Central American cuisine: the best places to taste it in New Orleans

Baru Bistro & Tapas

89/100 (1396 ratings)

Restaurants

Spanish

Latin

Caribbean

South American

Seafood

Vegetarian Friendly

Spanish

Central American

Latin

Colombian

Caribbean

Seafood

South American

Colombian

Central American

Gluten Free Options

Vegetarian Friendly

Gluten Free Options

Dinner

Lunch

Late Night

Tapas

Tacos

Ceviche

Shrimp

Churrasco

Salad

Lamb

Fish

Crab

Pork

Oyster

Crab Cake

Sit down

Seafood

South American

Caribbean

Central American

Colombian

Spanish

Latin

Outdoor Seating

Reservations

Takeout

Seating

Table Service

Wheelchair Accessible

Serves Alcohol

Full Bar

BYOB

Dinner

Lunch

Late Night

Mid-range

"I wanted to find a really special place for my last evening meal in the city. And I already knew that I wanted tapas. I randomly asked a few friends..."

Kris Archbold

"Amazing! Every single plate we ordered was so good. I lived in Peru for a few years and always get excited to see any type of Maracuyá cocktail on..."

Susan Pol

"We went with friends and shared wine and drinks. We got about 5 different types of crudos and small plates to share. Every single item was delicious!..."

Katie Jenkins

"I am from Cartagena Colombia and the food at Barú it is not missing anything from our authentic dishes! A M A Z I N G �� We have been everyday..."

Martha Lucia De Armas

"Love the new HH menu and drinks!! But of course we had to get the oysters which are out of this world good!! Always fried to perfection!!! The roast..."

Sally Dietz Hoffmann

"The freshness and flavor were superb. Loved the outside dining. I used the juice from my ceviche for a vodka..."

Annette Golbeck Petersen

"This place is delicious. Menu is a tad hard to navigate but the staff is amazing and will help you through it. We had 3 tapas and the crab salad. ..."

Mallory Myers

"The food was amazing! We will totally go back and I def recommend this place. Blueberry Mojito was..."

Nancy Peters

"I love this place. The empanadas are amazing. Everything is fresh, delicious and very..."

Karon Reese

"Excellent food and wonderful service! We’ll be..."

Robert Lawlor

"Love, love, love the food. Everything that everyone ate at my table was delish. Sit on the balcony if that's an..."

Tina Gilfour Rumore

"Thank you Valerie, for the best service ever, very attentive. Our dinner was amazing, oysters, scallops, pulled pork tapas, main course steak was..."

Rana Zanella Chaisooksan

"Great location on Magazine Street. Get the guacabello appetizer. You won’t be sorry. Tartare is also great. Wait staff is pleasant and..."

Deacon

"Really enjoyed sharing some tapas here with friends, the food was so delicious!!!! Drinks were tasty too, happy hour dining and a $75 bill for four..."

Ashleigh7713

"I can't wait until this time of the year. Warm weather outside is the perfect time to enjoy that signature Guacabello. I also love the fact that its..."

Facebook User

"After the last few years wanting to try this place but never being able to at the right time, my husband and I landed here last Saturday night after..."

Wendy Johnson

"What is referred as "Mexican" food in this part of the country can only be modified and recreated in so many ways when you are limited to a..."

Wayne Stevens

"That porkchop... Woah.. Went with a few friends for dinner and fell in love with Baru. Definitely recommend the porkchop. Fun place for small..."

Cooklikeacajun

"Ate from the tapas menu. Absolutely delicious. The arepas were like tiny sliders. Quinoa salad was tangy and bright. Portions were generous for..."

Michael McGlynn Mau

"Absolutely amazing! Everything was great but The quinoa Salad is one of the best salads I have ever had. I highly recommend..."

Ditte Vangsgaard Olesen

"Cute place. The beef skirt skewers were really good. Lovely atmosphere, we sat outside on the patio. Service does not meet expectation for the price..."

Sid

"Chuzos = AMAZING. Seriously. One of the best dishes I have ever had. The cheese & olives plate is fun and delicious. Everything was fresh, service..."

Jennifer Temple

"I loved the food. The service was good not great but I wouldn't have complained. If your reading this give it a try. I guarantee its not going to be..."

NHD86

"Great for date night. My husband and I have been here twice in the past 2-3 years, though we'd like to go more often. Their whole fried fish sets the..."

Gretchen

"Great Tapas. Have to try the mushrooms and the chorizo. They were wonderful. Cool setting as well and great..."

