Top Vegan and Vegetarian Restaurants in New Orleans
Pound-for-pound and per capita, it’s hard to beat New Orleans for restaurants. However, in this city of buttery excess and po’boy sandwiches, it can feel quite lonely for vegetarians, not to mention vegans. Fortunately, the landscape for plant-based dining is improving, and those who choose a plant-based diet can now find more exciting options in the Crescent City. Here’s a look at our favorite vegan or at least vegetarian restaurants in the city.
Max Well
Max Well brings tasty plant-based fare to the upriver side of Magazine Street, known for its dining, shopping, and entertainment options. This restaurant boasts an airy interior and an innovative menu, featuring items like avocados stuffed with chickpeas, protein-packed bowls (the Banh Mi bowl, laced with brown rice, tofu, almonds, and mung bean sprouts is a winner), and a sweet potato lasagna layered with cashew cheese that hits multiple satisfying savory notes.
Sweet Soulfood
Sweet Soulfood is not just a dedicated vegan restaurant, it also offers delicious cuisine in a non-touristy area where locals gather. One of the standout features of Sweet Soulfood is the menu, which celebrates the intersection of veganism and New Orleans cuisine, featuring dishes like okra gumbo, barbecue cauliflower, vegan jambalaya, mushrooms, and decadent bread pudding with rum sauce. Don’t miss out on their almond pralines—they are extraordinary!
Carmo
Located in the Warehouse District, Carmo serves contemporary cuisine inspired by tropical flavors. The menu has an international flair, showcasing dishes from regions such as West Africa (sweet potato fritters), Southeast Asia (broken noodle salad or Burmese tea leaf salad), and South Asia (Kottu Roti). The chefs and owners prioritize sustainable sourcing, using biodegradable containers and sustainably sourced seafood, thus offering a variety of fish, vegetarian, and vegan options.
Vegan Wit a Twist
It’s not every day that New Orleans welcomes a new vegan restaurant, and Vegan Wit a Twist, run by three barbers, is an exciting addition located on St Bernard Ave, far from tourist paths. They serve vibrant vegan interpretations of traditional New Orleans dishes, including their secret hot sausage and beautifully prepared tacos available on Tuesdays—both visually stunning and delectable.
Sneaky Pickle
With meat options available for the carnivore in your group, Sneaky Pickle remains one of the city’s finest vegetarian options. Their menu includes vegan dishes such as mac & cheese slathered in squash sauce and a cashew-chorizo crumble, alongside the famous tempeh reuben—an exceptional vegan sandwich. Note that Sneaky Pickle operates on reduced hours after a fire in March 2019; check their Instagram for updates on their hours of operation.
1000 Figs
The intimate setting at 1000 Figs may feel a bit cozy, yet it’s one of the more romantic dining experiences in New Orleans. The menu features a vegan-friendly selection of contemporary Middle Eastern cuisine, boasting excellent falafel and a variety of fresh dips served with warm, fluffy pita bread. Side dishes like the brussel sprouts and beet and carrot slaw can easily combine for a satisfying vegan feast.
Bearcat Cafe
This coffee shop serves some of the best coffee in the bustling Freret Street corridor. For many vegan and vegetarian diners, the appeal lies in a diverse menu that caters to many tastes from breakfast through lunch. Notable vegan options include a breakfast tofu scramble, purple sweet potato noodles, and a farro bowl incorporated with carrots, almonds, and oyster mushrooms found on the “good cat” side of the menu, while “bad cats” can enjoy meat dishes as well, making it a great spot for diverse dining preferences.
Green Goddess
Situated down a charming alleyway in the heart of the tourist-heavy French Quarter, Green Goddess feels like a hidden gem. This restaurant is known for its creative approach to dishes, continuing to stand out with original offerings. With both meat and innovative vegan dishes on the menu, customers can enjoy delightful options such as vegan queso croquetas and uttapam—an Indian lentil pancake filled with enticing flavors like vegan curry, tamarind chutney, and kimchi slaw.
