Your Guide to The Best Beignets in New Orleans

The Sweet Soul of New Orleans

When you think of New Orleans food, what comes to mind? Red beans and rice? Gumbo? While these dishes certainly deserve their fame, there’s one sweet treat that has become synonymous with the Big Easy: beignets. These pillowy squares of fried dough, generously dusted with powdered sugar, are more than just a delicious snack—they’re a cultural institution in New Orleans.

Beignets (pronounced “ben-YAYS”) were brought to Louisiana by French colonists and have evolved to become a staple of New Orleans cuisine. Today, you can’t visit the city without having at least one serving of hot beignets, preferably accompanied by a steaming cup of café au lait. But where can you find the best beignets in New Orleans? And how can you recreate this magical experience at home?

Whether you’re planning a trip to New Orleans or simply dreaming of tasting these powdery delights from your own kitchen, you’re in the right place. So, follow the trail of powdered sugar as we tell you where you can eat the best beignets in New Orleans.

Classic New Orleans Beignet Establishments

Café Du Monde: The Original Beignet Experience

No discussion about beignets in New Orleans would be complete without mentioning Café Du Monde. Established in 1862, this coffee stand in the French Market has been serving hot beignets to locals and tourists alike for over 160 years. Café Du Monde is often the first stop for many visitors to the city, and for good reason. So, expect to wait in line.

Location: The original Café Du Monde sits at 800 Decatur Street in the French Quarter, just across from Jackson Square. But don’t worry if you can’t make it to this flagship spot—Café Du Monde has expanded to multiple locations throughout Greater New Orleans, including a picturesque café in City Park.

Why go: Café Du Monde offers the quintessential New Orleans beignet experience. Their beignets are served fresh, hot, and buried under mountains of powdered sugar. The café is open 24/7 (except Christmas Day), making it perfect for an early morning breakfast or a late-night sweet treat after enjoying the city’s famous nightlife.

Specialty: Traditional beignets served in orders of three, accompanied by their signature chicory coffee or café au lait. The combination of bitter coffee and sweet beignets creates a perfect flavor balance that keeps people coming back for more.

Note: While the original location on Decatur Street is certainly worth visiting for its historic atmosphere, it can get extremely crowded. For a more relaxed experience with the same delicious beignets, try the City Park location, where you can enjoy your treats surrounded by beautiful oak trees instead of fellow tourists.

Morning Call Coffee Stand: The Historic Rival

While Café Du Monde often gets most of the attention, Morning Call has been quietly serving some of the best beignets in New Orleans since 1870. After bouncing between various locations over the years, including a stint in City Park that ended in 2019, Morning Call has found a new home on Canal Boulevard.

Location: 5101 Canal Boulevard (at City Park Avenue), at the end of the Canal streetcar line.

Why go: Morning Call offers a slightly different experience from Café Du Monde. Here, the beignets arrive at your table unadorned, and you get to apply the powdered sugar yourself—as much or as little as you like. The beignets are also slightly less puffy and a bit more dense than the ones found at Café Du Monde, and why many consider them to be the best beignets in New Orleans. The coffee is also excellent, and the atmosphere feels more like a traditional diner than a tourist attraction.

Specialty: Traditional beignets served by waiters in white coats and paper caps, with a do-it-yourself approach to the powdered sugar. Their café au lait is made the old-fashioned way, with hot milk poured from kettles into dark coffee.

Note: Morning Call uses the same traditional methods they’ve been using for over 150 years, including hand-rolling and cutting their beignets. The location might not be as central as Café Du Monde, but it’s worth the short trip for beignet aficionados looking for a less crowded, more authentic experience. You will thank us afterward.

Café Beignet: The Charming Alternative

For those looking to escape the long lines at Café Du Monde while still enjoying top-quality beignets, Café Beignet offers a wonderful alternative. Established in 1990, Café Beignet has quickly become a favorite among those in the know.

Location: Multiple French Quarter locations, including Royal Street (334 Royal St), Bourbon Street (311 Bourbon St), Decatur Street (600 Decatur St), and Canal Street (622 Canal St).

