What Food To Try in Orleans and Food Prices
How much does lunch and dinner cost
Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Orleans for 2024.
National currency: Euro, symbol — € (international currency code EUR).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Orleans cafes and restaurants
$17.5
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $13.1
$51.9
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $27.29
$8.7
Combo Meal
Starting from $6.55
What to Try in Orleans
Must-try Dishes
Chorizo Omelette - Tortilla Española (savory egg dish) - This hearty omelette consists of eggs, potatoes, and chorizo, cooked to a fluffy texture. Locals often have it for breakfast at family-run cafés, savoring it with bread and oil.Croque Monsieur - Croque Monsieur (grilled ham and cheese sandwich) - A melty sandwich of ham and Gruyère cheese, topped with béchamel sauce and baked until golden. You'll find this served in casual bistros, popular for a quick lunch on the go.
Goose Breast - Canard aux Cerises (duck with cherries) - Tender duck breast, pan-seared and paired with a tangy cherry sauce, creating a delightful balance of flavors. It's typically enjoyed for dinner in cozy restaurants, often accompanied by seasonal vegetables.
Ratatouille - Ratatouille (vegetable medley) - A flavor-packed dish of summer vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers, slowly stewed with herbs. Many locals serve it as a main at picnics during summer festivals, enjoying it with crusty bread.
Duck and Walnut Salad - Salade de Canard aux Noix (salad with nuts) - A fresh salad featuring duck confit, walnuts, and mixed greens, drizzled with a tangy vinaigrette. Surprisingly, it’s eaten as a light dinner option or a leisurely lunch dish during warm weather.
Foie Gras - Foie Gras (duck liver delicacy) - This rich and creamy duck liver pâté is often served on toasted bread, creating a decadent experience. Locals enjoy it during the holidays, or at celebratory dinners—definitely a seasonal treat.
Socca - Socca (chickpea pancake) - A crispy chickpea flour pancake, typically served hot from the oven with a sprinkle of pepper. Commonly enjoyed as classic street food, it’s a go-to snack at local markets, perfect for a quick bite while you explore.
Fougasse - Fougasse (flatbread with toppings) - This herb-infused flatbread, often stuffed with olives or cheese, boasts a crispy crust and soft interior. Ideal for lunches, locals enjoy it during outdoor gatherings and picnics, often paired with a glass of wine to complement the flavors.
Desserts & Drinks
Rhum Arrangé - Rhum Arrangé (flavored rum) - A delightful concoction of aged rum infused with fruits, spices, and herbs, typically left to macerate for several weeks. Locals often enjoy it as an aperitif or digestif, especially during festive gatherings with friends and family.Chocolat Chaud - Chocolat Chaud (rich hot chocolate) - A luxurious drink made from melted dark chocolate and milk, sometimes spiced with a dash of vanilla or cinnamon. You’ll find people sipping it at cozy cafés on chilly days, usually accompanied by a freshly baked pastry.
Ti'Punch - Ti'Punch (local cocktail) - This refreshing drink features white rum, fresh lime juice, and a touch of sugarcane syrup, served on the rocks. A popular choice during evening gatherings, you'll often see it being prepared right at the table with locals personalizing the sweetness to their liking.
Beignet - Beignet (fried pastry) - Light and airy fried dough, often sprinkled with powdered sugar, that’s incredibly popular at local celebrations. Warm and crispy, these treats are best enjoyed fresh from the fryer during festivals or as an afternoon snack, accompanied by hot chocolate or café au lait.
Glace à la noix de coco - Glace à la noix de coco (coconut ice cream) - Creamy and refreshing, this frozen dessert is made with real coconut milk and often topped with toasted coconut flakes. It’s a favorite during the hot summer months, typically savored on the beach or at outdoor festivals.
By the way, if you're ordering the Ti'Punch, don't forget to specify how sweet you want it—some folks go all out, while others prefer just a hint of sweetness!
