In a list of the South's Best Bakeries, Willa Jean's was voted #2. Located in the Central Business District, Willa Jean is a contemporary restaurant, a retro-chic cafe, that offers southern fare. This bakery-restaurant was opened in 2015 by pastry chef Kelly Fields, who named the place after her grandmother. While Fields is no longer at the restaurant since 2021, she's left her mark with the delicious dishes she created.
The croissants and breads are delicious as are the dishes that can be found on the breakfast or lunch menus. The cornbread that's served with cane syrup is one of the most popular sides. Other tasty items include grilled banana bread, fried chicken biscuit, as well as cocktails like the rosemary Paloma, back to your roots with carrot juice and mezcal, and the WJ Bloody Mary.
Willa Jean is the only New Orleans bakery to make Southern Living's discerning list.