Why go: Café Beignet offers a more relaxed atmosphere than Café Du Monde, especially at their charming Royal Street location, which features a lovely courtyard where you can enjoy your treats. Plus, some locations offer live jazz music to enhance your dining experience.

Specialty: Café Beignet serves up crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside beignets that some argue are even better than those at Café Du Monde. They also offer a more extensive menu of breakfast and lunch items, making it a great option if you’re dining with someone who wants more than just beignets.

Note: The Royal Street location is particularly beautiful and tends to be less crowded than their Bourbon Street spot. It’s housed in a historic 1800s carriage house and offers a peaceful break from the busy French Quarter streets.

Creative Beignet Variations

Loretta’s Authentic Pralines: Sweet Innovation

While traditional beignets are undeniably delicious, several New Orleans establishments have taken this classic treat to new heights with creative variations. Loretta’s Authentic Pralines has been leading this innovation by combining two New Orleans classics: beignets and pralines.

Location: French Market and North Rampart Street

Why go: Loretta’s offers a unique twist on the traditional beignet by stuffing them with their famous praline filling. It’s like getting two iconic New Orleans treats in one! They also offer savory variations for those looking for something beyond the sweet classics.

Specialty: Praline-filled beignets are the star of the show, but don’t miss their crab meat beignets for a savory alternative. The praline beignets feature a gooey caramel and pecan filling that perfectly complements the fried dough exterior.

Note: Visit early in the day for the freshest beignets. While you’re there, pick up some of their traditional pralines as well—regarded some of the best in the city.

The Vintage: Upscale Beignet Experience

Located in Uptown New Orleans, The Vintage has made a name for itself with its rotating selection of creative “fancy beignets” that push the boundaries of what a beignet can be.

Location: 3121 Magazine Street, Uptown

Why go: The Vintage offers both traditional beignets and innovative variations with changing flavors like matcha, king cake, or blueberry cheesecake. It’s also a wine bar, making it a perfect spot for an afternoon treat or evening dessert.

Specialty: Their rotating selection of specialty beignets changes regularly, so there’s always something new to try. Past favorites have included s’mores beignets and king cake beignets during Mardi Gras season.

Note: Pair your beignets with a glass of champagne or sparkling wine for a truly indulgent experience. The contrast between the bubbles and the sweet, fried treats is surprisingly delightful.

Stuph’D Beignets & Burgers: Over-the-Top Creations

For those with a serious appetite and a sense of adventure, Stuph’D Beignets & Burgers offers some of the most creative and substantial beignet variations in the city.

Location: 3325 St. Claude Ave

Why go: Stuph’D specializes in exactly what their name suggests—beignets stuffed with a wide variety of sweet and savory fillings. From Creole seafood to Oreo cheesecake, there’s a stuffed beignet for every palate.

Specialty: Their menu changes regularly, but standout options include the Philly cheesesteak beignet, BBQ beef beignet, and for those with a sweet tooth, the Oreo cheesecake beignet.

Note: Come hungry! These stuffed beignets are much more substantial than traditional ones and can easily serve as a meal rather than just a snack or dessert.

Dietary-Friendly Options

Meals From the Heart Cafe: Vegan Beignet Joy

Until recently, those with dietary restrictions had to skip the beignet experience in New Orleans. Thankfully, Meals From the Heart Cafe has changed that by offering a vegan version of this classic treat.

Location: French Market (1100 N Peters St)

Why go: Meals From the Heart Cafe is the only place in New Orleans where you can find vegan beignets that actually taste good. It’s a game-changer for those with dietary restrictions who still want to enjoy this essential New Orleans experience. They also offer a vegan AND gluten-free beignet donut.

Specialty: Vegan beignets that maintain the light, fluffy texture of traditional ones and don’t sacrifice taste or texture. They also offer a full menu of other allergy-friendly New Orleans classics.

Note: The café is located in the bustling French Market food court, which can get very busy. Visit during off-peak hours (before 11am or after 2pm) for a more relaxed experience.

