Best French Bakery in New Orleans

"Beignet’s are the official state donut of Louisiana so the best place to start your New Orleans foodie bucket list would be with a taste of this French-style pastry. A beignet is a French donut that is traditionally fried and topped with powdered sugar. And yes, they are essentially the same as a regular donut but with a more doughy texture."

"Address: 1401 West Esplanade Suite 100 (although there are other locations in malls throughout New Orleans). Phone number: (504) 468-3588. Cafe Du Monde is a popular coffee shop open since 1862 located in the French Quarter that only closes for Christmas and whenever there’s a hurricane."

"Yes there are other places that serve this sweet treat, like Café Beignets. They are cute, but the beignets are not as good."

"Parkway has been a master of pivots throughout the pandemic, from quickly establishing an efficient curbside service model to adding tenting to let seating spill outside. This patio isn’t the most open-air of the bunch — it’s more of an extension of the restaurant — but it is one of the most protected from the elements; no need to fear a storm spoiling your po’ boys and gumbo here."

"Parkway Bakery & Tavern has been open since 1911 and serving up po’ boys since 1929. After more than 100 years, it remains a family-run business to this day. Founder Jay Nix and Head Chef Justin Kennedy have won several awards and have been featured on television for their exceptionally delicious po’ boy sandwiches, such as the Golden Fried Catfish and Parkway Surf and Turf."

"Heralded as serving the best po’ boy in America, Parkway Tavern has been a New Orleans cheap eats institution for over 100 years. Must-try po’ boys include wild caught Louisiana shrimp, fried to crispy perfection; and surf and turf, layering shrimp, slow-cooked roast beef and gravy. For between $12 and $15, you have a feast for two."

"If you’re in the South Market District then look no further than Willa Jean for your holiday grab and go’s. Assorted pastries and holiday pies like chocolate bourbon pecan plus a menu of savory items round out this year’s offerings. Take the baking stress away and order online today."

"Willa Jean is one of the most talked about restaurants in New Orleans. With fresh ingredients, a Southern-rustic feel, and all around great food, it is a go-to for many. Their twist on the classic milk and cookies is delicious."

"Slightly toward the pricey side, Cafe Amelie serves up classic New Orleans cuisine in a romantic, elegant atmosphere. The food is said to be wonderful, as is the simple experience of eating in their courtyard on a pretty day."

"This French Quarter restaurant has been around for ages and it’s the gorgeous courtyard and good food that keep people coming back. If you’re after a drink and a good meal in a classic Nola setting, Café Amelie is your jam."

"The smell of bacon maple frosted bars and apple fritters fills the room at Daddy’s Donuts, a staple in the New Orleans donut community. Belly-busting treats are standard here, but you won’t mind indulging a bit as they’re so delicious it makes it all worth it. Apple fritters tend to sell out fast, as do many of their other varieties."

"This family-run Gentilly fave fries up some mean dough: Bacon-maple frosted bars are a belly-busting case in point. Set back in a small shopping center, Daddy’s isn’t fancy but the sweets are divine. If you’re an apple fritter lover, get there early, since they always sell out."

"Designed by architect Thomas Sully and built in 1893 as a private residence, The Columns was converted into a boarding house during World War I. A local family turned the mansion into a hotel in 1953, and that’s when the porch bar became popular. Jayson Seidman, a hotelier who developed The Drifter and The Frenchmen, purchased the property in 2019. During the summer, there’s nothing quite like sitting on the porch, sipping a mint julep and watching the St. Charles Streetcar ferry passengers along the avenue."

"When word got out in December 2019 that the historic Columns Hotel had a new owner (hotelier Jayson Seidman of the Drifter) and a renovation was in store, expectations were high. After all, the hotel’s gracious front porch has long been prime real estate for those seeking liquid respite from summer heat, Mardi Gras merrymakers and an unparalleled view of St. Charles Avenue. Now with a kitchen and bar overseen by Coquette chef Michael Stoltzfus, Columns is once again a food destination."

