Lilly's Café
New Orleans
Parking can be a bit of a scramble, so it's best to allow extra time to find a spot.
Nestled on Magazine Street, Lilly's Café brings a cozy blend of Vietnamese cuisine to the vibrant culinary landscape of New Orleans. This casual dining venue prides itself on delivering a straightforward yet satisfying dining experience centered around the flavors and traditions of Southeast Asia. Stepping inside, patrons are met with a bustling yet relaxed atmosphere—a testament to its popularity among locals seeking a hearty meal or a refreshing break from their day.
The menu offers a commendable array of authentic Vietnamese dishes designed to satisfy a range of dietary preferences. Traditional pho varieties are a staple, offering options such as chicken, beef, and vegetarian with tofu and vegetables. These soups are celebrated for their well-balanced broths that avoid overpowering spices, ensuring a comforting meal. For those seeking something heartier, the café's rice plates, like spicy chicken and lemongrass pork, provide robust yet balanced flavors evocative of Vietnamese home cooking.
Appetizer enthusiasts can indulge in a variety of small plates, including spring rolls and crab rangoons that are perfect for sharing. For a mix of crispy and savory, the butterfly shrimp rolls paired with plum sauce make a delightful start to any meal. Complementing the food, the drink menu serves Vietnamese iced coffee and lemongrass tea, both popular for their authentic and refreshing flavors that appeal especially in New Orleans' warmer climate.
Patrons at Lilly's Café appreciate the friendly service, characterized by genuine warmth and attentiveness that makes every visit feel personal. It's a place well-suited for solo diners, small groups, or those simply looking to unwind with a meal that reflects the authentic charm of Vietnamese street food. While it may not focus on upscale dining, it provides a consistent experience revolving around honest, flavor-forward dishes.
With its emphasis on straightforward, comforting meals and approachable atmosphere, Lilly's Café remains a favored spot for enjoying a casual lunch or dinner on Magazine Street, outside the city's hustle.
Reviews
Awesome place! Very authentic and tasty food and Lilly's recommendations went down very well indeed. Very filling plates and too tasty to stop eating.
Cute little place on Magazine street (away from the hustle and bustle). Quick service. Flavorful bahn mi, the bread is more po-boy style than the crusty French bread. It was a delightful change. I also had the crab lagoon. Just me I didn't like the sauce that came with...was looking for something sweeter maybe.
Lilly's Café is that girl. This was my first time visiting (even though they've clearly been THAT place forever), and now I'm mad I waited so long. From the moment you walk in, it's cozy, welcoming, and full of character. There's literally a wall of awards, Gambit's Best Of, Yelp awards, and even "WHEREY'AT" recognition. They've earned every one of them, because Lilly's lives up to the hype! I ordered: * Matcha Milk Tea - 10/10. Creamy, flavorful, and now has a chokehold on me. I'm coming back just for this! * Grilled Chicken Rolls (appetizer) - 10/10. Fresh, tasty, and perfectly wrapped. * Spicy Tofu with Rice & Veggies - 7/10. The flavor great, but was a little salty and wasn't hot at all. * My friend had the Spicy Shrimp Pho - 10/10 After our meal, we stepped outside to take a few pics and Lilly came out to greet us. She was so sweet and just genuinely grateful. She shared how blessed she feels to run Lilly's and that energy made the experience even better. Fast service, flavorful food, and unmatched hospitality. I'll absolutely be back.
Great spot with delicious food and even better value! Lilly’s cafe was a pleasant lunch affair for our group of six. We had a combination of summer rolls, fried shrimp rolls, and vegetable rolls. I had these for my main, the other people in my group had pho. We phoroughly enjoyed our food. A great restaurant to escape the typically greasy cuisine of the south. Highly recommended visit. Lilys have clearly won many awards for their outstanding restaurant (pictured). I have never particularly understood some of the more brothy Asian cuisine such as pho or ramen. I understand it’s nice, as people I’m with often request it, but to me it is somewhat boring tasting, and does not fit my typical meal time requirements. Certainly a suitable dish to be had when escaping from the heat.
