Discover Plant‑Based Dining in New Orleans: A Complete Vegan Guide
Most come to New Orleans in hopes of Cajun boiled seafood, hearty and authentic Creole cuisine and brunch favorites such as shrimp and grits, or chicken and waffles. But what about those looking for a New Orleans experience fit for a plant-based lifestyle? Whether you’re a full vegan, flexible vegan or just trying something new there’s no need to worry. New Orleans is filled with dozens of vegan-friendly restaurants, bakeries and bars that make plant-based dining in New Orleans easy and enjoyable.
Breakfast + Brunch
Breads on Oak
Nestled along Oak Street, Breads on Oak is a plant-based bakery and cafe known for its wide selection of organic, artisan baked goods. Their all-day breakfast menu features housemade specials like the Pumpkin Cheddar Biscuit with a tofu scramble and vegan andouille sausage, the Egg O’Vegan made with vegan egg, cheese and Canadian bacon, an assortment of plant-based pastries and more.
La Macarena Pupuseria
Just minutes from the St. Charles Streetcar is La Macarena Pupuseria and Latin Cafe - a colorful, eatery specializing in pupusas and other El Salvadoran cuisine. While it is known for its delicious pork-stuffed pupusas, flautas and specialty chicharron, La Macarena’s menu also includes a number of delicious plant-based Salvadoran specialties. Their Vegan Bliss Brunch comes complete with a vegan pupusa, tamale, black bean tostada and Mayan seasoned veggies. Try it alongside an order of yuca frita or sweet fried plantains for a complete plant-based, Salvadoran brunch.
Slim Goodies
Hearty meets healthy at Slim Goodies. A classic diner, Slim Goodies prepares quintessential breakfast and brunch foods with a selection of plant-based adjustments. The Garden Slammer is a breakfast tofu scramble served with soy bacon and mixed veggies. Try this or one of their other slammer options made with tofu for plant-based perfection.
Bearcat Cafe
This Uptown-based sit down cafe offers the best of both worlds with its good and bad cat menus. While both equally delicious and freshly prepared, the good cat menu offers full flavor with no regret. Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free menu items such as pancakes, tofu scrambles, black bean sausage, ranchero and much more. Pair your meal alongside one (or a few) of their specialty bottled kombuchas, teas, lemonades, limeades and cold brews.
The Daily Beet
Looking to start your day on a lighter note? Look no further than the Daily Beet. Conveniently located in New Orleans Central Business District, the Daily Beet serves a variety of cold-pressed juices, smoothies, and light breakfast bites. Try their house acai bowl topped with goji berries, coconut flakes and a drizzle of honey, or opt for something more savory with their avocado toast made with cherry tomatoes, sea salt and chili flakes.
Lunch
Carmo
Pulling inspiration from Southwest Asia to East Africa, Carmo is a tropical cafe with an extensive selection of vegan eats and treats. Try one of their freshly prepared salads, banquette breads, sandwiches and housemade bowls or baked goods during afternoon in New Orleans’ Arts District.
Tal’s Hummus
An Israel-inspired restaurant using only the best ingredients, Tal’s Hummus serves fresh and fulfilling Mediterranean cuisine. Their selection of Israeli street foods made for plant-based diets includes the Flatbread Vegan Shawarma and Vegan Chicken Pita. Pair it alongside house-made hummus or tabbouleh quinoa for a globally inspired plant-based lunch.
Raw Republic
An ideal post-workout refresher or post-weekend detox, Raw Republic is a raw vegan cafe and wellness studio. Cold-pressed juices, made-to-order smoothies and grab-and-go meals are made available at this Uptown favorite. Enjoy the Truffle Mac Noodles made with cashews, truffle salt and kelp noodles, and complete your meal with lemon chia pudding for a satisfying sweet.
Dinner
1000 Figs
1000 Figs is Mediterranean eatery within New Orleans’ Esplanade Ridge. Enjoy their variety of mouth-watering falafel dishes. Choose between the falafel sandwich and the falafel platter for a true Mediterranean experience in the Crescent City.
Pizza Delicious
The name says it all. Pizza Delicious is just across the street from Crescent Park in the Bywater. It is loved by many not only for its delicious and ever-changing menu, but also for its wide range of dishes fit for any type of eater. Enjoy the vegan Peppadew and arugula pizza (a house specialty), or stick with the restaurant’s namesake and build your own delicious vegan pizza from scratch. Their list of seasonal and local veggies makes the pizza as delicious as the name implies.
LUVI
Though not exclusively a vegan restaurant, LUVI caters to the vegan community with a lovely selection of Chinese and Japanese dishes. Start with an appetizer, like the smashed cucumbers or five scented edamame, before diving into the vegan lover dumplings with pan fried bok choy, mushrooms and green bean noodles, or the spicy stir-fried bean curd with jalapeño, red onion and black bean chili.
This is just a small taste of vegan eats in New Orleans (see our full list here). Make sure to call ahead to any of our local restaurants and bakeries to ask about vegan-friendly options that may not be listed on their menu.
