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Willa Jean

4.3 (2.7k reviews)
Closed • 7:00 am - 3:00 pm
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Willa Jean Photos

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WILLA JEAN ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Moderate noise
Hipster
Trendy
Classy

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Recommended Reviews - Willa Jean

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Reviews With Photos

Kevin T.

Wow!! Willa Jean didn't disappoint. My Brussels sprouts were perfectly cooked and seasoned. Chicken biscuit was next level. Seasoned and cooked to perfection. They also sell fresh pastries to go. Tons of juice and coffee options are available. Service was outstanding. Plenty of seating and I love the decor. Bathroom was really clean. I am definitely working Willa Jean in the rotation next time I am in big easy. Tons of other options on the menu that I can't wait to try.

Halloween cookies
Emrehan K.

Skipped the hour-long wait for a table on a Saturday around noon and did pickup from the bakery counter instead, with 5 min wait. Grabbed cornbread, chocolate chip cookies, chia pudding, all amazing. Sat at the side tables looking outside, which was a nice way to do it. Great workaround if you don't want to wait for a table.

Waffle
Katie R.

Very quick service, great portions, well priced, eclectic but still approachable plate options. I would definitely come back. Biscuits were probably the best I've had in a while. Modern and cozy ambiance.

Gina L.

I love this place! Everything I've tried here has been a hit, and I honestly haven't had a bad dish yet. My go-to is the handover bowl, which is always a favorite! The food is consistently good, which is why I keep coming back. They're almost always busy, so I definitely recommend putting your name on the waitlist as soon as possible because the wait can get pretty long. My biggest complaint, though, is the service. Unfortunately, it's been an issue pretty much every time I've visited. The servers often seem a little disengaged, forget things we ask for, and take a long time to bring out food or other items. During my most recent visit, the table next to us had their food brought out before we had even placed our order, even though we had been seated first. It honestly felt like our server had forgotten about us completely. We shouldn't have to keep trying to get someone's attention just to place an order or get the things we need. I understand that restaurants get busy, but there's a difference between being busy and making your customers feel overlooked. It's frustrating because the food is genuinely so good, and the service doesn't match the quality of the experience. Overall, I still love this place and will probably keep coming back because the food is that good! I just really wish the service were more attentive, organized, and welcoming. With better service, this place would be even harder to beat.

Menu
Emily W.

We came for brunch on a Thursday afternoon and were sat right away. Our server Amari was great and prompt. The inside is super cute and the lights at the bar look like little whisks. The main look to the restaurant is grandmas kitchen especially with the pale green paint. We ordered and had our food in minutes even before our drinks. I got the biscuit with chicken and Tabasco Honey and it was great. A nice large piece of chicken and a lot of honey tabasco which made it sweet and savory. It was so large I couldn't finish it so I am glad I didn't get a side. I would come back for the quick service.

Tara R.

This is specifically for the grab and go coffee counter. It's a great option to grab a coffee or pastry to go. Not super spacious ordering, waiting can be tight trying to stay out of the way plus be acknowledged by barista. Good coffee. Willa Jean the restaurant otherwise is an open airy space. The hostess was cool greeted me upon entry and leaving.

Greg M.

Off the charts good! Used Yelp to find this place. Came in on a Sunday morning and had no issue with getting a table. Ordered some sort of platter that had scrambled eggs, cheese grits, sausage links, bacon and asked for sausage gravy as well. OMG, this thing was huge! Not a big eater of grits, but these were delicious! But the biscuit is worth bragging about. Never had anything quite so flakey. And the sausage gravy was out of this world. No shortage of sausage in it either. Coffee was also good. Server was fast and friendly. Would not hesitate to return.

Avocado  Toast
Richard J.

NFL gameday 3pm game in New Orleans, great breakfast spot blocks from the stadium. Great service and even better food.

Coconut cake
Samantha C.

This review is solely for the Southern coconut cake which I got to-go. I noticed that the cake was quite dense and hard because it was refrigerated when I first purchased it, so I waited until it was room temperature. Outstanding coconut flavor with hints of almond? The cake was light and fluffy, toasted coconut added the much needed textural difference + nuttiness, and frosting/custard layers were full of coconut flavor without being too sweet.

