New Orleans' food is known for it's richness, full of butter, a variety of different meat, and—often times—its lack of vegetables; however, do not fret! New Orleans boasts a wide variety of diverse restaurants, including many plant-based, vegetarian, and vegan restaurants. So, if your looking for a vegetarian place to eat, or a restaurant that serves plant-based spins on New Orleans' classics, than these spots might be the place for you!
Where to Get Vegetarian Food in New Orleans
1. The Daily Beet
Multiple Locations
thedailybeetnola.com
Committed to quality and carefully crafted food, the Daily Beet is on a mission to promote wellbeing, energize your body, and fuel your daily life. Their flavorful food is nutrient dense and not only nourishes the body, but also protects the planet in the process. The restaurant partners with local farmers to fuel sustainable and vibrant farming practices.
With different menus depending on the location, the Daily Beet serves breakfast, brunch, and lunch. From Açaí Bowls and Avocado Toast to Summer Kale and Greek Goddess Salads, their food is rich in flavor without added sugars, preservatives, or unhealthy additives. Their smoothies and cold-pressed juices are a great afternoon pick me up!
2. The Sneaky Pickle and the Bar Brine
3200 Burgundy St., (504) 218-5651
yousneakypickle.com
During the day they are called Sneaky Pickle, but at night they transform into the Bar Brine. Either way, the Sneaky Pickle and the Bar Brine are dedicated to working alongside local farmers and purveyors, to source the freshest and best quality ingredients. The Sneaky Pickle is a lunch spot that boasts a comfortable and casual atmosphere, whereas the Bar Brine is a refined and classy place for dinner.
The lunch menu serves a selection of small plates—with deliciously cooked fresh vegetables—salads, and sandwiches. Casual and quick but still healthy and nutritional. Their evening menu boasts similar healthy options but more heartier dishes, such as pastas, rich salads, and flatbreads for a hearty dinner. Whether you are looking for a light and refreshing lunch or a filling dinner, then Sneaky Pickle and the Bar Brine is a unique but delicious option.
3. Alma Cafe
Multiple Locations
eatalmanola.com
Alma is one of the best and most authentic Honduran restaurants in New Orleans. Chef Araujo puts her family's history and her own experiences into every bite of her food. While many of her dishes feature meat, there are some that are made just for vegetarians (or those who would just like a meat-free dish that day).
You can start off with the Moros Y
Cristianos, a vegan dish made with small red beans and Louisiana-grown jasmine
rice cooking in coconut milk and herbs. The entrée Brussel Sprouts Bowl
features fresh Brussel sprouts with jasmine rice, spicy peanut butter, and
avocado.
4. Kindred
7537 Maple St., (504) 841-9538
kindrednola.com
You don't have to worry if your food isn't full vegetarian at Kindred. In fact, this is a 100% vegan restaurant! Reading the menu, you'll see main dishes like the Shrimp Po-Boy, Meatball Sub, and Maple Street Burger, but each and every item is fully plant food. The Shrimp Po-Boy is made with fried mushrooms. The meatballs in the sub are vegan. The burger patty is non-GMO soy burger.
The Tuna Salad and Tuna Sandwich are hits
with people wanting a light lunch. The "tuna" is actually smashed chickpeas.
The Vegan Cauliflower Po-Boy is fried cauliflower tossed in buffalo or Kindred sauce
and served on French bread with lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and vegan mayo.
5. Sweet Soulfood
1025 N. Broad St., (504) 821-2669
sweetvegansoulfood.com
Sweet Soulfood proudly serves fully vegan dishes that look and taste just like traditional New Orleans soulfood. Instead of ordering a la carte items, Sweet Soulfood has plate options that change daily. You will be presented with a main dish and several side dishes, and you simply pick how many items you want.
