A Vegetarian’s Guide to New Orleans: Where to Eat, Drink & Have a Good Time

Middle Eastern & Mediterranean

First, let’s start with something healthy and tasty: Stop for Middle Eastern or Mediterranean food. I always recommend one of these three:

• Lebanon's Cafe (Carrollton Ave): Casual, collegiate vibe with solid vegetarian platters, falafel, and grape leaves. No alcohol, but perfect for a low-key, satisfying meal. You can BYOB from the restaurants next door!

• Shaya (Magazine Street, Uptown): An award-winning modern Israeli restaurant near the Garden District. Incredible food, beautiful setting. Part of the Besh Restaurant Group, with a brick oven for its pita bread.

• Saba (Magazine Street, Uptown): Run by a phenomenally talented Israeli chef. Excellent service, warm atmosphere, and a menu vegetarians (and carnivores) will love. Indoor and outdoor seating (covered and heated or cooled, depending on the weather) and an incredible brick oven that churns out delicious warm pita!

Note: All three require an Uber/Lyft from the French Quarter.

Closer to the Quarter:

• Cleo’s (Canal Street): I haven’t made it there yet, but it’s wildly popular—it expanded from a corner store into a full restaurant.

Mexican

I’m not talking Central American cuisine (which is also worth exploring)—but if you’re craving solid Mexican food:

• El Gato Negro (French Quarter near the French Market): Veggie tacos, quesadillas, fajitas, and refried beans without lard. Fantastic salsa, too. The margaritas are great here!

• Felipe’s Taqueria (French Quarter and other locations): Both pinto and black beans are vegetarian (no lard!), plus an amazing salsa bar and a fantastic cocktail menu.

If Mexican does not fit the heart’s desire, and you’re wandering around the French Quarter, try the following instead:

• The crêpe vendor inside the French Market.

• Roasted corn vendor—both vegetarian-friendly and great for a light bite.

• Louisiana Pizza Kitchen (French Market area): Surprisingly, a full vegan menu here. The manager is a vegan and former dietician, so quality and attention to detail shine. This is at the far end of the French Market, just next to it, and opposite the Jazz Museum.

Pro-tip: The New Orleans Jazz Museum, which is across the street from the Louisiana Pizza Kitchen, is an incredible museum, often with free music performances (sometimes outside)! The building was originally a US Mint, so there is also a second museum hidden inside.

Thai & Chinese

• Zhang Bistro (French Quarter): Full vegan menu alongside traditional Thai and Chinese dishes. Great for groups with mixed dietary needs.

• Budsi’s Authentic Thai (Marigny): Bursting with flavor, lots of vegetarian options (ask about fish sauce if vegan), and a cool origin story as a former pop-up turned local favorite.

• Thaihey NOLA (French Quarter): I haven’t made it here yet, but my vegan friends tell me it is awesome!

• LUVI Restaurant (Uptown): This is on the other side of town, and you will need a reservation and an Uber, but the chef at this restaurant does some amazing food for vegans and carnivores, along with amazing craft cocktails. He uses the freshest ingredients for everything! Only open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday. Check out the menu online to see if it suits your palate.

Vegetarian-friendly spots

Visit these vegetarian-friendly restaurants in between hanging out at the arts markets and assorted music venues along Frenchmen St.

Note: Frenchmen Street is two blocks of amazing local music venues with low to no cover charges and awesome music every evening. There are also two arts markets that are open at least five days a week in the evenings. It’s fun and friendly, and there is lots of street candy to feast upon, especially on the weekends!

• Restaurant 13: Known for vegetarian options and late-night dining while you’re out listening to late-night music.

• Three Muses: Delicious tofu bulgogi bowl and craft cocktails. It’s woman-owned and often features young rising musicians. Support the locals!

• Dat Dog: Believe it or not, it has a good selection of veggie dogs and even a vegan beer!

• Two Phat Vegans (near BMC Bar): 100 percent vegan- and Black-owned restaurant with gumbo, po’ boys, and plant-based, meat-like dishes.

• Paladar 511 (Marigny): Italian-inspired restaurant that’s highly acclaimed by local chefs and has something for everyone. The menu changes regularly, so it’s going to be great—and based on what fruits and vegetables are in season! You need a reservation, though, for sure!

Indian cuisine

If you love Indian food like my family does, you’re in luck:

• Namaste Nola (CBD): Killer, spicy, hearty vegetarian options. Located in a hotel lobby, but don’t let that stop you.

• LUFU NOLA (CBD): Three chefs from different regions of India who cook creative dishes and make great cocktails. It’s also a gorgeous space. Open for lunch and dinner, and the menu changes often, so go see what surprises are in store!

• Aroma Indian Cuisine (CBD + Magazine Street in the Garden District): Excellent quality with fresh takes on Indian food beyond the usual North American restaurant menus.

• Nirvana Indian Cuisine (Magazine Street): One of our oldest Indian restaurants. It's family-run and has reliable classics.

Pro tip: Skip the suburbs. You didn’t come to New Orleans to eat near the airport.

New Orleans chefs who cater to vegetarians

If you want traditional New Orleans cuisine or a modern chef-driven experience, try these options. And, if you are a little bit worried, call ahead of time. Needless to say, many of these require reservations in advance!

• Bayona (French Quarter): Chef Susan Spicer is a legend, and her kitchen handles vegetarian-, vegan-, and allergy-friendly meals with ease. This restaurant is a few blocks behind the Ritz-Carlton. It's known for using local produce and seafood—and meats when possible. Patio dining is available when the weather is good. There's also a private dining room upstairs (no elevator) that is the wine room!

• Palace Café (Canal Street): Fewer vegetarian options here, but worth it for the iconic setting—perfect for pre-theater dinners. This restaurant supports local farmers and fisheries whenever possible.

• Domenica (Roosevelt Hotel): Upscale Italian with strong vegetarian choices. The roasted cauliflower with whipped feta is outstanding!

• Sofia (Julia Street, CBD): Trendy Italian spot with delicious pastas and fresh vegetarian-friendly dishes. The woman behind the helm is a talented chef. They make their own pasta, and it's all delicious!