My Favorite Lunch Spot :: 1000 Figs
The perfect lunch spot needs to hit a few notes for me: a pretty setting, special but not overly expensive food, and counter service for ease of ordering and paying. 1000 Figs meets all of these requirements and is my current favorite lunch spot.
I first went to 1000 Figs a few years ago to celebrate my birthday with some friends. Since then, I’ve used any excuse to go again: my daughter’s birthday lunch, a “homeschool mom teacher appreciation meal” with my best friend, picking it up for dinner to go, and a midweek date spot for my husband and me. It’s the type of place that feels special enough for a casual celebratory meal but doesn’t break the bank so you can also pick it up for a weeknight dinner or park picnic. However, I definitely enjoy eating at the actual restaurant the most.
The setting has that dreamy New Orleans charm. It’s nestled in a lovely, walkable neighborhood near the fairgrounds across from Cafe Degas and next door to Swirl Wine Bar. The restaurant is small and light filled with big windows. I would say it’s best for a smaller group, probably a max of 8 people as there are just a few tables. But even those tables are lovely wood with drawers where you’ll find your napkins and utensils. In nice weather, my husband and I have also enjoyed sitting at one of the tables just outside which is reminiscent of a French sidewalk cafe, one of my favorite things in the world.
The food is where things really shine. The menu is small, which is my preference because that usually means things will be prepared with excellence and consistency. Everything is fresh and flavorful, filling without being heavy. You can order platters to share, appetizers (mezze), or a delicious pita sandwich situation. My typical order is the falafel platter which includes their crispy falafel—a chickpea and spices fried ball. This is served with their kale and cabbage slaw, perfectly smooth hummus and several sauces with either their house baked focaccia, which is absolutely divine, or crudite if you want to keep things on the lighter side. If you’re unfamiliar, the sauces are toum: a whipped garlic sauce that requires mints afterwards but is delicious, tahini: a creamy sesame sauce, and zhoug: a bright green, herby mixture. All of these pair beautifully with the falafel or the buttermilk chicken. I like to add the whipped feta to my order and start with the Brussels sprouts which are flash fried and tossed in a lemon vinaigrette. Those are a must! We also love the hibiscus iced tea which is lightly sweetened, refreshing, and a gorgeous purple. If we’re going as a family, we will get one falafel platter, one buttermilk chicken platter, fries and Brussels sprouts. This is more than enough for our family of five!
1000 Figs is a restaurant I’m always trying to fit into my plans (it’s open for lunch and dinner M-S, 11:30am-9pm) and consistently makes the list when people ask me for New Orleans food recommendations. It’s kid friendly because of the quick service and the French fries, although I think the best way to enjoy it is with a table of girlfriends or on a lunch date.