Best French Bakery in Ruddock

"Beignet’s are the official state donut of Louisiana so the best place to start your New Orleans foodie bucket list would be with a taste of this French-style pastry. A beignet is a French donut that is traditionally fried and topped with powdered sugar. And yes, they are essentially the same as a regular donut but with a more doughy texture."

"Sometimes it’s nice to find a lesser-known eatery far away from the well-traveled tourist path. But you simply can’t top the foodie classics. If you need a midday pick-me-up, head to Café du Monde for chicory coffee and beignets (crispy, rectangular doughnuts coated in powdered sugar)."

"Parkway has been a master of pivots throughout the pandemic, from quickly establishing an efficient curbside service model to adding tenting to let seating spill outside. This patio isn’t the most open-air of the bunch — it’s more of an extension of the restaurant — but it is one of the most protected from the elements; no need to fear a storm spoiling your po’ boys and gumbo here."

"Expect a long line: Parkway is the go-to spot in New Orleans for delicious, authentic po'boys. The generous shrimp po'boy is always a solid pick, but the roast beef and surf and turf options are also outstanding. Come on Monday or Wednesday for the famed oyster po'boy."

"Longtime (since 1911) neighborhood hangout with a patio known for classic-style po' boys. Open for lunch and dinnerDress code: CasualPhone: +1 504-482-3047"

"Run by Pastry Chef Kelly Fields of Besh Restaurant Group and Pastry Chef Lisa White, Willa Jean is a retro-chick cafe and restaurant serving Southern-contemporary fare, baked goods, freshly brewed coffee, and specialty cocktails. This brick-walled hotspot, opening its doors at 7 a.m. every day, is ideal for those looking to experience flavors that are indigenous to the Port City."

"Start your day at Willa Jean, a sleek and bright bakery cafe in the heart of some of the city’s latest developments. While you’re there you will appreciate the new construction that is transforming this district of New Orleans. A Morris Adjmi luxury apartment building is coming up down the street and the restaurant itself sits on the bottom floor of a new residential project."

"Breakfast service done well is a cheerful, life-affirming start to the day, and Willa Jean does it with aplomb. Coffees (New Orleans is a great coffee city) are topped, even water is delivered with gusto. There's a range of decadence happening across the main food menu."

"For a truly unique dining experience in a wonderfully lush French Quarter courtyard, the ever-romantic Cafe Amelie offers an ideal setting for dinner or a leisurely weekend brunch. The courtyard is currently open to reserve for brunch Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 11 a.m."

"Another wonderful French Quarter fave, Cafe Amelie is perfect for a romantic dinner or laid-back brunch. The central courtyard is filled with greenery and the menu never fails to impress. Its patio heaters also make it a wonderful option for a cozy winter date night!"

"Initially known for its handmade candies like salted caramels and chocolate bark, Bittersweet Confections isnowa New Orleans favorite for cupcakes, custom cakes, tarts, cookies, breakfast pastries and coffee. Owner Cheryl Scripter has upped the bakery’s breakfast and lunch game, added a Mid City location, and introduced a weekend brunch at both shops; its savory options alone now make a location worth a visit."

"They continue to make it to the top of the list for their rich chocolate cake, German chocolate cake, and chocolate mousse cake, which all come in a variety of sizes."

"Warehouse DistrictThis Brazilian restaurant does serve seafood and chicken, but the focus is on the vegetarian and vegan side of things. The cooking techniques and exotic ingredients put a Latin American spin on the fruits, vegetables, legumes, soy, and grains that make up Carmo’s menu -- and as a bonus, it serves beer, wine, and cocktails. Try the traditional caipirinha with your veggie delights."

"This tropical cafe serves up some pretty strong, sustainable vibes along with a lot of heart and soul. While you can technically order meat here, their menu is largely vegan. Expect lots of tropical dishes with roots in the Caribbean and Latin America, which is a unique spin on traditional vegan restaurants in New Orleans."

