Hey food lovers! Are you searching for “Vegan Food Near Me Now” and wondering if New Orleans, a city famed for its rich culinary traditions, can cater to your plant-based lifestyle? The answer is a resounding YES! As someone who’s been exploring the vegan scene here long before settling down, I can tell you that New Orleans has blossomed into a fantastic destination for vegans. It wasn’t always this way; vegan options were once scarce. But today, I’m thrilled to share my personal guide to some of the most incredible vegan eats in the Big Easy.
Think of this as your curated list of favorite vegan-friendly spots in New Orleans – places I genuinely love and recommend. This isn’t an exhaustive directory of every restaurant with a vegan option, but rather a selection of gems that I believe are truly worth your time. And remember, the food scene is ever-evolving, so I’ll be updating this guide as I discover new favorites and as the city’s vegan offerings continue to grow.
Before you dive in, a friendly tip: always double-check with your server to confirm that a dish is vegan. Menus can change, and ingredients might vary. It’s always best to politely ensure your meal is free from animal products when ordering. Now, let’s get ready to enjoy some amazing vegan food in this magical city! Cheers to delicious discoveries!
Elegant Vegan Dining Experiences
This is hands down my favorite restaurant in town! Bar Brine & Sneaky Pickle is charming, cozy, and bursting with vegan choices. Their menu is thoughtfully crafted with plenty of plant-based options that are as delicious as they are creative. It’s the perfect spot for a delightful vegan dinner. Reservations are highly recommended, especially for evening dining.
Image: Creamy vegan mac and cheese, a must-try dish at Sneaky Pickle in New Orleans, perfect for those searching for comforting vegan food near me now.
Craving Middle Eastern and Israeli flavors? Saba is your go-to. They offer a fantastic array of vegan dishes that are bursting with flavor. Located in a vibrant area, it’s ideal for a stroll before or after your meal. Reservations are recommended to secure your table at this popular spot.
For those seeking wholesome and health-conscious vegan options, True Food Kitchen is an excellent choice. With a bright and spacious setting, they provide a diverse menu with numerous clearly marked vegan dishes. It’s a reliable option for a satisfying and nutritious vegan meal. Reservations are advised.
Similar to Saba, Shaya also specializes in Israeli and Middle Eastern cuisine, offering a wealth of vegan choices. While the culinary styles are related, Shaya presents a different menu and dining experience. If you love exploring vegan versions of Middle Eastern classics, Shaya is a must-visit. Booking in advance is recommended.
For a truly special occasion, NOBU in New Orleans offers a luxurious vegan dining experience. Known for pioneering a new wave of Japanese cuisine, this upscale restaurant boasts an impressive selection of vegan options. Don’t hesitate to ask your server for their vegan recommendations. Be prepared for a higher price point, but the experience is worth it for a memorable vegan celebration.
Vegan Breakfast & Brunch Hotspots
Looking for a charming, neighborhood café with vegan breakfast options? Satsuma is the place. This cute spot offers a few vegan choices and is located in a lovely area perfect for a morning walk. Enjoy a relaxed vegan breakfast or brunch here before exploring the neighborhood.
Bearcat Cafe is serious about catering to vegans. They have clearly marked vegan items on their menu that are absolutely worth trying. However, be prepared for a wait, as it’s a popular spot and tables can be hard to come by, especially during peak brunch hours. They have two locations, so check which one is closer when searching for “vegan food near me now”.
From the same family as Bearcat Cafe, Bearcat Baked is their bakery cousin, and it’s a vegan treasure trove! You’ll find a wide array of delicious vegan baked goods and breakfast items. If you have a sweet tooth or are looking for a vegan pastry fix, this place is a must.
Molly’s Rise and Shine always has at least one fantastic vegan option on their menu, making it a reliable choice for a vegan-friendly brunch. Their creative and flavorful dishes are sure to impress, and it’s a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.
Quick & Delicious Vegan Fast Casual
1000 Figs is a cozy, intimate spot serving Mediterranean fare. They are known for their delightful vegan platter, perfect for sharing or enjoying on your own. It’s conveniently located next to a wine bar, which is a great option if there’s a wait for a table.
For quick and tasty vegan eats in the French Quarter, Dian Xin is a fantastic choice. They have two locations, both conveniently situated in the Quarter. While the menus vary slightly between locations, both offer several excellent vegan options, perfect for a casual meal while exploring the city.
When you’re craving vegan comfort food, Trilly’s Cheesesteaks is the answer. They have an amazingly extensive vegan menu, featuring plant-based versions of classic cheesesteaks and other indulgent favorites. It’s the perfect spot for a satisfying and hearty vegan meal.
Turkey and the Wolf, only open for lunch, offers one standout vegan option: their vegan fried chickpea sandwich. It’s a solid and flavorful choice that’s well worth trying. If you’re looking for a unique and tasty vegan lunch spot, add this to your list.
Image: A mouthwatering vegan fried chickpea sandwich from I-Tal Garden, a must-try for anyone searching for flavorful vegan food near me now in New Orleans.
