These Black-owned restaurants offer some of the finest cuisine in all of New Orleans.
From authentic NOLA delicacies to international cuisine, New Orleans has something for every taste bud that visits the city.
With Black-owned restaurants in every neighborhood, we’ve compelled this list to share some of New Orleans’ finest eateries.
All of the restaurants featured have take-out available, or roadside pickup as an option, so you don’t have to worry about any restrictions that you may face.
Here are 15 of our favorite Black-owned restaurants in New Orleans:
1. Willie Mae’s Scotch House
Where: Tremé
It would be rude not to start with authentic Southern food, and at Willie’s, they serve comfort food in its finest form. It’s even a recipient of a James Beard Award to prove it. From their fried seafood platter to delicious chicken burgers, everyone will leave feeling satisfied and ready to return ASAP!
2. Frencheeze
Where: Pythian Market
Two words. Grilled cheese. Frencheeze was originally a food truck, but soon expanded to have an additional market stall in Loyola. Stop by if you want to find your latest New Orleans obsession.
3. Dooky Chase’s Restaurant
Where: Tremé
Opened in 1941, Dooky’s has become an institutional part on NOLA. Originally a sandwich shop, this place has come a long way with an extensive menu highlighting the best of Southern cusine. Their famous gumbo is to die for!
4. Meals From The Heart Café
Where: French Market
With a name like that, need we say more? One of the best places for breakfast in New Orleans, and you can go back for lunch to sample their mouth-watering crab cakes. MFTHC also have incredible vegan and gluten free options.
5. 14 Parishes
Where: Downtown
This place is not only Jamaican us crazy, but all of New Orleans. The menu might be small, but the food packs a mighty punch. Nestled inside Pythion Market, 14 Parishes serves the best jerked meats in all of NOLA, with delicious sides to match.
6. Lil Dizzy’s Café
Where: Tremé
New Orleans is the heart of soul food, and these guys are pioneers in all things soul. Everyone is welcomed with open arms at Lil Dizzy’s, from breakfast till dinner, and no matter what time you arrive, good food is guaranteed.
7. I-Tal Garden
Where: Tremé
I-Tal Garden is a vegan’s paradise. They’re mission statement is quite simple: “nourish the garden within,” and after leaving this place you’ll be smiling from the inside out. We’re addicted to their ‘Avocado Fries’ served with siracha ketchup!
8. Rolling Fatties
Where: Storyville
Another food truck? Why not? This one serves up the tastiest Mexican food in all of NOLA. Whether its tacos you fancy, or the perfect burrito, there’s something for every Mexican lover at Rolling Fatties.
9. Bennachin
Where: French Quarter/Marigny
Get an authentic taste of West Africa at Bennachin restaurant. This hole-in-the-wall eatery is not only cute, quaint and delicious, but veggie friendly. The plantains are amazing, and everything is incredibly fresh with the service to match.
10. Twisted Waffles
Where: Lower Garden District
Couldn’t leave you without dessert, that is of course unless you prefer savory. Twisted Waffles are waffle geniuses and are turning waffle-making into a true American artform. Try the wacky but wonderful Cookie Monster waffles, a sweet treat with delicious fried chicken.
11. Rays on the Ave.
Where: Fairgrounds/Seventh Ward
A upscale setting for seafood and prime cuts, Rays on the Ave. use the freshest ingredients to provide tasty dishes. With an extensive wine list, make it a night out on one of their Jazz nights that run Thursday through Saturday.
12. Neyow’s Creole Café
Where: Mid-City
For some authentic New Orleans cuisine, make sure you stop off at Neyow’s for their Sautéed Crab Fingers or tasty Oysters. This NOLA standby has an incredible atmosphere that’s completely unpretentious. Great food is the clear priority at Neyow’s.
13. Heard Dat
Where: Central
Heard Dat’s gumbo is the perfect way to brighten up any day. This no-frills Sothern haven is located on strip mall, and will serve you up some NOLA classics. Their CrawDat Fries are to die for, made with cheese and cream sauce. You can’t leave without trying one of their homestyle desserts!
14. Café Dauphine
Where: Holycross
Take a break from the kitchen without breaking the bank! Café Dauphine will fill you up with top-notch fare that’s modestly priced. Prepare for a feast that’ll end all feasts.
15. Compère Lapin
Where: Warehouse District
A sophisticated eatery that serves up unique twists on local favorites. Serving Caribbean and European accented takes on New Orleans flavors, Compère Lapin is a must for any fusion lover. They also know how to Sunday here, with an awesome Sunday Brunch available weekly.
Featured Image: @williemaesnola via Instagram