Where to Eat Healthy in New Orleans
By Elise Genoux
I’ve lived in New Orleans for a couple of years and I love that it is the capital of food and fun in the U.S. During Mardi Gras, I treat myself with all the NOLA favorites: King Cake, po’boys, gumbo, beignets, crawfish, and daiquiris galore. But, I still need my daily greens to maintain my health, happiness, and confidence. Luckily, NOLA has some delicious spots to find healthy options for that detox after the carnival season has ended.
So, if you’re feeling a food hangover (or just a straight up hangover) from Mardi Gras or just want to find someplace healthy while you’re in town - here’s our quick guide to healthy eating in New Orleans.
photo via @goodbird
Good Bird
First up: Good Bird. It is perfect for a quick, healthy lunch or a salad to-go. I recommend their spinach, sweet potato, goat cheese and grape salad. It is absolutely delicious, and bonus, the chef is a delight and so incredibly friendly!
Bearcat Café
Bearcat Café is amazing - here you can have the best of both worlds. If you want to be a “Bad Cat,” I recommend the biscuits with crawfish gravy, but when you want to be a “Good Cat,” I enjoy their homemade chia pudding with granola and berries. Both are divine ways to start your day.
Satsuma
Satsuma has the best salads and vegan treats in town, especially paired with any of their house-made juices and fair-trade coffee.
photo via @bearcatnola
photo via @thedailybeetnola
The Daily Beet
Stop at The Daily Beet for all your instagrammable vegan fare, including avocado toast, colorful juices, and huge smoothie bowls.
Seed
At Seed, enjoy vegan versions of typical New Orleans dishes in the form of mushroom gumbo and kelp po’boys. As a bonus, the decor of this restaurant makes it a lovely place to sit and catch up with friends over some seriously special food.
Saba
For a beautiful and deliciously healthy dinner, check out Saba, an authentic Israeli restaurant. I personally love their roasted brussel sprouts, hummus and wood-fired pita bread.
photo via @eatwithsaba
Lilly’s Cafe
Finally, the best Vietnamese food you’ll find this side of the Mississippi. This place is a local’s favorite where Lilly herself is often found visiting with guests, ready to treat everyone like their own mother would. Get a huge bowl of steaming pho or fresh banh mi and let the healing commence.
Have a place that you love?! Leave it in the comments below!
