50+ restaurant openings and closures in New Orleans so far this year
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We're about halfway through the year, and it's already been a tumultuous one for New Orleans' restaurant industry.
The big picture: We've seen departures by big names and new arrivals that already feel like they've been open forever.
- Decatur Street restaurants have dominated headlines after Café Sbisa and LUFU closed this summer, with both citing the ongoing road construction.
- Historic restaurants like Casamento's are looking at their next steps, too. Third-generation owner C.J. Gerdes told The Times-Picayune that this fall may be the oyster restaurant's final season because he wants to retire.
- Fritai chef Charly Pierre puts the reality of running a restaurant here pretty bluntly: "The math ain't mathing anymore."
Yes, but: We have several new restaurants on the way this fall.
- Plus, our current restaurants and chefs continue to win national accolades.
Zoom out: Here's a snapshot of some of the restaurants that have opened and closed this year, as well as a roundup of more on the way.
- This isn't an exhaustive list.
Now open
🇪🇸 Dolfy's: Spanish cuisine on Freret Street from chef Adolfo Garcia Jr.
🪷 Chada: Thai restaurant in Mid-City from the family behind Dahla.
🥙 Safta's Table: Casual Mediterranean restaurant in Lakeview from chef Alon Shaya.
🍳 Casimiro: Mexican brunch and lunch in the Bywater, from the Acamaya team.
🍣 Kenji Kazoku: Upscale sushi in Old Metairie.
🇫🇷 Kandy's: Parisian-inspired flavors on South Rampart Street.
🇸🇳 Dakar: New location with patio dining and an à la carte menu.
🍷 NOLA Art Bar: Baldwin's reading lounge and wine bar.
🦪 Crustacean Club: Gulf Coast seafood in the old Effervescence location.
🥃 Tragos Amargos: Vinyl-driven cocktail bar inside Taquerías Carnalito.
🍸 Charles & Julia: Cocktails and rooftop terrace at Hotel Perle, from the Tujague's team.
🍱 Sushi by Us: Fusion sushi inside Tacos del Cartel's downtown spot.
🥃 Espíritu: Opened a second location in Mid-City.
☕️ Café Conmigo: Cuban restaurant Uptown.
🐓 Bonafried: Award-winning food truck now has a permanent stop on Esplanade Avenue.
🦪 Respite: Oysters, wine and comfort food in the 7th Ward.
☕️ Roots Plants + Coffee: Slidell coffee shop expanded to Bayou Road.
🍨 Ruthie's Frozen Custard: Cones and sundaes Uptown.
🍗 Wow Turkey: Elevated Southern comfort food at the former Ugly Dog Saloon location.
🍜 Thai Nola: New location on Bullard for gumbo ramen and more Thai and Creole cuisine.
🍺 True South: Sandwiches, drinks and music in the old DMac's in Mid-City.
🍩 Barrio Bites: Pastries, breakfast and lunch in Mid-City.
☕️ 762: Coffee, food and drinks in Lakeview, from the Oceana team.
🍞 Gaijin Sandos: Japanese-style sandwiches on St. Claude.
🍕 Gendusa's Pizzeria: The Kenner mainstay transformed its former Rivertown location.
☕️ Rougabrew: Specialty coffee shop in Metairie near Bonnabel.
🦞 J's Bayou Seafood: West Bank favorite opened a second location in Gentilly.
🔥 Charcoal & Flames: Middle Eastern kebabs in Gretna.
🍦 Eiffel Waffle Creamery: Ice cream in Metairie.
🍱 Good Time Sushi: Reopened in Gentilly with hibachi.
🥡 Yummie Box Hibachi Express: Moved from David Drive to Veterans near Bonnabel.
🍴 Zea: Standalone location in Metairie near Target.
Closed
🚧 Café Sbisa and LUFU closed their Decatur Street locations, citing the ongoing road construction.
🍴 Coquette: The chef/owner says he wants to focus on Here Today, his rotisserie chicken restaurant.
Others: Gris-Gris, 14 Parishes, Ancora, Habana Outpost, Boil & Barrel, Etoile, Wakin' Bakin's Mid-City location, Tsunami, Bratz Y'all, Johnny Sánchez, Showbird, Leni's and Las Cruces in Metairie.
On the way
🇮🇹 Procida: Southern Italian restaurant set to open in August in the Marigny.
🍴 Dom Zakuski: Slavic snacks, savories and sweets in the former Horns location in the Marigny. It's expected to open in September.
🍝 Daughter's Italian Restaurant: Mia and Justin Devillier, the team behind La Petite Grocery, are opening an Italian American spot this fall in the former Upperline location.
🦪 Holywater: Oyster house in the Quarter.
🥖 Larry Morrow's new poboy shop.
🍴 Charlotte's: Casual spot from the owners of Copper Vine in the former Etoile location. (The Times-Picayune 🔒)
🍣 Kira Omakase: Opening soon inside Kira.
🥒 Once Around the Kitchen: The pickle and jam pop-up is getting a permanent space on St. Claude.
👨🍳 New Emeril Lagasse spots: The celebrity chef partnered with the Fairmont to open two new dining options this fall — Delmonico Steakhouse and The Café by Emeril.