Willa Jean
1 / 10

Willa Jean

4.6
·491k reviews·,

A retro-chic cafe and bakery serving Southern-contemporary fare, known for its exceptional biscuits, baked goods, and creative cocktails.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

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Willa Jean

Willa Jean

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A retro-chic cafe and bakery serving Southern-contemporary fare, known for its exceptional biscuits, baked goods, and creative cocktails.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"Willa Jean has some of the best fried chicken I have ever had and their biscuits transported me to my grandma's kitchen."

TIP

Plan Ahead for Tables

Popular brunch spot, so plan ahead or visit during off-peak hours to avoid long waits.

Don't Miss the Biscuits

Highly recommended by reviewers, try their famous biscuits with butter and jam for a true taste.

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Quick Facts

Open·Closes 3PM

Cuisine

Southern

Price

Mid-range

Phone

(504) 509-7334

Address

611 O'Keefe Ave, New Orleans, LA 70113, USA

Insta-Factor

High

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Exceptional Biscuits

Exceptional Biscuits

Famous for their flaky, moist biscuits, served with butter and jam, they evoke a comforting taste of home.

16 Spots Serving the Best Breakfast in New OrleansBest Breakfast and Brunch Places in New OrleansGoogle Review+1
Creative Cocktails & Coffee

Creative Cocktails & Coffee

Enjoy expertly crafted cocktails like the Bloody Mary, or fuel your day with specialty coffees and unique lattes.

TikTokGoogle Review+3
Southern-Inspired Delights

Southern-Inspired Delights

Indulge in Southern contemporary fare, from delicious fried chicken sandwiches to shrimp and grits.

The Best Restaurants In New Orleans' Central Business DistrictGoogle Review+1
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Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Spot #6 “Willa Jean” one of the best brunches I’ve ever had! Rating 10/10 #fyp #foodie #nola #neworleans #NFL #louisana #food
@tj_beeating
52.3K likes • 462.6K views

Plan Ahead for Tables

Popular brunch spot, so plan ahead or visit during off-peak hours to avoid long waits.

Don't Miss the Biscuits

Highly recommended by reviewers, try their famous biscuits with butter and jam for a true taste.

🍪COOKIES + MILK🥛 at Willa Jean New Orleans is such a fun and delicious treat! Have you tried this yet? It’s the raw cookie dough for me 😍 🍳Great brunch spot in downtown New Orleans! 📍611 O’Keefe Ave. . . . . #cookiesandmilk #willajean #nolabrunch #noladessert #neworleans #southernfood #nola #chocolatechipcookies #carlapesono
@carlaskitchen_
618 likes • 21.2K views
what am I going through to need 4 shots of espresso? #willajean #neworleansbrunch #foodie #foodtok #foodietiktok
@deauxgirl_
3.7K likes • 62.6K views

Explore the Full Menu

They offer more than just brunch; explore lunch and dinner options for a different culinary experience.

Creative Coffee Creations

From iced lattes to unique espresso drinks, their coffee bar offers delightful and creative options.

Willa Jean’s in New Orleans solid 8/10 I’d recommend & would go back for a casual, nice vibe! #neworleans #willajeans #nola
@talialea
39 likes • 1.3K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Plan Ahead for Tables

Popular brunch spot, so plan ahead or visit during off-peak hours to avoid long waits.

Don't Miss the Biscuits

Highly recommended by reviewers, try their famous biscuits with butter and jam for a true taste.

Explore the Full Menu

They offer more than just brunch; explore lunch and dinner options for a different culinary experience.

Creative Coffee Creations

From iced lattes to unique espresso drinks, their coffee bar offers delightful and creative options.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Willa Jean is celebrated for its delicious Southern-inspired brunch, with particular acclaim for its exceptionally flaky biscuits and creative cocktails. The retro-chic ambiance adds to the welcoming vibe. While the food generally receives high marks, some find the prices a bit high for a cafe setting, and a previous version of the avocado toast is fondly missed by regulars.

"Wow, just wow. I had heard fantastic things about Willa Jean, but everything exceeded my expectations.
I am from Los Angeles but spent every summer growing up in Texas/the South, visiting family. My dad is a connoisseur of fried chicken by default, and so am I. And wow. Willa Jean has some of the best fried chicken I have ever had.

One bite of that biscuit transported me to my grandma's kitchen, and it made me tear up.

