Central Grocery

Hubby and I stopped here for a muffuletta and we absolutely loved it. The cute little grocery store had a line out the door but the wait was worth it. Our muffuletta was big enough for the both of us and then some. We also bought cokes from the vending machine in the back.
I bought a tote bag as a souvenir which served as an umbrella when we got outside as we got caught in a lovely storm!

Home of the original muffuletta, or so the rumors (and store signs) brag. It’s a deli/​grocery/​butcher/​import shop with a certain charm.
I loved it. And while the sandwich may not be the greatest I’ve ever had, but it was pretty darn close, and respect has to be paid to a true staple of the city.

Super good muffalatta and if you go in the afternoon between 2 – 4, there’s no line or it’s very minimal. They have tons of Italian grocery items and decent prices, yet the half sandwich is $ 11 after tax and the whole is $ 19 or so, hefty but worth the experience. It is super delish.

Seemed kind of odd to try this «muffuletta,» but it was definitely worth it. The flavors are one of a kind and it’s a must try in NOLA. Definitely haven’t found anything like this anywhere else!

Central Grocery is located in the French Quarter and is home of the muffuletta sandwich.
My husband and I came by here for lunch last Thursday a little before 1 pm. There was a small line to order. Once you order, then you can find a chair in the seating area (which was pretty crowded) if you want to eat here.
This is what we ordered:
½ Muffuletta Sandwich, $ 9.95 prior to tax– The muffuletta comes in either a half size or a full size. The half size is plenty for 2 people. This muffuletta sandwich has ham, salami, provolone and their signature briny marinated olive salad that is made of kalamata and green olives. this sandwich just had a great flavor of meat, cheese and saltiness from the olive mix (they sell their olive mix by the jar by the way). The bread itself (a round Sicilian sesame loaf) was sturdy enough to hold up the filling. The bread tasted great too on it’s own.
Stuffed Artichoke, $ 8.50 prior to tax– The employee who took our order offered to heat the artichoke for us and said she would bring it out to us. This is one massive stuffed artichoke, stuffed with bread crumbs, parsley and I think cheese. The stuffing in the artichoke was pretty filling, but we still managed to scrap off the artichoke off each leaf that made for a tasty side dish.
— — — — — — — — —
(Total= $ 20.30 after tax)
Our food was ready before we paid. We were lucky to get a seat, but as time went by, more seats became available.
Surprisingly there is a restroom here in the back and it was pretty clean (my guess is that people probably don’t realize that there is one back here).
This is one of the best muffuletta sandwiches that I have ever had and would come back.

The originator of the Muffuletta sandwich: what can I say? It just doesn’t get any better. For $ 30, you can get a giant sandwich enough for four and four glass-​bottled sodas made with real cane sugar. The secret of the sandwich is in the simplicity: tasty salami, mortadella, ham, mozzarella, provolone, and an olive salad that has the perfect balance of salty and tangy. Their bread is a round loaf with sesame seeds. It’s all pre-​made in anticipation of the fact that most people walking in are there for this sandwich. There are tall counters with stools in the back for eating it there. Be sure to peruse the shelves for some great hot sauces, chips, and other fun items. I’m going back.

Stopped here during my first visit to New Orleans and really enjoyed the muffaletta sandwich. We split a full one between 3 people and it was plenty filling.
The Italian meats were high quality, excellent bread, and the olive salad had the perfect flavor kick and added a nice moisture to the sandwich.
It was so good that I had to get another the next time I came to New Orleans. Long lines, but worth waiting for. Price was also reasonable for the size and quantity.