Small Mart is an adorable little café with a fantastic selection of vegan bagel sandwiches and sweet treats. Don’t miss out on their chai – it’s a local favorite. It’s a great place for a quick and delicious vegan breakfast or lunch.
For a quick and easy vegan taco fix, Barracuda Taco Stand is ideal. They offer a few vegan options and have pleasant outdoor seating, perfect for enjoying the New Orleans weather while grabbing a bite.
Lamara offers wholesome and healthy food in a beautiful setting. They have a gorgeous pollinator garden in the back, adding to the charm. They are open for breakfast and lunch, serving a range of vegan options perfect for a nutritious and tasty meal.
Image: Vibrant Rainbow Tostadas at Lamara, showcasing the fresh and healthy vegan options available when searching for vegan food near me now in New Orleans.
Experience the flavors of Trinbagonian island soul food at Queen Trini Lisa. They offer super delicious dishes with many vegan options, providing a unique and flavorful vegan dining experience.
Capulet is known for its delicious vegan options and great happy hour deals. It’s a fantastic spot to enjoy plant-based food and drinks in a lively atmosphere. Check out their happy hour for affordable vegan bites and beverages.
Vegan Po’ Boys – A New Orleans Staple
If you’re in New Orleans, trying a po’ boy is a must, and Parkway Tavern is the place to do it. They offer an awesome vegan po’ boy option, and even have vegan fried pickles (though they’re not listed on the menu, so be sure to ask!). This is a classic New Orleans experience made vegan-friendly.
Image: A hearty vegan po’boy sandwich with a side of fries and vegan fried pickles from Parkway Tavern, perfect for experiencing local vegan food near me now.
Killer Po’ Boys offers more inventive and non-traditional vegan po’ boy options. If you’re looking for a vegan po’ boy with a twist, this is a fun place to explore different flavors and combinations.
Soulful Vegan Food
I-Tal Garden is a personal favorite for vegan soul food. Their hours can be a bit specific (so check their website), but the food is absolutely incredible. It’s a quick dine-in spot (no table service) and great for pickup or to-go. Don’t miss their flavorful and comforting vegan dishes.
Sweet Soul Food is a fully vegan restaurant offering a buffet-style setup. While I don’t love everything on the buffet, their fried cauliflower and red beans & rice are definitely worth trying. It’s a great place to sample a variety of vegan soul food classics.
Image: A tempting array of vegan soul food dishes, possibly from Sweet Soul Food, showcasing the variety of plant-based options for those seeking vegan food near me now.
Vegan Pizza Destinations
Pizza D is a hip pizza spot located next to a cool record store. They offer vegan cheese, which you need to add separately to the vegan slice – just a heads up! It’s a great place for a casual vegan pizza night out.
Margot’s is a favorite for its sourdough crust pizza. While they don’t have a huge range of vegan toppings, their sourdough crust is exceptional and sometimes, a good crust is all you need. They also have a great wine selection to pair with your vegan pizza.
Image: A delicious vegan Puttanesca pizza from Margot’s, highlighting the sourdough crust and plant-based toppings available when looking for vegan food near me now.
Vietnamese Vegan Delights
Pho Bang is my personal favorite for pho in New Orleans. I visit their veterans location weekly! Their flavorful vegan pho is a must-try for any pho enthusiast searching for “vegan food near me now”.
Lilly’s Cafe is not only delicious but also located in the charming Uptown area, perfect for a post-meal walk. Enjoy their vegan Vietnamese dishes and explore the neighborhood.
MoPho boasts many vegan offerings on their menu, and their vegan broth is truly outstanding. For a flavorful and authentic vegan Vietnamese meal, MoPho is an excellent choice.
Pho Tau Bay serves good pho, and I particularly enjoy their ‘Tofu Fresh Roll’ – I recommend adding cilantro and Thai basil for extra flavor. It’s a solid spot for vegan Vietnamese cuisine.
Image: A comforting bowl of vegan pho from Pho Tau Bay, a perfect choice for those craving warm and flavorful vegan food near me now.
Thai Vegan Cuisine
Budsi’s has a secret vegan menu available by the register, so be sure to ask for it. I like this place because you don’t need a reservation, and it’s great for dining with a group. It’s also conveniently located near the French Quarter.
SukhoThai has an extensive vegan menu, making it a fantastic option for vegan Thai food lovers. I especially recommend their eggplant dishes and papaya salad. Explore their dedicated vegan menu for a wide variety of plant-based Thai flavors.
Located in the French Quarter, Thaihey has a separate vegan menu that’s packed with flavor. Don’t miss their fried okra! Reservations are needed at this popular spot, so plan ahead.
Vegan Sushi & Ramen Spots
Sukeban offers delicious and inventive Japanese cuisine. They have 2 vegan hand rolls and a few vegan appetizers. It’s a great spot for a more upscale vegan Japanese dining experience.
Image: A delightful plate of vegan sushi and appetizers at Sukeban, showcasing inventive plant-based Japanese cuisine for those seeking vegan food near me now.