But don't stop there. The pimento breakfast sandwich is simply extraordinary. Along with delightful drinks, pastries, and exceptional service, it truly inspires returning for more. I will 1000% be back."

jason leal

"I think this is a great brunch spot in the city! The overall vibe is great; very like cozy industrial with a lot of natural light. There is a coffee bar that you're able to walk up to which is nice, and you can order drinks to the table. I've previously had the monkey bread, artichoke dip, and chicken & waffles. Everything was good but especially so the artichoke dip! The most recent time I visited I ordered it as my "meal" because it is so good and is paired perfectly with the crostini.

Like most brunch places, I think its a little over priced but not crazily so.

Sometimes getting a table can be a little hard, so plan ahead for that."

Falyn Elicee

"We stopped by Willa Jean for brunch and it did not disappoint! We started with the sausage biscuits and gravy, so, so good. The cornbread was also a standout especially those crispy edges and paired perfectly with the whipped butter.

The chicken and waffles hit the spot too, the chicken was seasoned just right and cooked perfectly. I had the hangover bowl (short rib, cheesy grits, potatoes, and a fried egg on top) and wow, it was everything."

Dalila Garcia

What People Like

Exceptional biscuits and gravy
Creative cocktails and coffee
Vibrant, cozy atmosphere

What People Dislike

Perceived high prices for a cafe
Changes to the avocado toast recipe

Frequently Asked Questions

Willa Jean is renowned for its biscuits and gravy, fried chicken, shrimp and grits, and unique baked goods like their famous cookies.

16 Spots Serving the Best Breakfast in New OrleansGoogle Review+1

Yes, Willa Jean is considered one of the best brunch spots in New Orleans, offering a vibrant atmosphere and a diverse menu.

TikTokBest Breakfast and Brunch Places in New OrleansGoogle Review

Popular drinks include creative cocktails like the Bloody Mary, specialty coffees, unique lattes, and espresso-based beverages.

TikTokGoogle Review+2

While not explicitly stated, it's recommended to plan ahead for tables, especially during peak brunch hours, as it can get busy.

Google Review

Willa Jean has a retro-chic, cozy, and welcoming industrial vibe with ample natural light.

TikTokGoogle Review+2

The menu includes items like avocado toast and grain bowls, which may be suitable for vegetarians. Specific vegan options are not detailed.

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Run by Pastry Chef Kelly Fields of Besh Restaurant Group, and Pastry Chef Lisa White, Willa Jean is a retro-chick café and restaurant serving Southern-contemporary fare, baked goods, freshly brewed-coffee, and specialty cocktails. This brick-walled hotspot, open seven days a week from 7 am, is ideal for those looking to experience flavors indigenous to the Port City. From their buttered banana bread and corn syrup cornbread to their seared drum and chicken pot pie, Willa Jean is hard to beat when it comes to authentic austral cooking.

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Run by Pastry Chef Kelly Fields of Besh Restaurant Group and Pastry Chef Lisa White, Willa Jean is a retro-chick cafe and restaurant serving Southern-contemporary fare, baked goods, freshly brewed coffee, and specialty cocktails. This brick-walled hotspot, opening its doors at 7 a.m. every day, is ideal for those looking to experience flavors that are indigenous to the Port City.

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The brainchild of Besh Restaurant Group pastry chef Kelly Fields and baker Lisa White, this bakery serves a variety of loaves of bread, sweet and savory pastries, and treats like salted chocolate chip cookies and Rice Krispie bars. Willa Jean also offers a full sit-down menu for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, but the front case of goodies is a sight to behold.

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Breakfast service done well is a cheerful, life-affirming start to the day, and Willa Jean does it with aplomb. There’s a range of decadence happening across the main food menu. At the healthy end of the spectrum, there are grain bowls and the omnipresent avocado toast with poached eggs.

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If biscuits make your heart pitter-patter, make your way to Willa Jean restaurant and bakery. Here, insanely fluffy biscuits are anything but ordinary. Try the fried chicken and Tabasco-honey biscuits, or get really deep into Southern flavor with the crispy boudin and collards version.

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It’s also good that Willa Jean only bakes its pecan sticky buns on Sundays because I would eat more than I need (and based on my current girth, I don’t need even one). It’s rare that one finds — and gets to eat — a gold-standard example of a specific food item, but any and all discussion of pecan sticky buns should begin and end at Willa Jean. The wheat toast is among the best in the city (I always buy a loaf to take home with me for my morning avocado toast), the bacon is solid, and they serve Intelligentsia Coffee.

