Loretta's Authentic Pralines has been in business for over 35 years. Loretta was the first African American woman to successfully own and operate her own praline company in New Orleans. Today, Loretta’s Authentic Pralines is a thriving business with two locations. For Loretta, success continues with the recent opening of another business venture HE-brews Coffeehouse in the Faubourg Marigny.
You'll Love Dooky Chase's, Fried Seafood Platter! Opened since 1941 in the heart of Treme at 2301 Orleans Avenue, Dooky Chase remains the meeting place for music and entertainment, civil rights and culture in New Orleans. Known as the "Queen of Creole Cuisine," Leah Chase has fed Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, Quincy Jones, Jesse Jackson, Duke Ellington, Thurgood Marshall, James Baldwin, Ernest Gaines, Hank Aaron, Ray Charles, and countless others as Executive Chef of Dooky Chase's Restaurant - one of the best-known and most culturally significant restaurants in New Orleans. Leah Chase has more recently served as the inspiration for Princess Tiana in Disney's Princess and the Frog. Dooky and Chef Leah Chase are also a patron of black art and their collection - displayed on the walls of the restaurant - is considered one of New Orleans' best collection of African American art.
The Munch Factory, , is owned by Chef Jordan Ruiz who studied at The Culinary Institute of America in New York and his wife, Alexis who runs the front-of-the-house of the Contempo Creole Cuisine restaurant. The Munch Factory takes pride in their freshly made creations. Every sauce and dish -- such as the Blackened Redfish with Crabmeat and Fines Herb Chicken -- are made to order. Familiar comfort food gets refined culinary tweaks and a strong dose of Creole flavor. The Munch Factory offers full catering services and accepts reservations for groups. "The fines herb chicken is another house favorite, with two sauteed chicken leg quarters doused in thick, herbal cream sauce that resembles a down-home beurre blanc. Ribs are fork tender and slathered in tangy, burgundy barbecue sauce with satisfying garlicky flavor." - Sarah Baird, food critic www.TheMunchfactory.net
Barrows
This Hollygrove classic is back and better than ever. Since 1943, Barrow's is famous for its flaky, melt in your mouth catfish platters and sandwiches. Paired with the house potato salad and buttered bread, Barrow's is a must during any visit to New Orleans.https://www.barrowscatfish.com/
Sweet Soulfood
Casual restaurant opened spring 2018. Serves vegan food with Cajun flavors and soul food classics. Choose from the daily selection of dishes such as jambalaya, yams and greens, vegan mac n' cheese, baked beans, potato salad, and bbq cauliflower. Or order an la carte wrap. Sweets offered include bread pudding, cookies, mini sweet potato pies, and multiple flavors of vegan ice cream. Berry drinks and green juice available. Relocated from 1016 N Broad St. Confirmed open May 2020. Black-owned. Open Mon-Sat 11:00am-5:00pm. Closed Sun.
https://sweetvegansoulfood.com/
While renowned for its Creole file' gumbo with ham, chicken, crab and house-made sausage; Lil' Dizzy's Cafe's Trout Baquet is a New Orleans Jazz Fest favorite and the perfect main course to complement your starter. However, don't forget to save a little room for the best tasting Bread Pudding ever introduced to your pallet. At Lil' Dizzy's, producing great fried chicken is a matter of historical pride. Owner Wayne Baquet learned the restaurant trade from his father Eddie, the namesake of the legendary 7th Ward restaurant Eddie's, who got into the business in the 1940s working at Paul Gross Chicken Coop with his aunt, Ada Baquet Gross.
Located at 1500 Esplanade Avenue in the 7th Ward, Lil Dizzy's Cafe' is a pleasant walk from the edge of the French Quarter for the best "Authentic Creole Soul Food."
Mondays Restaurant + Bar
"Located in one of New Orleans’ most historic neighborhoods, Mid-City, Monday is an indoor/outdoor dining destination from restauranteurs, Larry Morrow + Lenora Chong. The house favorites include Chong’s flavorful twist on American classics with Truffle Mac & Cheese, Oyster Monday, Jalapeño Cornbread, Poke Nachos, Impossible Sliders, Banana Foster Bread Pudding and more. The bar menu includes everything from exclusive crafted cocktails to bottle service to all-day Happy Hour specials on Mondays. Ultimately, Monday promises to deliver a singular blend of excellent food, innovative cocktails, and one-of-a-kind experiences. Monday is open for lunch and dinner six days a week." https://mondaynola.com/
Featuring soul-filled local dishes, Café Reconcile is a destination lunch spot for a wide cross-section of New Orleanians as well as visitors from all across the country. Focusing on the kind of "soul food" for which New Orleans is known, the restaurant has earned high praise from local and national critics. Reconcile New Orleans transforms the lives of young adults (ages 16-24) and the community through the ministry of reconciliation.
