It’s hard to believe November is already here, time truly flies! While you might be used to recipes here, today we’re taking a delicious detour into travel content, specifically focusing on food. As my logo “La Vie Bami, food and travel” suggests, this blog was always intended to explore both culinary creations and travel adventures.
Life, as it often does, had other plans. Pre-pandemic, travel was frequent, but when Covid-19 hit, exploration took a backseat. Now, it’s time to dust off the travel shoes and reignite that passion! So, keep an eye out for a brand new “Travel” section popping up in the menu bar soon.
Alt text: A bustling outdoor seating area at Cafe Du Monde in New Orleans, filled with patrons enjoying beignets and coffee, with the iconic green and white awning visible.
With that announcement out of the way, let’s dive into today’s mouthwatering topic: New Orleans and its incredible food scene! Visiting New Orleans, or NOLA as it’s affectionately known, has been a long-held dream. The city’s rich history, vibrant culture, and the allure of Creole, Cajun, and Soul Food cuisines were irresistible draws.
A more detailed account of the trip will follow in a separate article, but for now, let’s zero in on the food – and trust me, it deserves its own spotlight. If you’re a food enthusiast, NOLA is unequivocally the destination. During my visit, I experienced some truly exceptional meals, arguably the best I’ve ever had. The quality of ingredients, the masterful seasoning, the warmth of the people, and the surprisingly affordable prices all contribute to an unforgettable dining experience. Honestly, it’s a solid 10 out of 10.
Let me walk you through the culinary gems I discovered, and even mention a few places that remain on my must-visit list for the next trip.
Alt text: A perfectly plated dish of Trout Baquet at Lil Dizzy’s Cafe, showcasing pan-fried trout topped with a generous portion of crabmeat in a lemon butter sauce, garnished with fresh herbs.
Lil Dizzy’s Cafe: A Taste of Treme Soul Food
Location: 1500 Esplanade Ave
Must-Try Dishes: Fried chicken, Trout Baquet, Collard Greens
If your New Orleans itinerary only allows for one dining experience, make it Lil Dizzy’s Cafe. Rating this place on a scale of 1 to 10 feels inadequate; it easily surpasses a 20! This family-run restaurant is nestled in the historic Treme neighborhood, the oldest African-American neighborhood in the United States, adding a layer of cultural significance to your meal.
Dining at Lil Dizzy’s was undoubtedly the culinary pinnacle of my trip. The menu is outstanding, boasting top-tier quality dishes, complemented by service that is both efficient, professional, and genuinely welcoming.
Our table was laden with a feast: fried chicken, trout baquet, collard greens, gumbo, and macaroni and cheese. To truly test the kitchen’s prowess, I opted for the white-meat fried chicken, known to be the driest cut. If white meat chicken is moist and tender, you know you’ve struck gold – and Lil Dizzy’s chicken was precisely that. It was perfectly cooked, flavorful without being overpowering, and refreshingly non-greasy.
However, the undisputed star of the meal was the Trout Baquet. Imagine pan-fried trout, flaky and delicate, generously topped with succulent crabmeat, all bathed in a luscious lemon butter sauce. It’s not hyperbole to say this is one of the most exquisite dishes I have ever encountered. Even now, the memory of its taste lingers. A word of caution: Trout Baquet is not a daily menu item, so check ahead to avoid disappointment if it’s your target dish.
Alt text: A table at Lil Dizzy’s Cafe filled with Southern comfort food dishes including Trout Baquet, golden fried chicken, creamy macaroni and cheese, flavorful collard greens, and a bowl of okra soup, showcasing a hearty and colorful meal.
Café du Monde: Beignets, a New Orleans Icon
Location: 800 Decatur Street
Must-Try Dish: Beignets
Beignets are synonymous with Louisiana, and especially New Orleans. These square-shaped French doughnuts, lavishly dusted with powdered sugar, paired with chicory coffee, are a quintessential breakfast (or anytime) treat in this Southern state. When executed perfectly, beignets should be ethereal – light, puffy, and airy.
In New Orleans, two establishments dominate the beignet scene: Café du Monde and Café Beignet. Having sampled both, I can confidently say Café du Monde is the definitive choice. Did I harbor skepticism about its hype before visiting? Yes, absolutely. Was I completely wrong? Undeniably.
Each order consists of three beignets, and trust me, sharing will be the last thing on your mind (we certainly didn’t!). The outdoor terrace is perpetually packed, buzzing with energy. However, opting to sit indoors offers a different, perhaps more relaxed, experience.
P.S. Remember to bring cash – Café du Monde is a cash-only establishment.
Alt text: Close-up shot of freshly made beignets from Cafe Du Monde, generously covered in powdered sugar, accompanied by a cup of coffee, highlighting the classic New Orleans treat.
Compère Lapin: Refined Dining with a Creole Twist
Must-Try Dish: Shrimp and Grits
For those seeking a more upscale dining experience, Compère Lapin, Chef Nina Compton’s acclaimed flagship restaurant, delivers on all fronts: exquisite fine dining, a sophisticated ambiance, and impeccable service.
Our meal included the decadent French toast with coconut and rum caramel sauce, crispy fried chicken, and the celebrated shrimp and grits. While everything was exceptional, the shrimp and grits truly stole the show. The complexity and depth of flavor in the sauce were simply breathtaking.
P.S. Reservations are highly recommended and can be made here.
Alt text: A beautifully presented plate of Shrimp and Grits at Compere Lapin, featuring plump shrimp atop creamy grits, drizzled with a rich and flavorful sauce, showcasing the restaurant’s elegant approach to Southern cuisine.
