A Blend of All the Best Flavors, Spices, and Cuisine
Drawing spices, flavors,
and culinary inspiration from around the world, it's no surprise that the
Crescent City is home to some of the best cuisine and restaurants that you can
come by. Sometimes, all it takes to get an incredible po'boy that hits the spot
or hot, savory pho or whatever else you might be craving is an easy walk down
your neighborhood street or a simple turn of a corner. Whether you've lived in
New Orleans all your life or are just visiting for the weekend, here are a few
black-owned restaurants you've got to try.
Must-Try Black-Owned Restaurants
Willie Mae's Scotch House
In the mood for some golden,
crispy, juicy fried chicken? Starting as a bar, barber shop, beauty salon combo
back in 1957, Willie Mae's began serving up hot food in the early 70s'. Since
then, this neighborhood joint has become world-renowned for their Mississippi
meets Louisiana style cuisine, with a special emphasis on their unbeatable
fried chicken. Garnering the title of "America's Best Fried Chicken" by the
Travel Channel and Food Network, this black-owned restaurant boasts a cozy
atmosphere with tender home-cooked meals, hot and ready for your liking.
2401 St. Ann St., https://williemaesnola.com/, 504-822-9503
Neyow's Creole Café
Located on a corner in Mid-City New Orleans, Neyow's Creole Café specializes in classic
creole and southern flavors. The iconic red and black sign with huge, ornate lettering
is hard to miss, and the atmosphere of wooden tabletops bathed in soft yellow
lighting is warm and inviting to say the least. Just minutes away from downtown
and the French Quarter, this black-owned restaurant has a passion for authentic
homecooked meals that won't break the bank.
3332 Bienville St., https://neworleans.neyows.com/#, 504-827-5474
Nola Vegan
Looking for a black-owned
restaurant that also fits your animal-loving ways? Look no further than Nola
Vegan. The boho-chic atmosphere paired with their dedication to healthy food
and healthy living is enough reason to check out this hole-in-the-wall uptown restaurant.
Not only do they serve crunchy, fresh vegetables and fruits, but the vegan in
you doesn't have to miss out dishes like mac & cheese or chocolate chip
cookies at Nola Vegan. Here, you can satisfy your appetite, and rest easy,
knowing that no animals were harmed, and your body is still a temple.
1923 Leonidas St., https://www.geauxnolavegan.com/, 504-410-6196
The Munch Factory
This adorable orange centric
restaurant in Gentilly has a casual dining atmosphere, with a kitchen serving
up funky, fresh takes on creole-inspired dishes. Situated just on the edge of Ponchartrain
Park, this black-owned restaurant is proud to create authentic comfort food for
New Orleans natives and tourists, alike. If you're looking for some good old creole
cuisine, this is a great option to get your munch on.
6514 Congress Dr., https://www.themunchfactory.net/, 504-459-2180
Dooky Chase's Restaurant
Quite possibly one of the
biggest names in the New Orleans' culinary scene, Dooky Chase's Restaurant has
been open and operating since 1941. With a special emphasis on the family
aspect that has made the restaurant what it is today, Dooky Chase's is an
iconic spot that can't be missed. From red-painted walls in a cozy dining area,
the authentic Creole-style cuisine has been famous enough to gather patrons like
politicians, writers, musicians, and artists from far and wide, and rightfully
so.
2301 Orleans Ave., https://www.dookychaserestaurants.com/, 504-821-0600
14 Parishes
If you're craving Jamaican
flavors this summer, 14 Parishes is open and ready to
serve you at any of their two locations. The executive chef, Charles Blake, was
born and raised in Spanish Town, Jamaica, learning to cook when he was just a
child, and with roots like that, it's no surprise that this family-owned restaurant
chain serves up classic Jamaican dishes with spice and flavor on their side. Patrons
can enjoy beef patties, jerk chicken, sweet plantains, and more in a rustic and
relaxed atmosphere.
Multiple Locations, https://www.14parishes.com/
Li'l Dizzy's Café
What's cooking up at Li'l
Dizzy's Café, you may ask? Well, whatever it is, it's definitely hot and
straight from the pot. Known for their gumbo, fried chicken, and bread pudding,
this evergreen-colored restaurant is proudly owned by a black family that is
close-knit and passionate about what they do. Serving up hot Creole soul food,
Li'l Dizzy's Café is an absolute New Orleans delight. Stop on in for great
food, and even better vibes.
1500 Esplanade Ave., https://lildizzyscafe.net/, 504-766-8687
Bennachin
With walls covered in
colorful art pieces and eclectic décor, Bennachin has a lot more to offer than
just a fun, intimate atmosphere. The kitchen of Bennachin is cooking up authentic
West African cuisine and is vegetarian friendly. Located in the French Quarter,
it's surprisingly easy to get a taste of Africa, without even venturing out of
the state of Louisiana. This restaurant is a must-try, welcoming
all kinds of eaters, and ready with bright bursts of authentic African flavor.
1212 Royal St., http://www.bennachinrestaurant.com/,
504-522-1230
Morrow's
At the intersection of great
food and dope vibes, the average New Orleanian might find Morrow's, a
cosmopolitan style restaurant, founded by a loving mother and son duo. Here,
you can get a taste of classic New Orleans dishes and authentic Korean cuisine
intermingling in the best of ways. Situated in New Orleans' historic Fauborg Marigny
neighborhood, this trendy, modern atmosphere was curated with a unique
experience in mind. As they say, you won't want to miss out on Morrow's vibes
or their incredible food.
2438 St. Claude Ave., https://morrowsnola.com/, 504-827-1519
Fritai
Nestled just outside of
Louis Armstrong Park, black-owned Fritai aims to bring together the New Orleans
community through delicious and authentic Haitian street food. The blue painted
corner joint with orange shutters has rightfully gained praise from community members
throughout New Orleans with their bright, fresh, and absolutely delicious cuisine,
that's sure to wow. Chef and Co-owner Charly Pierre whips up some of the best
and most unique food to be found in the Big Easy, channeling his own Haitian roots.
Be sure to check out Fritai and get a taste of what you didn't know you were
missing.
1535 Basin St., https://fritai.com/, 504-264-7899