You can choose to have between one and four
menu items. Your options for one day could be: Eggplant Lasagna, Orange
Cauliflower, Fried Cauliflower, Cashew Mac, Jambalaya, Veggie Fried Rice, Okra
Gumbo, Creole Curry, Mushrooms N' Gravy, Cabbage, Collard Greens, Sweet
Potatoes, Bread Pudding, and Potato Salad.
6. I-Tal Garden
810 N. Claiborne Ave., (504) 515-7321
italgardennola.com
In the Tremé neighborhood, I-Tal Garden serves all vegan food that you might swear is not vegan at all. Take the Cajun Oyster Bites, which look like fried oysters. They're actually chickpea-battered oyster mushrooms fried crispy. The sticky, sweet ribs are actually made of jackfruit.
These big, hearty plates can be eaten
guilt-free knowing that no animals were harmed in their making. Even the wings
are made of chickpea-battered cauliflower and fried before being tossed in one
of the rich sauces. The Kickin' Strips are great for chicken-lovers: portobello
mushroom caps that are sliced and fried.
7. Original Thought NOLA
1995 Gentilly Blvd., (504) 214-0924
instagram.com/originalthought_nola
A 100% plant based company, Original Thought NOLA sells Ireland Sea Moss, Natural Herbs, and more for natural remedies. They sell delicious substitutes from favorite fast-food or non plant-based restaurants, as well as offer catering for any event!
Try their "Better than Popeyes," oyster mushroom sandwich, BBQ Jackfruit pulled burger, or loaded vegan nachos for a hearty and satiating meal that is an incredibly healthy alternative. They also serve delicious teas, including mango hibiscus and lemonade hibiscus, a refreshing drink on a hot day.
8. Breads on Oak
Multiple Locations
breadsonoak.com
Breads on Oak is so popular with plant-preferred diners that a second location was necessary. You can enjoy these dishes at the original location in the Riverbend neighborhood (8640 Oak St.) or in the heart of the CBD (222 Carondelet St.). Both locations open and close early, so this is where to go for breakfast and lunch.
Breakfast is served all day at both
locations. You can get something savory like the Creole Omelet Toast or sweet
like the Peanut Butter Blondie. Lunch will be delicious with something like the
Muffanada: a vegan muffaletta with vegan Italian ham, vegan bacon, vegan
cheese, olive salad, tomato, and greens.
9. Lebanon's Cafe
1500 S. Carrollton Ave., (504) 862-6200
lebanonscafe.com
Proclaimed the best rated Middle Eastern Restaurant in New Orleans, Lebanon's Cafe serves authentic Lebanese—and Middle Eastern—food. Offering hearty, seasoned, tasty dishes, Lebanon's Cafe is not afraid to experiment when it comes to different flavors, styles, and techniques in the kitchen. Family owned and operated, Lebanon's Cafe has a cozy and inviting atmosphere that is great for any dining experience.
Their Beetroot Hummus, Baba Ganoush, Labna, Halloumi Cheese, and Sauteed Vegetables are just a few of their many plant-based and vegetarian options. Whether you are looking for a small plate with dips and light bites or a more heartier meal, Lebanon's Cafe has got you covered with their thorough selection.
10. Vegan Snack Shack
928 Hendee St., (504) 386-9013
vegan-snack-shack.square.site
Vegan Snack Shack is one of the few fully vegan food spots on the Westbank. In order to try it out, you'll need to cross the Mississippi and pay it a visit in Algiers.
In addition to okra and gumbo, cauliflower bites, and jambalaya, Vegan Snack Shack also has interesting creations such as the Eggplant Po-Boy, Liberation Double Cheese Burger, and the Jackfruit Burger. Make sure to save room for their strawberry buscuits.
The Best Vegetarian Restaurants in NOLA
If you, or someone you love, is a vegetarian, try these restaurants out for an inclusive dining experience that all can enjoy. Or, load up on fresh fruits and vegetables and eat a bit healthier by trying these nutrient dense-meals that are jam-packed with flavor!
