"Opened in 1906; closed in 2021 for three years Central Grocery in the French Quarter invented the muffaletta a century ago, and proceeded to produce the sandwiches for long lines of people until Hurricane Ida hit. The restaurant closed for a long, sad period of repairs. Even though you could get Central Grocery’s sandwich at a few other locations around town (or order a three-pack on Goldbelly for $165), New Orleans just wasn’t the same without them. Thank god, Central Grocery reopened in December 2024 with 16-ounce jars of raw garlic, imported pecorino, and tangy olive spread stocked on their shelves. The biggest draw is the new seating area in the back, where you can take down their legendary (and large) sandwich." - anne cruz