This review is solely about the muffelettas, not the grocery itself. We bought some white anchovies and a couple of other items while there, and the selection is pretty good for a small space.
Count me among the disappointed regarding the signature sandwich. We were there mid-​day, but the bread on our sandwich was really dry, and this problem was compounded by the fact that there was not enough olive salad. I mean, this thing did not drip at all.
I also thought it could have used another layer or two of meat and cheese. Don’t think that I was looking for a Dagwood, and I’m not cheap. I would have gladly paid more for a truly scrumptious sandwich. I’m willing to concede that it might have been an off day there on Decatur, but I’m not sure if I want to waste time (and stomach space in NO) finding out. My dining companion disliked it as much as I did; we’ve had better muffulettas in that land mass between New Orleans and Mobile.

Well, we had a muffaletta and quite honestly I was not impressed.
We were in the French Market the day before and there was another place where we had the famed NOLA sandwich and it was crazy good. Toasted and overflowing with olive spread, so much we needed a few forks as it was like a side salad!
The next day we found that this was the «Original» and were excited… until we ordered and the counter person reaches behind her and grabs a pre wrapped cold muffaletta… I was taken aback for a second, as if it were like a «Grab and Go»…
We opened the $ 12 half and found it lacking compared to the place in the market place… honestly, this was yesterday and ¼ of the ½ we got is still sitting in the hotel mini fridge… Just not feeling it…
Its like Pat and Genos in Philly, just because you «created» the first cheesesteak, does not mean its the best… Just like San Diegos El Indio, just because they claim to be the best Mexican food and Oldest etc etc… its not… someone has improved your product…

My first experience with a muffuletta. My mom has told me numerous times when she goes to NOLA she has to try one of these sandwiches. During my surprise trip to NOLA, I stopped by central grocery to buy us one. I have read some of the reviews stated the sandwiches are expensive but the size of the sandwich makes up for it. I bought one so I could bring it back with me to NOVA the next day. I split the sandwich in half to give to my mom. She texted me later saying she loved the muffuletta. The sales clerk working behind the counter was extremely pleasant. Will definitely come back again!

The muffulettas are the BOMB. Get there early to avoid the lines and get these sandwiches before they run out, which they usually do.
Amazing place, but don’t get anything there but the sandwich, beer, or a to-​go jar of the olive spread. Many items in their grocery store are long expired!
It’s a New Orleans MUST. Enjoy!

It is the «Home of the Original Muffuletta», which is an incredible sandwich. The Muffuletta starts with a large, round sesame bread. The contents include cured meats, cheese, and an olive salad. At Central Grocery, everything in the Muffuletta is fresh. The bread is excellent and soft. The cured meats and olive salad are the aspects of the sandwich that separate it from any other sandwich I have eaten. The cured meats are one, if not the best, I have had. On the other hand, I actually do not like eating olives. I was hesitant to try the Muffuletta because it has them. Nevertheless, even I thought the olive salad was delicious. The Muffuletta is huge. Half of a sandwich is more than enough for one person. Central Grocery is definitely another must try in New Orleans.
If you are visiting New Orleans and looking for recommendations, please see

Meh~ It’s an institution.
Muffuletta was solid but the mix included cauliflower, some seeds I was not familiar with and not enough jalapenos and spice.
5 stars for the heavy carry plastic grocery bag. I mean it’s solid.
4 stars for the oil ratio in my olive mix.
2.5 stars for the bread. It needs toasting.
2.5 stars for the thin meat and cheese.
4 stars for the size of a whole muffuletta
2 stars for Decatur traffic. Yeah this impacts the rating. And I left Dizzy’s because of the way the seating was being handled for brunch to get over here for this.
We were smart enough to split up and I ran for beignets, another ran for Central’s muffaleta and the driver stayed until a spot could be found or dealt with that traffic that just refused to move on a Sunday.
Look! Tourists don’t bother me in the NOLA … well not like they used to in undergrad. Primarily because now; I know we need the money but my word on a Sunday afternoon it was packed out!
Can’t comment on the service solely the appearance, taste, costs and process of the purchase. Overall, it’s worth the trip for that once over experience.
Hey~~ Hey~~~ Looks like I’m review 1,001.

