Where to Find the Best Beignets in New Orleans

New Orleans is a city that lives and breathes flavor. From spicy jambalaya to soulful gumbo, its local cuisine is world-renowned—but no food item quite captures the heart (and sweet tooth) of visitors like the New Orleans beignets.

These pillows of deep fried dough dusted in clouds of powdered sugar are more than a dessert—they’re a NOLA specialty, an essential rite of passage for anyone planning to visit New Orleans. In this travel guide, we’ll help you hunt down the best beignets in New Orleans, from the iconic to the lesser-known gems scattered across the French Quarter and beyond.

Before you embark on your sweet treat tour, make sure you’re not lugging around a suitcase or two. Exploring New Orleans is best done hands-free, especially when you’re juggling a hot beignet and a café au lait. That’s where Nannybag luggage lockers New Orleans comes in—a trusted luggage storage service that lets you drop off your luggage securely at convenient local spots across the city.

What sets Nannybag apart from other options in the United States is its unbeatable pricing—costs only $4.50 per piece of luggage, regardless of size. You’ll also get peace of mind with up to $10,000 in coverage. Whether you’re dealing with a single bag or a number of bags, Nannybag storage facilities offers 24/7 support and free cancellation if plans change.

There are plenty of locations around the French Quarter, making it easy to drop off and pick up your items before you go beignet-hopping. So go ahead, store your belongings, store your luggage, and truly enjoy your day. If anything changes? You can always cancel my booking.

Now, with your hands and heart free, let’s talk about where to find the best beignets in French Quarter and beyond.

Cafe du Monde: The Timeless Classic

It would be criminal to start this list anywhere else. Cafe du Monde is the soul of the beignet universe, and a trip to New Orleans without stopping here would be incomplete. Nestled right in the French Quarter, this open-air café has been serving deep fried magic since 1862. Their beignets arrive warm, smothered in powdered sugar, with a perfect golden crust and airy interior.

Pair your order with their signature café au lait—chicory coffee blended with hot milk—and you’ve got a moment worth writing home about. Be prepared for a bit of a line, but it moves quickly, and we highly recommend the experience for first-timers. It's touristy, yes, but it’s also absolutely worth it.

Café Beignet: The Charming Underdog

Often considered the quieter sibling to Café du Monde, Café Beignet offers a more laid-back setting with equally delicious offerings. There are multiple locations across the city, including a cozy one tucked into Royal Street in the French Quarter. Their beignets are slightly denser than those at Café du Monde but just as indulgent, with a generous snowfall of granulated sugar and powdered sugar on top.

They also offer live jazz music and a larger food menu if you’re craving something more than just fried dough. This is a place where you can linger, sip your café au, and enjoy the vibe.

Loretta’s Authentic Pralines: A Local Twist

If you think you’ve tried it all, think again. Loretta’s in the Marigny neighborhood is home to one of the most unique takes on New Orleans beignets. Known for their maple syrup-drizzled praline beignets, Loretta’s is a local favorite that flies under the radar of many tourists. These beignets are stuffed, sweet, and utterly irresistible.

They’re a great stop for those who like their desserts with an extra dose of personality. Whether or not you’re already a praline fan, this is a NOLA specialty you must try.

The Vintage: Beignets and Booze

Yes, you read that right. Located on Magazine Street, The Vintage offers beignets served alongside bubbly, cocktails, and even ice cream. It’s an elevated twist on a traditional treat that blends classic Southern charm with modern flair. Their beignets come in various flavors, including seasonal specialties and even gluten free options.

The setting is sleek and stylish, making it a great pick for a brunch date or a late afternoon treat. If you want to pair your sweet treat with a mimosa, this is your spot.

Morning Call: Classic and Casual

Once located in City Park, Morning Call has bounced back from closure and now offers its signature beignets and coffee in a new location in Mid-City. While it’s not as iconic as Café du Monde, it’s beloved by locals and perfect for those wanting to avoid the heavy tourist foot traffic.

Their beignets are crispy, chewy, and available 24/7—perfect for a late-night bite. It’s also another place to enjoy your beignets with a smooth café au lait without the wait.

District Donuts Sliders Brew: The Rule Breaker

For those who like their local cuisine with a twist, District Donuts is worth the detour. While not a traditional beignet spot, their creative takes on doughnuts, sliders, and coffee are legendary in New Orleans. Occasionally, they offer beignet-inspired specials that are more indulgent than traditional—topped with maple syrup, spices, or even stuffed with cream.

The vibe here is hip, modern, and a little rebellious. It’s not for purists, but if you want to see how locals are reinventing old favorites, this is where it’s happening.

Park Island Brew: A Hidden Gem

Tucked away near Bayou St. John, Park Island Brew is one of those coffee shops that’s so low-key, only locals seem to know about it. But their beignets? Absolute perfection. Light, fluffy, and never greasy, they’re made fresh with each order and come with your choice of powdered sugar or granulated sugar topping.

It’s a lovely spot to relax, journal, or chat with locals over a hot drink and some of the best beignets in New Orleans. It's cozy, unfussy, and a great stop after strolling through nearby City Park.

Willa Jean: Beignets for the Brunch Crowd

Willa Jean is a trendy bakery-meets-brunch-spot in the Warehouse District, and their New Orleans beignets are something else. These aren’t your basic fried pillows. Think more like rustic, golden bites served with seasonal jams and dipping sauces. While not traditional, they’re full of flavor and flair.

This is a top pick if you're brunching with friends and want to elevate your beignet game with some Southern hospitality and a chic setting. We highly recommend arriving early—this place gets packed.

Honorable Mentions: A Few More to Try

If you’re a real beignet buff and want to dig even deeper into New Orleans' dessert scene, consider checking out:

New Orleans Coffee & Beignet Co. – A reliable spot for a classic fix. Elizabeth’s in Bywater – Known more for brunch, but their beignets are big and bold. Bittersweet Confections – Try their beignet-inspired pastries with gourmet flair.

Beignet Tips: How to Enjoy Like a Local

When indulging in this iconic sweet treat, timing is everything. Beignets are best eaten hot and fresh—don’t wait! Locals usually pair them with café au lait, and many enjoy them as a breakfast item, not just dessert.

Want to avoid the tourist crowds? Go early in the morning or on a weekday afternoon. And don’t be afraid to get messy. The powdered sugar will end up on your shirt, in your hair, and possibly on everyone within a few feet—but that’s part of the charm.

Planning Ahead: Luggage Tips for Food Tourists

If you’re planning to drop off your luggage and eat your way through the city, always consider your luggage storage cost and how easy it is to drop off and pick up your bags later. You might be in town for just a day, maybe stopping over between cities in North America, and you don’t want your luggage slowing you down.

Look for luggage lockers New Orleans tourists can count on, or better yet, stick with Nannybag’s trusted luggage storage services to save time, money, and your back.