/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72363174/Muffuletta_NL.0.png "Central Grocery and Deli by Missy Frederick")
At Central Grocery, the birthplace of the legendary muffuletta, you’ll find a charming, old-world market that’s all about stacking cured meats, cheeses, and a zingy olive salad between pillowy Sicilian bread—it's a must-try in the heart of the French Quarter.
"Central Grocery returned to New Orleans' iconic foods landscape in December 2024 after being closed for three years following Hurricane Ida. Thank goodness, because a taste of the deli’s famed muffuletta is that much more special after visiting the French Quarter storefront where it was invented. The sandwich, which is the only one Central Grocery sells, is layered with olive salad, Genoa salami, ham, mortadella, provolone, and Swiss cheese, and is served cold. It travels exceptionally well, so a good move is to bring one down to the riverfront for an al fresco experience. If a hot and toasty version of the sandwich sounds more your style, the nearby Napoleon House is the spot to try one. Here’s a full list of where to find the best muffulettas in town." - Clair Lorell, Eater Staff
"A New Orleans icon known for its beloved sandwiches, reopened after a three-year pause due to hurricane damage." - Eater Staff
"Central Grocery is an iconic deli located in the French Quarter of New Orleans, known as the birthplace of the muffuletta sandwich. The grocery has a rich history tied to the Sicilian immigrant community and offers a variety of local products." - Clair Lorell
"The po’boy might be the most famous sandwich in New Orleans, but the muffuletta—a giant Italian sandwich that can easily feed four people—is a close second. You can find it across the city, but it was invented at Central Grocery, and that’s where you should eat one. This Italian specialty shop looks like it’s from another century, which makes sense since it opened in 1906. There’s always a lunch crowd, but it moves quick—they churn out the muffulettas super fast. They’re currently under construction, but you can still get their muffulettas next door at Sidney’s Wine Cellar, and other spots around town. They also ship nationwide." - zella palmer, carlo mantuano, megan braden perry
"The po’boy might be the most famous sandwich in New Orleans, but the muffuletta—a giant Italian sandwich that can easily feed four people—is a close second. You can find it across the city, but it was invented at Central Grocery in the French Quarter, and that’s where you should eat one. This Italian specialty shop looks like it’s from another century, which makes sense since it opened in 1906. There’s always a lunch crowd, but they’re constantly churning out muffulettas, so the line moves quick. They’re currently under construction, but you can still get their muffalettas next door at Sidney’s Wine Cellar, and other spots around town. They also ship nationwide." - zella palmer, team infatuation
