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On the morning of July 3rd we left Memphis, TN and drove south toward New Orleans—my spirit city. The drive through Mississippi was beautiful, and we stopped in Jackson for lunch at one of the city’s few vegan spots, The High Noon Cafe. A couple of hours later we crossed LA 55 over the atmospheric bayou and arrived in New Orleans.
New Orleans has long been one of my favorite cities, and this was Maxx’s first visit. We were excited to explore together and curious about vegan options. At first glance vegan New Orleans can seem unlikely, but a closer look reveals many choices. We were pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to find great plant-based food in NOLA.
Watch the video below, then read on for the best vegan-friendly spots and highlights from our trip to New Orleans.
MAISON DUPUY
We spent the first three nights in the French Quarter at Maison Dupuy. The hotel has character, history, and a lovely courtyard. The on-site restaurant wasn’t especially vegan-friendly, so we shopped at Whole Foods and stocked our room with salad ingredients. Our room had a furnished balcony, which made dining in feel extra special. On this trip we prioritized hotels with refrigerators so we could store food, and we kept a cooler in the car for longer drives.
FRENCHMEN ST.
If you love live music, spend an evening on Frenchmen Street. Arrive around 9–10pm to catch brass bands and lively performances. Clubs line both sides of the street and many don’t charge a cover. Because open-container drinking is allowed in New Orleans, you can stroll with a cocktail while hopping between venues to enjoy as much live music as possible.
BACCHANAL — the Bywater
Bacchanal started as a neighborhood wine shop and has become a beloved outdoor spot in the Bywater. Think of it as a wine garden with live jazz. Pick a bottle from the shop, grab glasses and ice, and settle in for music, people-watching, and a relaxed evening. It’s the kind of place you wish you had near your home.
SHAYA in Uptown
Our favorite meal of the trip was at Shaya, an Israeli restaurant by Chef Alon Shaya. Though not fully vegan, Shaya offers many plant-based options done very well. Highlights included chanterelle mushroom hummus and freshly baked pita. Watching the bread rise (you can see it in the video) was a treat. Shaya’s Uptown location is in a charming neighborhood great for walking and shopping.
Nearby, the No Fleas Market thrift store (run by the Louisiana SPCA) supports animal rescue, and Peaches Record Shop is worth a visit. Close to Shaya you’ll also find Superfood Bar, an all-vegan spot I’ve enjoyed on past visits.
Seed Restaurant
Seed is New Orleans’ best-known vegan restaurant, specializing in plant-based takes on local classics like po’ boys, gumbo, crab cakes, and beignets. The presentation is beautiful and many dishes are delicious; the Hearts of Palm cakes are a standout.
Meals From the Heart
Don’t miss the vegan pancakes and plant-based sausage at Meals From the Heart, a food counter in the French Market. I first wrote about this spot in a 2015 New Orleans post and it remains a favorite. The establishment serves non-vegan items as well, so be sure to request the vegan options.
Camellia Bean Factory
We visited the Camellia Bean Company while in town. Their beans are a staple in my kitchen, and the company graciously gave us a tour of their packing facilities. We left with pounds of beans that were perfect for the road. I used their famous red beans in a recent recipe for Curried Red Bean Tacos with Peach Salsa.
Whitney Plantation
A powerful and educational stop is the Whitney Plantation, about an hour northwest of New Orleans. Opened to the public in 2015, it is the country’s first museum focusing on the history of slavery from the perspective of the enslaved. The museum offers a sobering, honest account and thoughtful exhibits that honor those who lived through this history.
For more photos and video from our trip, check my Instagram #JennéAcrosstheUSA