class that fits your interests and group.