Many people would tell you that the south, and especially New Orleans with its Cajun food (that seems to include seafood and meat in every dish), will have nothing to offer to vegans but boy are they wrong.
It is exactly because of New Orleans’ unique cuisine that there must have vegan options to cater to all the tourists arriving there and it’s because of this city’s cuisine that the options for vegan are even more special than in other cities in the U.S. In New Orleans you will find a that NOLA twist on traditional dishes that will make you come back for more!
And here’s another tip. Apart from this extensive list of vegan places don’t be afraid to go to fancy restaurants that do not have vegan items specified in the menu. Famous places such as Commanders Palace has a vegan risotto dish that is not specified in the menu but made especially for us vegans. In other occasions, after mentioning I was vegan I got a special dish made by the chef just for me and trust me they were amazinggggg!
OK, so let’s dive in, here’s my list of the top vegan and vegetarian restaurants in New Orleans:
1000 Figs: for the Middle Eastern flavors
Coming from Israel, I’m never too happy to eat middle eastern food anywhere else… the humus is always inferior, the salads are never the same and the deserts are usually stale in comparison with the “real thing” I have in my home country. But let me tell you, 1000 figs was an amazing surprise! It’s definitely my number 1 place to go to in NOLA for vegan food, middle eastern food and in general!
The restaurant is not vegan but their vegan dishes are the best! From their different platters with unique falafel bowls and their amazing garlic paste. But waittttt! Their bread!!! One of the most crucial items in a good middle eastern meal. You will not find a pita bread there, but a unique flatbread served hot, crispy in the ends soft in its center. Trust you will order some more to take back home.
Bearcat: catering to every one of your food allergies or restrictions
I stumbled across this restaurant that serves breakfast and launch as I was going through my list of places to try before leaving the States and thank god I made it because this place was nothing short of amazing!
Bearcat offers “good cat”/”bad cat” style of dishes that offer vegetarian, vegan, paleo, and gluten-free options. Basically, they can cater to your every need. Just to show you how far they can go… they found a dish for my vegan, gluten-free friend that is allergic to garlic, onion, and soy!!! So yeah if you have any dietary restrictions or just want some yummy food this is the place to go!
I was so excited about the dishes there (knowing I won’t have a chance to come again since those were my last days in the States) that I ordered too much food! First was their Queso, a vegan take on the American classic with creamy cashew cheese. Then I had their tofu scramble with potatoes, that I couldn’t even finish of course. And even though I was completely full I had to have they chia bowl for dessert! Of course, I took all my leftovers home and enjoyed them for the next day as well.
Cafe Carmo: for the Latin flavors
New Orleans does not only excel in their cajun kitchen but also their Carribean and Latin influences. Cafe Carmo is the place to go to for some Latin flavors. They have Porto Rican, Haitian dish and of course, my favorite, Brazilian food! The place is not vegan but has vegan and gluten-free options!
I have to say the one thing you have to order is Pão de Queijo! This Brazilian dish is basically round bolls of bread filled with cheese! They have them in gluten-free options and they are simply delicious!
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00:00You might not recognize the names of other dishes but just ask and feel free to take a risk and try something new. Who knows maybe this food will shape your decision on where to travel next ( ;
Breads on Oak: for those with a sweet tooth
Known as the 1# bakery in Louisiana, Breads on Oak is rightly famous for its artisan, organic baked goods. The restaurant has many vegan and gluten- free options which is difficult to achieve with pastries. And they are doing it with pasties that are nothing short of amazing! My favorite was the Brioche bread filled with cream and strawberries. On top of their amazing cakes, cookies and other pastries they some savory items such as scramble sandwiches and different quiches. To sum it up for you: this is a MUST visit when in New Orleans. Oh, and make sure to check their hours of opening.
Mellow Mushroom: for thick dough pizza
Mellow Mushroom can be found in different cities in the U.S and their vegan pizza is absolutely amazing! Thick dough pizza with cheese that will make you question its vegan status. Unlike many American pizzas, this one is not flooded with cheese. The place itself is designed as a diner and is very Instagranmable ( too bad I ordered a takeout).
Green Goddess: flavors from all around the world
This cute casual restaurant was a bit hard to find since its located in a small ally in the French Quarters area. But it was worth the search. I had their Rolled Uttapam: South Indian pancake filled with vegan curry with Kmchi on top and it was absolutely divine. We also tried their Mushroom Pâté and finished the whole thing. And when I found out they have vegan dessert I had to order their Bruléed Banana Foster Split with coconut ice cream. The whole meal was perfect. The only dish we didn’t like was my friends’ Cuban sandwich.
Saba: upscale Middle Eastern
Saba is a brand new Middle Eastern restaurant opened by Chef Shaya Alon. If the name sounds familiar it’s because he used to own Shaya restaurant and after condemning the owner of the Besh restaurant group for his sexual harassment, he lost his restaurant only to open a new, more successful one. he first thing I have to mention is this is an upscale restaurant and the prices are high. With that being said the food is in line with the price and the reputation Shaya has for his great Pita bread and other dishes that he based on his gramma’s recipes. There are few vegan options are available such as potatoes, hummus, veggies etc. and some can even be veganized (like the shakshuka although I would not recommend this dish). My favorite dish was, of course, the hummus.
Poke Loa
Simple, casual dining with great poke bowls! You decide how to assemble your bowl and the staff is aware of different dietary restrictions.
