New Orleans Creole Cafe

Specialties

Owned and operated by Mark Bihm and Humberto Villegas, New Orleans Creole Café opened in 2004. Our main focus is the food, which is based on recipes handed down through 7 generations of Mark's family. We proudly serve authentic Creole dishes and Abita Beers. In order to keep our dishes authentic, many of the ingredients along with all of the Brews are imported directly from Louisiana. Jambalaya and Crawfish Etouffee are our specialties, but there are also many other wonderful dishes to try. Come join us for a taste of New Orleans!

Owner

Mark B. and Humberto V.
Mark is a New Orleans native with family dating back to the 1750s in Opelousas, Louisiana, just north of Lafayette. He has been in the restaurant business for 40 years starting as a dishwasher at the age of 14. His first 10 years in the business were in Louisiana with the last 30 being in California. He has prepared and designed menus and courses in both Louisiana and California and has worked as a merchandiser for the Nordstrom Restaurants for 7 years. Today, along with the many hats he wears as being an owner of a small restaurant, you will find him in the kitchen happily cooking away. I love cooking! It's one of my true passions.
Humberto is a Southern California native. It had been a dream of his for several years to open a restaurant. After many years in the design field, his dream became a reality with New Orleans Creole Café. I've always wanted to own and run a restaurant. I love New Orleans and their food. This was the perfect combination.

Business info

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  Takes Reservations

  Yes
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  Many Vegetarian Options

  Yes
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  Accepts Credit Cards

  Yes
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  Accepts Apple Pay

  Yes
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  Outdoor Seating

  Yes
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  Casual

  Yes
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  Quiet

  Yes
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  Good for Groups

  Yes
• accessibility
  Good For Kids

  Yes
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  Good for Lunch, Dinner

  Yes
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  Street Parking, Private Lot Parking

  Yes
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  Waiter Service

  Yes
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  Beer & Wine Only

  Yes
• tv
  TV

  Yes
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  Gender-neutral restrooms

  Yes
• fastfood
  Offers Catering

  No
• wifi
  Wi-Fi

  No
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  Bike Parking

  Yes

Last Reviews

• Author: Michael Mcilroy

  29 September 2025

  By far the best dining experience I have had while visiting San Diego. While I enjoy the great seafood and numerous mexican food restaurants this was a pleasant change. Being from the south I have had my share of Creole food and I have to say this was OUTSTANDING. The love put into the food and service by Mark and Humberto made our stop the best of our trip. Give the Camellia Red Beans and Rice, Chicken & Shrimp Gumbo, and the Bread Pudding with Whiskey Sauce a try. You will be licking your lips and planning your next trip. I HIGHLY recommend this amazing dining facility to all who visit San Diego. Seek out the location, you will not be disappointed.

• Author: Kevin McKern

  22 September 2025

  This restaurant was by far my favorite dining experience on our first stay at Old Town San Diego! Its a smaller Creole cafe behind the Whaley House and offers a more peaceful and relaxing dining. I had the Crawfish Ettoufe for the first time and it was DELICIOUS! Highly recommend visiting this place and will return again!

• Author: MrAce Wallace

  15 September 2025

  This place runs circles around the abundance of Mexican restaurants in the area. I'd highly suggest this if you're looking for something different.