Cafe Malou — Restaurant in New Orleans

I am always very transparent about my reviews and how I come to a conclusion. 4 stars is “good place, good value. 3 stars Yeah, ok. Go if you want. It is never just about the food, the concert, or the tour guide. It is about the experience. One part might be fantastic, but another meh, then you must be honest.

I give my recent visit 3 stars, and here is why.

Ambience: I know this building well from previous visits when others were operating there. Part of the Octavia Books former grocery store building, there is a lot to like and look at. However, once the place fills up a bit, the sound levels and echoes the building gives make it nearly impossible to enjoy a breakfast conversation. I felt like I was in Cooter Brown’s on a Friday night. Menus arrive that appear to double as placemats, which is fine but are taken away after ordering? Is this a green thing? Then just put the menu on the wall and save the trees.

Service: It was ok. Lo** was our waiter and took our order in time. Coffee arrived after a bit, then followed by breakfast. We never saw the waiter again until we asked for the check, and then the first offer for refills for our coffees was made. Missed opportunity. I get it, this place is new, and there might be growing pains.

Food: TBH, it wants to be more than it delivers. We had the Breakfast Sandwich (bacon, egg and cheese on a roll) and that is the photo I attached. Presentation is good but here is where the confusion begins: a brioche “roll” and a “slab” of egg. A breakfast sandwich is typically made with greasy bacon and a nice slice of cheese, providing the “heavier” parts of the dish so why the brioche? The bun was really great but it is full of butter, as brioche should be, and that made the sandwich a greasy deal. Then the egg, what is it? A half-inch circular slab of homogenous egg. An interesting visual, for sure, but it comes with the texture and flavor of scrambled eggs you get at a roadside hotel. No texture, no flavor, no curds in the puck. The other dish was Riccota and Clemantine Sandwich that neither disappointed nor left an impression. Oh yeah, we had a side of the roasted potatoes with an “aioli-looking drizzle” that tasted closer to mayo and little other flavor on the potatoes.

So, if you want, go ahead and enjoy a meal here. The location in the old grocery store turned bookstore/cafe is lovely and unique. I was very happy to see the place rocking with patrons since being so new, and I wish the team there much success. I’ll be back, as I love the bookstore and am pleased the cafe...

I’m absolutely thrilled to be one of the first to review Café Malou! This new gem, conveniently attached to Octavia Books, is bound to become a neighborhood favorite. I loved the vibe - whether you want to sit up front and be part of the action or in the booths in the back for a quieter experience this is a fun spot.

I had the baked grits à la carbonara, and let me just say—it was perfection on a plate. The dish was a beautiful balance of flavors, with the eggs cooked to perfection and a creamy richness that’s hard to describe but impossible to forget.

There is something majestic about the bacon. I’ve eaten a lot of bacon in my life, and this might be some of the best I’ve ever had. Crispy, smoky, and full of flavor—it was an absolute standout.

And let’s not forget the coffee. I’m always on the hunt for a great cup, and Café Malou delivers. Their coffee is smooth, rich, and satisfying—so much so that I’ve already decided it’s going to be my new go-to spot for a caffeine fix.

Café Malou is off to an incredible start, and I can’t wait to come back and try more from their menu. If you’re in the area, do yourself a favor and stop by—you...

Café Malou is such a charming gem — equal parts neighborhood café and elegant retreat. The space is filled with calming tones of sage and cream, natural textures, and beautiful light that creates a serene atmosphere. Thoughtful details — fresh flowers on the tables, curated artwork on the walls, and the gentle hum of conversation — make it a place you immediately feel at ease.

I enjoyed the house granola and yogurt with blueberry jam, paired with a Maple Vanilla Café au Lait — both absolutely delightful. The granola was fresh and textured, with brightness from the blueberry, and the café au lait was smooth, lightly sweet, and comforting. Together, it felt like the perfect start to the morning.

The menu offers refined but approachable choices, with thoughtful touches that feel elevated yet never fussy. Service was warm and unrushed, allowing the experience to feel both gracious and restorative.

A true neighborhood treasure, Café Malou blends quiet sophistication with comfort and ease. I can’t wait to return and try more from the menu — the French toast and baked eggs are already...