This month is National Sandwich Month, and it is a time for celebrating the endless possibilities of cuisine enclosed by two pieces of bread. Here in New Orleans, we have shrimp poboys and muffulettas galore, but vegetarians may be asking themselves, “What does New Orleans have for me?” Luckily, New Orleans has a host of fabulous restaurants that offer vegetarian and vegan fare, with more popping up all the time. Vegetarians not only have options, they have their pick of some of the best sandwiches in the city. Here is a list of restaurants that offer delectable, diverse vegetarian sandwiches in New Orleans.
(V) denotes restaurants with great vegan options
Top 10 Places to Get the Best Veggie Sandwiches in New Orleans
1. Seed (V) – Seed, located in the Garden District, has a menu of comfort foods and fresh veggie juices that is completely vegan. Sandwich lovers should try the Eggplant Poboy (pan-fried eggplant in a light cornmeal batter), the Seed Club Sandwich or the Southern Fried Poboy (fried tofu battered in a light chickpea flour breading). If you’re feeling extra hungry, get the vegan Mac and Cheese on the side; you won’t regret it.
2. Killer Poboys – Located inside Erin Rose bar smack dab in the French Quarter is Killer Poboys. This popular sandwich spot is aptly named, as their poboy sandwiches are killer. Vegetarians will want to try their Roasted Sweet Potato and Local Greens Poboy, served with a Louisiana citrus pepper jelly and a black-eyed pea pecan puree.
3. Sneaky Pickle (V) – Sneaky Pickle in the Bywater has a menu packed with tasty options for vegetarians and vegans, and they also source their produce locally and purchase organic grains. This restaurant makes the list most importantly for their to-die-for Tempeh Rueben Sandwich. Using house-made rye or sourdough (your choice), tempeh, carmelized onions, sauerkraut and vegan Thousand Island dressing, this hearty sammie is completely vegan.
4. Breads on Oak (V) – Located in the Riverbend neighborhood, Breads on Oak is a magical artisan bakery that not only makes everything by hand using organic flours and local ingredients, but they also offer a ton of vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free pastries and lunch items. Their vegan sandwiches include the Live Food Sandwich (avocado, carrots, cucumbers, sprouts and miso spread), a Mushroom Walnut Pate Sandwich with spinach and peppers, the Roasted Eggplant Sandwich (with roasted tomatoes and peppers, walnut basil pesto and arugula) and the Eggless Salad Sandwich (with Himalayan black salt, roasted peppers and mixed greens).
5. Stein’s Market and Deli – Stein’s is a New Orleans staple when it comes to sandwiches. This Jewish and Italian deli located in the Lower Garden District is known for their top-notch sandwiches, and they haven’t left out the vegetarian options. Try their Vegetarian Sandwich, made of cheddar, Swiss, provolone, lettuce, tomato, onion, avocado, cucumber, artichokes and a lemon vinaigrette, or Brian’s Vegetarian Panini, made from house-made, fresh mozzarella, roasted red peppers, tomato and pesto, pressed on Ciabatta bread.
6. HiVolt (V) – A hip coffee shop in the Lower Garden District, HiVolt offers several great vegetarian and vegan menu items, including locally made pastries from Rocket Girl. Their Vegan BLT sandwich is delicious, and a personal favorite, and is made of tempeh bacon, lettuce, tomato, avocado and almond “mayo” served on a baguette. Also tasty and veggie is the Super V sandwich, consisting of cashew “cheese,” cucumber, tomato, carrot, lettuce, Vidalia onion, basil and chimichurri sauce.
7. Lilly’s Café – As far as Vietnamese restaurants go in New Orleans, Lilly’s is one of the best. Their Tofu Vietnamese Poboy (banh mi) is a great vegetarian sandwich choice, classically served on a French roll with pickled carrots and daikon, cucumber, cilantro, jalapeños and French butter (nix the butter to make it vegan). They also have an incredible Tofu and Vegetable Pho Noodle Soup packed with a colorful variety of veggies and made with a fragrant, flavorful vegan broth.
8. The Milk Bar – The Milk Bar has two locations, one in Uptown on Delachaise Street and one in the Carrollton area on Carrollton Avenue. Their sandwiches are unique and gourmet, and that goes for their veggie sandwich, I Dream of Aubergenie, as well. This sandwich is made up of roasted eggplant, roasted red pepper, red onion, calamata olives, feta, mozzarella, pesto and hummus.
9. Green Goddess – Located in the iconic French Quarter, Green Goddess’ menu offers several vegetarian and vegan appetizers and meals. Their vegan Formosan Tofu Po-Boy is served on a French roll dressed with fresh vegetables, sweet Asian pickles and arugula, filled with Taiwanese-inspired spicy/sweet grilled lemongrass tofu (locally-made and organic) and topped with fried shallots and green onions. Be sure to try one of their dreamy craft cocktails made from fresh vegetable and fruit juices.
10. Kukhnya at Siberia – Siberia’s kitchen, Kukhnya, is located in the back of this funky Marigny neighborhood bar and music venue, and it serves up tasty, Slavic, late-night eats. For vegetarians, the Asparagus Polboy is an exciting change of pace, made from grilled asparagus, kapusta (spicy cabbage), provolone, tomatoes, pickles, Polish mustard and Russian dressing, served on French bread. Another great veggie option here is the Mushroom Golumpki, consisting of three cabbage rolls stuffed with mushrooms, Parmesan, rice, peas and carrots, baked in a sweet pepper tomato sauce.
Honorable mentions: The Veggie King sandwich from Carmo (CBD); the Mushroom Philly or BBQ Tofu sandwiches from 13 (Marigny); the Beet Burger from TruBurger (Carrollton); the Falafel Sandwich from Mona’s Café (multiple locations); and the Golden Fried Sweet Potato Poboy or Parkway Caprese sandwiches from Parkway Tavern (Mid-City).
