"Fast" Food in New Orleans

It’s hard to imagine not eating in New Orleans. That said, the nationwide diet craze, intermittent fasting (IF), means no food for an extended period of time (12-20 or more hours). Sounds outlandish, but IF is a thing. True confession: I have been doing IF for months, and am always hunting restaurants with cool menus, late lunch hours and great food to end my fast.

Anatolia

Straight outta Turkey, and tops for excellent fried falafel and a rare treat, spicy ezme (crushed tomatoes, bell pepper, herbs and garlic) to go with kabobs or shawarma sliced from the spit. Also get labneh (yogurt with za’atar spices), and ask for sliced cucumbers (instead of pita) to dip gluten-free. 

Clesi’s

A casual Mid-City seafood joint known for great seasonal boiled shrimp, crab and crawfish. There are also fat po’boys and apps that sub as a meal: spinach-artichoke dip and crawfish queso. Eat their chips, or BYO cracklings to keep it keto.  

Congregation Coffee 

This Warehouse District café, which counts a second location and roastery across the river in Algiers, as a stunning all-day menu of salads, sandwiches or our favorite, the Fisherman’s Breakfast (smoked fish shakshuka). There are also beautiful French pastries baked on site. 

True Food Kitchen 

Backed by powerhouses Dr. Andrew Weil and Oprah, there’s everything to love about this new Central Business District restaurant. We’re hooked on the roasted sprouts, juicy burgers and enormous crudité bowl with two divine dips.