Famous for the muffulette sandwich. That’s what we ordered to take-​out for dinner.
A small crammed deli that sells all sorts of edibles.
The muffulette is simple, wonderful!
The olives and relish kick this sandwich over the top.
We had a half sammie, which was fine for the two of us.
A must eat.

Looking for the most amazing Italian sandwich of your life? You’ve come to the right place. The muffuletta from Central Grocery is full of meaty, cheesy, olive goodness. Salty and full of flavor, you will be craving this sandwich again after eating it.
The store is also super cool and has a bunch of spices, seasoning, hot sauces and ingredients you can’t find at any other grocery stores that I’ve been to. Definitely worth a stop if you are in the French Quarter!

We tried a muffaloto at a different restaurant & that didn’t compare to this one! Loads of meat & cheese along with the olives made this so tasty! Warning: these are HUGE. We made rhe mistake of getting a when one for the two of us. We could not finish it!

Heard this was the place to get a muffuletta sandwich and it sure was. We stopped in around 3pm and there was only a couple of people ahead of us in line.
We ordered a whole sandwich and found space at the back counter to eat. A whole is a huge sandwich. The half would have been fine for two people, but it’s always nice to have left overs.
The bread and the olive salad definitely make this sandwich. So if your in the neighborhood stop in you won’t regret it!

Home of the OG Muffaletta… do yourself a huge favor and do go anywhere else for this massive sandwich!
Don’t be afraid if there is a long line; it passes very fast (since the muffalettas are already made).
Do yourself another favor and grab a big jar of the olive salad to take home, or you will be stuck paying up big bucks for shipping when you get back home (i.e. me!)
Note: a group of 4 girls shared one sandwich, a ¼ of a muffaletta was plenty… but ½ a muffaletta would have been even better! We walked across the way to the park and set up a quick picnic there– very memorable!

For my first experience with a muffuletta it was pretty good! I didn’t really care for the olive topping but I knocked it off and then really enjoyed it. It was really filling! We got a whole sandwich to share between three of us.

You can’t beat an original. When it comes to muffelattas you gotta have it where it was made first. I come here as my last stop when I visit NOLA. I ask for a few wrapped up ready for the long flight back to California. If you don’t, other passengers on the airplane can smell it and will try and buy a piece from you. I’m serious. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.
That’s my peace.

GET THE MUFFULETTA!!! And make sure to bring a big appetite or a friend or 3 to share it with. They serve the sandwiches at the typical size of your face (though you can request a half one). There is usually a line for them but it moves fairly quickly and is totally worth the wait.
They also have several small grocery things and some small souvenir things that you can buy while you are there as well.

I had a friend who was down in New Orleans last Spring/​Summer. One of her friends told her via FB, that she had to eat a muffuletta while she was down there. Knowing that I was going to be traveling to Nola, I did my research of what a muffuletta was and found that this place sold it and it happened to be by our hotel.
I was afraid that there would be a long wait. When we walked in, there was a line but only about 7 people deep. We didn’t have to wait long. I didn’t know there was seating further inside but we took our sandwich to the nearby French Market, where they had tables scattered about.
The sandwich was delicious. There was a thick slab of meats and cheese and a layer of chopped olives. I think they also drizzled the sandwich with olive oil. My fingers were a bit greasy.
They sell the sandwich by halves and whole. I ended up buying a while sandwich to bring home with me. The sandwich is cut into quarters.

