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A Taste of Jazz, Amapiano, and Soul: Inside New Orleans at Carnival City

Published

2 months ago

August 15, 2025

Chiraag

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If you close your eyes in New Orleans in Carnival City, you might almost believe you are in a smoky jazz bar on Bourbon Street, where music spills onto the pavement and the scent of good food lingers in the air. But here in Gauteng, the rhythm is unmistakably South African. It is the laughter from tables of friends sharing meaty platters, the pulse of Amapiano slipping into the night, and the aroma of flatbreads fresh from the oven.

New Orleans has carved out its spot as one of Carnival City’s most inviting dining and music experiences. It is not just about eating; it is about settling in and letting the day roll over you like a slow melody.

From Louisiana to Sophiatown: A Musical Meeting Point

Jazz has deep roots that stretch from New Orleans in the United States to the heart of South Africa’s own musical history. The genre gave the world legends like Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald, while in our own backyards, Hugh Masekela and Miriam Makeba carried its soulful strains to the world stage.

New Orleans Carnival City keeps that legacy alive, pairing it with the modern sound of Amapiano, a uniquely South African genre that mixes deep house, jazz, and lounge music. The result is a playlist that feels both nostalgic and fresh, whether it is a live band bringing the heat or DJs turning up the tempo after 9 pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

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Image 1: Facebook/New Orleans Cocktail Bar & Grill

A Menu That Dances to Its Own Beat

The kitchen here has its own rhythm, and it is delicious. Starters range from silky oysters to seared sliced fillet, while mains take you from classic rib eye steak to fully fried baby chicken. The New Orleans-style jambalaya is a nod to the venue’s namesake, rich with the flavours of Louisiana.

And then there are the flatbreads. Baked fresh on-site, they arrive warm at the table, perfect for scooping up Adana beef or lamb kebabs. For those who like to share, the meaty platters are generous enough to keep the whole table happy.

More Than Dinner: A Night Out

By day, New Orleans is a laid-back space to enjoy good food and conversation. By night, it shifts gears. The DJ booth or live stage lights up, and the crowd leans into the beat. It is a place where date nights turn into dance nights and birthday dinners into full-blown parties.

Locals love it for the mix of worlds: the glamour of jazz, the energy of Amapiano, and a menu that satisfies. Social media posts often capture the neon-lit interior, the clink of cocktails, and that moment when everyone at the table is moving to the same beat.

Whether you come for the food, the music, or the atmosphere, New Orleans at Carnival City is a reminder that in Joburg, we do not just eat out; we make a night of it.