CENTRAL GROCERY
This small, old-fashioned Italian-American grocery store offers a pleasant, delicious deviation from traditional New Orleans food. Situated in the center of the bustling French Quarter, the pint-sized store has a big claim to fame: It is the birthplace of the famous muffuletta—a submarine-style sandwich slathered in marinated olive salad and layered with mortadella, salami, ham, mozzarella and provolone. It is a regional delight and was a major culinary contribution from the city’s Italian immigrants. Sidle up to the sandwich counter and order like a pro; the famed sandwiches are available in quarter, half and whole portions.