Hey food lovers! Are you searching for “New Orleans Food Near Me” and hoping for amazing vegan options? You’re in the right place! For years, finding vegan food in New Orleans used to be a challenge, but times have changed, and for the better! Having spent considerable time in this vibrant city, even before moving here, I’ve witnessed firsthand the incredible growth of its vegan scene. Today, New Orleans boasts a fantastic array of plant-based choices, and I’m thrilled to share my personal favorites with you.
Think of this as your curated guide to the vegan eats I genuinely love in New Orleans, not just a list of every place with a vegan option. It’s based on my experiences, and while I’ll always be exploring new spots and updating this list, what you see here are my tried-and-true recommendations to keep you deliciously busy!
Before we dive in, a friendly tip: always double-check with your server to confirm that a dish is vegan. Menus can evolve, and ingredients might change. It’s always best to politely ensure your meal is free of animal products. With that said, get ready to explore the magical city of New Orleans and its incredible vegan food scene! Cheers to delicious discoveries!
NICE DINNER SPOTS
This is hands down my favorite restaurant in New Orleans! Bar Brine & Sneaky Pickle offers a fantastic selection of vegan options in a charming and cozy setting. It’s incredibly popular, especially in the evenings, so reservations are highly recommended. Don’t miss this gem when you’re looking for top-notch vegan dining.
For lovers of Israeli and Middle Eastern cuisine, Saba is a must-visit. They have an impressive number of vegan dishes that are bursting with flavor. Located in a great area, it’s perfect for a stroll before or after your meal. Reservations are recommended to secure your spot at this popular eatery.
If you’re seeking wholesome and nourishing food with plenty of vegan choices, True Food Kitchen is an excellent option. The atmosphere is clean and spacious, making for a relaxed dining experience. They are well-versed in vegan cuisine and offer numerous clearly marked items on their menu. Booking a reservation is a good idea, especially during peak hours.
Similar to Saba, Shaya also specializes in Israeli and Middle Eastern food and boasts a wealth of vegan options. While the cuisine is similar to Saba, the menu offerings are distinct, providing a different yet equally delightful experience. Reservations are recommended to enjoy the flavors of Shaya.
For a truly special and upscale dining experience, consider NOBU New Orleans. This renowned restaurant pioneers a unique style of Japanese cuisine and, surprisingly, offers a wide array of vegan options. It’s perfect for celebrating special occasions. Be prepared for a higher price point, but the exquisite vegan dishes are worth the splurge. Simply ask your server for their vegan recommendations.
BREAKFAST / BRUNCH
Satsuma is a charming neighborhood cafe with a cozy and inviting atmosphere. They offer a selection of vegan options, making it a great spot for a relaxed breakfast or brunch. Located in a lovely area, it’s ideal for exploring on foot after your meal.
Bearcat Cafe is a popular brunch destination with two locations in New Orleans. They clearly label their vegan items, making it easy to choose plant-based options. Be prepared for a potential wait, as it’s a sought-after spot, but the vegan dishes are definitely worth trying.
Bearcat Baked is the bakery counterpart to Bearcat Cafe and offers a delightful array of vegan baked goods and menu items. From pastries to breakfast and lunch options, you’ll find plenty of vegan treats to satisfy your cravings.
Molly’s Rise and Shine is a vibrant and popular brunch spot that always includes at least one standout vegan option on their menu. It’s a great place to experience the lively brunch culture of New Orleans with plant-based choices available.
FAST CASUAL
1000 Figs is a cozy and intimate spot serving Mediterranean-inspired fare. They offer a delicious vegan platter that’s 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.
Dian Xin boasts two locations, both conveniently situated in the French Quarter. While their menus vary slightly between locations, both offer several excellent vegan options. It’s a fantastic choice for delicious and quick vegan eats while exploring the Quarter.
When you’re craving comfort food, Trilly’s Cheesesteaks is the place to go. They have an impressively extensive vegan menu, offering plant-based versions of classic cheesesteaks and other satisfying dishes.
Turkey and the Wolf, only open for lunch, offers a standout vegan option: their vegan fried chickpea sandwich. It’s a solid and flavorful choice worth trying when you’re looking for a unique vegan sandwich.
Small Mart is an incredibly charming spot known for its fantastic vegan bagel sandwiches and sweet treats. Don’t miss their chai – it’s a must-try! It’s also worth noting that they serve excellent vegan Indian food, adding to their diverse offerings.
For a quick and easy taco fix, Barracuda Taco Stand is a great option. They have a few vegan taco choices and pleasant outdoor seating, perfect for a casual meal.
Lamara offers wholesome and healthy food options, with a focus on breakfast and lunch. They also have a beautiful pollinator garden in the back, creating a tranquil and lovely dining environment.
Experience the vibrant flavors of Trinbagonian island soul food at Queen Trini Lisa. They offer a wide array of incredibly delicious vegan options that are sure to excite your taste buds.
Capulet is a great spot with tasty vegan options and excellent happy hour deals. It’s a relaxed and enjoyable place to grab a bite and drinks.
PO’ BOYS
If you’re in New Orleans and want to try a po’ boy, Parkway Tavern is the place to go. They have an awesome vegan po’ boy option, and even vegan fried pickles, which are a delicious off-menu secret!
Killer Po’ Boys offers a more inventive and non-traditional take on the classic po’ boy. They have fun and unique vegan po’ boy options that are definitely worth exploring for a different po’ boy experience.
