New Orleans 2020: Fresh Dining Destinations Unveiled
This past year was an extremely tough one for our beloved restaurant industry here in New Orleans. Longstanding eateries that we loved closed their doors and up-and-coming hot spots sadly had to call it quits. Through all of the turnover and turmoil, there are a few new kids on the block who managed to not only make their way, but also make their mark.
Vals
Because there’s no such thing as too many taco stands, we introduce Vals! Freret Street’s newest restaurant features a simple yet more thanks satisfying menu filled with tacos and other Latin-inspired tidbits. It’s their drink menu, however, that stole the shows! They serve some seriously crafted cocktails and specialize in Margaritas.
Trep’s
A beer garden-inspired eatery with a family-friendly atmosphere. Treps’ menu boasts a number of classic starters with a sophisticated spin like boudin egg rolls, ahi tuna nachos, and truffle fries. It’s the perfect Mid-City hangout to catch an LSU game or cheer the Saints to victory!
Saj NOLA
Modern Middle Eastern eating just made its way to Magazine Street at Saj NOLA! This Cute Uptown eatery offers a number of housemade hummus options, Mashawi wood-fired grilled entrees, and of course - beloved BAKLAVA! You can even bring your favorite libation because, for now, there are no corkage fees.
Union Ramen
The self-proclaimed radical ramen shop has quickly become a Magazine Street favorite over the past few months. Union uses housemade poultry and vegetable broths as a base for all of their delicious ramen concoctions. One of their menu favorites is a nod at a NOLA favorite - dirty rice! It’s a brothless dish with ground meat and tasso, roasted sweet pepper, veggies, ramen noodles and Union's mazemen sauce. YUM!
Mr. Potato
Mr. Potato makes comfort food that’s sure to keep you coming back! This Tulane Avenue eatery specializes in potato-based creations. Seafoo- stuffed, jerk chicken drizzled, and Philly cheesesteak-topped baked potatoes are all among the many unique creations that they offer. They also offer specials like seafood platters, chargrilled oysters and hot sausage egg rolls.
Alma Cafe
Authentic Honduran cuisine with a modern twist using local ingredients - that’s Alma. This quaint Bywater-based cafe shares a mixture of light and filling bites that combine the best of the Crescent City and Central America. From the coffee to the ceviche, you can taste the care and detail that Chef Melissa Araujo and her team put into the menu.
The Chloe
One of the newest boutique hotels in the city came fully equipped with its own restaurant. The Chloe serves breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch to both hotel patrons and the public. Led by Chef Todd Pulsinelli, their menu features fresh and exciting takes on Creole classics. It’s everything you need for an ultimate STAYcation.
The Columns
Just down St. Charles from The Chloe, The Columns isn’t so much new, but rather revamped. Here you’ll find a kitchen run by the same crew behind Coquette, with snacks like curried eggplant dip and roasted oysters to accompany their killer cocktail list. So sit back, grab a bite and watch as the streetcars go rumbling past.
Bywater Brew Pub
We’re never mad about a new spot to grab locally brewed beer, especially when there’s some amazing grub to go along with it. Here you’ll find bites to go along with your beer, brought to you by New Orleans native, Chef Anh Luu, who recently moved back home from Portland Oregon to bring her signature style of Viet-Cajun cuisine to the Bywater.
Yo Nashi
Yo Nashi brought an omakase experience to New Orleans’ central business district. Each seating includes 8-10 courses of chef’s choice sushi. Yo Nashi prides itself on utilizing local ingredients and traditional Japanese techniques the serve their guests the freshest and highest quality product. This is the perfect setting for a romantic date night.
Lagniappe
Just as exciting as our newly added restaurants are those who made comebacks and encores. Both Bearcat and PeeWee’s Crab Cakes celebrated second grand openings in the CBD and Gentilly, respectively. Bearcat’s newest location comes with a full bar, more seating, and a fully fleshed out cocktail menu.
Additionally, the heart (and stomach) of Tremé, Lil Dizzy’s, confirms that it will be reopening soon with the next generation of leadership! Wayne Baquet Jr. and his wife Arkesha Baquet will continue the legacy of this beloved establishment known for its hot lunch buffet filled with local favorites like fried fish, baked macaroni, bread pudding and plenty of seafood gumbo!
