Top Vegetarian Restaurants in New Orleans
Eat Your Way through NOLA
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Last Updated: Tuesday, May 21, 2024 5:11 PM by Lauren Saizan
This page has expired. It may contain outdated information.
Last Updated: Tuesday, May 21, 2024 5:11 PM by Lauren Saizan
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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’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.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
Lauren Saizan is a New Orleans native raised in the Gentilly neighborhood. In addition to being the editorial and online content manager for New Orleans & Company, she is also a member of Mélange Dance Company. Lauren has performed professionally in many venues across the city, including the Sydney & Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden, the New Orleans Museum of Art, Longue Vue House & Gardens, and Marigny Opera House. When not writing or dancing, she can be spotted sipping the Blue Eyes tea at French Truck, attending a concert downtown, or visiting a local library.