SOUL FOOD
I-Tal Garden is easily one of my absolute favorite spots for vegan food in New Orleans. Their hours can be a bit specific, so check their website before you go, but the food is absolutely phenomenal. It’s a quick dine-in spot (no table service) and perfect for takeout.
Sweet Soul Food is a fully vegan restaurant offering soul food classics. While it’s a buffet-style setup and not every dish might be a personal favorite, their fried cauliflower and red beans and rice are standouts and definitely worth trying.
PIZZA
Pizza D is a hip pizza spot located next to a cool record store. They offer vegan cheese as an add-on to their vegan slices, so just be sure to request it when ordering your plant-based pizza.
Margot’s is a personal favorite, especially because they offer sourdough crust. While their vegan options are somewhat limited, sometimes a great crust is all you need for a satisfying pizza. They also have a fantastic wine selection to complement your meal.
VIETNAMESE
Pho Bang is my go-to place for pho in New Orleans. I visit their Veterans location weekly! Their vegan pho is consistently delicious and satisfying.
Lilly’s Cafe offers delicious Vietnamese food and is located in the Uptown area, which is perfect for a walk around after your meal.
MoPho has a wide variety of vegan offerings on their menu, and their vegan broth is exceptionally good. It’s a great place to explore Vietnamese cuisine with plenty of plant-based choices.
Pho Tau Bay serves good pho, and I particularly enjoy their ‘Tofu Fresh Roll.’ I recommend adding cilantro and Thai basil to the rolls for extra flavor.
THAI
Budsi’s has a secret vegan menu available by request at the register, so be sure to ask for it. It’s a convenient spot because you typically don’t need a reservation, and it’s great for dining with groups. Plus, it’s located close to the French Quarter.
SukhoThai offers an extensive vegan menu, making it a haven for plant-based Thai food lovers. I especially recommend their eggplant dishes and papaya salad.
Located in the French Quarter, Thaihey has a fantastic separate vegan menu that’s packed with flavorful options. Don’t miss their fried okra! Reservations are recommended for this popular spot.
SUSHI & RAMEN
Sukeban offers delicious and inventive Japanese cuisine. While their vegan sushi options are more limited, they have two vegan hand rolls and several vegan appetizers that are worth trying.
Union Ramen features one clearly labeled vegan ramen option, and it is truly stellar. Just make sure to specify no egg when ordering to keep it fully vegan. It’s a must-try if you’re visiting New Orleans and craving vegan ramen.
Royal Sushi is conveniently located in the French Quarter and is 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 to explore their plant-based choices.
INDIAN
Mantra serves delicious Indian cuisine with a wide array of vegan offerings. Simply ask your server for their vegan suggestions. It’s a great option for delivery, but keep in mind it’s a bit of a drive if you’re going in person.
In addition to bagels and treats, Small Mart also serves fabulous vegan Indian food. It’s a versatile spot with diverse vegan options.
Good Karma Cafe is a fully vegan Indian and Malaysian fusion restaurant open Monday to Saturday for breakfast and lunch. It’s a unique spot for plant-based fusion cuisine.
BAKERIES
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, they’re delicious even plain.
Levee Baking is a fantastic sourdough bakery. Most of their breads are vegan, and they have an amazing vegan chocolate cookie. It’s located in a cute area that’s great for walking around. Fun fact: I love their chocolate cookie so much, I even shared the recipe on my blog!
Leo’s Bread bakery has one excellent veggie-heavy vegan sandwich option and a selection of vegan baked goods.
Breads on Oak is a fully vegan bakery. I personally think their sweet baked goods are the highlights of their offerings.
COFFEE & JUICE
French Truck Coffee is a cute coffee shop with multiple locations. They serve great coffee and are a popular local choice.
Coffee Science is a lovely local shop known to occasionally have vegan treats and offerings.
Raw Republic offers excellent organic juices and raw vegan food that I really enjoy. Try their ‘Truffle Mac Noodles’ and ‘Bossy Balls’!
Daily Beet has two locations and is great for juices, smoothies, and bowls. They offer a good number of vegan options for healthy and refreshing choices.
SWEETS
Chance in Hell SnoBalls is an adorable snoball shop that always has a few vegan options for a cool treat.
Lucy Boone Ice Cream is a nice little ice cream shop that usually has one or two vegan ice cream flavors available.
WINE & BARS
Bacchanal is a delightful wine bar that offers a vegan cheese board and live music. It’s a must-visit for a relaxed evening with great wine and ambiance.
Tell Me Bar is a super cute natural wine bar with plenty of cozy seating areas. It’s a great spot for a date night, and they also offer kava for those who prefer non-alcoholic options.
Hotel Saint Vincent is a gorgeous hotel worth visiting just to admire and explore their gift shop. The bar offers fantastic truffle fries (just ask for them without cheese to make them vegan).
Anna’s is a hip bar that’s loved by locals. It’s also known to be very queer-friendly, creating a welcoming atmosphere.
Bud Rips is a classic New Orleans bar in a great location, right near Bar Brine, making it easy to hop between the two.
Good Friends is a fun gay bar in the French Quarter that gets lively, especially on weekends.
Latitude 29 is a tiki bar in the French Quarter with inventive cocktails (many of which are vegan – just inquire!) and a menu that includes a few clearly marked vegan items.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this Vegan Guide to New Orleans! Before you go, I want to mention my vegan ‘Guide to Austin‘ – be sure to check it out if you’re planning a trip to Austin. And if you’re in the mood to cook up some New Orleans flavors at home, try my ‘Dirty Rice’ recipe.
Thank you for reading!
– Timothy
