The Best Vegetarian Restaurants to Try in New Orleans
New Orleans is known for its rich, decadent, borderline-sinful dishes and cuisine. But amidst all the fried seafood platters and sugar-sweet beignets, there are more than a handful of restaurants offering health-conscious vegetarian meals. From the humble grain bowl and ubiquitous avocado toast to New Orleans classics-made-vegan, here are the top vegetarian restaurants in New Orleans (p.s. the following restaurants are all vegan-friendly as well).
Vegan Wit a Twist
In 2019, three barbers decided to open their very own eatery: your favorite food made vegan. Burgers, hot sausage and tacos are made completely vegan but still pack the flavor in every bite. Don’t skip out on your chance to give it a try.
Sweet Soulfood
Sweet Soulfood takes classic New Orleans food and makes it vegan, offering a unique and healthy spin on traditionally high calorie dishes. Red beans, okra gumbo, jambalaya and bread pudding are just a few of the menu options. Vegan ice cream is also available here.
The Green Fork
Just as the name suggests, The Green Fork is a plant-eater’s dream. Start your meal with a juice or smoothie made with fresh fruit and vegetables. Grab a soup, salad or other takeaway for the road.
Seed
Boasting a completely vegan menu that includes mushroom gumbo and cauliflower katsu, Seed offers many filling options that both vegans and non-vegans alike will enjoy. Tofu “pork belly” bao and carrot and avocado tacos are menu standouts.
Bearcat Café
With a menu separated into sections for good cats or bad cats, this vegan and vegetarian-friendly restaurant has something for you. Buffalo cauliflower, vegan queso and a selection of vegan burgers will satisfy any craving. Visit Bearcat at two locations–the Central Business District and Uptown New Orleans.
The Daily Beet
Partnering with local farmers for the freshest of ingredients, Daily Beet is known for their salad bowls brimming with flavor. The Rainbow (with quinoa, avocado, carrot, bell pepper, a zesty ginger-garlic dressing and more) and the Sweet Potato Chipotle Chile (with organic wild rice, kale, avocado, green onions, pepitas and a chipotle-cashew crema) top our list of must-try dishes. Throw in a cold-pressed juice or an iced matcha latte for a bright complement to your meal.
Carmo
Carmo’s tropical-inspired food is full of flavor and fresh, seasonal ingredients. Traditional street and market fare is made vegan with a selection of rice, bean, salad and noodle dishes. Fresh tropical juices are available in a variety of flavors, including acerola, mango and cacao.
Max Well
Tucked away on Magazine Street near Audubon Park, Max Well is a health-conscious café offering juices, nutrient-rich bowls and other vegan and vegetarian fare. Enjoy spins on classic carnivorous dishes, like the “beet wellington” with braised beets and smashed marble potatoes or the “steak and potatoes” with portobello and braised kale. Don’t leave without trying one of their delicious seasonal sweets.
LUVI
Though not exclusively a vegetarian restaurant, LUVI caters to vegans and vegetarians 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.
Meals from the Heart Café
Who says you can’t eat healthy in the French Quarter? Amidst all the fried fish and oysters you’ll find Meals from the Heart Café, a French Market bistro offering vegan alternatives to New Orleans classics, such as red beans and rice, gumbo and crab cakes. Fuel up during your visit to the historic district.
1000 Figs
1000 Figs is Mediterranean food at its best and happens to include plenty of vegetarian options on their menu. Make a meal out of house-made falafel, roasted sweet potatoes, kale salad, hummus and fresh bread. Add a glass of wine or non-alcoholic beverage and take your order to nearby Bayou St. John for a picnic on the water.
Good Eden: Plantmade
Good Eden offers humble meals in the heart of Mid-City. Veggie burgers, Malaysian curry bowl and dhal, a traditional Indian stew of legumes, top their menu. Also available are a selection of jarred goods, coffee, tea and smoothies, kombucha and dried bulk goods like cacao nibs and sunflower seeds.
Sneaky Pickle
A beloved vegan restaurant tucked away in the Bywater, Sneaky Pickle’s food gets rave reviews. Craving mac n’ cheese? Sneaky Pickle has a vegan version that’s all kinds of creamy and delicious. Hand cut French fries, Brussels sprouts, tacos salads and sandwiches are all made vegan. The menu changes frequently—even more of an excuse to visit again.
Trilly Cheesesteaks
Don’t let the name fool you—Trilly Cheesesteaks has plenty of options for vegan and non-vegans alike. Check out the vegan BBQ chicken Philly or vegan Philly cheesesteak, both made with seitan, vegan cheddar sauce and sauteed peppers and onions on an Amoroso roll. Vegan poutine, cauliflower wings and vegan fish n’ chips are specialties on the menu.