"This old school New Orleans hotel sits right on St. Charles Avenue in the Garden District, with a front patio that provides the best seating around for watching the streetcars laze on by. Grab a mint julep or Pimm’s cup at the bar and make yourself comfortable, because you’ll probably want to stick around a while."

"People hang around the doors of this modest Metairie institution, night after night, the way barbecue lovers flock to the newest and hottest joints in Texas, except that R&O has been around since the ’80’s, that’s how much people love it here, and why shouldn’t they—the roast beef po boys are some of the most distinctive in town, but there’s so much else to eat here, too—shrimp salads, eggplant parmesan lunch specials, thin crust pizza, the works. Fancy it’s not, unforgettable all the same."

"For good reason: They’re reasonably priced, filling and about as egalitarian as a local food can be. Fried seafood po’ boys get much of the love, but consider the unsung hero of po’ boy land: the roast beef po’ boy. Here in the first suburb west of New Orleans proper is R&Os, home of the finest roast beef po’ boy with gravy that can be."

"Mid CityLiterally every meat item on this menu has a vegan counterpart, from the classic Philly to poutine to the vegan Far East Philly which combines steak seitan, fried pickle onions, and vegan cream cheese. Even the dessert has been vegan-ified -- the Yum Bun takes vegan ice cream and sprinkles it with cereal served on top of a hot vegan honey bun."

"Trilly Cheesesteaks serves up some of the most delicious cheesesteaks in Louisiana. And, even though they’re famous for their traditional sandwiches, it’s the vegan cheesesteaks that really steal the show."

"3320 Houma Blvd., Metairie, (504) 302-9901; www.eatshyans.com. Bhindi gosht is sauteed goat masala with okra, onions, garlic, ginger and cilantro served with naan or basmati rice. Reservations accepted."

"It’s hard to head to the south and not indulge a bit in some soul food, even if you’re vegan. Sweet Soulfood is without a doubt one of the best vegan restaurants in New Orleans, serving visitors plant-based versions of delicious dishes such as jambalaya, rice pudding, and even chicken-fried cauliflower. Best Vegan Food in NOLABest Vegan Restaurants New OrleansLouisiana Vegan FoodNew Orleans VeganVegan Restaurants in NOLA"

"Mid CityThis spot on North Broad Street offers a 100-percent vegan menu with comfort food dishes like okra gumbo, mushroom ragu with grits, collard greens, barbecue cauliflower, stuffed peppers, and bread pudding. The menu changes each day of the week, but the jambalaya and mac ’n’ cheese are available every day. This is a place where meat eaters can also leave satisfied."

"This low-key eatery serves up all things soul food with vegan options. There’s tons of Cajun spice and authentic flavour. Try the jambalaya or the okra jumbo."

"This French bakery and café from Link Restaurant Group is routinely packed with folks from the neighborhood and beyond seeking flaky croissants, crusty loaves, savory quiche and house made ice creams. Last fall, La Boulangerie unveiled a charming rear patio that allows customers to enjoy a cappuccino – and some of the city’s best avocado toast – away from the indoor crowd. 4600 Magazine St., 269-3777, Laboulangerienola.com"

"You may not have heard of La Boulangerie even though the Uptown cafe has been open since 2000. You also may be unfamiliar with the Link Restaurant Group that started managing La Boulangerie in 2015. However, you probably know some of the management group’s restaurants like Cochon, Herbsaint and Peche."

"Warehouse DistrictFounded in 1976 with a mission focused on the cutting edge of art and performance, operated by artists and performers, the CAC has become an important institution in the New Orleans art world, with a focus not just on visual and performing arts, but also on arts education as well. Basically, it’s pretty great. And, if you happen to have a Louisiana state ID, you can check it all out on Sundays for no charge."

"Right next door to The National WWII Museum is the Contemporary Arts Center, known to locals as the CAC. This artistic hub hosts a variety of exciting contemporary art exhibits and events. To open the 2018 season, the CAC is presenting “Constructing the Break,” their annual open call exhibition of 29 regional artists."

"Take in cutting-edge exhibits, featuring both local artists and the work of national and international talent, at this cornerstone of…"