New Orleans
Why New Orleans Is the Perfect Birthplace for Alma Cafe
In a city built on rhythm, resilience, and celebration, few places are as alive as New Orleans. For Alma Cafe, the neighborhood streets, vibrant culture, and deep-rooted family history make this city more than a location—it’s the very essence of our soul. Five generations of the Araujo family have called New Orleans home, and with every brick, balcony, and beat of the music, we feel the call to bring our café’s spirit to life here.
Chef Melissa Araujo’s lineage in New Orleans is a tapestry woven across decades. Her uncle Gus and older brother Oscar Augusto both served our country with pride in the Marine Corps, embodying the dedication and service that underpin our family’s values. Raised by hardworking, middle-class parents, Melissa learned that hospitality is the heart of community—sharing a meal can forge bonds that outlast generations.
“In every neighborhood block and shotgun house, I see the footsteps of my ancestors—each one reminding me why New Orleans deserves Alma Cafe.”
From the pastel-hued shotgun houses of Mid-City to the ornate ironwork of the French Quarter, New Orleans is a gallery without walls. Alma Cafe’s design takes inspiration from these iconic patterns:
Murals & Masonry: Hand-painted scenes of the Mississippi River and Market Street Cajun vendors adorn our walls.
Reclaimed Wood & Wrought Iron: Tables built from local mill scraps and decorative iron accents echo the city’s historic balconies.
Every detail honors the city’s eclectic charm and the artists who make these streets their stage.
New Orleans cuisine tells a story of convergence—West African spice, French technique, Native American staples, and Spanish influence. Alma Cafe continues this tradition by fusing:
Honduran-Modern Recipes: Family-treasured pastelitos stuffed with beef, alongside craft cocktails.
Our menu is a celebration of diversity—honoring each flavor lineage while creating something entirely new.
New Orleanians face adversity with music, feasts, and festivals. Alma Cafe embodies this spirit by opening our doors with “laissez les bons temps rouler”—let the good times roll—inviting neighbors to gather, share stories, and nurture hope over every cup of coffee and slice of cake.
Family Portraits: Black‑and‑white photo of my father and mother. photos of family and myself.
Come experience Alma Cafe in the heart of New Orleans—where family heritage, art, and flavor converge. Sign up for our newsletter to receive Chef Melissa’s seasonal recipes and invitations to exclusive community events.
