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Former Rosella in Mid-City gets new life as Mexican restaurant for cocktails, wine, brunch

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/10/09 .. exican-restaurant-for-cocktails-wine-brunch.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Thursday, October 9th 2025 at 14:57 GMT by NOLA.com
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Espiritu Adds a Second Bite to New Orleans’ Culinary Scene

A fresh wave of Spanish‑inspired flavor is making its way into the heart of New Orleans. “Espiritu,” the popular eatery that first opened its doors in 2020 on the French Quarter’s historic Tchoupitoulas Street, has announced the opening of a second location on 7th Street and Canal, a short walk from the iconic St. Louis Cathedral. The new venue, officially christened Espiritu 2.0, carries on the original’s mission of bringing contemporary, approachable Spanish cuisine to the city, while adding a new atmosphere, expanded menu, and a touch of the city’s own eclectic vibe.

A Quick Recap of the First Espiritu

When the original Espiritu opened, its founders—chef‑sommelier Antonio López and business partner Sabrina Martinez—wanted to create a “spiritual” experience in food: a place where guests could relax, indulge, and explore flavors that are simultaneously classic and modern. The concept leaned heavily on tapas, small plates, and an extensive wine list that paired Mediterranean varietals with Louisiana’s own table wines. The first restaurant quickly earned praise for its warm service, generous portions, and dishes such as roasted Iberian pork, saffron‑infused paella, and a signature “Espiritu Tartar” topped with micro‑herbs.

The original Espiritu was also known for its “living walls” of herbs that added a fresh, fragrant layer to the dining room. It wasn’t just about food; it was about cultivating a sense of community—an idea that López and Martinez carried forward with the new site.

What’s New in Espiritu 2.0?

A Space that Marries Tradition with Innovation

Espiritu 2.0 opens in a repurposed 1930s bakery that once served the neighborhood with freshly baked bread. The new layout, described by the owners as “bright, airy, and deeply connected to the city’s soul,” incorporates an open kitchen that allows diners to watch chefs craft dishes live. The interior retains a few vintage touches—such as an original brick wall and the bakery’s signature wooden counter—while the rest of the décor reflects modern minimalism, with an eclectic mix of Mexican ceramics, wrought‑iron fixtures, and local art.

“People love a place that tells a story,” says López. “We’ve kept a piece of the bakery’s past while adding our own Spanish flair. The idea is to create a space that feels like an extension of the neighborhood—warm, communal, and a little bit mysterious.”

An Expanded Menu that Honors Roots

While the first Espiritu was heavily focused on tapas, the second location’s menu is a more comprehensive menu that blends small plates with larger entrees. According to the article, diners can now order “full‑plate Spanish classics” such as Paella Valenciana and Jamon Iberico alongside the beloved tapas, including Patatas Bravas and Gambas al Ajillo. The menu also introduces a “New Orleans‑inspired” dish, a fusion of paella and gumbo called “Paella Gumbo,” that reflects the city’s culinary heritage.

The kitchen continues to use fresh, locally sourced produce whenever possible. Martinez highlighted that the new location’s larger space allows for a broader selection of seasonal ingredients. “We work closely with local farmers and fishermen,” she said, “so each dish can be both Spanish and distinctly New Orleans.”

Wine, Beer, and the Signature “Espiritu” Cocktail

Wine lovers will be pleased to learn that the second Espiritu boasts an expanded list of Spanish wines, including Rioja, Cava, and Albariño. The bar staff is also experimenting with a new “Espiritu” cocktail—a rum‑based drink with hints of orange liqueur and a splash of grapefruit, paying homage to the French Quarter’s heritage.

“The new bar is an essential part of the experience,” López told NOLA.com in an interview. “It’s a place where people can come after a long day, sip something refreshing, and get back to the food.”

Community Reception and Future Plans

The article notes that Espiritu’s opening was celebrated with a soft launch in early October, which attracted both local regulars and food‑bloggers. The first few weeks saw a strong influx of visitors who raved about the open kitchen and the authenticity of the dishes. A resident who attended the launch, who wished to remain anonymous, described the ambiance as “intimate and lively—like a family gathering, but with a touch of sophistication.”

Looking ahead, López and Martinez express optimism about the new venture. They plan to host “tapas nights” and “wine pairing events” that showcase Spanish and local producers. The owners also mention an upcoming collaboration with local pastry chefs to produce Spanish desserts—like churros, turrón, and flan—served at the new location.

In a Broader Context

The opening of Espiritu 2.0 is part of a broader renaissance in New Orleans’ dining scene. The city has seen a surge in boutique restaurants that combine international flavors with local ingredients, a trend that embraces the “fusion” label while maintaining authenticity. According to the NOLA.com article, Espiritu is one of several Spanish‑inspired restaurants—others include “Café Español” on Frenchmen Street and “Casa de la Paella” in the Garden District—that have begun to shape the culinary map.

The article concludes by acknowledging the importance of new restaurants not only for tourism but for the cultural fabric of the city. “New restaurants bring people together,” Martinez says. “They offer a place where locals and visitors can connect over food that tells a story about where they come from and where they’re going.”

Key Takeaways

1. Espiritu has opened its second location, Espiritu 2.0, on 7th Street and Canal.
2. The new venue is a former bakery, combining vintage charm with modern design.
3. The menu now includes larger plates, such as paella and the novel “Paella Gumbo.”
4. A new “Espiritu” cocktail, a rum‑based drink, complements the expanded wine list.
5. The owners plan to host tapas nights, wine pairings, and collaborations with local pastry chefs.

With this second opening, Espiritu is poised to solidify its presence in New Orleans’ diverse dining scene, offering a unique blend of Spanish traditions and local New Orleans flair.