"For delicious, healthy food with a Brazilian twist, head to Carmo. Their menu is packed with yummy salads, appetizer, entrees, and desserts. I love their namesake Carmo Salad."

"Don’t order sushi for lunch at Conola, only because it isn’t on the menu. But come dinnertime, and the sushi bar is rolling. It’s a bit of a disconnect, since this place is mostly a Creole/American restaurant, but co-chef/owners/spouses Will and Kinsey Varas make it happen."

"1313 Hickory Ave., Harahan, (504) 737-0033; www.hickorycafe.com. A focaccia burger is an 8-ounce beef patty topped with pepper Jack cheese, bacon, spinach, roasted red pepper and basil mayonnaise on focaccia."

"If you’re in need of some inspiration, consider trying these things: Chocolate Frozen Yogurt, Vanilla Ice Cream, and Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream."

"The CAC (900 Camp Street; 504-528-3805) has been in the heart of the Warehouse District since 1976. It is the place to find new and exciting expression in the medium of painting, theater, music, performance art, dance, photography, video, sculpture and more in New Orleans. Love is in the air at the NOMA Sculpture Garden in City Park."

"Right next door to The National WWII Museum is the Contemporary Arts Center, known to locals as the CAC. This artistic hub hosts a variety of exciting contemporary art exhibits and events. To open the 2018 season, the CAC is presenting “Constructing the Break,” their annual open call exhibition of 29 regional artists."

"Take in cutting-edge exhibits, featuring both local artists and the work of national and international talent, at this cornerstone of…"

"Take the famous St. Charles Streetcar to Central City to visit the McKenna Museum of African American Art. The museum’s mission is to make African Diasporan fine art available and accessible to visitors of all ages. They work to preserve the culture of the African American community in Louisiana."

"The McKenna Museum is a fine art institution with a direct focus on African Diasporan pieces. In addition to their collection, McKenna offers a range of diverse programming such as guest speakers, workshops and book readings to further their mission and work."

"Behind the museum’s main building is a gated outdoor space in 11 acres of mature parkland enriched with more than 90 works of sculpture. The Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden opened in 2003 and at the time of writing in 2019 had just doubled in size with an expansion that included 26 new works, mostly by 21st-century artists. On serpentine paths among pines, magnolias, camellias and live oaks draped with Spanish moss there are pieces by Henry Moore, Deborah Butterfield, Barbara Hepworth, Pierre Auguste Renoir, Robert Indiana, Gaston Lachaise and René Magritte, as well as contemporary sculptors like Katharina Fritsch, Hank Willis Thomas and Jeppe Hein."

"The gist: The restaurant has been around since 1899, but chef and co-owner Alfred Singleton has breathed new life into Cafe Sbisa’s Creole menu after partnering with local businessman Craig Napoli. The food: Dig into New Orleans classics like crawfish beignets, crab cakes, shrimp and grits, barbecue shrimp, and delectable trout Eugene. They recently reopened after a pandemic-fueled hibernation, so swing by ASAP for dinner or Sunday brunch."

"The reopening of Cafe Sbisa, the century-old brasserie on Decatur Street, is big news on lots of fronts. Closed for a year during the pandemic, it reopened in March, a tribute to chef/co-owner Albert Singleton's grit and vision. The place is an atmospheric stunner, with original wood, intimate balcony and patio dining and a staircase that harks back to a golden age."

"Trout Eugene is a fillet topped with Gulf shrimp, crawfish tails and crabmeat in Champagne sauce. Reservations recommended. Dinner Wed.-Sun., brunch Sun."

"Mid City's Please-U-Restaurant, located at 1751 Saint Charles Ave., is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the diner, breakfast and brunch spot four stars out of 190 reviews. The restaurant serves classic Southern fare like red beans and rice with sausage, shrimp po'boys, fried catfish, as well as a large selection of traditional breakfast items like chicken and waffles, French toast, eggs, oatmeal and more."

"This not so cleanly greasy dive on St. Charles Avenue is known for their Greek specialties, including the greek omelet, and otherwise hot lunch and breakfasts at cheap prices."