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If biscuits make your heart go pitter patter, then make your way to Willa Jean restaurant and bakery, where you'll find insanely fluffy ones. Head for the CBD near the Superdome to try the fried chicken and Tabasco-honey biscuits or get really deep into Southern tastes with the crispy boudin and collards version. There's cornbread, banana bread and a "hangover bowl” (short ribs, grits, poached egg), as well as avocado toast and summer hash (made with sweet and new potatoes). Something for everyone, in other words.

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Willa Jean: Be glad that John Besh’s Executive Pastry Chef Kelly Fields teamed up with his other pastry chef, Lisa White, to open their own joint. The biscuits alone are perfect and can wipe out a hangover like a regret-soaked sponge. The perfect brunch spot, Willa Jean serves up coffee-based cocktails and boozy slushy drinks that are worth your time, plus the cookies served with a glass of vanilla-infused milk, banana bread, and blonde chocolate panna cotta are something special.

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Willa Jean is the perfect spot to grab a coffee and breakfast pastry to-go or to enjoy a relaxed meal with friends and family. The bakery serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, which allows the two pastry chefs to show their savory sides. The lunch and dinner menus are organized by “snacks,” “tartines/sandwiches,” “salads + soup,” “hot plates,” and “extra stuff,” offering customers the choice to order a selection of small plates or a single, heartier dish.

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Named after chef and co-owner Kelly Fields' grandmother, this lively, all-day cafe in the Warehouse District embodies everything a modern neighborhood restaurant should be. The food is straightforward and deeply comforting (think pimento cheese, avocado toast, and fried chicken biscuits), the service is relaxed, and the prices are wallet friendly. In short: it’s the kind of place you’ll want to come back to over and over again.

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Saturday and Sunday brunch are held at Willa Jean, a top-notch bakery and restaurant that specializes in Southern cooking with fresh, local ingredients. Whether you come for their famous biscuits, banana bread or Bloody Mary, you'll want to partake in a full meal here!. Located in the Warehouse District, Willa Jean has been serving hungry guests since 2015 and is a favorite spot whether you're a sweet or savory type.

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Try the shrimp and grits for a larger breakfast – Photo courtesy of Jillian Dara. Whether you choose to pop in for breakfast, lunch or dinner – and brunch on the weekends – Willa Jean guarantees a stellar, local meal presented with the freshest ingredients. If you’re looking for a light breakfast, slide up a bakery-side barstool for one of the daily pastry specials, though the biscuits are a consistent must-try.

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We won’t tell if you eat the restaurant’s signature chocolate chip cookies for breakfast… but you can certainly make do with the other delectable options at Willa Jean, including an array of pastries, griddled banana bread, smoked salmon tartine, or a breakfast grain bowl. The restaurant’s sunny interiors and solid coffee menu (try the iced Milk Money latte) will make any morning brighter.

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A fellow travel friend suggested Willa Jean, as did several of our online communities on Facebook and Instagram, and so we had to check it out. It was our first breakfast experience in New Orleans, and it didn’t disappoint. When you first enter, if you can get your kids to walk past the counter display of fresh bakery treats then grab a table in the cafe area and order off the menu.

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Willa Jean is a newer restaurant in New Orleans, Louisiana owned by award-winning chef Kelly Fields. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the friendly and welcoming restaurant is most favorite for its sweets and pastries, some of Fields’ specialties. Begin your lunch with a BBQ sharing on sourdough, and finish off with the Willa Jean house chocolate chip cookies with sea salt.

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Willa Jean is pretty new, also in the CBD, and a spin-off from John Besh's empire (two of his former pastry chefs) - just check out the kingcake on the website. I'd honestly describe it as a breakfast and lunch place that also bakes their own stuff, though - nice restaurant. (And check out the kingcake that Domenica sells, too - it's the most decadent one I've ever had.)

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Willa Jean is not just your average breakfast joint, and there is nothing standard about the meals they serve, either. Every meal is carefully handcrafted, with a look and feel that will make your mouth water for days to come. While they might not be the most affordable restaurant on the block, they do have snacks that are both filling and will suit every budget.

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This Besh restaurant is known for its great brunch and dessert, so it makes sense that their king cake is some of the best in the game. If you're looking for a less traditional option, look no further than Willa Jean's indulgent Valrhona caramelized milk chocolate and espresso king cake. It's everything you could ever want in a dessert, wrapped up into one.