We do this by encouraging personal growth, providing workforce development and training, promoting entrepreneurship, working with businesses, nonprofits and people of faith to support this transformation, and building strong communities through community economic development. CafeReconcile.org
Ma Momma's House of Cornbread, Chicken & Waffles is known as the place where you can enjoy the quintessential food experience that exemplifies New Orleans Creole Cuisine, replicating the same taste and atmosphere found in a traditional, soulful New Orleans Momma's kitchen. Everyone loves their "Secret Weapon"... their very special cornbread recipe that simply dazzles our customers with its flavor and freshness. Ma Momma's House of Cornbread, Chicken, and Waffles also boast the "BEST FRIED CHICKEN TO THE BONE!" Ma Momma's House is the place to be in New Orleans for down-home flavor and Southern cuisine! www.MaMommasHouse.com
Located in the French Market and run by a local family, J's Seafood Dock has all the charm of New Orleans and family. Winner of the French Market Creole Tomato Festival's 'Best of the Fest' Most Creative Dish: Crawfish beignet with roasted corn & Creole Tomato Sauce, J's Seafood Dock is also known for their Fresh shucked oysters grilled over an open flame with Parmesan Cheese, Creole Seasoning and Garlic Butter Sauce. They serve fresh and prepared seafood, including oysters, shrimp, crab, and crawfish that can be shipped worldwide upon request.
J's Seafood Dock at The French Market
If you're shopping, sightseeing or just passing through the French Quarter and want to refuel with a healthy nosh, Meals From The Heart is your Café. Located at the Historic French Market, Meals From The Heart Café offers full flavored cuisine. We provide a healthier take-out food option for all consumers including those who suffer from heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity and celiac. "In a town where fried, too much salt, and plenty butter is the norm this place is an an oasis for people who practice vegan, vegetarian, gluten free, and raw diets." ---Emily Bryant
One of New Orleans' newest and hottest eatery is Morrow's; offering Classic New Orleans Cooking and Korean dishes. A must have is the Cajun Crawfish Pasta, Louisiana Crawfish, & rotini pasta tossed in a Cajun sauce topped with fried Louisiana Catfish or the Chefs' favorite, the Bibim Bop (Rice Bowl), an array of blanched vegetables & marinated beef served in a rice bowl topped with a fried egg and a sweet & spicy sauce. the Korean influenced dishes serves homage to Chong's Korean heritage. Sunday Brunch Menu highlight includes the Cajun Catfish Benedict; Louisiana Catfish fried to perfection, served over toasted French Bread, topped with a poached egg with a drizzle of hollandaise sauce. Also, don't forget Lenora's Hawaiian Bread Pudding which is served daily, or her famed bananas Foster French toast Owned by event-promoter Larry Morrow's (All Bets On Me: The Risks and Rewards Of Becoming an Entrepreneur)and his mother, Chef Lenora Chong (formerly of Lenora's Grill in Pontchartrain Park); Morrow's is fast becoming the place to be seen for both local and national entertainers and sport figures.
With Happy Hour from 4-7 PM offering $5 Cocktail, the long contemporary bar in the center of the restaurant serves as an added incentive for diners to hang around a little longer. MorrowsNOLA.com
Jerk chicken or pork, curried chicken, oxtail, beef patties, plantains & other hearty Jamaican eats are offered at Boswell's Jamaican Grill; a no-frills eatery near the hospital district. Our favorite is the Fish Escabeche served with coconut rice and peas. It is delicious authentic Jamaican food and an atmosphere to match that offers a weekday lunch buffet at a modest price. Located at 3521 Tulane Avenue, it is a short five-minute cab ride from Downtown New Orleans. Boswell's Jamaican Grill
Neyow's Creole Cafe is an informal establishment supplying Creole & other Southern-inspired dishes. The menu includes fried seafood dishes, Creole favorites, and po-boys. Char-grilled oysters are topped with butter and cheese sauce. The seafood platter includes fried shrimp, oysters, fish, a stuffed crab, and two sides. "The red beans or white beans come with enough fried chicken or pork chops "on the side" to constitute a two-course dinner. " - Ian McNulty Neyow's Creole Cafe
Dunbar's Creole Cuisine, a pre-Katrina NOLA mainstay in the neighborhood of Freret, Dunbar's has found a new home after being closed for more than a decade. However, this Gert Town iteration maintains its original charm with its down-home Creole cooking (think po'boys, fried seafood platters, BBQ ribs, pork chops, fried chicken and the like) and familiar, relaxed vibe. Opening in 1986 with Ms. Dunbar preparing food from her home and serving it to her restaurant customers. Since then Dunbar's has created a foundation for great food in the city of New Orleans. Known for its delicious fried chicken, red beans, and famous gumbo from a family recipe passed down by her mother at the young age of six. Dunbar's is a historical cuisine monument to New Orleans.
