Paul Scullion
A hidden gem, we've been to Louisiana and have tasted authentic Creole food and this place replicates that exactly, the crawfish and gumbo are really good. Set back off the road you be careful you don't walk past it.
Lydia
They were about to close when we arrived since it was a quiet night as they said. But they were SO nice that they opened the restaurant for us and still accommodated us. Outside of the amazingly friendly service and the place that makes you feel like home, the food was way beyond expectation and great. I specifically recommend Crawfish Etouffee and French Onion Soup - you won’t be disappointed!
jesse frederick
New Orleans Creole Cafe is worth your time and Taste Buds! This restaurant is situated in a nice quiet spot in Old Town San Diego. The Nice and Amazing gentlemen that runs this establishment is the cook and server so you may have to wait a little longer than normal, but trust me it’s well worth the wait! For appetizer’s I ordered the Blackened Alligator Sausage and my wife ordered the French Onion Soup, house salad with Balsamic vinaigrette. For the main course I ordered the Crawfish Etouffee and my wife ordered the Dark Roux Gumbo, we stopped halfway through the meal to make room for the Bread Pudding with Whiskey Sauce which makes your tastebuds jump with joy and pleasure. This nice cozy restaurant has a special atmosphere of its own and is well worth your time and tastebuds. My wife and I will be back for sure.
Robert Stear
A little bit of New Orleans in San Diego. We tried to get into this restaurant on our last trip to San Diego pre-Covid and hit on a day it was closed. Fast forward two years later and we found it open on our first post-Covid foray into the world. We tried calling for reservations with no luck and it turns out the restaurant is a 2 person operation and they were running a little late. There was one other couple waiting at the door at opening and we were seated outside. We ordered the Red Beans and Rice, Dark Roux Gumbo, and the Crawfish Etouffee. They offer a petite portion which we ordered and the size was perfect for sharing 3 dishes 3 way. Each dish was perfectly spiced and the flavors reminded us of being at our favorite restaurants in NOLA. The Crawfish Etouffee was our favorite with the crawfish being tender and the dish being so well balanced. The Dark Roux Gumbo was a close second with the combination of peppers in the roux being beautifully flavorful. Paired it all up with an Abita Purple Haze and we could have been sitting in a garden courtyard in NOLA having dinner. Very highly recommended!
Masha Lomidze
This place is absolutely delicious! We’ve recently been to new Orleans and felt like having good Louisiana food and New Orleans Creole Cafe was just perfect in every way! We are really happy we picked this place and we highly recommend it to anyone craving good Louisiana food. We tried the crawfish étouffée and jambalaya, both dishes were delicious :) we are definitely coming back!
Michael Mcilroy
By far the best dining experience I have had while visiting San Diego. While I enjoy the great seafood and numerous mexican food restaurants this was a pleasant change. Being from the south I have had my share of Creole food and I have to say this was OUTSTANDING. The love put into the food and service by Mark and Humberto made our stop the best of our trip. Give the Camellia Red Beans and Rice, Chicken & Shrimp Gumbo, and the Bread Pudding with Whiskey Sauce a try. You will be licking your lips and planning your next trip. I HIGHLY recommend this amazing dining facility to all who visit San Diego. Seek out the location, you will not be disappointed.
Emily Holmes
We had such a lovely experience!! Delicious food, I got the BBQ Shrimp and Rice (it was divine!!!), the kindest folks, the quaintest little place, and the best service! Go to the kitchen door to ask for a table!
Laurette Mormon
This is a great restaurant with fantastic food. The food and the service was amazing. Very friendly and welcoming. We have been coming here for many years during our vacation, and usually make it to the restaurant twice so we can take some of this deliciousness home with us. Highly recommend checking it out!