Front entry
Nicole F.

Cute, trendy place for breakfast/lunch. Portions were generous and the staff were really nice. The house made granola over yogurt was good but they had a heavy hand with the honey on top. I think they should put the honey on the side because it became too sweet to finish. The potatoes that come with the eggs are seasoned, heavily! They were good but too salty to keep eating. The sweet potato waffle was ok. The food was just solid but nothing particular strode out. Maybe we should have tried the biscuits or cornbread....

Fried Chicken Salad. Famous Biscuits, fried chicken and hot honey sauce.
Ryan W.

Willa Jean was one of those places that felt special the moment we walked in. The atmosphere is beautiful -- warm, stylish, inviting, and full of charm -- but what really made this place unforgettable for our family was the people. The staff was so kind, genuine, and welcoming, and our experience was made even more special by Michelle. She very quickly felt less like our waitress and more like a sweet new friend. We connected with her on a personal level, and that kind of kindness and authenticity is something you do not forget. She made us feel so comfortable, so cared for, and so at home. It is rare to meet someone who leaves that kind of impression, and we truly cannot wait to come back and see her again. Rocky, the manager, was also wonderful and helped make the whole experience feel extra thoughtful and welcoming. And of course, the food was absolutely outstanding. The fried chicken is, without question, one of the best we have ever had. And the homemade biscuits with hot honey sauce? Completely next level. Our family loved that combination so much, we came back for it twice during our trip -- and honestly, we would have happily gone back a third time. Willa Jean gave us more than just a great meal. It gave us one of our favorite memories from New Orleans. We left feeling full, happy, and genuinely grateful. The next time we are in NOLA, there is no question -- we will be back, and one of the things we are looking forward to most is seeing Michelle again.

bacon  egg  pimento cheese
Cecilia T.

We had an enjoyable breakfast here. Hits: -The pineapple mimosa was well balanced and refreshing. -The egg, bacon, and pimento cheese biscuit was awesome. It was of a size where we ate it with a knife and fork - there was no way to take a bite of something that big. We asked for a soft scramble and it was perfectly executed and the crispiness of the bacon was beautiful. Misses: -The deviled egg Cobb salad was an interesting mix of artisanal baby kale and the brown end of an old head of romaine. The ham was delicious, and the pickled onions were great, but it was way overdressed for my taste, and overall just a miss.

cornbread
Chloe L.

Super clean and modern brunch spot in downtown. Great for a hearty brunch. I would recommend coming for their Golden Hour from 7am-9am for some good deals on drinks/shareable bites. We ordered: - Cornbread: extremely moist. Very different from other cornbread I've had. So good we ordered it twice. This is half off during Golden Hour! - Granola bowl: surprisingly very filling. Very refreshing bite from all the food we've been having in Nola. Only $5 during Golden Hour! - Fried chicken biscuit: not your traditional biscuit but definitely a huge serving. Fried chicken was done nicely but the biscuit was a bit hard for our liking.

veggie omelet

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14 days ago

The biscuits are to die for! The cookies are also a top highlight - I tried the chocolate chip and peanut butter. Highly recommend!

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Willa Jean Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Willa Jean

Do they still serve the Mimosa Bar during brunch?

Can reservations be made? I see an online reservation tab but there are no times available on any days?

No reservations and be prepared for very long waits. The food and service quality have gone downhill recently and I no longer go there. No longer worth it and surly service

They don't serve crawfish anymore?

oh i don't know... i didn' have crawfish when i went.

I do not see mimosas on the menu but did see a pic of some small carafes. Are they unlimited? Please help as the menu is not clear

We were served a bottle of Champagne with three different juices to mix with. Very cool idea.

Does Willa Jean serve lunch on weekends along with or only brunch?

Brunch only.

