Best Beignets In New Orleans In 2023
Looking for the best beignets in New Orleans?
There’s so much to love New Orleans for – jazz music, poboy sandwiches, Mardi Gras – but when it comes to a list of the Big Easy’s virtues, you’d better not forget the beignet!
Firstly, what is a beignet?
Well, it’s a super delicious kind of deep-fried choux pastry served fresh and hot and topped with powdered sugar.
It’s often consumed and loved in New Orleans as a breakfast dish but really, they’re too yummy to limit to just one time of the day.
Beignets can be found all over the city but if you’re visiting, you want to make sure you’re getting the best there is. Look no further!
This guide to the best spots in New Orleans will give you the lowdown on all your best bets for beignets. Oh, and it’s pronounced bayn-YAY!
1.Cafe Du Monde
800 Decatur St in front of Jackson Square, New Orleans, LA 70116-3306
If you’re into novels or movies about New Orleans, then you might already know about this place. The Cafe Du Monde is a famous coffee shop, known both for its signature chicory blended coffee and its beignets.
Be sure to get there early if you want beignets for breakfast, as the lines can get pretty long. If you’re not picky about the time, though, go whenever you like – it’s open 24 hours a day.
You’ll often find that musicians outside will provide a sultry saxophone soundtrack to your dining experience, too. Cafe Du Monde is located in the French Quarter.
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2.Loretta’s Authentic Pralines
1100 N Peters St Ste 9, New Orleans, LA 70116-2628
If you’re looking for somewhere authentic and approved by New Orleans locals, this is definitely a great spot for you to check out.
The classic sweet beignets are sensational, of course, but if you’re not in the mood for sweet, why not try savory?
The crab beignets are particularly good, and you might need to make sure you get there early enough to snap them up before other hungry mouths.
If you’re too, don’t worry – you can also choose from burger beignets, shrimp salad beignets, barbecue chicken beignets, and more! Loretta’s is located in the French Quarter.
3.Criollo Restaurant
214 Royal Street in Hotel Monteleone, New Orleans, LA 70130-2227
This restaurant is located in the refined, upscale Hotel Monteleone so if you’d like a touch of class while you eat your beignets, it’s worth serious consideration.
The beignets here come in two types – the classic French market style (served with praline sauce and strawberries) and the more exotic blue crab and corn style (served with Cajun brown butter and a gorgeous remoulade sauce).
By the way, the hotel also has an amazing spa – check out our article on the best spas in New Orleans for more information! The Criollo Restaurant and the Hotel Monteleone are located in the French Quarter.
4.Cafe Beignet on Royal
334 Royal St Ste B, New Orleans, LA 70130-2281
Yet another great spot for anyone hunting the perfect beignet. Cafe Beignet has a great, local atmosphere so you can be sure it’s not just another tourist trap.
One of their slogans is “there’s more than one way to beignet” and they certainly live up to those words. If you’re feeling like a change from the classic powdered sugar topping on your beignets, the chocolate sauce is a naughtily delicious replacement.
Either way, they’re going to be hot, fresh, crisp, and delicious! Cafe Beignet also has other locations in the city, to be found on Canal, Decatur, and Bourbon.
The menus are mostly the same but do have a few differences, so check ahead before you visit. The one on Royal is located in the French Quarter.
5.New Orleans Coffee & Beignet Co.
4141 St. Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70115
Another strong claim to the best beignets in the city. The light and fluffy beignets served up here are just incredible and, if you like, they’ll make you mini beignets too! What could be better?
Oh, that’s right: pairing them with some of their amazing coffee!
There’s an impressive selection, but the Bowl of Soul (cafe au lait, caramel, cinnamon, and whipped cream) has to be the best for a decadent accompaniment to delicious beignets. This coffee and beignet double whammy is located in the Garden District.
6.Morning Call Coffee Stand
5101 Canal Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70124-1709
Morning Call is another place with some serious history – it’s been in operation for over 150 years! It’s another place you’ll hear New Orleans locals talk about when they’re debating where the city’s best beignets are to be found.
Three large, fresh beignets covered in powdered sugar from this joint are all you need to set your morning off right.
Honestly, their experience speaks for itself. The Morning Call was originally in the French Quarter but can now be found in the Mid-City.
7.The Vintage
3121 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115-2304
The Vintage is an absolutely wonderful cafe where the chief interests are, per their website, “Coffee, Beignets, Wines, Bubbles, and Bites”. Plain beignets are on the menu, naturally, but it doesn’t end there.
Why not go for raspberry beignets, beignets stuffed with banana, or beignet bites with cinnamon sugar if you’re looking to branch out?
The food isn’t the only great thing about this place – the atmosphere and service are as friendly as can be too.
If you’re up for a cocktail, check out the handcrafted ones on the menu here – they’re works of art even before you taste them. The Vintage is located in the Garden District.
Best Beignets In New Orleans: Final Thoughts
The biggest problem you’ll have when you’re looking for a great beignet in New Orleans is that you’ll be spoiled for choice.
You’re sure not to be disappointed if you stop by any of the places on this list and it’s pretty unlikely that you’ll be satisfied after just one visit.
They say that food like this is a minute on the lips but a lifetime on the hips but when it tastes this good, who cares?
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