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Hello everyone,
Ah, New Orleans. A town full of history, jazz, beignets, gumbo, beans and rice, and…vegan food? I have to admit, while planning my recent trip to The Big Easy, I was left wanting more. I couldn’t find an updated, honest and comprehensive vegan guide to New Orleans. Luckily, the dearth of information doesn’t actually correlate to a lack of vegan-friendly food in the city.
As always, I created a loose itinerary with whatever vegan options I could find—many of which were places that didn’t specifically cater to vegans or vegetarians. When given the option, I will always financially support the cruelty free venture. I am happy to report that while traversing the streets of the French Quarter an beyond, I stumbled upon some of the best vegan and vegetarian restaurants I’ve had the pleasure to eat dine in! Check out my top ten places to visit on your next trip to the Crescent City.
Have you been to New Orleans? What are your favorite places to grab a bite to eat or decadent dessert?
Cheers!
Jocelyn
Holy Crepes (at Shops of the Colonnade – French Market)
Notes: I stumbled on Holy Crepes by pure accident. I was looking for a few souvenirs at the French Market, hungry and in need of some coffee. All of a sudden, I noticed a crepery sign out of the corner of my eye. Upon closer inspection, I saw a note that they had vegan and gluten free options. Well, I realize how rare vegan crepes are so I wasn’t about to pass up that opportunity! This fast, fresh walk up includes both sweet or savory toppings.- Address: 1100 N Peters St #23, New Orleans, LA 70116
- Hours: Daily, 10am – 5pm
- Social: Facebook
- Notes: We ended up here after visiting the Museum of Pharmacy and Museum of Death. Conveniently located and easy on the wallet, this is a good stop if you are looking for a fast service restaurant to try non-traditional poboys with your omnivorous friends. While the menu isn’t overflowing with vegan options, there are a few vegan sides including smother greens, and a variety of poboys that can be made dairy free.
- Address: 219 Dauphine St, New Orleans, LA 70112
- Hours: Wednesday – Monday, 10am – 8pm
- Social: Facebook, Twitter & Instagram
- Notes: Vegan french macaroons. Need I say more? This amazing food stall is located in a food court in the arts/ warehouse district and is a must visit. They serve up an overwhelming variety of flavors, and each delicate macaroon is beautifully crafted.
- Address: 801 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130
- Hours: Sunday – Thursday, 7am – 10pm; Friday – Saturday, 7am – 11pm
- Social: Facebook & Instagram
- Notes: This 100% plant-based menu puts a vegan spin on comfort-food classics. The food is good from brunch to dinner, but the best part is that they serve vegan beignets. Yes, you read that right—vegan beignets! In fact, it was the only vegan spot in New Orleans where I found this special treat. Don’t miss this plant-based New Orleans taste.
- Address: 1330 Prytania St, New Orleans, LA 70130 & 2372 St. Claude St., New Orleans, LA 70117
- Hours: Monday – Friday, 11am – 10pm; Saturday – Sunday, 10-am – 10pm
- Social: Facebook & Instagram
Notes: This quaint, family-run bakery offers pastries, vegan treats & coffee. I highly recommend the orange roll!- Address: 3304 St. Claude Ave, New Orleans, LA 70117
- Hours: Wednesday – Sunday, 8am – 3pm
- Social: Facebook, Twitter & Instagram
- Notes: If you decide to go on a self-guided walking tour of the Garden District chances are you will get hungry. There are so many old homes to browse and even a New Orleans style cemetery. Unfortunately, the neighborhood is a bit of a food desert, especially when looking for vegan or vegetarian options. A quick 12 minute walk away from the residential district will lead you to the a shop-filled portion of Magazine Street. Tucked in between shops is Slim Goodies Diner – a cozy, casual spot for breakfast and sandwiches. While not chock full of veg-friendly options, there are a few, including a tofu breakfast scramble. Plus, the never ending coffee and atmosphere make this a great option.
- Address: 3322 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115
- Hours: All week, 6am – 3pm
- Social: Facebook & Twitter
- Notes: Do not miss this hole in the wall that served up the best vegan poboy I had while in New Orleans! The signage indicates vegetarian market which is technically true, but step inside, and you’ll see a small but mighty menu of bagels from New York and street food inspired by Indian and Pakistani cooking. The tandoori-style marinated tofu poboy is a must try!
- Address: 1303 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116
- Hours: All week, 8am – 8pm (hot food served noon – 6pm)
- Social: Facebook & Instagram
- Notes: This vegan-friendly spot has an ever-changing menu due to their farm-fresh and locally sourced ingredients. The cuisine is largely creole/ soul food inspired and packs a serious punch. You can tell it was good because the door was revolving the entire time I was there.
- Address: 4017 St Claude Ave, New Orleans, LA 70117
- Hours: All week, 10am – 9:30pm
- Social: Facebook, Twitter & Instagram
- Notes: 1875 market reborn as a cool food hall with stalls selling eats & drinks, plus some outdoor seating. I drank fresh pressed juice and ate spring rolls from The Daily Beet while my partner opted for vegan steam buns from T2 Streetfood.
- Address:Â 2381 St. Claude Ave., New Orleans, LA
- Hours: Sunday – Thursday, 7am – 10pm; Friday – Saturday, 7am – 11pm
- Social: Facebook, Twitter & Instagram
- Notes: You simply have to visit this restaurant if you are seeking vegan soulfood in New Orleans. While the photos might not be the best (my fault, I was too hungry), the food was some of the best I had during my stay. Sweet Soulfood serves buffet style. You simply pick one, two, three or four items – one will be entree size and the remainder in smaller side portions. The menu includes everything from red beans and rice to chicken fried cauliflower to mac n cheese, and it changes daily. One thing that doesn’t change—big New Orleans flavor!
- Address: 1016 N Broad St, New Orleans, LA 70119
- Hours: Monday – Saturday, 11am – 6pm
- Social: Facebook & Instagram
I haven’t been to New Orleans but this morning on Top Chef they have to make a gombo, there I have heard that it is famous for that. I love this Vegan Guide I’m always willing to try something new. In my country, you don’t have too many vegan options in the restaurants.