I’m excited to announce the pre-order of my cookbook, SWEET POTATO SOUL. Purchase your copy today at major retailers such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, IndieBound, or iBooks.
On the morning of July 3rd we left Memphis, TN, and headed south toward New Orleans—my spirit city. The drive through Mississippi was peaceful, and we stopped in Jackson for lunch at one of the city’s few vegan restaurants, The High Noon Cafe. A couple of hours later we crossed LA 55 over the bayou and rolled into New Orleans.
New Orleans has long been a favorite of mine, though this was Maxx’s first visit. We were excited to explore the city together and were pleasantly surprised by the number of vegan options we found. At first glance, a vegan New Orleans can seem unexpected, but with a little digging you can eat well in NOLA.
Watch the video above in the original post for a full day of vegan eats, then read on for highlights and recommendations from our trip to vegan New Orleans.
MAISON DUPUY
We stayed three nights in the French Quarter at Maison Dupuy, an old hotel full of character and a beautiful courtyard. The hotel has an on-site restaurant, but it wasn’t the most vegan-friendly option for us. Instead, we shopped at Whole Foods and stocked the room with fresh ingredients to make salads and simple meals on our balcony. Having a refrigerator in our hotel room made it easy to store food, and we also kept a cooler in the car for longer drives.
FRENCHMEN ST.
If you love live music, Frenchmen Street is a must-visit. Head there around 9–10pm to catch vibrant brass bands and lively performances. Dozens of clubs line the block, many without a cover charge. In New Orleans it’s legal to drink while you walk, so grab a cocktail and hop between venues to soak up as much live music as you can.
BACCHANAL in the Bywater
What began as a neighborhood wine shop has evolved into one of the most delightful spots in the Bywater. Bacchanal feels like an outdoor beer garden but curated for wine and live jazz. Buy a bottle from the shop, grab glasses and a bucket of ice, then settle in for music, good company, and people-watching. It’s the kind of place I wish were in every city.
SHAYA in Uptown
Our favorite meal of the trip was at Shaya, an Israeli restaurant by Chef Alon Shaya. Although not exclusively vegan, Shaya offers many thoughtful plant-based options. Standouts included the chanterelle mushroom hummus and freshly baked pita—watching the bread rise was a highlight of our visit. Uptown is a lovely neighborhood for walking, biking, and shopping.
Across the street from Shaya you’ll find local shops and community spots, including a thrift store run by the Louisiana SPCA that supports animal rescue, a beloved record shop, and the area’s vegan restaurant Superfood Bar. We didn’t make it to Superfood Bar on this trip, but it’s a favorite for many visitors.
Seed Restaurant
Seed is New Orleans’ most well-known vegan restaurant and focuses on plant-based interpretations of local classics: vegan po’boys, gumbo, crab cakes, and beignets. The plates are visually appealing and creative. While some dishes left room for improvement, items like the hearts-of-palm cakes were genuinely delicious.
Meals From the Heart
Don’t miss the vegan pancakes with sausage at this food counter in the French Market. It’s a classic spot for a hearty vegan breakfast, and I’ve recommended it in previous New Orleans guides. Since the larger restaurant offers non-vegan items as well, be sure to specify you want vegan options when ordering.
Camellia Bean Factory
We visited friends at the Camellia Bean Company while in town. Their creamy beans are a pantry staple in my kitchen, and the factory tour was a treat. Allison Hayward Costa, the founder’s great-granddaughter, showed us the packing facilities and generously sent us on our way with bags of beans. They were perfect for travel meals as we continued our cross-country drive.
Whitney Plantation
One of the most powerful experiences during our trip was visiting the Whitney Plantation, about an hour northwest of New Orleans. Opened to the public in 2015, Whitney is the nation’s first museum dedicated to telling the story of slavery from the perspective of the enslaved. The museum was created to confront the brutal history of the plantation and to honor those who endured enslavement across the U.S. South. Major publications and documentary teams have highlighted the Whitney for its important and candid approach.
For more photos and video from our trip, check out my Instagram posts under the hashtag #JennéAcrosstheUSA
