Top 25 spots Yelpers are loving for takeout in New Orleans

As one of the world’s top cuisine destinations, New Orleans has always been a foodie haven for a palette of worldly eats. In the midst of a pandemic, our local community rallied to support local eateries–all from the comfort of home. We’ve compiled a very special list to acknowledge the hard work of all local businesses and have placed a spotlight on the top 25 spots locals went to for takeout orders.

• Asian-owned businesses highlighted*: Dian Xin ,Union Ramen Bar
• Black-owned businesses highlighted*: Addis Nola, Heard Dat Kitchen, Willie Mae’s Scotch House
• Latinx-owned businesses highlighted*: Que Rico! Cuban Cafe
• Woman-owned businesses highlighted*: Addis Nola, Dian Xin, Que Rico! Cuban Cafe, The Joint BBQ, Willie Mae’s Scotch House
• Middle Eastern-owned businesses highlighted*: Schwarma On The Go

As a melting pot of diversity in New Orleans, we are thrilled to showcase the wide array of eateries highlighted within this list. It’s a true reflection of the community and willingness to support businesses from all various backgrounds and neighborhoods.

Methodology: This is a list of the best takeout spots in the New Orleans area in 2020 according to Yelp. We identified businesses in the restaurants and food categories with a large concentration of reviews mentioning derivatives of “takeout,” then ranked those spots using a number of factors including the total volume and ratings of reviews mentioning those keywords between January 1, 2020 and December 21, 2020. This list looked at businesses in the cities of New Orleans, Jefferson Parish, Westbank and Northshore. If a chain appeared on the list more than once, we only included the highest rated location. When available, all businesses on this list have a passing health score as of January 31, 2021. All businesses were marked open as of January 31, 2021.

*Each of these businesses featured in this roundup has given us approval to be included and featured here. 

“Addis Nola is so delicious! I had been once before but came back for takeout during Hurricane Zeta when everything in my fridge had to be thrown out. I got the doro wot because that was my favorite last time and I am happy to report it is still delicious! The collard greens are also some of my favorite collard greens I’ve ever eaten. The staff here is so friendly too. I highly recommend you check them out!”

–Yelper Emily V.

“I had a delicious Cuban dinner last night. The food was fresh, flavorful and filling. We did takeout due to the COVID-19 restrictions but the cafe looks like it would be a nice cozy place to have dinner. Once this is all said and done I would definitely go back here to dine in. Before then, I’ll continue to get it to go. It was that good. Let me just say I wanted everything on the menu but instead settled for the chuletas, yuca con chicharron, and tamal cerdo. It was a nice portion of food since we got the platters. They came with black beans, rice and platanos. I was so full and satisfied but could’ve easily eaten more.”

–Yelp Elite Candace S.

“So glad I finally tried this ramen spot! We ordered takeout and it was packaged very neatly without any leaking. The broth is packaged separately from the rest of the ramen and it’s suggested that you reheat the broth before adding it. Both of us ordered the Original Tori Ramen, and I also added a side of spicy chili. I was a little skeptical of the poultry-based broth, since I tend to prefer pork-based broth with my ramen, but I was pleasantly surprised! It was super rich and had tons of flavor. The noodles had a good chew and the roasted pork was delicious and well-seasoned. I’ll definitely be back to try some of the other ramen and small plates!”

–Yelp Elite Tristen W.

“We ordered some two meat platters with chopped brisket, ribs, wings, sausage, Mac and cheese, baked beans, slaw, and potato salad. The baked beans were some of the best I’ve ever had and the Mac is the best I’ve had so far in NOLA. The meat was all great! The ribs fell right off the bone and the wings were amazing! We also got some banana pudding to top it all off and it was so good! The takeout process was so seamless and I appreciate the measures they’re taking to keep their customers and employees safe. Can’t wait to come back and sit on their patio when life returns to normal!”

–Yelp Elite Ellery M.

“Oh wow! A friend said they were running out to get takeout and brought back some of the best meat I have eaten. The brisket and the ribs are in a class by themselves. I also enjoyed the pulled pork but lots of people do that well so I wouldn’t rave about The Joint just on the basis of the pork (which was delicious). Loved their baked beans-had pinto, red and (I think) navy beans. I tasted a little of the house salad dressing on a friend’s salad and, on my, it was tasty, too.”

–Yelper Nancy B.