A Taste of NOLA Dining

March 7, 2017

By Casey Sanders

As more and more people commit to Tulane each day, it seems fitting to size up the nearby dining choices. Since hurricane Katrina in 2005, Tulane (as well as the surrounding area of New Orleans) has bounced back and now flourishes with the expansion of housing developments, the art and music scene, and the restaurants. Due to this progression, Tulane is becoming more popular than ever, receiving thousands of applications each year—accepted students should know about the best food spots for each meal of the day.

Aebleskiver amazement—Warm pancake “bites” dipped in nutella—what could be better? Photo by Casey Sanders
Aebleskiver amazement—Warm pancake “bites” dipped in nutella—what could be better?

Photo by Casey Sanders


Toast is an unimposing, out of the way “joint” that serves stupendous breakfast food at reasonable prices. There is indoor and outdoor seating with take-out available. This establishment is best known for their Aebleskivers, which are basically little pancake “bites” covered in powdered sugar with a choice of dipping sauce. My favorite, and the most popular, is Nutella. Toast also offers a wide assortment of eggs, omelettes, and homemade baked goods. Their hours are limited, serving breakfast from 6:30 a.m. weekdays (8 a.m. weekends) until 2 p.m. Due to popular demand, a second location has opened downtown.
Egg-cellent lunch location—Satsuma’s Mediterranean Quinoa Salad contains chickpeas, spinach, cherry tomatoes, feta, olives, red onion, fresh herbs, lemon vinaigrette, and a hummus crouton, all topped with a sunnyside egg. Photo by Casey Sanders
Egg-cellent lunch location—Satsuma’s Mediterranean Quinoa Salad contains chickpeas, spinach, cherry tomatoes, feta, olives, red onion, fresh herbs, lemon vinaigrette, and a hummus crouton, all topped with a sunnyside egg.

Photo by Casey Sanders


Satsuma brings a lighter fare to the uptown area with a delicious menu offering everything from a Quinoa Salad to a Green Eggs and Ham Sandwich. Wash it down with strong hot coffee or a cold-pressed juice of your choice. Satsuma serves a limited menu and, like Toast, is only open for limited hours. The lunch crowd is lively and comprised mainly of students. Satsuma has also, like Toast, opened a downtown location.
Pass the Pudding—Luke’s very own Brendan’s Bread Pudding, topped with vanilla bean ice cream and hot buttered pecan sauce Photo by Casey Sanders
Pass the Pudding—Luke’s very own Brendan’s Bread Pudding, topped with vanilla bean ice cream and hot buttered pecan sauce

Photo by Casey Sanders


Luke, the brainchild of renowned chef and New Orleans Native John Besh, never fails to offer a stellar meal. Besh’s various restaurants are highly acclaimed, and his restaurant Luke has received rave reviews from both local and national press. Starting with anything from freshly shucked oysters to gumbo to a paté of Louisiana rabbit and chicken livers will only whet your appetite for the main course. Be sure to leave room for dessert; you can never go wrong with their warm bread pudding.
Any time, day or night, there is a plethora of dining options from down home southern food to your basic pizza joint. These restaurants are just a taste of the many delicious joints in the incomparable city of New Orleans.