*****HOME OF THE ORIGINAL MUFFULETTA SANDWICH*****
In the middle of a day of sightseeing, my 2 friends and I decided to come try the famed sandwich that can feed a family of 4 with a name I have a hard time saying with a straight face.
The layout of Central Grocery reminds me of a old-​timey version of a NY corner deli sans resident cat. The aisles are narrow and the shelves are stocked with non-​essential food items, like oils, sauces, and snacks. There was a short line at the deli counter when we arrived, which moved quickly. I ordered a half Muffuletta which comes cut in halves. As I began to ask to have the sandwich cut into thirds, I saw that the sandwiches were pre-​made and wrapped already, so I said, nevermind. Without batting an eye, the cashier put down the pre-​made sandwich and asked the sandwich-​maker to make a new one. What great service!
The behemoth sandwich was delicious, but what’d you expect from deli meats, cheese, and a marinated olive salad? My only complaint was that the olives were a bit too salty for me. In all fairness, I’ve always found most olives to be too salty, so this is not a criticism specific to this institution. And thankfully, the thick, dense bread helped to offset the saltiness substantially.
Word to the wise: it’s a GREASY sandwich, so you probably won’t want to eat this in your car or while wearing a nice outfit. Unless you want a lasting reminder of your Muffuletta.

Well this is a very popular hole-​in-​the-​wall, mom-​and-​pop type grocery store.
There is a line that snakes through the aisles which is great for selling products, I bet.
This long line moves very quickly, don’t worry.
Most everyone here appear to be ordering the world-​famous Muffalleta Sandwich.
The muffulleta is soooo large that they sell «half sandwiches» and they cut that in half too.
This sandwich is VERY good. I’m not sure exactly what makes it so good. Is it the fresh and perfect-​for-​cured-​Italian-​meats bread? Is it the mountain and plethora of different types of Italian cured meats that they piled on? Is it the olive spread?
The sandwich is definitely more than the sum of its parts.
And you know what else? This satisfying and LARGE sandwich is pretty cheap.
And you know what else else? This sandwich keeps very well so you can pack this lunch for the long plane trip home.
And you know what else else else? They sell that olive spread so you can attempt to make it yourself at home. I’m not sure you’ll succeed but it certainly won’t hurt to try.

Weird interior, very impersonal.
Definite tourist spot, but pretty delicious pre-​made sandwiches anyway.
Gotta try it right?!

I hate olives. I love local eats. Despite my usual distaste of olives, I loved the muffelata at Central Grocery.
I was almost inclined to order it without the olives. I’m not sure if that’s even possible because after ordering, I was immediately handed a sandwich. SO glad I decided to go with the full experience.
As others have mentioned, these olives are so well marinated in olive oil and pickled that they don’t taste like typical olives. Having that olive oil and slight crunch of the veggies on the sandwich would have completely lessened the experience.
I split a half with a friend and the quarter I ate was the perfect amount of food. If you aren’t starving and have other meals lined up, I’d suggest working out some sort of split deal as well.
As I mentioned in my tip, everyone was taking pictures. That’s nothing new to me as I take food pictures to go along with my Unilocal reviews. I’m assuming everyone else was taking them because this place is famous, but it just felt cool not to be getting odd looks for photographing my food.
Central Grocery is a grocery store as well. After eating, we were able to browse some of the interesting items they had in stock, such as canned picnic shrimp.
When in NOLA, get the muffelata. It’s delicious and you get the experience.

After drinking hurricanes and petting donkeys, my friend and I walked into Central Grocery and requested half of a muffuletta to split. Needless to say, we were in good spirits heading into our inaugural visit.
After waiting in a short line, we were instantly (yes, instantly) handed our muffuletta. I couldn’t tell if that was cause for worry or just extra special service — at least until taking a bite. Wow! After reading descriptions of this oddball sandwich ahead of time, I was a little nervous, but I’m so glad I gave it a shot. Awesome, fresh, flavorful sandwich. I’d like another now.
You can eat your sandwich (or partial or quarter sandwich) at a communal table. Bathroom is in the back and extremely dated. Also, watch your step.
On the way out, we browsed through the grocery selection. I found some canned shrimp and canned snails, which I guess are things people… eat? Yikes. Maybe avoid those, but definitely get your muffuletta fix here while in town.

Excellente Mufuletta. Un sandwich pour deux est largement suffisant. À l’intérieur on peut sentir le coté local du lieu. Il y a une bonne énergie et chacun peut laisser son petit message sur le comptoir. Lonesome traveler 01/​28/​2014