Union Ramen has one clearly marked vegan ramen option, and it’s stellar. Just make sure to specify no egg when ordering. This is a must-try for vegan ramen fans visiting New Orleans.
Image: A flavorful bowl of vegan ramen from Union Ramen, a must-try dish when searching for delicious vegan food near me now in New Orleans.
Royal Sushi is conveniently located in the French Quarter and open daily. They offer a few vegan options, including a veggie roll, ginger-carrot salad, veggie ramen, and spicy edamame. Ask your server for vegan recommendations when you visit.
Indian Vegan Cuisine
Mantra serves delicious Indian cuisine with plenty of vegan offerings. Simply ask your server for their vegan recommendations. They are also great for delivery. Keep in mind that it’s a bit of a trek to get to, but worth it for authentic vegan Indian food.
Besides bagel sandwiches, Small Mart also serves fabulous vegan Indian food! It’s a hidden gem for plant-based Indian cuisine in New Orleans.
Good Karma Cafe is fully vegan, offering Indian & Malaysian fusion cuisine. They are open Monday-Saturday from 9 AM to 3 PM. It’s a unique spot for vegan fusion dishes.
Vegan Bakeries for Sweet Treats
Flour Moon Bagels offers the best bagels in town! They have fantastic cashew-based cream cheese and butter, and you can customize any bagel sandwich to your vegan liking. Their bagels are so good, you could honestly eat them plain!
Image: Delicious vegan bagels with cashew-based cream cheese from Flour Moon Bagels, perfect for a vegan breakfast or brunch when searching for vegan food near me now.
Levee Baking is a fantastic sourdough bakery. Most of their breads are vegan-friendly, and they have a killer chocolate cookie. It’s located in a cute area perfect for a walk. Fun fact: I love their chocolate cookies so much, I shared the recipe on my blog!
Leo’s Bread offers one great veggie-heavy vegan option and some vegan baked goods. Check out their vegan offerings for a plant-based bakery treat.
Breads on Oak is a fully vegan bakery. I personally think their sweet offerings are the best! Indulge in their vegan pastries and desserts.
Vegan Coffee & Juice Bars
French Truck Coffee is a cute spot with several locations, serving great coffee. It’s a reliable choice for your caffeine fix in New Orleans.
Coffee Science is a lovely local shop known to have vegan offerings at times. Check out their daily specials for potential vegan treats.
Raw Republic offers great organic juices and raw vegan food that I love. Try their ‘Truffle Mac Noodles’ and ‘Bossy Balls’! It’s a healthy and delicious vegan option.
Daily Beet has two locations and is great for juices, smoothies, and bowls, with a good amount of vegan options. It’s a perfect spot for a healthy vegan breakfast, lunch, or snack.
Vegan Sweets & Treats
Chance in Hell SnoBalls is a super cute snoball shop that always has a few vegan options. Cool down with a refreshing vegan snoball, a New Orleans classic.
Lucy Boone Ice Cream is a nice little ice cream shop that usually has one to two vegan options. Enjoy a scoop of vegan ice cream for a sweet treat.
Image: Luscious vegan chocolate peanut butter ice cream from Lucy Boone Ice Cream, a perfect sweet treat for those searching for vegan food near me now.
Vegan-Friendly Wine & Bars
Bacchanal is a lovely wine bar that offers a vegan cheese board and live music! It’s a must-visit for a relaxed evening with vegan snacks and entertainment.
Image: A delicious vegan cheese board at Bacchanal Wine, perfect for enjoying with a glass of wine and live music when looking for vegan food near me now.
Tell Me Bar is a super cute natural wine bar with lots of cozy seating areas. It’s a great date spot, and they also offer kava for non-drinkers. Enjoy a relaxed and intimate evening here.
Hotel Saint Vincent is a gorgeous hotel worth visiting just to see and explore their gift shop. The bar has fantastic truffle fries (just ask to hold the cheese to make them vegan). Enjoy the ambiance and vegan-friendly snacks.
Anna’s is a hip bar that locals love and is very queer-friendly! It’s a great spot to experience the local bar scene in New Orleans.
Bud Rips is a classic New Orleans bar in a great area (right by Bar Brine!). Experience a traditional New Orleans bar atmosphere here.
Good Friends is a fun gay bar in the French Quarter that gets lively on weekends. It’s a great place for a fun night out in the Quarter.
Latitude 29 is a tiki bar in the French Quarter with inventive cocktails (many are vegan, just ask!). The menu also has a few clearly marked vegan items. Enjoy tropical drinks and vegan bites in a tiki-themed setting.
Image: Truffle fries and a selection of cocktails at Hotel Saint Vincent, showcasing vegan-friendly bar options for those searching for vegan food near me now.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this ‘Vegan Guide to New Orleans!’ Before you go, I wanted to let you know that I also have a fabulous vegan ‘Guide to Austin’ that you should definitely check out. And if you’re feeling inspired to cook a New Orleans-style dish at home, try my ‘Dirty Rice’ recipe.
Thank you for exploring vegan New Orleans with me!
–Timothy