Steven Jesse

"Refreshing. This place is a nice break from New Orleans cream sauce laden foods and fried crap. This place has fresh ingredients and great..."

Bottomless Pit

"NOM. Do yourself a favor and get the..."

Keli Michon Gambrell

"Flavorful food. I finally tried Baru for dinner recently, and I really liked the food. It is a wee bit pricey, but I appreciate that they really know..."

THE_PastramiMouthBuster

"Effing delicious. I went with a group of friends last night and throughout the entire meal all of us kept commenting on how AWESOME the food was......"

Elspeth

"I go here often, and have never been disappointed. Modest price point allows you to try many different menu items. Great..."

N.o.foodie

"Brunch... Bistec a Caballo... Unbelievably delicious. Took me by surprise and has been the best dish I've had in New Orleans. It became the measuring..."

Ja Mo

"A TRIP TO THE TROPICS. Best Bets: Crispy whole fish...mine was snapper. Lechon Asado, Steak Skewers, Roasted Corn & Tortilla strip thing on Tapas..."

Jake

"Great place for tapas. I've been for both lunch and dinner. I will note that the food always comes out slow so I've learned to order a small plate as..."

NolaFoodLvr

"Great..."

NinaMcDaniel

"Customer for life!!!!. I went to Baru to buy a gift card as a wedding gift for one of my really good friends. This is one of my favorite restaurants..."

Holly Edwards

"Hello. Well,well,well. what do we have here.some of the tapas were outtasight, like the oyster one and the mazorca. lot of good dishes and very..."

Dragon Tamer Ray

"If you don't like Baru.... You have no tastebuds. This is by far one of my favorite restaurants! I own a children's shop a few doors down, so I eat..."

Jessi-Kat

"Definitetly a place that I would come back to!! Small little, dimmed restaurant.. Outdoor and indoor seatings, but it looks like outdoor dining is a..."

Trang Nguyen

"Great burger spot.. We rode our bikes here from across town the day of St. Patty's parade. I know it doesn't sound like a burger spot, but this place..."

Jennifer

"Love the food and atmosphere, dislike the price. I love going to Baru, but my boyfriend hates paying for Baru. Such is life. The quality of the food..."

Green Bayou

"This is a great little place with oh so tasty tapas. They have been really good to my Mom's Night Out group, the owner is very..."

Rayna Nielsen

"Whole is greater than sum. This place is swamped half the time I dropped by. Really enjoyed the refreshing spritzer mint drink with cubes of mangoes...."

Loux

"I cant help it. I just like the place. It's a little...affected. But the food is good. I even like that I can bring my own wine. Then again, the..."

Foodie

"Need to Get Back. Baru is a great place. The atmosphere outside is really great to enjoy a relaxed meal with friends and small plates. Its BYOB so..."

Eric

"Good, Not Great. If only Baru's food was a good as its decor. Too much attention is focused on the atmosphere rather than the food, especially for..."

DiamondDave

"Love the fruit drinks along with Tapas!. Cool joint and great drinks. Love this for a change and upbeat spot for something interesting to eat and..."

LAURIE

"Very good but pricey and sm portions. Hanger steak w/chamichurri recommended. Chuleta -- Pork chop w/ yucca fritas and creamy portobellos and bacon..."

Ray Cannata

"Being of Caribbean descent, I was pleasantly surprised to find a restaurant which provides authentic Carib dishes. My boyfriend surprised me for my..."

Oahu87

"I’ve been wanting to try Baru for sometime now. Well, I finally made it to Baru and I have to admit that I’m a bit sad…sad that I haven’t..."

Chefsgirl

"So if you’ve never had Latin/Caribbean food before, or you’re in the mood for something fresh and flavorful that won’t weigh you down, I highly..."

Fleurdelicious

"The decor is a bit rustic (it is a Carribbean themed restaurant). The waittress was very friendly and informative and I couldn't help but notice that..."

Julia Shin Lee

"First time eating at Baru. We had the Atun A La Plancha (a rare sliced tuna dish), Jerk Chicken, and Shrimp & Mango Salad. All were delicious, and..."

Chris Reine

"This was a pleasant surprise. The food was top-notch. Flavorful and great presentation. Our server, who was also our bartender hands down, made..."

E S

"Absolutely incredible meal here. We tried a good number of dishes and each one was better than the one before. The mushroom and avocado small plate..."

Caroline Parrone

"Went there for the first time with my friend and we were blown away by the atmosphere and ambience. The food was amazing and even had some left..."