Suzie’s Soulhouse Soulfood & Catering: Hearty Portions, Big Flavors
Location: 1205 St Charles Avenue
Must-Try Dishes: Suzie’s Fried Chicken, Cornbread, Bread Pudding
At Suzie’s Soulhouse, we sampled a range of the chef’s specialties: Suzie’s fried chicken, cornbread, sautéed corn, collard greens, St Charles catfish, rice, and bread pudding. Each dish was flavorful and expertly seasoned, but the fried chicken and bread pudding were the undeniable standouts.
If you opt for lunch at Suzie’s, be prepared for generous portions! You might find yourself only needing a light vegetable soup for dinner, as the servings are incredibly satisfying.
For my next visit, the Fried Salmon Bites and Jambalaya are definitely on my radar.
P.S. Suzie’s is primarily a to-go spot during lunchtime, though there are a few high tables available if you prefer to eat there.
Alt text: A to-go container from Suzie’s Soulhouse filled with Southern comfort food including sauteed corn, fluffy rice, and golden fried catfish, representing a classic soul food meal in New Orleans.
Meals From the Heart Café: Healthy Creole in the French Market
Location: French Market
Must-Try Dish: Shrimp and Grits
Nestled within the bustling French Market, Meals From the Heart Café (M.F.T.H.C.) is a family-operated, vegan-friendly gem, serving wholesome and delicious food. Their menu features classic Creole and Soul Food dishes alongside lighter options like healthy sandwiches, vegan breakfast and lunch items, and natural beverages.
We enjoyed the okra and the shrimp & grits. Both were excellent – well-seasoned yet light, with a noticeable freshness in the ingredients. Personally, I found their okra to be the best I tasted throughout the trip, though my mother favored Coop’s version.
Alt text: A vibrant plate of Shrimp and Grits and Okra from Meals From The Heart Cafe in the French Market, showcasing colorful and healthy Creole cuisine options.
Coop’s Place: Spicy Cajun Dive with Local Flavor
Location: 1109 Decatur Street
Must-Try Dishes: Rabbit & Sausage Jambalaya, Seafood Okra
If you have a low tolerance for spicy food, Coop’s Place might not be your first choice. However, if you enjoy a fiery kick, keep reading.
Not particularly hungry, we opted to share the Coop’s Taste Plate, an incredible value at just $15.90. This sampler included a cup of Seafood Gumbo, Cajun Fried Chicken, Shrimp Creole, Red Beans & Rice, and Rabbit & Sausage Jambalaya.
My mother raved about the okra. The jambalaya and chicken were solid, but the remaining dishes were somewhat less impressive.
Alt text: The chalkboard menu at Coop’s Place in New Orleans, listing various Cajun and Creole dishes and prices, advertising the restaurant’s diverse and affordable food options.
Backatown Coffee Shop: Pastries and a Relaxed Vibe
Location: 301 Basin Street, Suite 1
Must-Try Dish: Rose Pistachio Donut
Our day began with a pastry craving, leading us to Backatown Coffee Shop. We indulged in the Rose Pistachio Donut, a Blueberry Cake, and hot beverages. The pastries were delightful (perhaps a touch sweet, as is common with American pastries), the atmosphere was hip and laid-back, and the service was friendly. If you’re seeking a spot to work remotely, Backatown is ideal.
On a return visit, I’d be keen to try the Sweet Potato Scone, the Turkey Egg Cheese, and the ALT (avocado, lettuce, tomato) muffin.
Bonus perk: complimentary unlimited lemon water throughout the day.
Alt text: A close-up of a beautifully glazed Rose Pistachio Donut from Backatown Coffee Shop, highlighting its intricate design and inviting flavors, alongside a glimpse of the cafe’s interior.
Loretta’s Authentic Pralines: A Taste of NOLA Candy
Location: French Market
Must-Try Dish: Praline
Praline is the quintessential New Orleans candy. Distinct from French pralines, as food historian Jessica B. Harris explains, “praline” in NOLA refers to candies made with pecans and a brown sugar coating.
Leah’s and Aunt Sally’s are arguably the most renowned praline purveyors in the city. However, given our location in the French Market, we opted to try Loretta’s – and it did not disappoint.
Though I typically lean towards savory flavors, I must admit Loretta’s pralines were utterly delicious! I sampled the Authentic and Coconut varieties and now regret not trying the Peanut Butter pralines.
Alt text: An assortment of pralines at Loretta’s Authentic Pralines in the French Market, showcasing different flavors and textures of this classic New Orleans candy, inviting a sweet indulgence.
Places I Didn’t Have Time to Visit (Next Time!)
Dooky Chase
Location: 2301 Orleans Avenue
Dooky Chase is unequivocally one of New Orleans’ most iconic restaurants, a true culinary institution. It’s a must-visit for authentic Creole cuisine, including gumbo, red beans and rice, fried chicken, and crawfish étouffée.
Neyow’s Creole Café
Location: 3332 Bienville Street
Another pillar of Creole cuisine, Neyow’s Creole Café is celebrated for its File’ gumbo, fried gulf oysters, and classic Po-boy sandwiches.
NOPSI Hotel’s Public Service Restaurant
Location: 317 Baronne Street
During our trip, we stayed at the NOPSI Hotel and absolutely loved it. We intended to dine at their Public Service Restaurant at least once, but unfortunately, jet lag intervened, leading to early bedtimes each night.
If you enjoyed this food-focused review of New Orleans, be sure to explore the upcoming “Travel” tab in the menu for more travel-related content!
