Must-Visit Black-Owned Restaurants

New Orleans cuisine is a living metaphor of its history. With cultural contributions from multiple parts of the world, it’s no wonder that the city itself is often described as a “gumbo.” Others may refer to it as a “melting pot,” but this comparison isn’t quite on the nose. 

A melting pot suggests all the separate components of a dish have blended together, combining to create a single unique flavor. Gumbo, on the other hand, is a riot of contrasting tastes and textures, each bite highlighting a different aspect of the dish. You can discern the seafood from the rice, the roux from the okra. (Public service announcement: if it doesn’t have okra in it, it ain’t gumbo; it’s soup. The word “gumbo” literally translates to “okra” in the language of the Bantu).

That said, New Orleans fare has a lot to choose from. With one of the most active ports in the nation, the root of local cuisine is West African, closely followed by Native American. Though a French colony at the beginning of its founding, those who trafficked enslaved people did so as to avoid doing their own work. This results in the creation of a place, from its food to its music and architecture, falling to those enslaved. 

With the introduction of Spanish rule in 1763, one might think there would be more Spanish influence on French Creole cuisine. However, the French were very staunchly French (also, no one told them they had been ceded to Spain, which definitely did not make for a smooth transition in governance). The food continued to remain very West African in nature, well into the Louisiana Purchase of 1803.

With the fall of the Civil War, this city that was once one of the wealthiest in the nation rapidly became destitute – turns out you make a lot less money when you have to pay people for the work they do. The Louisiana Immigration League is formed, and their charge is to go overseas and get immigrants to relocate to New Orleans to work the abandoned plantations for pennies on the dollar. This is how both the Chinese and the Italians found their way to New Orleans in the 1870s, adding their own stamps to Creole cuisine. (This is also, coincidently, how the mafia got to the city, but that’s a very interesting, very messy story for another day).

Suffice it to say, New Orleans restaurants are a staple to the cultural experience. However, it can be difficult to find restaurants that are Black-owned, largely because most people don’t leave the French Quarter when they come to visit. Most Black restaurateurs can’t afford the exorbitant cost of renting a space in the Quarter, giving non-POC-owned establishments the monopoly. (Though, as previously stated, those in the kitchens are almost 80% POC).

That said, the city as a whole has no shortage of Black-owned restaurants — you just have to leave the French Quarter. Below is a list of POC-owned establishments that are sure to make your taste buds dance.

Dooky Chase’s Restaurant

2301 Orleans Ave.

New Orleans, LA 70119

504-821-0600

Perhaps one of the most well-known restaurants in New Orleans history, Dooky Chase’s began in 1839 as a lottery ticket outlet, transitioning to a sandwich shop and bar in 1941. The late Leah Chase was responsible for turning it into the mecca for Creole cuisine, as well as a gallery for African-American art. From everything to highbrow Creole fare to low-country cooking, Dooky Chase’s flavors are steeped in the history of the Civil Rights movement, multi-generational recipes, and the ineffable magic that is the African Diaspora.

Heard Dat Kitchen

2520 Felicity St.

New Orleans, LA 70113

504-510-4248

While there is no indoor seating offered at this time, Heard Dat Kitchen provides a rustic outdoor experience, coupled with rich, Southern style cuisine. With dishes carefully curated and named in local lingo, the flavors you experience from “Dat Plate”— fish, chicken, or stuffed bell pepper served with mac and cheese, sweet peas and potato salad, to the signature bread pudding that is a New Orleans mainstay, Heard Dat Kitchen is sure to tickle your taste buds. 

Lil Dizzy’s Cafe

1500 Esplanade Ave.

New Orleans, LA 70116

504-766-8687

From po’ boys to fried chicken, Lil Dizzy’s Cafe in Tremé will have you tossing your diet out the window, because this food reminds you what it is to be alive. Located in the oldest Black neighborhood in the nation, the chefs at this establishment know their medium, and you will not regret making the trip to find out for yourself why this restaurant is so popular. 

Addis NOLA

422 S. Broad St.

New Orleans, LA

504-218-5321

An Ethiopian Kitchen, Addis NOLA offers everything from a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony to ribeye steak tibs and kitfo. Named after the capital city of Ethiopia, this family-owned restaurant adeptly combines the grounding flavors of the Motherland to New Orleans. A full diasporic experience is enjoyed with each bite.

Neyow’s Creole Café

3332 Bienville St.

New Orleans, LA 70119

504-827-5474

Regardless of whether you’re in the mood for seafood, poultry, cornbread dressing or beignet sticks, Neyow’s Creole Café’s got you covered. Blending the heartiness of Louisiana working class cuisine with the expert crafting of New Orleans fine dining, this creole café has something for everyone. Full bar as well. 

Sweet Soulfood: NOLA Vegan Cuisine

1025 N. Broad St.

New Orleans, LA 70119

504-821-2669

If you are looking for organic, soy- and dairy-free vegan cuisine that doesn’t skimp on the flavors of New Orleans, look no further! With options like barbecue cauliflower, eggplant lasagna, Creole curry and collard greens, this eatery is sure to satisfy any soul food craving, while remaining in alignment with your vegan diet. Having unlocked the secret of combining veganism with rich flavor and textures, Sweet Soulfood is an unparalleled vegan experience. 

Cafe Sbisa

1011 Decatur St.

New Orleans, LA 70116

504-522-5565

Originally established in 1899, Cafe Sbisa is the third oldest fine-dining eatery in the historic French Quarter. Co-owned by Executive Chef Alfred Singleton and Craig Napoli, they are open for dinner on Friday and Saturday nights, offering a Jazz Brunch on Sundays. Pasta jambalaya, Creole bouillabaisse with seafood, shrimp and grits, and maison salad are just a small selection of the variety offered at Cafe Sbisa. Go check it out — this is a dining experience that can’t be missed. 

Morrow’s 

2438 Saint Claude Ave.

New Orleans, LA 70117

504-827-1519

Founded in 2018 by mother-son duo, Chef Lenora Chong and Event Curator Larry Morrow, this establishment is rapidly securing its place as a New Orleans mainstay. Their offerings include classic New Orleans cuisine, alongside authentic Korean dishes. With the slogan, “Where great food and dope vibes collide,” Morrow’s is sure to give you an unforgettable dining experience. 

Willie Mae’s Scotch House

2401 St. Ann St.

New Orleans, LA 70119

504-822-9503

Established as a bar in 1957, Willie Mae’s Scotch House is one of the first restaurants locals will suggest you visit, and for good reason. With the scent of Mississippi and Louisiana fare blending to create a mouth-watering temptation, this James Beard Awarded eatery is a must-see. Most known for fried chicken that can be described as nothing short of iconic, seafood, butter beans, sweet potato fries and fried okra are also on offer. When looking for the authentic New Orleans dining experience, Willie Mae’s will fulfill your wildest dreams. 

Cafe Abyssinia

3511 Magazine St.

New Orleans, LA 70115

504-894-6238

The first Ethiopian restaurant in the state of Louisiana, Café Abyssinia opened in 2011 by Chicago transplant Erimas Alemu. With dishes that span lamb, beef, chicken and vegetable dishes, the injera is always fresh and hot, ready to ferry these delicious flavors directly to your taste buds. Complete with the family-style, communal dining experience authentic to Ethiopia, you will be transported to East Africa with each taste.

While this is by no stretch of the imagination an exhaustive list of Black-owned restaurants in New Orleans, we’ve given you a pretty thorough head start! Bon appétit!