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Crack'D Brunch - Bar details

Crack'D Brunch

4.1(380 reviews)
1.2 mi•Lower Garden District
•$$

I had the chicken & waffles & it was good!!! Out bartender Melissa was only 2 days in & she was…read moreawesome!! We will be back when we come back to the city!

TENS TENS TENS ACROSS THE BOARD IF I COULD. As soon as you…read moreenter you are greated warmly with a smile and if you are lucky it will be Joel at the door!! Joel is professional and kind; He's full of personality and definitely knows his stuff!! I highly recommend having a reservation. We were seated immediately due to having a reservation. The vibe of the location is the best. The colors and setting will brighten up your day. We'll thought out set up. Our server Aurry was amazing. She provided great service and awesome recommendations from drinks, apps and eats! Her personality was very pleasant and sweet. She was attentive but not overwhelming at all. Both Aurry and Joel contributed to the overall experience making it great. The FOOD was a HIT. Everything ordered was presented beautifully and delicious!!! The executive chef is definitely cooking very very well!!! We loved the Blue Crab Ragoon App as well as the Crab Cakes. There was nothing left on the plates. For entrées we had Banana Foster Pain Perdu, Side of Duck Bacon, Hashbrown, 100% Seafood Gumbo and Fried Catfish. Everything was seasoned to perfection and hot!!! Last but definitely not least are the Cocktails which were very good. Try the Cold Brew Martini if you like iced coffee type drinks and also try the Strawberry Lemon drop for a sweet treat. Both taste great and have a nice amount of spirits in them. This is a must try in NOLA. Will definitely return!!

Photos
Crack'D Brunch - View of restaurant

View of restaurant

Crack'D Brunch - "Slow Down, Relax" Cocktail

"Slow Down, Relax" Cocktail

Crack'D Brunch - Dining room

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Dining room

Molly's Rise and Shine - Hot chicken in a biscuit

Molly's Rise and Shine

4.2(498 reviews)
1.5 mi•Lower Garden District
•$$

My friend absolutely raved about this place! She adores their breakfast sandwiches and being…read moretourist wanted to try a local's favorite. I was quite skeptical of having banana peppers in a breakfast sandwich however was pleasantly surprise the extra crunch and vinegar flavor that added to the sandwich. It didn't overpower the sandwich at all and simply added to its flavor palate. I also tried the lemon celery soda, it had a hint of both and wasn't overpowering. It was interesting to try but I wouldn't necessarily try again. Service was super sweet. You order at the counter and then you find your seats. We were a bigger crowd of about 7 and thankfully found two tables that one of the workers had graciously moved together. It was busy for a rightfully so Saturday morning so patience is key although food came out quick! The decorations were pretty unique lots of 90s and early 2000s kids toys line the walls and your number is a trophy. The restaurant has good food and its own charm. If I lived in the area I'd come back again and again. Rightfully so I understand why my friend raves about this place!

We went on a Saturday morning around 11am and there was a decent line of people. It was pretty busy…read more(no tables available). The service was good and the staff were friendly. You have to wait in line to order/pay so depending on how difficult the group(s)/people(s) orders are ahead of you, will dictate how fast this process will go. The place is much bigger than I initially expected. There are 2 floors with seating. It would be hard to accommodate a large party but there's plenty of seating. I live the old 80's/90's theme and decor. Such a great throwback. We ordered 2 drip coffees (you get them in a to-go cups but you can get free refills), and the Grand Slam McMuffin. Both were great. Wish the sandwiches were bigger for the price you pay. $11.50 for a breakfast sandwich is pretty steep, but it's the price you pay considering everything is homemade. I would also like to point out that there is a discrepancy on the price of adding an egg. The menu says it's $2 more but we were charged $2.50. They should really update their menu or be upfront about it. Overall a great place to have a great breakfast. * Please note that you're not allowed to have someone save a table while another waits in line to order. You must order first before being allowed to take a table.