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The offerings in the bakery up front give king cakes around the city a run for their money. The other baked goods put a modern spin on Southern delicacies: housemade biscuits and Hawaiian rolls, sweet potato casserole, pot pies, buttermilk panna cotta, monkey bread, and more. A full restaurant for breakfast, lunch, and dinner can be found in the back.

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Address: 611 O’Keefe Ave, New Orleans, LA 70113Phone:+1 (504) 509-7334Website:willajean.comDetails: $$, Southern restaurant (US). Willa Jean is a perfect brunch spot in New Orleans, offering a great menu and friendly service. With a reservation in hand, we arrived on a Saturday morning during Jazz fest weekend and were greeted by a friendly waitress.

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My all-time favorite brunch restaurant in New Orleans, Willa Jean is located downtown on O’Keefe Avenue, just a 15-minute ride from Tulane’s campus. Their biscuits are truly the best I’ve ever had, and they come with the sweetest homemade strawberry jam. Their avocado toast is fresh and fabulous along with their incredible plate of scrambled eggs.

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Willa Jean has made major waves in the Big Easy's brunch scene since its inception in 2015. Earlier this year, Mashed listed the hotspot as one of the best breakfast restaurants in America, and the restaurant is beloved by locals and tourists alike. Its reputation is so legendary that the Queen herself, Beyoncé, has popped in (per NOLA.com).

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The brainchild of Besh Group pastry chefs Kelly Fields and Lisa White, Willa Jean (named for Fields’ grandmother) offers not only pastries and coffee, but a full service experience with sandwiches, hot plates, soups, a full bar (with coffee and tea based cocktails and a slushie machine), brunch, happy hour and killer plated desserts.

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Guided by esteemed chef and partner Kelly Fields and named after her grandmother, Willa Jean impresses with their Caramel Crunch King Cake. The almost-too-pretty-to-eat cake is made with a traditional cinnamon sugar filling, a caramel crunch, and cream cheese glaze. willajean.com; 611 O'Keefe Avenue, New Orleans, Louisiana 70113

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This bakery not only serves breakfast with delicious pastries and quiches, but it includes a nice Southern brunch, lunch, and dinner. All entrees and baked goods use fresh local ingredients with recipes that are tried and true. The monkey bread will tempt your palette while the croissants are a hit with the locals.

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Opened in August 2015, Willa Jean celebrates Southern sensibilities with fresh, local ingredients. Named after Chef Partner Kelly Fields' grandmother, who inspired her to pursue her passions, the restaurant and bakery serves breakfast, lunch and dinner throughout the week, and offers Saturday and Sunday brunch.

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- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (963 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.0/5)- Type of cuisine: American, Cafe- Price: $$ - $$$- Address: 611 Okeefe Ave Unit C-11-12, New Orleans, LA 70113-1967- Read more on Tripadvisor. You may also like:Highest-rated ice cream shops in New Orleans by diners

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Willa Jean, a relatively newer establishment, has quickly made a name for itself in the King Cake arena. Their cakes are known for their artisanal quality, with a focus on high-quality ingredients and craftsmanship. The Salted Caramel King Cake is a must-try, offering a perfect balance of sweet and savory.

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If you’re looking for fresh coffee, boozy cocktails, and delicious Southern breakfast in one place – Willa Jean is it. This elevated breakfast spot in the Warehouse District is the perfect place to enjoy a classic Bloody Mary and a leisurely breakfast. You can’t go wrong with any of their breakfast items.

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Willa Jean, described as a "Retro-chic café" is known for its fluffy biscuits and visuals, but besides this, they can also serve a variety of items like Chicken and Waffles to Shrimp and grits. According to Billy Harrison on Google reviews, if you are visiting New Orleans dining at Willie Jean is a must.

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Executive pastry chef Kelly Fields has invented some creative takes on a king cake. In the past, she’s combined ingredients as unique as mascarpone, bananas and caramel sauce in the filling, but this year, Fields is offering a caramel crunch king cake with a cream cheese glaze. The icing on her cake?

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Willa Jean works with freshly baked pastries, bread, and locally sourced southern dishes. The restaurant’s laid-back vibe allows you to sit at the bar, work on your computer, or have an extensive brunch with friends. Breakfast plates include classics like huevos rancheros and avocado toast.

