New Orleans may be famous for its gumbo, po’ boys, and crawfish étouffée, but the Crescent City also has a vibrant and growing vegan and vegetarian scene. Whether you’re a committed herbivore, a curious omnivore, or just looking to eat lighter between beignet binges, these restaurants serve up flavorful, plant-based dishes with all the soul and spice you’d expect from a city like this.
Bearcat Café
With locations in Uptown and the CBD, Bearcat is one of the best examples of how New Orleans cuisine is evolving. Their menu is split into “Good Cat” (light, healthy fare) and “Bad Cat” (more indulgent offerings), making it ideal for mixed groups. Their “Good Cat” side features standout vegan and vegetarian dishes like Chia Seed Pudding, Trumpet Scallops, and Vegan Ranchero. It’s elevated yet accessible—perfect for brunch with friends or a solo recharge.
Sweet Soulfood
Located on North Broad Street, Sweet Soulfood is a 100% vegan soul food buffet that proves you don’t need meat to get full-on flavor. Their rotating daily menu features New Orleans classics like vegan jambalaya, mac and cheese, BBQ cauliflower, okra gumbo, and bread pudding—all dairy-free and delicious. It’s the perfect place to satisfy nostalgic cravings while keeping it plant-based.
Fritai
While not strictly vegan or vegetarian, Fritai in Tremé is one of the best places to enjoy Haitian food with excellent plant-based options. Their Sos pwa is a great vegan option that can also have meat added on. It’s a great example of how the city’s multicultural food scene is becoming more inclusive.
I-tal Garden
I-tal Garden is a Black-owned vegan spot in New Orleans serving up Ital Rastafarian-inspired cuisine. Everything is plant-based, alkaline, and rooted in holistic health practices. The plates are as vibrant as the atmosphere—expect hearty stews, veggie patties, and special teas that are as revitalizing as they are satisfying.
Botanicals NOLA
Botanicals NOLA is a newer addition to the vegan scene, offering beautifully plated dishes, pressed juices, and smoothies in a relaxed space. Their menu leans toward fresh, alkaline-based options with seasonal ingredients. Popular picks include their Vegan Belgian Waffle, Chickpea Salad Sandwich, and herbal tonics designed to energize and restore.
The Daily Beet
The Daily Beet has become a staple for wellness-minded locals and visitors alike. With locations in the CBD and Uptown, it offers a colorful menu of smoothies, juices, grain bowls, and veggie-heavy toasts. While not entirely vegan, the menu is designed with plant-based eaters in mind, and everything is fresh, bright, and Instagram-worthy.
Soule’ Cafe
Soule Cafe is a Black-owned restaurant in the Seventh Ward with a rotating menu including soulful, made-from-scratch vegan plates. Their Vegan ‘Smush’ Burger, wings, and hearty greens are some of the most flavorful in town. The café also hosts pop-up events and community gatherings, cementing its place as a cultural anchor.
Sneaky Pickle & Bar Brine
Sneaky Pickle in the Bywater (now also known as Bar Brine at night) has long been one of the city’s most creative kitchens. The daytime menu is mostly vegan and vegetarian with inventive takes on comfort food, while Bar Brine’s dinner menu expands into adventurous, seasonal fare. Everything is locally sourced, sustainably made, and full of surprises.
Being vegan or vegetarian in New Orleans no longer means settling for a side salad or asking if the red beans have lard. The city’s plant-based scene is vibrant, diverse, and uniquely its own. Whether you’re in it for health, ethics, or just good food, these spots offer a taste of what’s possible when New Orleans creativity meets conscious cuisine.
Editor’s Note: This article previously listed Kindred as a local Vegan restaurant, but it is no longer open.