In April of 2007 Baru Bistro & Tapas opened in the heart of the Garden District of New Orleans introducing a taste of the Caribbean on the merchant street Magazine. With the desire to interpret the traditional cuisine of the Caribbean coast of Colombia and South America through fresh and local ingredients, Baru opened its doors as a tapas restaurant. Tapas are a tradition originating from Spain in which small portions are served on small plates, ideal for those who enjoy variety in their dining experience. Baru won "Best Latin Restaurant" in the Gambit magazine's "Best of New Orleans" awards, and we are proud to say we have won that title every year since! "Best New Restaurant" in 2008 in Where Ya't magazine and was theTimes Picayune top 100 restaurants.
https://www.barutapasnola.com/
Chef Nina Compton 23. On May 7, 2018 Chef Nina Compton of Compère Lapin restaurant made history by becoming the first Black women to be designated as the best chef in the South at the 2018 James Beard Awards. The James Beard Foundation awards are considered the Oscars of the culinary world. Only five black chefs have ever been a Best Chef finalist.
Inspiration for the menu comes from the traditional Caribbean folktales featuring a mischievous rabbit named Compère Lapin that Chef Nina Compton read during her childhood in St. Lucia. Drawing on the story's themes of exploration and play, she mixes the indigenous ingredients and rich culinary heritage of New Orleans with those of her Caribbean roots. Tapping into her classical French culinary training and deep experience with Italian cuisine, the result is a playful menu that takes the food you know and makes it food you love. She was also a contestant on Bravo's "Top Chef: New Orleans." Compère Lapin is a sophisticated eatery serving New Orleans accented flavors in the Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery located on 535 Tchoupitoulas Street in the city's Warehouse District. Special menu items include Eggplant Ravioli, Curried Goat, or Black Drum complemented with choices such as Plantain or Sweet Potato Gnocchi. www.comperelapin.com
Bennachin
Bennachin is known for bringing you a taste of Africa in the heart of NOLA. The chef at Bennachin takes inspiration from The Gambia and Cameroon when designing the menu. Inside you’ll find a comfortable and friendly atmosphere. You’ll find that this is a great Black-owned restaurant in New Orleans for vegans as well. The menu has offerings for carnivores and vegans alike. All of the meals are bursting with flavor and certain entrees can be made without meat. There are entrees with beef, lamb, poultry, seafood, and of course vegetarian options. On the menu, you’ll also find soups, sides, and desserts that are traditional Cameroonian or Gambian dishes. http://www.bennachinrestaurant.com/
Cafe Sbisa is the third oldest dining establishment in the French Quarter and was opened originally in 1899. It specializes in French-Creole cuisine and does it well. Cafe Sbisa is a more upscale restaurant, so we suggest making a reservation if you plan on having dinner or brunch there.
The menu is full of French-Creole classics. You can try Turtle Soup, Courtbouillon, Duck A L’Orange, and much more. If you want to stop by this Black-owned brunch spot on a Sunday morning, you can enjoy Creole Eggs Benedict, BBQ Shrimp and Grits, and even Bananas Foster Chicken and Waffles.
Cafe Sbisa would be a great place for you and your bridal party to enjoy a boozy brunch while on your New Orleans bachelorette party. But it’s also a delicious spot for a romantic dinner. No matter the occasion, you’ll enjoy dining at Cafe Sbisa. https://www.cafesbisanola.com/
Yvonne's
In the warehouse district of NOLA is the classic French-inspired restaurant, Vyoone’s. The owner of Vyoone’s, Vyoone Segue has four generations of family in New Orleans and is of French African Creole heritage.
The restaurant has a beautiful outdoor patio which diners can enjoy when the weather is nice. Occasionally you can enjoy live Jazz with your meal in the courtyard or inside the restaurant. The menu at Vyoone’s is seasonal, which means all the meals are made using only foods that are in season in the Southern United States.
The menu includes many French classics. There is Escargot, French Onion Soup, Coquille St Jaques, and more. If you come for Sunday Brunch there is a separate but equally delicious menu. You can enjoy Crab Cake Benedict, Crevettes Au Gruau, and of course, French Toast. Vyoone’s is a great place to try French cuisine with a New Orleans twist. https://www.vyoone.com/menu
Backatown Coffee Parlour
If you’ve been walking around NOLA for a while and you find yourself hungry for lunch, stop into Backatown Coffee Parlour. The Coffee Parlour is near Louis Armstrong Park, St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, and many more tourist spots in NOLA.
At Backatown you’ll find an elevated coffee shop menu. They offer baked goods like muffins, scones, and cakes if you just want a quick bite with your coffee. They also have a selection of soups, sandwiches, salads, and even breakfast foods like quiche.
Backatown is one of the best Black-owned restaurants in New Orleans if you want a quick breakfast, lunch, or just a snack with your coffee. https://backatownnola.com/
Peewees CrabCakes
Peewees CrabCakes On-The-Go is a casual Central City eatery specializing in crab cake creations and other seafood meals. Try one of their loaded seafood potatoes or creamy seafood pasta. Call ahead for daily specials and new menu items. https://peeweescrabcakes.com/