Upscale & Savory Variations

La Petite Grocery: Gourmet Beignet Innovation

Beignets aren’t just for breakfast or dessert. Several upscale New Orleans restaurants have transformed this humble street food into sophisticated appetizers, with La Petite Grocery leading the charge. (Despite its name, La Petite Grocery is an upscale restaurant, not a grocery store.)

Location: 4238 Magazine Street

Why go: Led by James Beard Award-winning chef Justin Devillier, La Petite Grocery serves blue crab beignets that have become one of the most talked-about appetizers in the city. These savory beignets offer a completely different take on the traditional sweet version.

Specialty: Blue crab beignets with malt vinegar aioli. These savory puffs are filled with fresh Louisiana blue crab meat and served with a tangy dipping sauce that cuts through the richness.

Note: Don’t be confused by its name – La Petite Grocery is an upscale restaurant, not a grocery store. Make reservations well in advance, especially during peak tourist season. This is one of the most popular restaurants in New Orleans, and tables fill up quickly.

Katie’s Restaurant: A Local Favorite

Located in Mid-City, away from the tourist crowds, Katie’s Restaurant serves up some of the most beloved savory beignets in New Orleans.

Location: 3701 Iberville Street, Mid-City

Why go: Katie’s award-winning crawfish beignets combine two Louisiana favorites: crawfish and beignets. These savory treats are lighter than they sound and packed with flavor.

Specialty: Crawfish beignets with jalapeños and cheese, served with a spicy remoulade sauce. The combination of sweet crawfish meat, spicy peppers, and creamy cheese inside a light, fried shell is irresistible.

Note: Katie’s is a local favorite, so you’ll be dining among New Orleans residents rather than tourists. It’s a great place to experience authentic New Orleans food and atmosphere away from the French Quarter.

Restaurant R’evolution: Elegant Interpretations

For those looking for a truly upscale beignet experience, Restaurant R’evolution in the French Quarter offers a refined take on this street food classic.

Location: 777 Bienville St (French Quarter)

Why go: Restaurant R’evolution combines Louisiana traditions with modern techniques, resulting in dishes like their beer-battered crab beignets that honor tradition while pushing boundaries.

Specialty: Beer-battered crab beignets served with four distinct remoulade sauces, each offering a different flavor profile to complement the sweet crab meat.

Note: This is one of the most expensive restaurants in New Orleans, so be prepared for fine dining prices. Consider visiting for lunch when prices are more moderate but the quality remains the same.

How to Make Beignets at Home

Can’t make it to New Orleans? Don’t worry—you can recreate the beignet experience in your own kitchen. While they might not be quite the same as enjoying them in the French Quarter with café au lait and live music, homemade beignets can still be delicious.

Here’s how to bring a taste of New Orleans into your home.

Store-Bought Beignet Mix Options

The easiest way to make beignets at home is to use a commercial mix, with Café Du Monde’s being the most widely available and authentic option.

Café Du Monde Beignet Mix

• Available in many grocery stores and online retailers
• Contains the same mix of flours used at the famous café, including wheat and barley flours
• Simple to prepare—just add water, mix, roll, cut, and fry
• Provides a pretty close approximation of the café experience

Tips for Best Results with Café Du Monde Mix:

• Don’t overmix the dough—this will make your beignets tough
• Use plenty of flour when rolling out the dough to prevent sticking
• Maintain oil temperature at 370°F throughout frying
• Don’t reuse dough scraps—they’ll make tough beignets
• Be generous with the powdered sugar

Other Commercial Options:

• Mam Papaul’s New Orleans Beignet Mix: Less widely available but favored by some home cooks for its lighter texture
• French Market Beignet Mix: Another authentic option based on traditional recipes

Authentic Homemade Beignet Recipe

For the most authentic experience, nothing beats making beignets from scratch. Here’s a recipe that closely mimics the texture and flavor of classic New Orleans beignets:

Ingredients:

• 1½ cups warm water (110-115°F)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 7 cups bread flour, plus more for rolling
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• ½ cup evaporated milk
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• Vegetable oil or cottonseed oil for frying
• 2 cups powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions:

