Eating Vegetarian in New Orleans
The best part of New Orleans (arguably) is the food. From gumbo to beignets, food is a major part of this city’s culture and identity. But in a city where seafood rules and meat is king, eating vegetarian may seem daunting. Finding restaurants that offer vegetarian dishes isn't as difficult as it seems, though.
At The Court of Two Sisters, the Eggplant Napoleon is a must. Battered in homemade Italian bread crumbs, this dish is layered with provolone and sautéed spinach, and topped with a spicy Creole sauce. It’s everything New Orleans, minus the meat.
If you’re in the mood for something like your mom used to make, try the Cajun Vegetarian Stew at Oceana Grill. This blend of zucchini, squash, carrots and whatever other vegetables that are in season, gives restaurant goers a healthy taste of home. The chef cooks the stew in red gravy and serves it over steamed rice.
Over at Andrea’s, the vegetarian dishes start with the appetizers. Order the Brushetta Basilico. The fresh plum tomatoes don’t get any fresher, and they are marinated in extra virgin olive oil, garlic and fresh basil. Andrea’s also has a great selection of salads, like the Pormodori and Mozzarella Caprese. In this dish, you’ll find homemade mozzarella cheese with a mix of tomato, fresh basil, onion, garlic, olive oil and a touch of oregano.
The vegetarian platter at Byblos is customization, so it’s good for group sharing or picky eaters. You can choose four items from many options, including hummus, grape leaves, falafel, yogurt salad, baba ghanuj, fava dip, and rice pilaf to name a few.
And what would any trip to New Orleans be without a good po-boy? Skip the fried shrimp options and go straight for the Eggplant Parmesan Po-Boy at Chartres House Café. These battered eggplant slices are served on French bread and topped with zesty marinara and provolone cheese. It’s a great choice for a person who’s looking for a vegetarian entrée with a little local flair.
The list goes on. To find more restaurants that are vegetarian-friendly, take a look at our New Orleans Restaurant Guide.
Make Restaurant Reservations HereView our Best of Guides