New Orleans, the birthplace of jazz and a city known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and delectable cuisine, is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in experiencing the best of the southern United States. With its unique blend of African, European, and Caribbean influences, New Orleans provides a one-of-a-kind experience that is sure to leave tourists with a lasting impression. In the metropolis, there is rarely a dull moment, with its ancient sites and gorgeous districts, lively music scene, and booming cuisine culture.
But beyond its traditional cuisine, New Orleans is also home to a growing vegan community and a diverse selection of plant-based restaurants that cater to the needs of health-conscious travelers and those following a vegan lifestyle. From vegan po’ boys and jambalaya to vegan beignets and gumbo, the city has something for everyone, regardless of dietary restrictions.
In New Orleans, there has never been a better moment to be a vegan, with everything from all-vegan cafes and juice bars to restaurants that provide a choice of vegan options alongside typical meat-based cuisine. Whether you’re a visitor or a resident, make a stop at one of the city’s many vegan eateries to sample the finest of what this dynamic and diverse city has to offer.
Here are some of the finest vegan restaurants in New Orleans:
The Seed
Price: $$$
Cuisine: classic southern
Website: seedneworleans.com
The Seed’s vegan po’ boy is one of the best sandwiches you will ever eat. If you’re ever in New Orleans and looking for a delicious vegan meal, be sure to check out The Seed! This restaurant is located in the heart of the city and serves up some seriously tasty plant-based dishes. They use local and seasonal ingredients to give classic southern cuisine a unique vegan twist that’s both tasty and healthy. We delightfully recommend Fried eggplant shawarma with pickled onions and garlicky toum on naan, and trust us it is a total game changer
Kindred
Price: $$$
Cuisine: Italian
Website: https://kindrednola.com
You deserve the most amazing vegan food experience at Kindred restaurant in New Orleans. Described as the best spot for a plant based comfort food rooted in Louisiana tradition and technique, Kindred opened in New Orleans in 2020 with the aim of adding another all-vegan dining option to the city. Our recommendation? Try the Garden Salad. It is made with tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, croutons, and Kindred sauce over a bed of fresh spinach. The flavor is very delicious.
Sweet Soul Food
Price: $$$
Cuisine: NOLA Vegan Cuisine
Website: www.sweetvegansoulfood.com
Sweet Soul Foods will surely burst your bubbles with its mouthwatering eggplant lasagna. This dish is enriched with flavor and nutrients, and it’s sure to satisfy your hunger. The eggplant provides a meaty texture that pairs well with the rich tomato sauce and cheesy cashew ricotta, making it a truly decadent experience. We highly recommend the Veggie Platter, a dish known for its delicious flavor and authentic New Orleans taste.
NOLA Vegan
Price: $$$
Cuisine: Cajun
You must visit Nola Vegan in New Orleans if you’re in the mood for some seriously delectable vegan food. The environment is ideal for a night out with friends, and the menu is packed with delicious plant-based cuisine that is sure to tempt your taste buds.
Our recommendation from their menu? Cajun Shrimp and Grits. This dish is a vegan take on a classic New Orleans dish, made with tofu shrimp and creamy grits. It is bursting with flavor and is sure to leave you feeling satisfied.
Breads on Oak
Price: $$$
Cuisine: American, Vegan
Website: https://www.breadsonoak.com
The best vegan bakery and cafe in New Orleans has to be Breads on Oak.
Some of the most popular bread options on their menu include Vegan Avocado Toast, Vegan Banana Bread, and Vegan Toast with Nut Butter and Jelly. All of their menu items are made with fresh, high-quality ingredients and are designed to be both healthy and delicious. Plus, the bakery has plenty of indoor and outdoor dining. Our advice? Try the Big Daddy Burger.
