Situated in the charming town of Lourdes, France, where history and spirituality blend seamlessly, the New Orleans Cafe offers a delightful escape from the typical dining experience. With its blend of French elegance and Southern charm, this cafe has carved out a unique niche in the local culinary scene. If you’re strolling through the streets of Lourdes and find yourself craving a bit of Creole flair, the New Orleans Cafe might just be your perfect stop.
Ambiance
From the moment you step into the New Orleans Cafe, you’re greeted by an ambiance that feels like a little slice of the American South transported to France. The interior is a charming blend of rustic and sophisticated elements, with tiled floors, soft lighting (at night), and vintage photographs that evoke the spirit of New Orleans. The walls are adorned with memorabilia and art that pay homage to the vibrant culture of Louisiana, creating a cozy yet lively atmosphere.
The seating arrangement is thoughtfully designed to offer both intimate tables for couples and larger spaces for groups, making it a versatile spot for various dining occasions. Soft jazz music plays in the background, enhancing the cafe’s welcoming and relaxed vibe. Whether you’re in for a casual lunch or a more formal dinner, the ambiance at New Orleans Cafe sets the perfect backdrop for a memorable meal.
Food
The culinary offerings at New Orleans Cafe are where this establishment truly shines. The menu is a delightful fusion of traditional Creole and French cuisine, offering a range of dishes that are both flavorful and satisfying.
These are what I ordered:
Chicken Burger with French Fries, a classic comfort food combo that delivers both flavor and satisfaction. The burger features a juicy, tender chicken patty seasoned to perfection and grilled or fried to a golden brown. It’s often topped with fresh lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and crispy pickles, all nestled within a soft, toasted bun. A smear of creamy mayonnaise or tangy mustard adds an extra layer of taste, while a slice of melted cheese can be a delightful addition. Accompanying the burger are French fries, which are typically thin, golden, and crispy on the outside with a soft, fluffy interior. Seasoned lightly with salt and served hot, the fries offer the perfect complement to the savory chicken burger.
Steak Frites, a quintessential French dish that combines a perfectly cooked steak with crispy, golden French fries. The steak, often a ribeye, sirloin, or entrecôte, was grilled or pan-seared to your preferred doneness, resulting in a flavorful and juicy piece of meat. It was seasoned with just salt and pepper to highlight the quality of the beef. Served alongside are the frites—thin-cut fries that are deep-fried until they reach the ideal balance of crispiness and tenderness. This simple yet elegant dish is often accompanied by a rich sauce, such as béarnaise or peppercorn, and sometimes garnished with fresh herbs.
Seafood Paella, a vibrant and hearty Spanish dish known for its rich, aromatic flavors and colorful presentation. The dish features a base of saffron-infused rice that’s cooked to a perfect al dente texture. It’s generously loaded with an assortment of seafood, including succulent shrimp, tender mussels, and clams, often with additional options like squid or fish.
The paella was cooked in a wide, shallow pan, allowing the rice to develop a delightful crust at the bottom. It was flavored with a combination of garlic, onions, tomatoes, and a blend of spices such as paprika and saffron, which impart a distinctive golden color and deep flavor. Fresh herbs, such as parsley, and lemon wedges are often served on the side, adding a burst of freshness and brightness to the dish.
Chicken Burger & French Fries
Ribsteak & French Fries (Steak Frites)
Seafood Paella
Service
The service at New Orleans Cafe is attentive and friendly, with a staff that genuinely seems to enjoy their work. From the moment you’re seated, you’re greeted with warm smiles and a willingness to ensure your dining experience is top-notch. The servers are knowledgeable about the menu and happy to offer recommendations or accommodate special requests.
Despite the generally excellent service, there were a few moments when the staff seemed a bit overwhelmed during peak hours, which led to slightly longer wait times for drinks and refills. However, these instances were the exception rather than the rule, and they did not significantly detract from the overall positive experience.
Verdict
New Orleans Cafe offers a unique and enjoyable dining experience in Lourdes, France, with its delightful fusion of Creole and French flavors. The ambiance is inviting, the food is both flavorful and satisfying, and the service is friendly and accommodating. While there were minor hiccups during busy periods, they were outweighed by the cafe’s many strengths.
Whether you’re a local or just passing through, New Orleans Cafe is a worthy addition to your dining itinerary. It provides a refreshing change of pace with its vibrant atmosphere and delicious menu, making it a must-visit spot for anyone looking to enjoy a taste of New Orleans in the heart of Lourdes.
Rating
NEW ORLEANS CAFE
CUISINE: French, European
ADDRESS: 13 RUE SAINTE MARIE, Lourdes, France
HOURS: 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM (Daily)
CONTACT NO.: +33562421397
FB PAGE: New Orleans Café
MODE OF PAYMENT: Cash, Credit Card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express)
LANGUAGE: French, English
SERVICE: Dine-in (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Late Night), Reservation
BUDGET: 14.00 USD to 89.00 USD
OTHERS: Take-Away, Serves Alcohol
LANDMARK: 5 minutes walk from Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes
DISCLAIMER: Stop guessing and start tasting! We are dedicated to making sure our readers get all the information they need, as well as an honest perspective on their dining experiences. Our reviews are entirely based on experience and paid for with our own money – so you can trust that we’re providing an accurate and reliable review each time.
