Interested in exploring the newest restaurant and retail additions to the Central Business District? From vegan macarons to poke bowls, read on to see the newest hotspots to land in this area of New Orleans.
Mac and Moon
801 Magazine St.
Mac and Moon is a spot to score vegan macarons, bubble tea, ice cream and frozen yogurt in the CBD.
According to the establishment's website, chef and owner Kristina Ostrom created her Karmacarons — vegan and gluten-free French macarons now featured on the menu — from an inspiration to make "high quality and cruelty-free desserts."
Mac and Moon currently holds 4.5 stars out of six reviews on Yelp, indicating good reviews.
"Don't miss the vegan, gluten free, and handmade rolled ice cream, which boasts an all-vegan gluten-free list of toppings (made to order)," Yelper Rebecca F. said. "If you've sworn off vegan ice cream due to the chemical aftertaste, you won't find that here with this homemade recipe. It's time to indulge."
Yelper Susan G. wrote, "Awesome vegan macarons. They are made with Luigi's canned garbanzo beans instead of egg whites."
Mac and Moon is open from 10 a.m.–10 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday and 10 a.m.–11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
Goldberg's Fine Foods
925 Common St.
Next up is Goldberg's Fine Foods, a deli offering sandwiches, bagels and more.
This neighborhood newcomer specializes in New Yok-style bagels in a number of different flavors. From pumpernickel rye, honey wheat, and Asiago cheese to onion, garlic and everything — this spot hopes to quell your breakfast cravings.
Goldberg's Fine Foods' current Yelp rating of four stars out of 15 reviews indicates the newcomer is finding its way, but it's still early days.
"Ate at Goldberg's yesterday," Yelper Rose M. noted. "Oh thank you Jesus, a real Reuben sandwich. So delicious, and the side of fries was perfect for me — thick steak fries and they came to the table molten hot."
Yelper Simone D. wrote, "Tried Goldberg's for lunch today and our biggest dilemma was deciding what to order because everything on the menu sounded delicious. We tried the French toast, and the breakfast sandwich."
Stop by and welcome the new business to the neighborhood. Goldberg's Fine Foods is open from 7 a.m.–10 p.m. on Sunday–Thursday, and 7 a.m.–11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
Poke Loa
939 Girod St.
Finally finishing our list is Poke Loa, a spot to score poke and more.
With alternate locations in the Garden District and Old Metairie, this joint specializes in build-your-own poké bowls where customers are invited to select a base of either white or brown rice, or spring-mix greens. Then choose from proteins like shrimp, tuna, salmon or yellowtail; and finish it off with mix-in options like baby cucumbers, sweet onions and cilantro.
Yelp users are excited about Poke Loa, which currently holds 4.5 stars out of seven reviews on the site.
Yelper Ileana O., who reviewed Poke Loa on April 4, wrote, "I think Poke Loa is a great addition to the CBD. It's right across from Rouses and has plenty of seating available. Saw lots of folks who worked at close-by businesses."
Andre V. noted, "This was my first poke experience. I let the employee suggest what I should try since I'm not very picky. He was spot on and it was really good. I will definitely be back there."
Poke Loa is open from 11 a.m.–9 p.m. daily.