1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and yeast. Let stand for 10 minutes until foamy.
2. Make the dough: In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine the remaining sugar, eggs, evaporated milk, and salt. Add the yeast mixture and stir to combine. Gradually add 3½ cups of flour and mix until smooth. Add the melted butter and mix well. Add the remaining flour gradually, mixing until the dough comes together and pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
3. First rise: Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. This slow rise develops flavor and improves texture.
4. Roll and cut: On a well-floured surface, roll the dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut into 2-inch squares.
5. Second rise: Place the cut squares on a floured baking sheet, cover loosely with a clean kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm place for 30-40 minutes.
6. Fry: Heat oil to 370°F in a deep pot or Dutch oven. Fry the beignets in batches, 3-4 at a time, for about 2-3 minutes, flipping once, until they’re golden brown on both sides.
7. Drain and sugar: Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain for a few seconds, then immediately transfer to a bowl or paper bag filled with powdered sugar. Toss or shake to coat generously.
8. Serve: Enjoy immediately while hot, with café au lait or coffee.

Secrets to Perfect Homemade Beignets

Making great beignets at home comes down to a few key techniques:

Oil Temperature: This is perhaps the most important factor. Keep your oil between 370-380°F throughout frying. If the temperature drops too low, the beignets will absorb too much oil and become greasy. If it’s too high, they’ll brown too quickly without cooking through.

Dough Handling: The dough should be soft but not sticky. Handle it gently and don’t overwork it, or your beignets will be tough rather than tender.

Resting Time: Letting the dough rest in the refrigerator overnight develops flavor and improves texture. It’s an extra step that’s well worth the time.

Thickness: Roll the dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Too thin, and your beignets won’t puff properly; too thick, and they may not cook through.

Frying Technique: Don’t overcrowd the fryer—this lowers the oil temperature. Fry just a few beignets at a time, and give them plenty of space to expand.

Serving: Beignets are best served immediately while hot. The contrast between the warm, soft interior and the crisp exterior is what makes them special.

Sugar Application: Be incredibly generous with the powdered sugar. In New Orleans, beignets come practically buried in sugar, so don’t be stingy!

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Beignets

Even experienced home bakers can run into trouble when making beignets. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:

• Oil not hot enough: This leads to greasy, heavy beignets that absorb too much oil.
• Overmixing the dough: This develops too much gluten, resulting in tough beignets.
• Rolling too thin: Proper thickness is key to getting that light, airy interior.
• Reusing scraps: The temptation to re-roll and cut dough scraps is strong, but this will result in tough beignets. Instead, just fry the scraps as-is for a cook’s treat.
• Overcrowding the fryer: This drops the oil temperature and leads to greasy beignets.
• Being stingy with powdered sugar: In New Orleans, beignets come absolutely covered in sugar. Don’t hold back!

Enjoy The Soul of New Orleans in Every Bite

Whether you enjoy them at Café Du Monde while watching the bustle of Jackson Square, at Morning Call on Canal, or in your own kitchen, beignets offer a taste of New Orleans that’s hard to match. These humble squares of fried dough, buried under mountains of powdered sugar, have become much more than just a sweet treat—they’re an essential part of the city’s culinary identity.

From the classic versions at established cafés to innovative variations at upscale restaurants, New Orleans beignets continue to evolve while honoring tradition. And isn’t that what New Orleans is all about? A city that cherishes its past while embracing creativity and change.

So the next time you find yourself in the Crescent City, be sure to sample beignets from several of the establishments we’ve covered. Compare and contrast, develop your own opinions, and find your favorite beignet in New Orleans. And if you can’t make it to Louisiana anytime soon, try your hand at making them at home. While they might not be exactly the same as those served in the French Quarter, they’ll still bring a little piece of New Orleans magic into your kitchen.

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Author’s Note: This article was last updated in April 2025 to reflect the current beignet scene in New Orleans. Prices, hours, and menu items may have changed since publication, so it’s always a good idea to check the establishments’ websites or call ahead before visiting.