Jessica Higgason
The food and service here was excellent. The chef was very nice and attentive and had no complaints even though my husband and I lingered through closing time. Even offered to make us dessert despite being closed. Truly exceptional.
salinaling
Wow! I haven’t loved a restaurant in a long time. This place is special. It is quaint, you hardly know it is there. There are only 6 tables (4 that seats 4, and 2 that seats 2/3). The owner (i think) was also the greeter, the waiter, bus-boy and chef! He was very kind to explain that the bbq shrimp we wanted for our kid with his homemade bbq sauce had medium heat. Instead, he suggested we do the rice and beans, but instead of the spicy sausages, sub with shrimp (which were colossal). Baby-girl ate that up! My husband had the gumbo and enjoyed it. I had the crawfish etouffee and was reluctant to share it! Haha. Btw, i ordered the petite etouffee and it was plenty for me. We also got milk for our kid; i believe a large glass was only $1.50. The owner was kind and took time to explain how he cooked his food, so you could understand the flavor profiles. He also served us fresh warm bread with some butter. We are from out of town, but i want to try squeeze in another meal at this place! Love!!
Selwyn Ngalongalay
The best Cajun Food in SD. One of my favorite places to eat at. I always make it a part of my visit when im in SD and the owners are the best!
Michael Bailey
If you’re in San Diego, you MUST eat here…got the jambalaya and damn near hurt myself it was so good…
If you can’t be in New Orleans then this is absolutely a great substitute…five stars earned
K A42
The most awesome service and food I’ve had in a REALLY long time! Getting seated was a little unique. You actually went to the kitchen and let them know you were there and they seated you right away. It was actually nice to see where my food is going to be cooked! The waiter was very pleasant! I’m absolutely going back before we leave San Diego to go back home! If you get a chance, you HAVE to stop in!
Andrea Knight
This restaurant has been on my list for quite a while. I love some good cajun cooking from blackened chicken or fish, to baking soda biscuits, sourdough or etouffee. Of course whenever I see etouffee on the menu I have to try it, so that's what I ordered. Thankfully I found they have half portions on one of the menu pages and their half portion was just right. The sauce definitely seemed homemade, with plenty of crawfish swimming around a perfectly shaped little mound of rice. I liked the presentation; restaurants usually give you far too much rice at the bottom of the bowl. The restaurant is set inside an 1800's home that was moved from downtown San Diego to Old Town. The owner seems to do everything here from taking orders, seating you and serving food. Expect good food that you don't typically get in San Diego. Also, they have short hours for lunch then break before dinner so check google for times.
Evelyn H
What a great little place in Old Town SD. The food are good, the staff is super friendly and attentive. Thumbs up
Dane France
Great spot hidden in Old Town. We make it a point to come here. My wife loves their etouffee. Everything I've ever ordered from here was awesome. Small restaurant or patio seating with only a couple of people working but worth it.
Francisco Benavides Jr.
Stopped here before our Whaley house paranormal investigation, amazing Gumbo and the service was so great! Definitely coming back next time.
ariana Asebedo
This place is amazing Gumbo is delicious, BBQ shrimp and spicy sausage is one of our favorites, oooh and the alligator sausage great, the Crawfish ettuffe 🤤 and the bread pudding just tops everything off.
Linda Goyette
Still no place in San Diego that has better gumbo than here! Visit the haunted dining room or eat in the enclosed patio, the ambiance is amazing! Mark and Humberto really are the best, and if you have the time make a day of it and visit the adjacent Whaley House Museum for some spooky history
Noel Dial
I have been craving AUTHENTIC Creole food for so long. Finally had a chance to visit this place and it did not disappoint! The gumbo, jambalaya, and shrimp creole were all absolutely delicious and cooked to perfection. The staff was accommodating and the chef even came out to talk to us - just like we were guests in his home. This is some serious down home Louisiana cooking. I will definitely be back for more! Thanks, Mark!
Christopher Williams
I ate here back in 2013. I haven't stopped craving it since. The only way I will find New Orleans cooking as good as this place is by traveling to New Orleans. This is the best place I have had in the entire country. It's like stepping into the real deal. Friendly, fast service. I highly recommend the alligator andouille, but everything there is A++++++!!!
Corinne Pénin Evancho
An authentic place to go. We went there yesterday with my husband and really enjoyed the place. It feels more like being at home than in a restaurant. The food is delicious. I had one of the best Jambalaya ever. The owner and the chef are very kind and nice persons ... With such a bright smile. That is a nice change in a very touristic area. Definitely a place to go !