Bud Braun

"A very unassuming but excellent place off the tourists beaten path. Place is a bit tight inside but very accommodating and friendly staff make sure..."

Sun Pal

"One of the best overall food experiences I have had ever - delicious food - from the corn fried oysters to the skirt steak skewers to the Brussels..."

Jonathan Levy

"We met for a work event. The food and Sangria was amazing. I've bragged to my boyfriend and we will definitely be going..."

Cecille Adams

"This is one of my favorite restaurants in New Orleans! I’ve tried more than half of the menu and have never been disappointed. I love the..."

Kaitlyn Fogarty

"Nice romantic place with great variety of Caribbean style..."

Eric Fuentes

"I am Puerto Rican and Nicaragua. Originally from long Island NY. I have been a missionary in Colombia. This restaurant made me feel like I was in two..."

Jasmine Mendez Mitchell

"Nice diversion from the French Quarter, going to Magazine St in the Garden District. Tapas ranged from the traditional, like ceviche, to unusual..."

Carsten Baumann

"Went for Coolinary menu. We enjoyed every bit of it. Service is great. They went above and beyond and made sure we were taken care of after having to..."

Becca F

"Authentic latin Caribbean inspired food. Great happy hour as well with 2 for 1 beer specials and $5 cocktails! Definitely one of my favorite..."

Bryan Wilson

"Loved this dining experience! The food was fresh, authentic, flavorful, and interesting! It’s quaint and calm and perfect for a relaxing, fine..."

Mattlan Ladner

"ALL the food here is delicious and I mean every dish! You cannot go wrong. The service is also top notch. We plan to go back as often as we..."

Jaime Digeronimo

"Went in for Magazine Street Restaurant Week. The tasting menu was great. Really enjoy getting a thoughtful culinary experience without all the pomp..."

Jacob Edenfield

"Omg!! This place was GREAT!!!! My husband had the sliders, and I had the salad, and everything was just lovely. John, the GM, was friendly and very..."

Carol B

"Octopus was divine...also highly recommend lamb sliders from Tapas menu...Latin Caribbean fare on Magazine..."

Pamela Curry

"I recently discovered this restaurant and I am obsessed to say the least. Everything on their menu has been fantastic that i’ve tried, but i’ve..."

Hannah Rodriguez

El Gato Negro Mexican Restaurant

85/100 (2516 ratings)

Restaurants

Central American

Vegan Options

Mexican

Southwestern

Vegetarian Friendly

Mexican

Latin

Southwestern

Latin

Gluten Free Options

Vegan Options

Vegetarian Friendly

Gluten Free Options

Dinner

Lunch

Late Night

Drinks

Tapas

Crawfish

Fish Taco

Catfish

Tacos

Filet Mignon

Fish

Pork

Shrimp

Beef

Burrito

Tortillas

Fajitas

Lobster

Nachos

Juice & Smoothies

Salad

Ceviche

Salmon

Juice & Smoothies

Queso

Sit down

Latin

Mexican

Southwestern

Table Service

Wheelchair Accessible

Serves Alcohol

Full Bar

Accepts Credit Cards

Takeout

Television

Seating

Lunch

Drinks

Dinner

Late Night

Mid-range

"The mojitos were on point. The food was really good...and our waiter Sammy was by far the best waiter I have had in a long time....What a..."

Erin Fritsch

"One of the best margaritas I've had. The guacamole made fresh table side is very good as well as the grill plate that we had. Of all the upsides this..."

Austin Kyle Hines

"love this place! I always stop here at least once when visiting new Orleans. great food, great waiters!! they have the best pineapple cilantro..."

Amanda Kay

"We loved this restaurant! The steak tacos were wonderfully seasoned and the homemade corn tortillas were delicious. The staff was very warm and..."

Alana Maria Stokes

"We stopped in for a quick app and drink. We were completely blown away. They knew so much about the tequila flavors, it was great. Everyone was so..."

Eileen Onsurez

"Great service and the best Mexican food in NOLA. Guacamole-spectacular! HUGE, right out of the Gulf of Mexico shrimp grilled to perfection for the..."

Michele Finn

"Moved to New Orleans three years ago. I don't know a thing about Cajun food...but when it comes to Mexican cuisine, I'm practically a connoisseur. El..."

John Gunnels

"The blackberry margaritas were fantastic! And the shrimp enchiladas were very good too! The staff was friendly and attentive to our large party and..."

