James Beard: Best Chef South 2024 semifinalist Melissa Araujo’s restaurant, Alma Cafe, known for its bold and authentic Honduran-inspired cuisine, is expanding with the opening of its second location in Mid-City New Orleans. Set to open in late 2024 at 301 North Carrollton Avenue, the new outpost will bring Araujo’s signature blend of Latin American flavors and New Orleans spirit to one of the city’s most dynamic neighborhoods.
Opened in the Bywater in 2020, Alma Café is a reflection of Chef Araujo’s deep connection to her heritage. The name “Alma” means soul in Spanish, and for Araujo, it captures the heart and soul she pours into every dish. The new Mid-City location promises to build on that legacy, offering both familiar favorites and new creations that celebrate the richness of Latin American cuisine. “My grandmother’s kitchen was where I first learned that food is love,” says Araujo in a statement. “When I opened Alma in Bywater, my goal was to share the warmth and soul of Honduran cuisine. We’ve had such an incredible journey. Opening a second location in Mid-City allows me to introduce even more people to the heart of Honduran cooking—simple, soulful, and filled with flavor.”
The menu at Alma Mid-City pays tribute to the food Araujo grew up with. Traditional dishes, rooted in Araujo’s childhood memories, are reimagined with a modern twist, using fresh, locally sourced ingredients to honor both her heritage and New Orleans’ bounty. Standouts include Baleada Sencilla – eggs, refried beans, house-made cream, queso fresco, and avocado served atop a house-made flour tortilla; Moros y Cristianos – Louisiana red beans and jasmine rice cooked in coconut milk and herbs; Hongos en Crema – locally sourced mushrooms with cashew cream and herbs; Aguachile Negro – local gulf shrimp and scallops with chile Morita and pasilla, served with red onions, avocado, English cucumber, jalapeño, and black garlic; Camarones a la Diable – Grilled gulf jumbo shrimp topped with Calabrian chile butter and Japanese panko bread crumbs; and Bistec Encebollado – hand-cut sirloin and caramelized onions served with black beans and local jasmine rice infused with seasonal veggies.
The Mid-City location will have an oyster bar, along with a dedicated tortillera, turning out fresh handmade tortillas throughout the day. An array of seasonal specials as well as expanded vegan and gluten-free options to reflect Chef Araujo’s commitment to inclusive, health-conscious dining, will also be on offer. Alma Café Mid-City will also feature a full-service cocktail bar, offering drinks imbued with Honduran and New Orleans spirit. Fresh juices, house-made syrups, and agua frescas will showcase the produce and herbs grown in Araujo’s at-home garden. For coffee lovers, Alma’s specialty coffee bar will feature a variety of Honduran beans and house-made creations.
Designed to capture the warmth and vibrancy of a traditional Honduran kitchen, the Mid-City space will offer seating for 200 guests, including both indoor and outdoor dining. The restaurant’s décor will feature natural wood tones, tropical plants, and handcrafted Honduran art, creating an atmosphere that feels both modern and rooted in cultural tradition. The space will embody community and celebrate the joy of home cooking.
Continuing its dedication to sustainability, Alma Café Mid-City will source ingredients from local farmers and purveyors, ensuring that each dish is not only delicious but also supports the local economy and environment. Chef Araujo’s strong partnerships with Louisiana farmers will allow her to incorporate the best seasonal produce into her recipes while staying true to the flavors of her Honduran heritage. “Our food is a reflection of where we come from,” Araujo explains. “It’s important to me that we respect both the traditions of my ancestors and the land we’re cooking from. By partnering with local farmers, we’re able to bring the freshest ingredients to the table while honoring the planet and community.”
Alma Cafe will open in late 2024 at 301 North Carrollton Avenue in Mid-City.