Food and Groceries in Orleans
Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
| Bread | $1.09 |
| Bananas | $1.82 |
| Oranges | $2.18 |
| Potatoes | $1.09 |
| Apples | $2.46 |
Beverages
| Water 1.5L | $1.19 |
| 0.5L Local Beer | $2.18 |
| Imported Beer | $3.28 |
| Wine Rating >4.0 | $7.64 |
| Milk 1L | $0.92 |
Various Groceries
| Meat (Beef or Pork) | $12.01 |
| Chicken | $5.46 |
| Cigarettes | $10.92 |
| Rice | $1.64 |
| Local Cheese | $18.2 |
Overview of Cuisine and Specialties
It’s fascinating to watch locals dine at this time of year when food festivals pop up, filled with fresh, seasonal offerings. You’ll see people flocking to various stalls in the market, often starting their Saturdays around 10 AM, seeking out everything from artisanal cheeses to freshly baked pastries. This gradual build-up to lunch is a clear local habit—meals often extend into the afternoon, with many not sitting down for a proper lunch until around 1 PM or later.
In terms of prices, the local market in the bustling part of the quarter offers fresh produce and prepared dishes that generally fall within the range of 3 to 15 EUR. I paid about 8 EUR yesterday for a hearty veggie wrap and a fresh juice, which makes it a great budget option compared to sitting down at a nearby restaurant where similar meals could easily cost 20 to 25 EUR. However, dining at higher-end establishments, especially those near the river, tends to push prices up to the range of 30 to 50 EUR for an entrée.
Payment customs here can be a bit unique. Many eateries prefer cash, though credit cards are increasingly accepted. A recent experience reminded me not to rely solely on card payments, particularly in smaller cafés where they might even have a minimum spend for cards. Tipping isn’t mandatory, but rounding up your bill or adding a couple of euros is appreciated for good service.
When it comes to peak dining times, it’s wise to avoid the typical brunch crowd between noon and 2 PM, especially on weekends. It can become quite hectic, with long waits at popular spots. Conversely, if you’re looking for a quieter dining experience, head out around 4 PM, which offers a nice window before the evening rush picks up at about 7 PM.
A key local dining habit to take note of is the practice of enjoying a lengthy meal with friends or family—grazing over small plates and chatting rather than rushing through a meal. And a common tourist mistake? Many visitors underestimate the power of reservations. Locals often book ahead, especially in the trendy districts, and it’s advisable for visitors to do the same to avoid disappointment.
As the fall season approaches, expect certain dishes to feature more root vegetables and hearty flavors, marking a seasonal shift in menus across town. Observing how restaurants roll out their new fall collectors of ingredients can be a real treat, reflecting the character of Orleans's food culture beautifully.
In terms of prices, the local market in the bustling part of the quarter offers fresh produce and prepared dishes that generally fall within the range of 3 to 15 EUR. I paid about 8 EUR yesterday for a hearty veggie wrap and a fresh juice, which makes it a great budget option compared to sitting down at a nearby restaurant where similar meals could easily cost 20 to 25 EUR. However, dining at higher-end establishments, especially those near the river, tends to push prices up to the range of 30 to 50 EUR for an entrée.
Payment customs here can be a bit unique. Many eateries prefer cash, though credit cards are increasingly accepted. A recent experience reminded me not to rely solely on card payments, particularly in smaller cafés where they might even have a minimum spend for cards. Tipping isn’t mandatory, but rounding up your bill or adding a couple of euros is appreciated for good service.
When it comes to peak dining times, it’s wise to avoid the typical brunch crowd between noon and 2 PM, especially on weekends. It can become quite hectic, with long waits at popular spots. Conversely, if you’re looking for a quieter dining experience, head out around 4 PM, which offers a nice window before the evening rush picks up at about 7 PM.
A key local dining habit to take note of is the practice of enjoying a lengthy meal with friends or family—grazing over small plates and chatting rather than rushing through a meal. And a common tourist mistake? Many visitors underestimate the power of reservations. Locals often book ahead, especially in the trendy districts, and it’s advisable for visitors to do the same to avoid disappointment.
As the fall season approaches, expect certain dishes to feature more root vegetables and hearty flavors, marking a seasonal shift in menus across town. Observing how restaurants roll out their new fall collectors of ingredients can be a real treat, reflecting the character of Orleans's food culture beautifully.