The 12 Best New Restaurants in New Orleans, March 2025

"Alma Cafe has been a consistent hit for brunch since opening in New Orleans’s Bywater neighborhood in 2022. Now, chef Melissa Araujo, a two-time James Beard: Best Chef South semifinalist, hopes to recreate that magic in Mid-City. Araujo opened a second location of Alma at 301 North Carrollton Avenue in early February, adding an oyster bar, happy hour, and dinner to its repertoire. All-day brunch focusing on Honduran specialties is served daily from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., while dinner is served Monday through Saturday from 5 to 10 p.m. — with dishes like aguachile negro, Honduran tamales, whole fried fish, and confit duck. Happy hour includes $1 raw and $1.50 chargrilled oysters." - Clair Lorell