Although New Orleans does not have any specific "Vegetarian" restaurants per se, the city is filled with plenty of options for the meat-free dieter.

For those looking for a local flavor that encompasses the essence of New Orleans cuisine, I suggest the Gumbo Shop, on 630 Saint Peter Street, in the French Quarter. Upon my visit, I enjoyed an excellent bowl of vegetarian gumbo accompanied by a variety of exclusive "Gumbo Shop" hot sauces and seasonings, which by the way, were also heavenly to the taste buds. For something other than the restaurant's signature gumbo, be sure to look into the chef's "Vegetarian Dish of the Day –Creole Style". Best of all, The Gumbo Shop offers mail orders from anywhere around the country (be sure to put in an additional request for their trademark hot sauce, garlic hot sauce, creole seasoning or pepper seasoning).
Bon Appetit!
www.gumboshop.com

Along the way, it was also pleasant to see that most places offer great New Orleans-style vegetarian burgers, veggie Po'Boy sandwiches on delicious fresh baked french bread, along with an abundance of appetizing, spicy red beans and rice dishes. Many restaurants are also happy to accommodate their vegetarian patrons with special orders, so move confidently into the midst of this predominantly meat oriented city and enjoy the cuisine that New Orleans is known for -vegetarian style!

For those of you who are looking to spend some time in the Big Easy but find it un-easy to locate additional restaurants or entrée's that offer delicious vegetarian options … look no further.

The following list is contributed from Rod Colletti, of New Orleans Vegetarian Alliance (NOVA):

CHINESE:
China Star II (Central Business District -CBD)
840 Union at Barronne
504-529-2888
The best vegan tofu schezuan dishes and the best vegan 'stir fried' lo mein.

Moon Wok (French Quarter)
On the corner Dauphine & St. Ann
504-523-6910
The best veggie egg rolls and the best veggie fried rice - 'vegan' also available, in addition to great eggplant & tofu in garlic sauce.

JAPANESSE:
Tokyo Bistro (Garden District)
1612 St. Charles Avenue
504-581-4449
Delicious vegetarian sushi (served in LARGE ROLLS) and delicious double-sized servings of miso soup in charming soup kettles.

INDIAN:
Tandori Chicken (forgive the name) in the Central Business District (CBD)
115 University at Canal Street
504-299-1926
Great ''lacto saag paneer" - spinach & cheese over basmati rice.

Hookah (French Quarter)
On the corner Frenchman and Decatur
504-504-943-1101
Excellent spicy “saag paneer” (Don’t forget to request the “basmati rice” with your order).

Salt & Pepper (French Quarter)
201 N. Peters
504-561-6070
Spicy vegan spinach over basmati rice.

MID-EASTERN:
Mona's (French Quarter)
504 Frenchmen
504-949-4115
Great falafel sandwich.

Mediterranean Café (Mid-City area)
845 N. Carrollton Avenue
504-488-6088
Great "Vegetarian Plate” [#5]