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Chef John Besh has left his mark on New Orleans in many ways. Not all are good, but when it comes to his restaurant concepts, there is no room for criticism. Willa Jean was a late addition to the Besh Restaurant Group’s collection and one of the few that serve breakfast in New Orleans.

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If you’re a fan of banana bread, you HAVE TO go to Willa Jean. This bakery restaurant serves the best banana bread I’ve ever had. I don’t even have a photo because it’s so good I can’t be bothered to wait 😆 They also have one of my other favorite brunch dishes, the hangover bowl.

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Willa Jean is a chic bakery and café quickly becoming a New Orleans favorite. Named after the chef’s grandmother, it combines Southern comfort food with contemporary flair. The biscuits, pies, and cookies are the stars of the show, but the full menu offers something for everyone.

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Willa Jean, near the Superdome, has a retail bakery in front that stashes crusty breads and flaky biscuits also used for sandwiches—nothing beats the boudin with collard greens, fried egg and Creole mustard—killer chocolate-espresso cookies, Nutella sticky buns and banana bread.

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Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account. A post shared by Willa Jean (@willajeanneworleans). If you prefer something light but is still fulfilling for your brunch, it would be a great idea to stop by a retro-chic cafe called Willa Jean.

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Willa Jean is a perfect CBD spot regardless of what you're looking for, from a coffee bar to a boozy brunch or a loaf of bread for weekend sandwiches. A chopped green salad topped with crispy chicken ($18) and a cinnamon and honey-topped monkey bread ($10).

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Where Gordon Ramsay ate in New Orleans while filming | Where NOLA Eats

This bakery and restaurant boasted that Ramsay left nothing but an empty plate. Willa Jean serves southern food with modern touches. Its menu includes biscuits and gravy, BBQ shrimp toast, fried chicken sandwiches and a banana puddin' cup.

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Located in the Warehouse District, Willa Jean is a modern, trendy restaurant with delicious food!. The restaurant is bright and welcoming, and is a great place to check out for brunch or lunch. Their matcha is also pretty good!

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Willa Jean, owned by Kelly Fields, is a bakery and café that serves homemade pastries, sandwiches, and comfort food. The biscuits, gravy, and chicken sandwiches are some of the most popular items on the menu.

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The 3 best breakfast and brunch spots in New Orleans

Located at 611 O'Keefe Ave. in the Central Business District, the Southern restaurant and bakery is the most popular breakfast and brunch spot in New Orleans, boasting 4.5 stars out of 1,572 reviews on Yelp.

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I’ve only been to Cafe Du Monde, but that Willa Jean warm chocolate chip cookie looks right up my alley!. I would love to do a swamp tour and a cemetery tour!. This is a very well-done New Orleans guide!

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They have a fantastic happy hour menu where most items are 50% off. We loved this place so much we went twice – the brunch menu is equally as delicious!. Plus, the decor in here is hipster-chic.

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The playful menu at Willa Jean is a family friend choice, no matter what time of day you need a bite. Offering a blend of sharable “snacks” and tempting dishes, it might be your trip favorite.

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Culture Feasting

Best Lunch Spots in New Orleans

Willa Jean’s is a breakfast and lunch spot in the Central Business District that is top notch. Just a few short blocks from the Quarter will get you there.

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Family Destinations Guide

Best Breakfast in New Orleans, LA (2025) — 30 Top Places!

Willa Jean is a modern, airy brick-walled restaurant opened by Chef Kelly Fields, serving locally sourced Southern daytime cuisine and fresh baked goods.

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Restaurant Clicks

45 Best Restaurants in New Orleans in 2025

611 O’Keefe Ave, New Orleans, LA 70113Phone: 504-509-7334 Visit Website. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by Willa Jean (@willajeanneworleans)

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onlyinyourstate.com

Cafes & Coffee Shops | Only In New Orleans

Willa Jean in New Orleans offers one of the best chocolate chip cookies, combining a nostalgic treat with a welcoming atmosphere.

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Spokin

New Orleans Food Allergy-Friendly City Guide

Also, my friend who had a peanut allergy safely ate the avocado toast.”. @shosbein who manages celiac and a wheat allergy

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Imbibe Magazine

Where to find the best coffee in New Orleans

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ELYSIAN Magazine

Woman-Owned Restaurants in New Orleans

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Adventurous Kate

What to Eat in New Orleans

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