The originator of the now world-famous muffuletta sandwich, Central Grocery has been serving hungry New Orleanians since 1906. It appears at first glance to be just an old Italian grocery store, but the line of customers inside snaking up and down the tiny aisles should tell you that this place is not your average anything. And if a giant loaf of foccacia-like bread, Italian meats such as salami and ham, and mozzarella and provolone cheeses with a scrumptious smothering of olive salad spread thick throughout doesn't fill you up, well ... it will. And since Central Grocery provides only very limited stool seating, you can bring your sandwich (with a giant stack of napkins) across the street to a bench along the Mississippi River or to Jackson Square for some people watching. Beer available. Open 9 am-5 pm Tue–Sat. Closed Sun–Mon.
Where the Locals Eat Rating
Best Deli/Muffaletta
Top 100 Restaurant, New Orleans
"It is, technically speaking, a grocery. But the real prize here is the reason the line is often out the door: the muffulettas."
–The Times-Picayune
" . . . head straight to the counter to order a muffuletta stacked with salty meats, smooth cheese and luscious olive salad. A Barq's longneck root beer makes the perfect accompaniment."
–Gambit Weekly
"In an era of updated special markets, this is still an old-style Italian grocery."
–Pableaux Johnson, Eating New Orleans
"Although the highly hyped grocery may look like a tourist trap, don't be put off by the discarded Barq's root beer bottles, crumpled Zapp potato chip bags, or long lines."
–Travel & Leisure
"No longer a full-service sandwich shop (muffulettas are the only meal you can get), [Central Grocery] is still a fine place to shop. It is the same well-weathered, creaky-floored emporium it has been for decades, its grocery shelves a wonderland for all who like pickles, olives, peppers, and spice."
–Michael Stern, Roadfood.com
How Others Rate Central Grocery Company
Zagat 2009
25 Food Quality (very good to excellent)
The New Orleans Menu by Tom Fitzmorris
*** (good enough to go out of your way to try)
Gambit Weekly
Best Place to Get a Muffuletta, 2008 Readers' Survey