Where to Get Vegetarian Food in New Orleans
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!
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. Bearcat Cafe
Multiple Locations
bearcatcafe.com
Bearcat Cafe places great emphasis on serving high-quality breakfast and lunch options while also making sure their menu contains a large variety of vegetarian items. The restaurant allows you to go light with their Good Cat menu or go more hearty with their Bad Cat menu.
Consider ordering the Vegan Breakfast with tofu scramble, crispy potatoes, and black bean sausage, or go really different with the Xiong Mao Noodles, which are purple sweet potato noodles with tomato, mushrooms, artichoke, and preserved lemon pesto. Make sure to pair your veggie dishes with a delicious craft cocktail such as the Cattabunga or the Moscow Meow.
4. Alma Cafe
301 N. Carrollton Ave., (504) 872-9975
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.
5. Bennachin
1212 Royal St., (504) 522-1230
bennachinrestaurant.com
Not far from Esplanade Avenue is Bennachin, which sets itself apart by being one of the few places in New Orleans serving traditional African food. The restaurant serves West African dishes, specifically from Cameroon and the Gambia, and a good portion of the menu contains vegetarian dishes.
The Kone Ni Makondo, which is black-eyed peas in a tomato and onion stew and served with fried plantains and coconut rice, is a great choice. Other veggie dishes include Baham, which is broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots in a ginger sauce, and Jambo, which is sautéed zucchini and squash in a ginger sauce and served with vermesh.
6. 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.
7. 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 that are 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.
8. 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.
9. Breads on Oak
8640 Oak St., (504) 324-8271
breadsonoak.com
Breads on Oak is super popular with plant-preferred diners. Even if you don't follow a plant-based diet, you can enjoy their dishes for breakfast and lunch with your closest friends or family.
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.
10. 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.
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!
