New Orleans attracts people and chefs from all over the world, so it’s no surprise that they have an endless variety of ethnic cuisines. With all the restaurants on this list, you can travel to 15 different regions of the world without stepping foot on a plane or even leaving the city.
1. West African: Bennachin
What a treat to stumble upon this homey, West African restaurant tucked in the French Quarter. I had never tried this cuisine before and was blown away by how comforting it was– black-eyed peas, sautéed spinach, coconut rice, fried plantains, and more. While I struggled pronouncing some of the names (Kone Ni Makondo?), I did not struggle licking my plate clean.
2. Caribbean: Carmo
Carmo ties their cuisine to Caribbean, Central and South American, West African, Southeast Asian, and Gulf South influences. But in order to get my Caribbean fill, I always get the Rico when I go– a smashed plantain topped with wild boar, cheese, avocado, salsa, and special “Rico” sauce (all of which can be made veggie-friendly), and then I finish my meal off with the Caribbean Banana Cake.
3. Chinese: Red’s Chinese
Okay, okay. I know there’s a big difference between tried-and-true Chinese and American Chinese, and this one falls more into the latter, but can we make an exception since it’s easily one of the best Chinese restaurants in New Orleans? Solid choices include their General’s Chicken and Craw Rangoons. Food Baby NY came here when visited NOLA, so you know it’s good.
4. Colombian: Maïs Arepas
This place will have you booking a flight to Colombia before the end of your meal. Come here for the Arepas, which I describe as the Colombian equivalent of a pita pocket. It’s made with maize, and they have a huge variety of different fillings and toppings, with protein options including chorizo, shrimp, pulled pork, sweet plantains, and more.
5. Ethiopian: Café Abyssinia
Eating Ethiopian food has been one of my favorite culinary experiences thus far, solely for the fact that, instead of giving me utensils, they gave me Injera– spongy, Ethiopian bread made from sourdough. I scooped up all of the food in my vegetarian platter, including dishes like red lentils, cabbage and carrots, and split peas stew, all showcasing bold, Ethiopian spices.
6. French: Meauxbar
No French meal would start off without wine– I recommend the Beaujolais, which is a less intense red. Then follow with a cheese plate, Moules Frites (translate, mussels and french fries), and Hanger Steak Au Poivre (translate, steak and more french fries). You can’t finish your meal without crème brûlée– I’ll stick my neck out to say that it’s some of the best you’ll ever have.
7. German: Bratz Y’all
In my opinion, any good day can turn into a great day when you add in a soft pretzel. There’s no better place to make that happen than this newly-opened beer garden serving up German-style soft pretzels straight from their bakery. Along with plenty of German beers, you’ll get other classics like Schnitzel, Bratwurst, and Apfelstrudel (sound it out, you’ll get it).
8. Indian: Silk Road
I used to think good Indian food didn’t exist in New Orleans, but then I came across Silk Road. It’s a fusion between Asian and Indian, so you have to order certain dishes in order to get that Indian flare. Get samosas to start, then follow with dishes like Chicken Tikka Masala or Butter Chicken. For all you veg-heads, the vegetarian sampler will you give a taste of all the good stuff.
9. Italian: Paladar 511
House made pastas and pizzas? That’s amore.This Italian restaurant located off in the Marigny will you have coming back again and again. From perfectly flaky, lemony fish to creamy, truffle ravioli, I have yet to eat a meal here that does not surpass my expectations.
10. Japanese: Sake Cafe
Sushi, sashimi, ramen, tempura, and more. A trip to any Japanese restaurants is sure to include any one (or many) of those things. I’m a firm believer that there’s something everyone can enjoy at a Japanese restaurants, especially if you order a bento box, which includes soup, salad, California roll, gyoza, and your choice of proteins.
11. Mexican: Taceaux Loceaux
While there are a lot of other Mexican restaurants in NOLA, this one takes the cake. While not technically a restaurant, this food truck is dishing out some of the best tacos in America. You’ll definitely need a siesta after chowing down on slow roasted pork, spicy black beans, or bulgogi chicken tacos and fried avocado slices.
12. Middle Eastern: Lebanon’s Cafe
New Orleans has a surprising amount of Middle Eastern restaurants. It’s hard to go wrong picking one, but Lebanon’s Cafe is my personal favorite. Wherever you go, make sure to order any of these foods– my go-to’s include hummus, baba ghanouj, and falafel.
13. Spanish: Lola’s
When you roll up to any Spanish restaurant, you only need these four words: Paella and sangria, please. Lola’s is no exception. In addition to their flavorful paella and house made sangria, they’ve also got killer tapas like grilled calamari and garlic mushrooms, as well as house made desserts. Little piece of advice: don’t leave without trying the flan.
14. Thai: Sukho Thai
Nothing gets me more hype than a good Pad Thai and Panang Curry, and Sukho Thai crushes the game. While they’ve got creative names for quite a few of their dishes, they’ve still got authentic Thai roots. If you’re heading here in the summer during mango season, mango sticky rice is a must.
15. Vietnamese: Lilly’s Cafe
There is no shortage of Vietnamese restaurants in New Orleans, and they’re all remarkable. Lilly’s is always a great choice, with hot bowls of pho, perfectly crunchy and buttery banh mis, and fresh spring rolls. Their spicy tofu appetizer also deserves an honorable mention.
After covering all these bases, maybe you’ll be inspired to make the trek to the region dishing out your favorite foods. But until then, Nola’s got your back when it comes to all your international cravings.