Nicole Caridad Ralston, PhD, is the foodie behind "Off the Eaten Path NOLA" on Instagram (@eatenpathnola). As a multiracial Latina and daughter of Cuban refugees, her dedication to inclusion is personal. Watch the video below and check out her top picks for the best Latin food in New Orleans. Learn more about Nicole below.

Nicole’s Top Picks for Hispanic Heritage Month

El Pavo Real

El Pavo Real is a neighborhood Mexican eatery. Order the Pescado Vera Cruz: fresh gulf fish pan-fried and smothered with a sauce of tomato, onion, capers, and olives with cilantro/green onion rice and green beans.

Maïs Arepas

Colombian culture is at the heart of Maïs Arepas. While there are many different flavors to choose from, the Reina Arepa stands out, with a simple mix of chilled shredded chicken, avocado, green peppers, and lime. Pair it with the Maiz de la Rueda – grilled corn on the cob topped with spicy butter, aioli, and cotija cheese.

Alma

An award-winning Honduran restaurant located in the Bywater, Alma pays tribute to Chef Melissa Araujo’s grandmother and her cooking. For breakfast, order the Baleada Sencilla, which comes with two eggs, refried beans, homemade cream, queso fresco, and avocado served on a homemade flour tortilla. An even heartier option, the Louisa Toast has Louisiana Blue Crab, soft-scrambled eggs, mushrooms, herbs, onions, and chive cream cheese served on rye bread.

Bésame

Bésame is a Latin tapas-style restaurant right outside of the French Quarter. The Cochinita is Yucatan-style pork, tortillas, and pineapple-habanero slaw. Plantains, jerk shrimp, onions, and peppers combine to make a delectable shrimp mofongo.

Brasa South American Steakhouse

Order the Tuna Ceviche, Short Rib Mac & Cheese, and Picanha steak when at Brasa on Canal Street.

Baru Bistro & Tapas

A Caribbean restaurant located Uptown on Magazine Street, Baru can be your spot to crash after a long day of shopping. The Empanandas Domino are cornmeal pies with a black bean, kale, and white cheddar filling. The Ropa Vieja is a Cuban-style braised flank cooked to perfection.

Tito's Ceviche & Pisco

It’s in the name – you gotta order ceviche when at Tito’s! Yellowfin tuna, Louisiana shrimp, Gulf fish, and octopus are just a few of the offerings.

Waska NOLA

Waska is a chef-driven pop-up serving Colombian food. Try the Picada Platter, filled with Colombian favorites like tostones, chorizo, arepas, salsa picante, and chicharrón.

Que Pasta

Located inside Siberia, a live music venue, Que Pasta is a Cuban and Honduran spot. Empanadas, Modelo mac ‘n cheese, and the Cuban Pastelito Sandwich round out the menu.

El Cucuy

This fun neighborhood restaurant is a great place for loaded nachos, birria tacos, and other Mexican street food. The outdoor seating adds a nice ambiance.

About Nicole Caridad Ralston, PhD

Nicole Caridad Ralston, PhD, is the foodie behind "Off the Eaten Path NOLA" on Instagram (@eatenpathnola). Her page aims to uplift local businesses and share the often-untold histories behind their food culture by highlighting the historically marginalized Black & Brown communities that built the foundation of our country's foodways. In her full-time role, Nicole owns Caridad Consulting, a leadership development consulting firm. She is devoted to creating spaces where those pushed to the margins can be centered, seen, and heard. As a multiracial Latina, and daughter of Cuban refugees, her dedication to inclusion is personal.

Locally, in New Orleans, she serves on the board of the ACLU of Louisiana and Dancing Grounds. In 2024 she is chairing the New Orleans Hispanic Heritage Foundation's Azucar Ball. Lastly, but very importantly, she serves as a birth doula to families and is a mom of twin toddlers: Alma and Luca.