New Orleans | Mighty Muffuletta
When you come to New Orleans, bring your A-game appetite. While this city may be known for beignets, po’boys, and all-you-can-eat crawfish, there’s one quintessential New Orleans deli classic that you don’t want to miss, the mighty muffuletta. This iconic sandwich is piled high with salami, mortadella, ham, Swiss Cheese, provolone, and don’t forget about that briny and delicious olive salad.
The first muffuletta was created by Salvatore Lupo, the original owner of Central Grocery. Looking for a way to serve local farmers a Sicilian lunch, which was comprised mostly of meat and cheese, Lupo decided to place all of the ingredients on a round, flat sesame seed topped bread and the rest of history!
During my most recent trip to New Orleans, I wanted to revisit the site of my first muffuletta, Central Grocery. However, it sustained significant damage during Hurricane Ida and was temporarily closed. While we were exploring the city, I started asking people where I could get the best muffuletta. Like Chicago pizza or Nashville hot chicken, tempers run high when it comes to this sandwich and don’t even think about asking if it should be served hot or cold. Who knew it was such a polarizing topic, and trust me, EVERYONE has an opinion.
Left to my own devices, I decided to take more of a gluttonous approach to understanding this Big Easy staple and hit up two popular establishments both known for their muffuletta: Verti Marte and Napoleon House.
Verti Marte | Muffuletta (Half)
Opened in 1968, Verti Marte is one of the oldest markets and delis open 24/7, and did I mention that they deliver? For my food enthusiasts, you may recall that Anthony Bourdain visited Verti Marte back in 2003 for his show “ A Cook’s Tour” and had the essentials delivered: muffuletta sandwich, cheap bourbon, and a pack of smokes. There’s never a shortage of people lined up outside waiting to order. While they may have an assortment of specialty sandwiches, you can’t come to Verti Marte and not order the muffuletta. Make your way into the market and wind through the narrow aisles to the very back where you can place your order. Our timing was impeccable as we walked right in and placed our order. They do have several muffulettas prepared, so your biggest decision is to have it served hot or cold. We grabbed our sandwich and a couple of drinks and made our way to the French Market to grab a table and enjoy this behemoth of a sandwich.
Y’all, when I tell you this sandwich was out of this world, I am not exaggerating. If I would have known how amazing it was, I would have purchased a second one and brought it back to Nashville.
I’m not ashamed to say that one of my best meals in New Orleans came from a hole-in-the-wall market in the French Quarter. Next time you find yourself in the Big Easy, skip some of these pretentious sandwich shops and make your way to Verti Marte, the best-kept secret in the French Quarter.
Tariff: Muffuletta- $11.50
Note- There’s no seating available in Verti Marte, and all items are served to go. I recommend grabbing a table at the French Market which is only a few blocks away, or you can always walk a little further to Jackson Square.
Located on the corner of Chartres and St. Louis, the Napoleon House has been serving patrons for over two centuries. Napoleon House is one of those New Orleans gems that’s truly timeless. Known for their Pimm’s Cup cocktail and their warm muffuletta, I decided to swing by and see what it was all about.
Napoleon House | Cocktail Bar
Their Italian muffuletta is served warm and is large enough to share. Guests can choose from three options: whole, half, or quarter. Since we just enjoyed the muffuletta from Verti Marte a few hours earlier, we ordered a half-size along with a side of Red Beans and Rice.
Admittedly, I enjoyed the sandwich served warm. The heat accentuates the flavors of the meat, and let’s face it, there’s something about the melted cheese and the warm olive salad.
Compared to the Verti Marte version, it seems as if the Napoleon House was a little chintzy with their meat, but it still tasted great.
Located in the heart of the French Quarter, stop by, grab a cocktail and let me know what you think!
Tariff: Muffuletta- $11.00
Napoleon House | Muffuletta (Half)
To some, the muffuletta may be just another cold-cut sandwich, but to New Orleanians, this thick, bready masterpiece reflects the city’s culinary heritage. Make sure that enjoying a muffuletta is at the top of your list next time you visit and let me know your favorite!
Until Next Time!