Muffaletta. Red beans and rice. Crawfish Etouffee. These are just some of the most famous dishes here in New Orleans. No matter how many times you’ve been here, there will always be staple dishes that everyone will recommend from well known restaurants. But if you’re looking for some great meal alternatives, we’ve got a few of our faves listed here. With a mix of new twists on old classics and innovative dishes with modern updates, Nola has all cuisines covered. Snag a seat, peep the menu, and grab a bite from these Rathbone Mansions approved spots!

Veggies are essential, and nobody brings flavor to a dish like Crescent City! Check out a local spot just a short walking distance from us here at Rathbone Mansions that serves up all good ingredients. I-Tal Garden at 810 N Claiborne Ave. is cooking up healthy vegan and plant-based dishes for the local Treme community. Enjoy health-conscious Caribbean style plates such as Quinoa Jambalaya and Crabless Crab Cakes, and even enjoy breakfast items catered to a vegan palate.  Feel like having some Southern cooking? Sweet Soulfood at 1025 N Broad St. is another vegan hotspot to try. Organic and dairy-free plates await at this local eatery, with menu options varying by the day to keep your tastebuds on their toes. Southern soul food basics like cornbread, collard greens, and potato salad all get the vegan treatment while keeping true to the classic flavors.

Newest kid on the block is great for our seafood lovers on a pescatarian meal plan. Dakar Nola at 3814 Magazine St. is just a quick bus ride from Rathbone Mansions, and is a fresh concept to the Nola food scene. Merging the New Orleans love of seafood and West African Senegalese cuisine, Dakar Nola offers a creative tasting menu service, featuring many delicious courses in an intimate gathering space. Get in a reservation early before the masses push occupancy up at this new restaurant.

Kosher food can sometimes be hard to come by, so bookmark this next place for a trusted spot. Stein’s Market and Deli at 2207 Magazine St. is a Jewish and Italian joint that offers many Kosher options. Sandwiches like the classic muffaletta are a big favorite, and many say they have the best bagel selection in town. Keeping with lifestyle meal alternatives, on to our top choice for halal in New Orleans. Lebanon Grill at 1122 Decatur St. is a city favorite, and just a quick walk from us at Rathbone Mansions. Top picks are their halal inspired pizzas, toppings varying from veggies to shawarma, and of course delicious hummus and falafel platters. And leave room for their classic dessert of baklava!

While it’s always good to get a true taste of classic New Orleans dishes, a step into something new is always a step in the right direction. Try a healthy dish, a new flavor, and bring back a to go order to enjoy in your room here at Rathbone Mansions. And if you stumble upon something new, let us know-the foodies are always on the lookout!