6 Scrumptious Spots for Beignets in New Orleans

Are you on the hunt for the most scrumptious beignets in New Orleans? In this post, we chat about French Quarter beignets, traditional beignets, and savory beignets.

What’s a beignet? It’s a square piece of dough fried until golden and more delightful than a regular donut, though not gluten-free. Enjoyed with café au lait, beignets are perfect for any time of day, freshly fried and dusted with powdered sugar. You might find savory versions stuffed with crab or made into a cheeseburger beignet.

Having savored numerous beignets across different visits, I’m eager to guide you to some delicious spots in the French Quarter. I aim to share my findings so you don’t miss out on this essential New Orleans experience. When we return to New Orleans, we’ll always return and share our top foodie finds. Because who doesn’t love this kind of delicious research?

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And just for the record, the beignets at Disney don’t even come close!

The French Market is a favorite haunt in the French Quarter, offering a chance to sample a variety of local treats in one spot. One standout is Loretta’s Authentic Pralines, a staple for 35 years and a provider of some of the best beignets in New Orleans. My first taste there was love at first bite.

Loretta’s serves traditional beignets, including those stuffed with praline—my choice on the visit—and an array of savory options. While waiting, I overheard locals raving about the crab and burger beignets, heightening my excitement. Surrounded by fellow foodies, I knew I was in for a treat.

Despite the tempting menu, I stuck with the praline beignets due to a satisfying breakfast at Muriel’s earlier. These beignets were exceptional—light, airy, and perfectly sweet without being overpowering. I planned on having just one but ended up devouring two. Loretta’s easily topped my list of beignet spots.

Before discovering Loretta’s, Cafe Beignet topped my list. Their beignets are notably light and flaky, each bite a pillowy delight. Even Alton Brown has praised them as one of the best things he’s ever eaten.

During my last visit to New Orleans, I set out to compare Cafe Beignet with the iconic Cafe du Monde. Cafe du Monde emerged as the clear winner for me. While Cafe Beignet’s chicory coffee is locally sourced, it didn’t stand out, especially compared to Cafe du Monde or Morning Call offerings.

Cafe Beignet has several locations throughout the city, including one on Decatur Street near Cafe du Monde and a Bourbon Street spot open until 10 pm, perfect for late-night cravings.

Add Streetcar Cafe to your must-visit list for a taste of French Quarter beignets. This cozy cafe serves breakfast and lunch, but you can also pop in for coffee and beignets. Enjoy their warm, toasty, and fluffy beignets dusted with powdered sugar—a contender for the top beignets in the French Quarter. But you’ll only know if you try them!

Note that they’re only open until 3 pm, making it an ideal spot for breakfast or brunch

Cafe du Monde is virtually synonymous with beignets in the French Quarter. Naturally, this was the first place I tried beignets in New Orleans, along with their renowned café au lait. Here, the beignets are crispy and slightly dense, offering a crunchier bite that’s heavier than others I’ve sampled.

Established in 1862, Cafe du Monde has become an essential stop for anyone visiting New Orleans. Known for their meticulous preparation, their kitchens are bustling, continuously producing French-style donuts covered in powdered sugar. The queue starts early and remains busy, but for a shorter wait, consider visiting later in the evening.

While not my personal favorite for beignets, they are undeniably good. However, their café au lait, enriched with chicory, is a standout and one of my favorites—it adds a unique depth of flavor that I highly recommend.

Morning Call Coffee Stand was a fortunate discovery during a night cemetery tour. Our guide, a New Orleans local, wasn’t shy about critiquing a more popular beignet spot (previously mentioned) and praised Morning Call’s beignets as some of the best in the city.

This wasn’t the first time I’d heard locals express reservations about that classic location. Are Morning Call’s beignets the best? Personally, I found them good but not the pinnacle of beignet excellence. However, numerous online reviews, including those from locals, celebrate them, showing that “the best” can be subjective.

Despite my mild reservations about the beignets, the café au lait at Morning Call is perhaps the best coffee I’ve had in New Orleans. For any coffee aficionado, I highly recommend a visit. And while you’re there, why not give their beignets another try? They might impress you more the second time around.

When a place refers to its beignets as “a pillow of goodness,” you know they’re serious about their craft. The Vintage, a chic café located on Magazine Street, boasts a Parisian vibe and a tempting menu that prominently features beignets.

You can choose from traditional beignets, a Fancy Beignet Flight, or Beignet Bites. The Fancy Beignet Flight includes three pillowy beignets, each filled with your choice of decadent filling—judging from Instagram; they’re stunning and list-worthy.

The Vintage also caters to the night crowd. It is open late from 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, offering beignet bites with an optional glass of cava.

Unfortunately, I discovered this gem after leaving New Orleans, and it made me consider hopping back on a plane just for a taste. I’ve added it to my list for you to try, and I eagerly await your feedback. Connecting with my readers through shared experiences has always been a highlight.