7 New Orleans Muffuletta Counters That Still Slice It Thick

The muffuletta sandwich stands as a true New Orleans icon, born from the city’s rich Italian-American heritage. This magnificent creation features layers of Italian meats, cheeses, and tangy olive salad packed between round Sicilian sesame bread.

While many places now offer this famous sandwich, only a handful of spots maintain the traditional thick-sliced approach that made the muffuletta legendary.

1. Central Grocery – The Original Muffuletta Masters

Founded in 1906 by Sicilian immigrant Salvatore Lupo, Central Grocery created the muffuletta we know today. Their sandwich remains virtually unchanged after more than a century.

Located at 923 Decatur Street in the French Quarter, this Italian grocery store-turned-sandwich shop still uses the original recipe. Their thick-cut meats and perfectly proportioned olive salad create a harmonious blend that tourists and locals equally adore.

2. Napoleon House – Historic Quarters, Hefty Portions

Housed in a 200-year-old landmark building, Napoleon House serves muffulettas with a twist – they’re served warm! The historic charm of this 500 Chartres Street location adds extra flavor to every bite.

Melted cheese mingles with generous slices of mortadella, salami, and ham. Their olive salad recipe includes extra capers and garlic, creating a distinctive taste that pairs perfectly with their famous Pimm’s Cup cocktail.

3. Cochon Butcher – Artisanal Approach With House-Cured Meats

Award-winning Chef Donald Link’s casual sandwich shop takes muffulettas to gourmet heights. Located at 930 Tchoupitoulas Street, Cochon Butcher hand-crafts every element of their impressive version.

The house-cured meats are sliced exceptionally thick – you’ll find mortadella, capicola, and salami all prepared on-site. Their olive salad incorporates local ingredients with Italian imports, creating a perfect balance between tradition and innovation.

4. Verti Marte – The 24-Hour Muffuletta Fix

This unassuming corner store at 1201 Royal Street might not look fancy, but locals know it delivers some of the city’s most satisfying muffulettas any time of day or night. The no-frills approach focuses entirely on flavor.

Their sandwich artists don’t skimp on ingredients, piling meats high between bread slices. The olive spread has a spicy kick that distinguishes their version from others. Many French Quarter service workers swear by this late-night sandwich haven.

5. World Deli – Suburban Secret Worth Finding

Tucked away at 4414 Clearview Parkway in Metairie, World Deli might be off the tourist path, but sandwich enthusiasts make the journey for good reason. Their Italian-style muffuletta features meticulously sourced ingredients.

The bread arrives daily from a local Italian bakery. Meats are sliced to order – thick enough to appreciate each variety’s distinct flavor. Their olive salad strikes the perfect balance between vinegary tang and rich olive oil, creating a muffuletta that rivals any in the French Quarter.

6. Parran’s Po-Boys – Where Muffulettas Meet Creole Flair

Family-owned since 1975, Parran’s at 3939 Veterans Boulevard combines New Orleans sandwich traditions with Creole influences. Their muffuletta stands out with a signature touch – a drizzle of house vinaigrette that enhances every layer.

The meat-to-bread ratio leans heavily toward protein, with thick-sliced ham taking center stage. Their olive salad incorporates local pickled vegetables alongside traditional ingredients. The result is a distinctly New Orleans interpretation that honors both Italian and Creole culinary traditions.

7. Liuzza’s Restaurant & Bar – Neighborhood Gem With Old-School Thickness

Since 1947, this Mid-City institution at 3636 Bienville Street has served comfort food with Italian-Creole influences. Their muffuletta reflects the neighborhood’s working-class roots – hearty, unpretentious, and generously portioned.

Old-school thickness defines their approach to meat slicing. The provolone cheese gets equal billing, with thick slabs melting slightly into the warm bread. Their olive salad recipe remains unchanged for decades, creating a time-capsule taste of authentic New Orleans Italian-American cuisine.