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Molly's Rise and Shine - Busy for breakfast, even at 11:45

Busy for breakfast, even at 11:45

Molly's Rise and Shine - Carrots yogurt

Carrots yogurt

Molly's Rise and Shine

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Gris-Gris - Watching chef plate an order of pork belly and watermelon

Gris-Gris

4.2(989 reviews)
1.2 mi•Lower Garden District
•$$

Went here for dinner on my wife's actual birthday. She hand picked this place. Let me just say that…read morethis place was amazing. The ambience of the place was great the servers and hostess everything was so great. They went out of their way to make sure I experience was unique and on point we had the Private dining level which it used to be an old house so it was built into three levels of a restaurant we had the Private level which had a private bar private bathroom everything which was amazing. Our server couldn't have been more perfect and that's even before we get to the food which the food was probably the best food while I Had on this trip in New Orleans and it's definitely the best oyster poor boy I've had. Ever. Food 5/5 Atmosphere 5/5 Location 5/5 Service 5/5 Return Factor 5/5

We had to make another trip to Gris Gris once they announced they would be closing at the end of…read morethe month. We've been a huge fan of Chef Cook over the years and we're really sad to see this gem closing. We decided to share a bunch of small plates and split a main dish. I got the frozen espresso martini to start which was refreshing on a hot summer day. We got the house salad, oyster BLT, pork belly & watermelon, bowl of gumbo and my mom's chicken and dumplings. The gumbo was my favorite starter and it's really hard to share a bowl because you want it all to yourself! I really enjoyed the oyster BLT with the crunchy oysters and crispy pork belly pieces. The main of chicken and dumplings is the epitome of comfort food. The service was amazing and staff is attentive. The food came out pretty quickly but we weren't rushed. Before leaving we made another reservation for this upcoming weekend before we have to say goodbye for good.

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Gris-Gris
Gris-Gris
Gris-Gris

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Luzianne Cafe

Luzianne Cafe

4.3(263 reviews)
0.4 mi•Warehouse District
•$$

Luzianne Cafe, which is based on the nostalgic tea brand of all our southern kiddos childhood, sits…read moreabout two blocks off of Poydras at the corner of Constance and Girod, and is a bright, open, well maintained cafe serving up breakfast and lunch classics in addition to a full bar that includes frozen boozy drinks...because New Orleans! We checked into our nearby hotel a bit early in the day and was looking to hit the streets for a spot to get a chill/light breakfast, a coffee and maybe a cocktail. We found all the things at Luzianne Cafe. Whether you belly up to the bar or grab a table, both of which are first come first serve, you start at the counter where you order, pay and grab your table number. It appears that during busy times they allow you to sit first and order from the QR at your table, this is an assumption given the code to order at the table, but the sign at the entry directed folks to the counter to order before sitting. For breakfast, we got the breakfast biscuit which came with eggs, bacon and cheese, and sided it with grits. The breakfast sandwich was solid, eggs were a bit soft and grits were more mealy than we are used to, but I think that may be authenticity of the area more than anything. I opted for the three option omelet with onion, sausage and gouda plus a side of sausage links. The omelet, though odd sounding combination turned out to be solid. Maybe it was my options, but it was decently "one note" in flavor. I tossed a little hot sauce on and that helped. However, while the sausage links were not much to look at, they were tasty, with a nice snap to the casing and meaty inside. To go with our breakfast, I got a cold brew with a splash of almond milk while my partner embraced NOLA and started his day with a bourbon sour. Both of us enjoyed our choices! Service was friendly and helpful at the counter/bar. The food runner was nice and then another member, assuming the Manager, that stopped by to check on us mid meal. She was super friendly and nice. Overall, we enjoyed our meal and drinks at Luzianne. Minor things noted, mainly on the cook of the eggs, but nothing awful. It his the spot and checked the boxes!

Came here for an early breakfast with my toddler and service was super friendly. Food was…read moredelicious, place had a lot of seating. I went by their recommendations and got the boudin Benedict, since that's not something I would find outside of NOLA. Got a huge sausage egg and cheese sandwich with the fluffiest eggs that was also super yummy. My 18 month old ate half of it. Would definitely return.

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Luzianne Cafe
Luzianne Cafe
Luzianne Cafe

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Willa Jean - bakeries - Updated October 2026

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