4 new businesses to check out in Central Business District

4 new businesses to check out in Central Business DistrictPhoto: NOCHI Cafe by Gracious/Yelp
Hoodline
Published on March 21, 2019

Ready to get to know the freshest new spots in Central Business District? From a Japanese barbeque to mouth-watering baked goods, read on for a list of the newest spots to open their doors in this area of New Orleans.

Sofia Nola

516 Julia St.

Photo: sophia T./Yelp

Sofia Nola is an Italian-themed restaurant and event space.

According to Sofia Nola's website, executive chef Talia Diele and Max Mackissock, the carefully crafted menu features handmade pasta, wood-fired pizza and a wide variety of seasonal small plates. Beverages include Italian wines and cocktails and a selection of craft beers.  

Sofia Nola currently holds 4.5 stars out of 21 reviews on Yelp, indicating excellent customer feedback.

Yelper Munzer Q., who reviewed Sofia Nola on March 3, wrote, "We tried many plates and the cocktails were amazing. I loved the serving size and the food was incredible."

Sofia Nola is open from 4 p.m.–10 p.m. on Tuesday-Thursday, 4 p.m.–11 p.m. on Friday, 5 p.m.–11 p.m. on Saturday, and 5 p.m.–10 p.m. on Sunday. (It's closed on Monday.)

NOCHI Cafe By Gracious

725 Howard Ave., Suite 102

Photo: NOchi cafe by gracious/Yelp

NOCHI Cafe by Gracious is a breakfast and brunch spot, offering bagels and sandwiches.

Named "One of America's Best Bakeries" by "Travel & Leisure," NOCHI's menu is a mixture of eclectic and traditional, with featured items such as shrimp creole shakshuka, Louisiana crawfish roll and a meatloaf sandwich. The baked goods included on the website are breads, doughnuts, cakes and pies and a variety of other desserts. Catering services are also available.

Yelp users are excited about NOCHI Cafe by Gracious, which currently holds 4.5 stars out of three reviews on the site.

Yelper Maddie B. wrote, "This spot has excellent and carefully crafted food, a great open kitchen and a cool atmosphere. The butternut squash was one of the best things I had ever eaten."

NOCHI Cafe by Gracious is open from 7 a.m.–7 p.m. on weekdays and 7:30 a.m.–4 p.m. on Saturday. (It's closed on Sunday.)

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ

400 Lafayette St., Suite 101

Photo: victoria n./Yelp

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ is a Japanese spot, offering barbecue and more.

With 700 locations around the world, Gyu-Kaku, which means "horn of the bull," is new to NOLA and already making its unique mark on the dining scene. Each table has its own personal grill, allowing guests to participate in an "authentic Japanese yakiniku (grilled barbecue) dining experience," according to the website. The menu is a shared plates format and a beverage menu includes Japanese sake, shochu and beer.

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ currently holds 4.5 stars out of 72 reviews on Yelp, indicating positive customer experiences.

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ is open from 11:30 a.m.–10 p.m. on Sunday through Thursday and 11:30 a.m.–11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

Espíritu Mezcaleria

520 Capdeville St.

Photo: alexis c./Yelp

Espíritu Mezcaleria is a Mexican spot.

The restaurant uses fresh local ingredients with an eye toward environmental sustainability and a passion for celebrating unique Mexican culture. According to the business's website, Espiritu is the home of the Mezcal Society, which focuses on agave spirits and offers regular mezcal tastings.

The food menu features traditional Mexican fare, including tacos, tortas, seafood dishes, soups, salads, salsa and guacamole. 

Espíritu Mezcaleria currently holds 3.5 stars out of 12 reviews on Yelp, indicating fair to good customer experiences.

Espíritu Mezcaleria is open from 11:30 a.m.–10 p.m. on Monday-Thursday, 11:30 a.m.–midnight on Friday, and 4 p.m.–midnight on Saturday. (It's closed on Sunday.)


This story was created automatically using local business data, then reviewed and augmented by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.