Dakar NOLA expands with new walk-in, à la carte menu
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There's a new way to enjoy one of the U.S.'s top tasting restaurants.
Why it matters: Dakar NOLA's new patio seating lowers the restaurant's barrier to entry, both practically and financially.
The big picture: It didn't take long after chef Serigne Mbaye's Dakar NOLA opened in 2022 for it to start topping best-of lists and earning top nods like a James Beard Award.
- Mbaye's Senegalese roots inspired not only the dishes but the communal, tasting menu-style of service and hospitality.
Yes, but: A seat at dinner costs $175, plus drinks.
- That price point can make it a little tricky to get guests returning frequently.
- The clientele, Mbaye said last week, was primarily made up of out-of-town visitors and New Orleanians with something to celebrate.
Driving the news: Now, Dakar has a new option that'll make it a lot easier to pop in for a more casual affair.
- The Dakar Terrace is now open, featuring a beautiful, open-air and bamboo-lined patio along the River Road side of the restaurant's new Leonidas Street location.
- The space is as thoughtfully designed as the main dining room, but you get the benefit of watching the sun set over the levee across the street, too.
- And most importantly: The entire Dakar Terrace menu is offered à la carte, with price points between $12 and $40 for small and shared plates.
Zoom in: Before visiting, and given the space's provenance as an addendum to the tasting experience, I anticipated a pared-down menu of small plates and snacks.
- I was gloriously wrong.
Dig in: The Terrace's menu includes several small plates, a couple of shared options, sides and desserts.
- In total, it's less than a dozen dishes, but each packs big, beautiful flavors.
- Don't miss the akara sous kaani (black-eyed pea fritters), which come with a caramelized onion and tomato sauce I'd buy by the jar, or the sumptuous poulet maafé (braised chicken).
- And definitely stick around for dessert. The chocolate thiakary pecan pie is served deconstructed, which makes each bite unique.
What's next: Mbaye and his business partner, Effie Richardson, aren't done growing into their new Riverbend space.
- They hope to add a private dining room next.
If you go: The Dakar Terrace is available for walk-ins only.