Brenda Meeks

"This was our first time in New Orleans and had no clue where to go, saw this placed tried it out and absolutely LOVED it! The food was delicious, the..."

Aimee Wooten

"The food is fantastic. I love that they make the guacamole at your table. Had a great time & great diner. It's very busy and noisy though. A bit much..."

David Jiles

"Very good. Much better than some other higher end places. Prices are very fair. They took our order and in no time we had our food. Good job to the..."

The Minista

"Fantastic little Mexican joint by the French market. The fresh watermelons margaritas were perfect, the filet mignon tacos delicious and tender, and..."

Rick Branham

"My BEST meal of my New Orleans stay!!!! Fresh, delicious, but not so cheap. El Gato Negro is set aside on a street parallel to the French Market in..."

G.mackowiak

"Very good food but pricey. Stuffed poblano with skirt steak was excellent. Drinks are extra pricey, but good. Sangria is good and..."

LindaRWells

"Lobster Tail. Had my first ever lobster tail taco, incredible. Guacamole and chips were great as..."

Dee

"This is 1 of my all time favorite restaurant. the Devils blood Margarita is 1 of a kind. nothing else is good anywhere. the tableside guacamole is..."

Eric

"I came here with 7 girls for a casual night out. This place has a great vibe and wonderful/unique cuisine. We had to wait about 20 minutes for a..."

SCo

"Holy guacamole! The food and service was great! They make the guac at your table, and the shrimp Burrito, was huge! They covered it in a chorizo..."

Tassy

"Love it. We ate here in 2011. I was three months pregnant and this was easily the best meal of the trip and the only one I could eat. The salsa..."

Jbird

"Really good!. Everything about this place was good! Very authentic. Menu choices were wonderful, all of the food tasted fabulous, service impeccable,..."

Kcbreath

"Burrito...good. Margaritas...terrible.. The meal started with warm chips and a housemade salsa that is, perhaps, my favorite restaurant salsa. My..."

Propa Fly

"Oh So Fresh!. Fantastic!! The authentic menu is a la carte and can be expensive but the fresh taste is more than worth it. The chip and..."

JZu

"El Gato Awesome. The menu has a pretty good diversity to it, even serving mole. Pomegranate Mojito's are awesome. Eat in a delightful inner..."

Rex

"A little on the expensive side, but well worth it. Food is very authentic with friendly, quick..."

Alex W.

"Incredible. Kind of high priced, Kind of small and crowded; but the quality and taste of the food is perfect. I have never had better mexican food at..."

Pedro P

"Best Mexican ever. Guacamole & devils blood Margarita worth trip to new..."

Jennifer Veri

"Hidden French Market Gem. I've enjoyed eating at El Gato Negro on two occassions. Both times the service and food were excellent. The menu is..."

Nolagirl

"Yum. Start off with the pineapple/cilantro margarita. So good and refreshing! Service was very good and food was great and authentic. All I can say..."

Comemos

"Good food. Good price.. Their tacos are great! You have to try the rabbit and chicken!! It's small, so just make room. It is worth..."

Kathryn

"Great fresh..."

Kanna Shepherd

"This Place Rocks. Went to the French Market and was getting a little hungry. Central Grocery was closed, no muffelattas today. So I went to Urban..."

Dee Walthall

"Good Mexican Food. I love authentic Mexican food, and this is it. Its located on the back end of the quarter so its not hard to park or get to. Nice..."

Richmond J. Edwards III

"Where mexican food is made in the quarter.. Mexican food isnt easy to come by in the french quarter but I wouldnt be much of a food reviewer if I..."

The Fake Foodie

"Great maragrita/not so great service. The pineapple/cilantro margarita was one of the best i have had. Poor service for our large group. They would..."

Brill08

"Homemade corn tortillas! The food is very tasty! The tamales are some of the best around. Breakfast is..."

JW3

"Best hand made margaritas ever all fresh fruit and seasonal options plus their own house made tequila and mezcal. The table side guacamole rocks..."

Stephanie

"Awesome guac. Awesome food. Can't wait to go back. Order a tostada,..."

Helen Hartley Brantley

"SO FRIGGIN GOOD!. My Girlfriend and I attend this establishment quite often! The Margarita's are THE BEST! As for Food ... I LOVE the Fresh Guacamole..."

DT

"Great margaritas. The pineapple cilantro margaritas are awesome! So glad I tried it. The tableside guacamole is very good as..."

Jennifer Anderson

"A little slice of authentic Mexican heaven! Breakfast there was excellent. Low key and great family owned staff! Order the freshly made table-side..."

