The day after Hurricane Francine brushed through Gretna, leaving minimal damage in its wake, the city seemed to breathe a collective sigh of relief. Nearly 350,000 people in the area were left without power due to the storm, but the city of Gretna seemed to have their entire electrical grid online. It felt like a safe haven, and I knew it would be a great spot for a hearty breakfast. I decided to head out because my home was still without power, and with the air crisp and cool from the hurricane pulling in a drier and cooler air mass from the north, I chose to visit Toast Restaurant, a cozy gem in Gretna, Louisiana, that promises more than just a meal—it delivers an experience.
From the moment you walk up to Toast, the charm is palpable. The soft blue hues of the exterior, coupled with the inviting ramp that makes the restaurant fully handicapped accessible, make it clear that this is a place for everyone. The intimate atmosphere, friendly staff, and the aroma of freshly cooked food wafting from the kitchen instantly set the stage for a delightful dining experience.
Inside, Toast has a warm, inviting layout. The restaurant features four large booths that can easily accommodate six to eight people, perfect for larger groups. In addition to the booths, there is ample seating at tables and a bar area. The design gives diners the flexibility to choose a more private, cozy booth or to sit at the tables for a more open dining experience. The bar area provides an additional seating option for those who prefer a casual breakfast or brunch while enjoying a good conversation with the staff.
This wasn’t my first visit to Toast, and as always, the restaurant maintained its inviting charm. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, Toast feels like home.
I requested a table for five, as I was accompanied by a female acquaintance, her sister, and their children. Initially, I was told there would be a 15-minute wait for a table. However, after giving my phone number at the hostess booth, I received a message saying it would actually be 25 minutes. In the end, it took about 20 minutes for a booth large enough to fit our party of five comfortably to open up, which wasn’t unreasonable.
Once we were seated, I started by ordering a coffee and then asked if they had café au lait, which is one of my favorite New Orleans coffees. The waitress initially brought me a regular coffee, and a few minutes later, my café au lait arrived. This was a bit confusing, so I sent the coffee back and kept the café au lait. Even though my coffee order was mixed up, they corrected it with no problem, and I appreciated their quick resolution.
Typically, when I come to Toast, I opt for the Hanger Steak and Eggs, which is one of my favorite dishes. However, today I decided to try something new: the Cured Salmon Toast, topped with scrambled egg. The dish was well executed, with the delicate saltiness of the salmon balanced by the creamy texture of the egg. The addition of cream cheese and capers gave each bite a fresh, tangy finish, making it a wonderfully light yet satisfying meal. The toast itself had just the right amount of crunch, holding up well under the generous toppings without becoming soggy.
You also have the option to top the salmon toast with a sunny-side-up egg, which in hindsight might have been a better choice for me. I tend to prefer the richness of a runny yolk, and I imagine it would have added a delightful layer of flavor to the dish. Nonetheless, the scrambled egg was a solid choice, but I’ll be trying the sunny-side-up version next time.
Alongside the salmon toast, I also ordered a side of Lyonnaise Potatoes, which, in my opinion, ended up being the highlight of the meal. These potatoes were perfectly cooked—succulent, flavorful, and well-seasoned. The balance of crispiness on the outside with a soft interior made them irresistible. It’s a side dish that Toast truly excels at, and one I would recommend to anyone visiting the restaurant.
The overall food presentation was excellent. However, one of my companions ordered two eggs sunny side up with grits. Although the food looked great, the eggs came out on a plate designed for potatoes. Even though this wasn’t a specific menu item and they were side dishes, in my opinion, the eggs should have come on a regular plate. Despite this minor issue, the eggs were cooked to perfection—not overcooked, with just the right amount of runny yolk.
For those who enjoy the outdoors, Toast’s expansive outdoor seating area is worth noting. Although I didn’t sit in this area, I could see that multiple covered patios provided shade for diners, while families gathered at large tables capable of seating up to eight people. The outdoor space even includes a small playground, with its vibrant mural backdrop and sturdy play structure. This added a sense of comfort, especially for parents looking to relax while their children played nearby. It’s clear that the space is designed to be family-friendly, allowing both kids and parents to enjoy their time at Toast.
Drinks & Cocktails
I enjoy indulging in brunch and treating myself to a mimosa every now and then, and Toast has them on the menu. They offer the flexibility to pick your flavor, whether you prefer classic orange juice, cranberry, or pineapple. While neither myself nor my companions opted for cocktails on this visit, it’s worth noting that their drink menu has a range of options. Along with mimosas, Toast offers classic brunch cocktails like the Bloody Mary and its non-alcoholic version, the Virgin Mary.
For those who enjoy trying something a bit different, there’s the Pomegranate Spritz, a refreshing and slightly tart option, or the Brandy Milk Punch, a New Orleans favorite for those looking for a richer, creamier cocktail. You can also find Irish Coffee, available hot or iced, for anyone wanting to add a little kick to their coffee experience.
If cocktails aren’t your style, Toast offers a wide selection of non-alcoholic beverages. The orange, cranberry, pineapple, and pomegranate juices pair well with their brunch menu, and for coffee lovers, you can choose between café au lait, lattes, or classic coffee. Whether you’re in the mood for a relaxing brunch with a mimosa or a more unique cocktail, the drinks menu has something for everyone.
Toast Restaurant offers an array of dishes that cater to a wide range of tastes. The menu features everything from hearty breakfasts to elegant crepes, giving diners plenty of options to choose from. For starters, the Fried Oyster Toast, accompanied by creamy corn maque choux, avocado, poached eggs, and a touch of jalapeño aioli, brings a Southern twist to the toast lineup, offering bold flavors and textures.
For those with a sweet tooth, the Sweet Crepes section offers delights like Strawberry & Chocolate Crepes or the more decadent Banana Nutella crepes. If you’re craving something savory, the Gruyère Crepes with Herbs and the Bacon, Onion, & Gruyère crepes bring rich, comforting flavors to the table.
Toast also serves classic breakfast plates, including the French Toast with Berries and the Hanger Steak, Eggs, and Lyonnaise Potatoes, perfect for those seeking a more filling meal. For something quintessentially Southern, the Fried Catfish with Grits offers a satisfying and hearty option.
When discussing the price point, I found what we ordered was within the expected range for a restaurant similar to Toast. The quality of the ingredients and portion sizes felt appropriate for what we paid.
As for the service, I feel there’s room for improvement. I don’t want to say it felt like I was at a breakfast restaurant like IHOP or Waffle House, but it didn’t quite meet the expectations of a restaurant of this caliber based on the service alone. However, the atmosphere and food did make up for this in many ways.
When it came time to leave, my entire party left feeling completely satisfied—full, but not too heavy—and with the sense of contentment you get after enjoying a great meal. In the aftermath of Hurricane Francine, choosing Toast Restaurant felt like the perfect decision. With power out across much of the region, Gretna stood out as a beacon of comfort with its fully operational grid, making it an ideal spot to grab a hearty breakfast. We weren’t just looking for food; we were looking for a slice of normalcy after the storm, and Toast delivered in more ways than one.
Overall, Toast continues to deliver a comforting dining experience, whether you’re a regular like myself or visiting for the first time. With its family-friendly outdoor space, diverse menu, and welcoming atmosphere, it’s a spot worth returning to time and time again. Every dish feels thoughtfully prepared, and there’s something undeniably special about dining in a place that feels both familiar and exciting at the same time.
If you’re interested in visiting Toast Restaurant, it’s located at 1711 Hancock St, Gretna, LA 70053. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick brunch or a leisurely meal with family and friends, Toast is a destination that won’t disappoint.
Ralph