Brenda’s French Soul Food

Why it matters: Brenda’s is the work of chef-owner Brenda Buenviaje, a Filipina-American raised in New Orleans who built a devoted following for her Creole and Southern cooking. The menu leans into her Louisiana roots with crawfish beignets, shrimp and grits, and hangtown fry, plus the occasional Filipino-inspired special. It’s a small, busy spot, so come off-peak or be ready to wait for those beignets.