Meli

"This is more like it.. I am 100% mexican and this is my second favorite mexican place in the city. The tress leches cake is out of this world. They..."

Trevolia7

"Best Mexican Food In Louisiana. El Gato Negro is one of my favorite restaurants in the world. Their fresh margaritas and mojitos are original and..."

The Zant

"AMAZING!!!!. I feel like el Gato Negro was one of the most authentic Mexican restaurants I have ever been to. Get the guacamole made at your table--..."

Kelsey

"Low key and fab food. We stopped for drink and a snack, and WOW. The pineapple cilantro margarita was one of the best drinks I've ever had. Fresh,..."

Historian

"The Guerreros will be proud. My waitress deserves an award for her service. She is friendly, helpful, efficient and has a good sense of humour. In..."

Loux

"Great margaritas & mojitos. Home made chicken enchiladas were excellent! Best Mexican in the..."

Anupama Kewalramani

"Good mexican. We had lunch at Cato Negro while enjoying the Quarter. The food is very good but mostly Tex-Mex. We had the quacimole made at the table..."

Pat

"Tasty way to end our trip. This was our last restaurant stop on our way out of New Orleans, and it's a great Mexican restaurant. The..."

Cincinnati Bites

"The best I have had in this city so far!. I just moved here from living in the southwest my whole life, and keep having Mexican food cravings.We..."

Hathor

"Yum, Margaritas!. The Margaritas are kick ass. The food is good but overpriced for what it is. It is decent mexican but I go for the drinks before..."

Paige

"Best steak taco! Good cold beer! And great..."

Sydney

"Solid from the nachos to the enterees. Try a mojito for..."

Jon Soffer

"Great food, poor service. Pork burrito was maybe the best I have ever had. Margaritas smooth and tasty. Overlooks French (Flea) Market. Table nachos..."

Ray Cannata

"My favorite place in all the land. I grew up in new mexico. i live in new orleans now. el gato negro has some of the best mexican food i've ever..."

Codyaya

"To start, we were presented with a basket of complimentary chips and salsa. The chips were crispy and not too oily and the salsa an ideal..."

Gastro World

"Lunchtime at El Gato Negro was great and I will be sure to visit everytime im in New..."

The Fake Foodie

"The best margaritas! Our margaritas were made fresh and muddled to perfection the raspberry margarita was made with fresh raspberries, no fake or..."

Maggie Lyle

"This place had delicious food all around. Service was great too! I particularly liked the sizzling veggies and crawfish tacos. I have heard their..."

Sahil Kumar Aneja

"HANDS DOWN THE BEST STEAK TACOS IVE EVER HAD. 15 plus years in Texas every authentic Mexican restaurant you can imagine and EL GATO NEGRO has the..."

Kristin Cochell

"I went here twice while visiting love the people and the food is the best we had on our trip, the way the run there system making food at the table..."

Ringo Lechner

"The margaritas were so good! The food was cooked perfectly as well! Everything is cooked fresh when you order it. The chips and salsa were great to..."

shannon claunch

"Excellent food. Great..."

Dan Sparks

"The service was exceptional. The food was really good and filling. My boys got two tacos each. They bring the toppings on the side instead of in the..."

Auria Rivera-Garrett

"We came in here our second night in New Orleans and were seated but left shortly after because we didn't realize that they close at 8, and we did not..."

Anastasia Korshunova

"I am beyond words. This place goes ABOVE and BEYOND!!!! I placed my delivery order, called because something was wrong and the manager is making me..."

Sarah Wahl

"I really liked the place, the atmosphere and the wait staff were excellent. The food was really good and the different margaritas weren't too bad..."

Chris Martinez

"Love this place, come here all the time the staff is always funny and friendly and ready to help. I wish the inside was a little bigger, it seems to..."

Get Schwifty

"This is definitely one of the best skirt steaks I've ever eating. The customer service was exceptional! I enjoyed my food and the environment. The..."

Es Castro

"Menu is more limited than the one found online. However, the chicken quesadilla with double rice was delicious. Bottled beer is only $4.75!! Service..."

Kristin

"The service was great. The ingredients were very fresh. The strawberry 🍓Margarita 🍹was easily one of the best I..."

Jamal Granderson

"Best steak tacos I’ve ever had in my life. Seriously. The steak was perfectly cooked. Just tasting the steak by itself I could taste the homemade..."

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Central American cuisine: the best places to taste it in New Orleans

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