Loretta's Authentic Pralines - French Market — Restaurant in New Orleans

Ah, Loretta. The name alone evokes visions of Southern charm, sugar-dusted nostalgia, and a grandmotherly wink that says, “Come on in, baby.” So naturally, I did. Along with half of New Orleans and a few stray tourists who thought they were lining up for jazz.

The line? Biblical. A pilgrimage of praline disciples snaking through the French Market like it was the last sweet stand before the Rapture. I queued with the faithful, clutching hope and a faint memory of what my legs used to feel like before standing still for 40 minutes.

Finally, I reached the counter. The air was thick with anticipation and powdered sugar. I ordered the rum praline and the coconut praline, two flavors that sounded like they’d been kissed by a Caribbean breeze and blessed by a Bourbon Street bartender.

And then… the taste.

Let’s just say the rum praline whispered “party,” but forgot to RSVP. A faint boozy echo, like someone waved a bottle of Captain Morgan near it and called it a day. The coconut one? Texturally confused. Like a snowball trying to be a candy bar. Sweet, yes. Memorable? Only in the way a lukewarm handshake is.

Now, my wife, bless her discerning taste buds, found them delightful. She described them as “comforting,” “classic,” and “exactly what I wanted.” Which, in our marriage, translates to: “You’re wrong, but I love you anyway.”

So here we are. I’m the curmudgeon in the praline parade, the lone dissenter in a sea of sticky-fingered joy. Maybe I missed the magic. Maybe my Brooklyn-born palate was expecting a bit more bite, a bit more bravado. Or maybe, just maybe, Loretta’s is best enjoyed with a side of sentiment and a heart two shades sweeter than mine.

Would I go back? Only if my wife insists. And she will. I’ll be the guy in line again, composing another review in my head while she hums with praline...

Loretta’s in New Orleans is a hidden gem that serves up the best beignets in the city. From the moment you take your first bite of their fluffy, perfectly fried beignets, you’ll understand why this place is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. The beignets at Loretta’s are truly exceptional, but the real standout is their praline stuffed beignets. The combination of the light, pillowy dough and the rich, gooey praline filling creates a truly indulgent treat that will leave you craving for more.

But the deliciousness doesn’t end with the beignets at Loretta’s. Their sweet potato pies are an absolute must-try. With a buttery, flaky crust and a velvety smooth sweet potato filling, these pies are simply irresistible. Each bite is a heavenly blend of comforting flavors that will transport you to a place of culinary bliss.

What makes Loretta’s even more special is the warm and welcoming atmosphere. The staff is friendly, and their passion for their craft is evident in every aspect of the experience. Whether you’re dining inside the cozy café or enjoying your treats outside in the lively streets of New Orleans, the ambiance adds a touch of magic to your visit.

Loretta’s commitment to quality and authentic flavors shines through in every bite. The attention to detail and the use of fresh, high-quality ingredients make their beignets and sweet potato pies truly exceptional. It’s evident that a lot of love and care goes into each creation.

The next time you find yourself in New Orleans, be sure to make a stop at Loretta’s. You won’t be disappointed. Indulge in their mouthwatering praline stuffed beignets and treat yourself to the heavenly sweet potato pies. Your taste buds will thank you, and you’ll understand why Loretta’s is a beloved institution...

Terrible service. Stopped by around 2pm on a Friday afternoon and we were maybe 3rd in line. No greeting whatsoever from the cashier just an annoyed stare. I ordered some pralines and a couple of beignets and gave them my name. A few minutes pass and a gentleman calls out two names, one being mine, and I see the gentleman that ordered before me go up to the counter and grab his order. When I go up, assuming the other order called was mine, there's no orders on the counter so I ask the woman at the counter that the gentleman in the back had called out my name and I was checking if that was mine or another persons by the same name. I'm immediately met with, "No one called your name and that guy in the back hasn't left that room all day." I say, "OK, so that guy didn't just come out and say two names?" She says, "No". She then goes to the back and talks to him and he confirms he did call two names and put the orders on the counter. No apology, no nothing other than, "Your order ain't ready" and an eye roll as she retreats to the back. Five minutes later she comes out, tosses the bag on the counter and says, "There!".

I get that it's hot and they are dealing with a lot of people but the attitude was uncalled for. I've worked service for over a decade and this was ridiculous. Completely spoiled my mood to the point where I was going to demand a refund but I was tired of dealing with them.

The pralines and beignets were delicious but I'm going to have a hard time recommending them to others...