I-Tal Garden
Price: $$$
Cuisine: Vegan NOLA
Website: https://italgardennola.com/
I-Tal Garden is a great recommendation for vegans in New Orleans. It is a popular, all-vegan restaurant that offers a variety of delicious, plant-based dishes made from fresh, organic ingredients. The menu features a mix of Caribbean, African, and American-style cuisine, including smoothies, juices, and salads, as well as entrees like curries, stir-fries, and sandwiches. They also render catering services. Our favourite? Vegan Rodeo Burger; A juicy plant-based patty topped with vegan American-style cheese, savory seitan bacon, crunchy fried onion rings, fresh romaine lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and creamy veganaise, all nestled between a sprouted bun, served with a crisp salad or crispy fries.
Vegan Friendly Restaurants in New Orleans
We wish to commend these establishments for making a real effort to develop vegan-inclusive menus, despite the fact that they are not 100% vegan. Here are some of our preferred vegan-friendly eateries in New Orleans.
Commander’s Palace
Price: $$$
Cuisine: Classic French
Website: https://www.commanderspalace.com
A New Orleans classic since 1893, Commander’s Palace is renowned for providing wonderful dining experiences. This iconic fine dining restaurant is not a vegan restaurant. Still, it has recently included a vegan-tasting menu with dishes such as a grilled vegetable salad, a crispy tofu dish, and a vegan soufflé. A recommendation? The crisp vegan boudin noir is robust and savory and will make your mouth swim just thinking about it.
Cochon
Price: $$$
Cuisine: Southern
Website: https://www.dookychaserestaurants.com
Another non-vegan restaurant in New Orleans that offers vegan options is Dooky Chase’s Restaurant. Dooky Chase’s is a legendary Creole restaurant that has been serving classic New Orleans dishes for over 75 years.
While they are known for their traditional meat-based dishes, they also have a selection of vegetarian and vegan options available, including dishes such as the Vegetable Plate, the Gumbo Z’Herbes, and the Eggplant & Mushroom Dressing. Our top picks are the vegan gumbo and stewed okra and tomatoes.
Sammy’s Ethiopian Kitchen
Price: $$$
Cuisine: Ethiopian cuisine
Website: https://www.yelp.com/biz/sammy-s-ethiopian-kitchen-new-orleans
The injera is a unique and delicious staple of Ethiopian cuisine, and the stews and curries made with chickpeas, lentils, vegetables, and spices offer a variety of flavors and textures. They are enjoyed by vegans and non-vegans alike. Additionally, the spices and seasonings used in Ethiopian cooking are known for their depth of flavor and ability to enhance the natural taste of the ingredients.
Overall, a vegan dish from Sammy’s Ethiopian Kitchen can provide a new and exciting culinary experience for anyone looking to try something different and delicious. A vegan platter and vegetarian mushroom tibs are strongly recommended. Both dishes really hit the spot.
Shaya
Price: $$$
Cuisine: Mediterranean, Middle Eastern
Website: http://www.shayarestaurant.com/
Viva La Vegan at Shaya is a dish you cannot miss when visiting the vegan-friendly restaurant in New Orleans. The meal includes blackened tofu, jambalaya, mac and cheese, and collard greens – all vegan and delicious. The contemporary menu at Shaya reflects the ongoing evolution of Israeli cuisine and celebrates Louisiana’s abundance. With inspiration from North Africa, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, Turkey, and Greece, there is something for everyone to enjoy at this eatery.
Carmo
Price: $$$
Cuisine: Brazilian
Website: https://cafecarmo.com
There’s no better place for a hearty, satisfying meal than Carmo. Carmo is an Innovative, vegan-friendly restaurant and bar with tropical influences in a cozy spot and an open kitchen. You need to try the vegan jambalaya.
This dish is packed with rice, beans, vegetables, and vegan sausage, and it has all the flavors of traditional jambalaya without any meat or seafood. And because it’s made with vegetable broth, it’s completely vegan-friendly. Tiradito, a Peruvian version of sashimi smothered in aji Amarillo pepper sauce, is our top pick.
Oluwafunke Veronica
I'm a freelance copywriter and avid traveler. I'm always looking for new places to explore and experience different cultures, foods, and activities. I'm passionate about learning about different places and people and sharing my experiences through my writing. Whether it's a city, a small village, or the countryside, I'm always eager to explore and soak up as much as I can. Traveling is my passion, and I'm always looking for new and exciting opportunities to explore the world!
