Born in La Ceiba, Honduras, Melissa Araujo grew up enjoying her grandmother’s cooking. In fact, it was in her grandmother’s kitchen that she first learned that food equals love. In 2020, Araujo opened Alma Café in the Bywater, serving bold and authentic Honduran cuisine, as a tribute to her grandmother and her heritage. Now, she is taking her culinary career to new heights with the opening of a second Alma Café in Mid-City.
It all started at the age of 14, when Araujo’s family moved to New Orleans in order to be close to other family members who had immigrated from Honduras. As a young teen, she began working in restaurants throughout New Orleans, and, while pursuing a degree in architecture (while simultaneously working in restaurants), she realized that her dream was to become a chef.
After a three-month internship in Milan, Italy — and years of working under top chefs in New Orleans, such as Susan Spicer, John Folse, Rick Tramonto and Alon Shaya — Araujo continued to hone her culinary craft. During this time, she opened Saveur Catering to serve events throughout New Orleans, and she later founded Oscar at PWB (a small kitchen in Arabi, Louisiana, that also offers full catering services).
Her crowning achievement—to date, anyway—has been the opening of Alma Café. This small but mighty restaurant landed Araujo as a semifinalist for a James Beard Award for Best Chef South in 2024.
One of her most popular dishes, the pollo chuco, is a deeply personal dish for Araujo. “[It is] inspired by my Honduran heritage, particularly the street food culture of San Pedro Sula,” she said. “It’s a fried chicken dish served with crispy green bananas (tajadas), a rich tomato sauce and tangy pickled onions. The taste is a perfect balance of crispy, savory and tangy, with layers of flavor in every bite.”
While pollo chuco is a traditional dish, Araujo has made it her own by marinating the chicken with a special blend of spices, frying it to perfection and pairing it with house-made sauces using fresh, local ingredients. The addition of tajadas fried to a golden crisp ensures a truly authentic experience. “Guests love Pollo Chuco because it’s flavorful, nostalgic and comforting,” Araujo said. “It’s a dish that tells a story, offering both a cultural experience and a hearty, satisfying meal.”
Other popular dishes include the huevos rancheros from the brunch menu, featuring scratch-made tortillas, fresh eggs and roasted tomato salsa. Another guest favorite is the “Lola Gray,” a unique brunch dish featuring a cathead biscuit, fried chicken, crawfish tails and chorizo-sage gravy. The old-fashioned burger — a double-patty burger topped with sharp cheddar, caramelized onions and house-made pickles served on a Dong Phuong brioche bun — also is popular among guests thanks to its balance of classic and bold flavors.
Of course, the menu also boasts desserts and cocktails. For something sweet, try the tres leches cake. “[It’s] moist, flavorful and topped with fresh whipped cream,” Araujo said. “It’s a nod to my Latin American roots. Meanwhile, the Chocolate Flourless Cake is decadent and rich, and it’s perfect for gluten-free guests seeking indulgence.”
On the cocktail menu, Aruajo suggests trying the smoky bourbon sour with a rosemary honey twist. “It combines depth and sweetness with a subtle smoky finish,” she said. “[Or,] the hibiscus margarita is a refreshing take on a classic margarita with vibrant floral notes.”
While all of these menu items are popular, Araujo changes her offerings seasonally in order to reflect the best of what local farmers and purveyors have to offer. “Local sourcing ensures the freshest ingredients, while supporting the community and sustainable farming practices,” she said. “It’s about creating a connection between our guests, and the people who grow and produce their food. We also create specials and introduce new items frequently to keep our offerings exciting for returning guests.”
As her culinary journey continues to unfold, Araujo is excited about Alma Cafe’s second location, which is opening in the former Mr. Ed’s space (301 N. Carrollton Ave.) in Mid-City. In addition to offering indoor and outdoor seating for 200 guests (including cozy corners and a central bar for casual dining), the restaurant will feature an oyster bar, a tortillera (dedicated tortilla-making station), a full-service cocktail bar and a specialty coffee bar.
While the interiors will carry Alma Cafe’s signature warmth and inviting charm, the Mid-City location will have unique design elements (such as natural wood finishes, tropical plants, handcrafted Honduran art, and a mix of vintage and modern touches) reflecting the neighborhood’s character. “Mid-City is a vibrant, diverse neighborhood that reflects the ethos of Alma Cafe,” Araujo said. “It’s the perfect spot to bring our food closer to more guests who appreciate our focus on locally sourced ingredients and cultural authenticity. I designed the space to ensure the space feels fresh yet familiar.”
The core menu at both locations will remain consistent—focusing on traditional dishes with a modern twist — but the Mid-City location will introduce unique specials like oysters and dishes that highlight the tortillera. Additionally, both locations will have an expanded offering of vegan and gluten-free options. These dishes include roasted vegetable tacos on corn tortillas and avocado toast with gluten-free bread.
“When I opened Alma in Bywater, my goal was to share the warmth and soul of Honduran cuisine,” Araujo said. “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. I want guests to feel welcomed, relaxed and connected. Alma is designed to feel like home — a place where everyone belongs and can share meaningful moments over great food.”
About the Chef
Melissa Araujo’s culinary career began to take off in northern Italy, where she worked in a number of top restaurants, but her craft has truly taken shape in New Orleans. After working under top chefs such as Susan Spicer, John Folse, Rick Tramonto and Alon Shaya, she opened Alma Cafe in 2020. She is now opening the second Alma Cafe in Mid-City.