James Jones Jr.
The food was excellent we had the bbq shrimp and sausage, and shrimp creole. Service was on point, we ate outside very nice setting.
Brent Evancho
Discovered this hidden jewel, when doing one final tour before moving to Europe. Called them, made reservations. And brought my wife to dinner, and she loved it. The chef had his mother’s recipes. And he hit it spot on. Very good. Even the bread pudding with whiskey sauce was really good. When we return to San Diego, we’ll make reservations again.
Elisabeth Zen
Was good but food took a hour to get to us .
But well worth it
But small portions �
But will go again
Just. Need them to serve more for the price because it was great��
Will be taken in-laws. Here �
Melissa Perrin
Yes got to dine there for Mothers Day food was really good. Being from the creole state La. food was on point. I also got to meet Mark the chef what a beautiful guy. God bless you Mark and your business
Cindy Kinnard-Diamond
My favorite restaurant in San Diego! The gumbo is a must!
Mason Haneline
Just had dinner. The food was awesome as always! Nice weather for sitting outside and enjoying good food. Petit menu was a nice new option which allowed us to try more dishes. Definitely returning here as soon as we can.
Rick Lotze
Food was delicious. Service was excellent and friendly. Can't wait to go back and try the creole dishs. Would recommend they serve some beignets. Wife and I wanted some.
Maxwell Adam Diamond
One of the best places for Creole food in San Diego.
Louie Mndz
Can't say too much if this place just that we enjoyed it. The crawfish etouffee was freaking awesome. Now on the Mac n cheese man can't say enough. San Diego here we come now I just need to make reservations to this place so we could enjoy a nice dinner inside this gem.
Mitali Adlakha
Creole pizzazz in SoCal<br/><br/>Old Town San Diego usually means lots of great Mexican food. But, if you want a change of “taste” you’ve got to give this funky little restaurant a try. It does a fabulous job of creating a Louisiana vibe and dishing out excellent NOLA style cuisine. Give it try.
Amrita Puri
Awesome food :)<br/><br/>Awesome food,excellent service. Best food experience we had in the US. Recommended to all who would like to try southern cuisine.
James Lancaster
Delicous authentic New Orleans cuisine! The red beans and rice was amazing and they even had Abita beer. The andouille sausage had the perfect level of spice.
Sarah
Sooo sooo delicious! I highly recommend the blackened alligator sausage, BBQ shrimp, and fried shrimp. Great authentic atmosphere and very friendly staff
Sweet Dears
I live in new orleans, grew up with chef mark, the guy loves to cook and smooze about food. I enjoyed the quaint setting, very ole south a bit of home in ca. Bring a big appetite!!! Come for comfort food!
Caren Carney
Speaking from experience as a native Louisiana girl, it's good food and big servings! Try the shrimp poboy, it's delicious.
EricB
Saying it's the best gumbo in California is like saying panda express is the best Chinese food in America. I'm from Louisiana. Lafayette. And the food may taste ok. But it's no where near authentic.
Elizabeth Wholihan
Gumbo was perfect. Red beans and rice needed a touch of sass (and salt) but a quick fix made it just right. Outside dining was lovely.
Melina Serna
Music was outstanding. Live blues!! Crab cakes, catfish, and scalops were delicious. Gumbo was just ok because Roux needs some work. Service was great!
Isaac Tiffany
Hard to find but once you get there the food was great!
Kim Possible
Po boy sandwiches were not po it was very rich and good I love their bread
Heather
Food is delicous and authentic. Great patio area with lots of charm I'm from Louisianna- best gumbo I've had in CA. Highly reccomend eating here.
What Micky Eats...
We sat in the quaint 1870's indoor dinning room, historically recreated in San Diego's 1850 American period which looks out on centuries old Pepper trees in the park setting. With wood floors, old pictures on the wall, gas lanterns, and soft Cajun xydaco music playing - the New Orleans Creole Café is a cute spot that transports you to New Orleans from the hea
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