02/24/2026
The topic of Muffulettas came up and someone asked, " why is Di Martino's never included in national magazines etc as one of the best Muffulettas in New Orleans.
Well, we have conducted an opinion survey and concluded the following.
If you are a fan of Di Martino’s you know it’s often “if you know, you know “ spot for locals, yet it rarely gets the same glossy magazine treatment as the places in the French Quarter.
The reason they’re often left off the “Best of” list usually boils down to three main factors.
Geography and “Tourist Loop” Most travel writers and food critics stick to the “Tourist Loop” the French Quarter, the Garden District, and the CBD
Central Grocery across the river on Decator Street, right in the heart of where every visitor walks
Napoleon House is a historic landmark
Di Martino’s is firmly a (West Bank) staple
Since writers often don’t cross the Crescent City Connection unless they have to, the Algiers, Gretna, and Barathria locations (and even the Covington one) stay off their radar.
The “Origin Story” BIAS Food List love a narrative. Central Grocery gets listed because they literally invented the sandwich in 1903. Writers priorities “the Original” even if locals feel the quality has become a “Tourist Destination”
Di Martino’s while legendary to locals since 1975, doesn’t have that 120-year old “Birthplace” status that makes for an easy headline.
The bread and style debates. There is a massive divide between cold vs. hot muffalettas:
The Purists: Traditionalists (and many national critics) argue a muffaletta must be cold and sat for hours so the oil soaks the bread (the Central Grocery Style).
The Locals: Many New Orleanians prefer them toasted with melty cheese. Di Martino’s is famous for that perfect, crisp toast and their signature olive salad, but “purist” critics sometimes dock points for anything that deviates from the cold, room-temperature original.
What the locals actually say: if you look at local forums like Reddit’s R/New Orleans or talk to people in the Gretna/Algiers, Marrero, or Covington, the sentiment is the opposite of the magazines.
Di Martino’s is frequently cited as the “best” because it’s made to order and doesn’t skimp on meat.
It’s often paired with their eggplant sticks, which is a combo you just can’t get at the tourist spots. Fun Fact: Di Martino’s has a massive presence at Jazz Fest which is where a lot of people from “the other side” of the river finally deliver what they have been missing. While the “Best Of” lists keep ignoring them, that’s probably a blessing – it keeps the lines shorter for people who actually live here.
Let us know where you think has the best Muffulettas!
