20 Louisiana Eateries You Have to Taste to Believe
When it comes to unforgettable food, Louisiana doesn’t just show up it shows off. From steamy bowls of gumbo and buttery crawfish étouffée to beignets buried in powdered sugar, this state lives and breathes flavor. Whether you’re in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, or a small-town bayou hideaway, the food tells a story and that story is delicious. Here are 20 must-visit Louisiana eateries that serve up bold, soulful dishes you truly have to taste to believe.
1. Dooky Chase’s Restaurant
A Creole institution in New Orleans, Dooky Chase’s Restaurant is legendary for its gumbo, fried chicken, and pivotal role in civil rights history. Dining here feels like a journey through time, as each dish tells a story steeped in rich tradition.
The walls are adorned with vibrant artwork, creating an atmosphere that is both lively and elegant. This restaurant isn’t just about the food; it’s an experience that nourishes both the stomach and the soul.
Visiting Dooky Chase’s is like stepping into a living museum, where delicious flavors meet historical significance.
2. Cochon
In New Orleans, Cochon stands out for its modern Cajun cuisine with a rustic twist. The wood-fired oysters are a must-try, exuding a smoky flavor that delights the senses.
Smoked pork ribs and boudin add to the menu’s allure, each bite offering a taste of Cajun innovation. The atmosphere is casual yet refined, echoing the dishes’ rustic charm.
It’s not just a meal at Cochon; it’s a culinary adventure that leaves a lasting impression, lingering in your memory long after you’ve left the table.
3. Mother’s Restaurant
Mother’s Restaurant in New Orleans is a hub of culinary activity, known for the legendary “Ferdi Special” po’boy and unparalleled debris gravy. The atmosphere is a lively din of chatter and clatter, echoing the city’s vibrant spirit.
The po’boys are messy, the crowd is loud, but every bite is absolutely worth it. As you dig into the generous portions, you’ll find comfort in the chaotic energy that surrounds you.
Mother’s is a place where food and culture collide, offering an authentic taste of New Orleans that is both hearty and satisfying.
4. Prejean’s Restaurant
Nestled in Lafayette, Prejean’s Restaurant is known for its quirky decor and down-home Cajun cooking. The gator bites are a local favorite, offering a unique, flavorful experience that’s both bold and delightful.
Crawfish enchiladas add a rich, creamy texture to the menu, blending traditional ingredients with innovative flair. Every corner of the restaurant exudes charm, inviting you to relax and enjoy.
Prejean’s offers more than just a meal; it’s an immersion into the heart of Cajun culture, where every dish tells a story of love and tradition.
5. Willie Mae’s Scotch House
Willie Mae’s Scotch House in New Orleans is famous for its award-winning fried chicken, a dish that has captured hearts and taste buds nationwide. The chicken is crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and seasoned to perfection.
The restaurant exudes a cozy, familial atmosphere, where each guest is treated like family, adding to the warmth of the dining experience. The accolades are well-deserved, but tasting is believing.
Eating at Willie Mae’s is more than just enjoying fried chicken; it’s partaking in a cherished New Orleans tradition that delights with every bite.
6. Acme Oyster House
Acme Oyster House, with multiple locations in Louisiana, is a seafood lover’s paradise. Chargrilled oysters are the star of the menu, sizzling and dripping in garlic butter, making for a truly indulgent treat.
The restaurant buzzes with energy, with patrons and waitstaff adding to the lively atmosphere. Seafood platters are generously sized, inviting diners to share and savor together.
Acme Oyster House embodies the vibrant spirit of Louisiana’s culinary scene, where each meal is a celebration of flavor and camaraderie, leaving you craving for more.
7. The Chimes
In Baton Rouge, The Chimes stands as a local hangout with a massive beer list and classic Southern dishes. Red beans and rice are a staple, offering a comforting, hearty meal that warms the soul.
Crawfish étouffée and alligator sausage pasta add to the menu’s appeal, each dish bursting with authentic Southern flavors. The atmosphere is lively, filled with the chatter of locals enjoying their favorite spot.
The Chimes offers more than just a meal; it’s a gathering place where food and community come together in a celebration of Louisiana’s culinary heritage.
8. Domilise’s Po-Boy & Bar
Domilise’s Po-Boy & Bar in New Orleans is the quintessential sandwich joint. The po’boys are the highlight, with crisp bread and overflowing fillings that satisfy even the heartiest appetite.
The line out the door speaks to its popularity, but the wait only adds to the anticipation and excitement. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, a true reflection of New Orleans’ hospitality.
Every bite of a Domilise’s po’boy is a journey into the heart of the city’s culinary scene, offering flavors and experiences that linger long after the last crumb is gone.
9. Brigtsen’s Restaurant
Brigtsen’s Restaurant in New Orleans offers fine dining without the fuss, serving upscale Creole fare in a charming setting. The seafood platter is a standout, elegantly presented and bursting with fresh flavors.
Chef Frank Brigtsen, a local hero, often mingles with guests, adding a personal touch to the dining experience. The atmosphere is relaxed yet refined, making each meal feel special.
Dining at Brigtsen’s is a celebration of Creole cuisine, where every dish is crafted with care and served with a side of hospitality, creating an unforgettable culinary journey.
10. Herby-K’s
Nestled in Shreveport, Herby-K’s is a classic dive with a dish you can’t miss—the Shrimp Buster. This signature plate features butterflied, fried shrimp on French bread, offering a taste that locals swear by.
The atmosphere is relaxed, with nautical decor adding to the charm of this small-town eatery. Patrons enjoy the laid-back vibe and hearty portions that fill both stomach and soul.
Herby-K’s offers a slice of Louisiana life, where good food and friendly faces create a dining experience that feels like a warm embrace from the community.
11. Antoine’s Restaurant
Antoine’s Restaurant in New Orleans is steeped in history, being the oldest family-run restaurant in the country. French-Creole elegance is the hallmark here, with Oysters Rockefeller as the signature dish.
The dining rooms are adorned with vintage decor, and the waitstaff in classic uniforms adds to the timeless charm. Each meal is a nod to the past, celebrating traditional flavors in a sophisticated setting.
Antoine’s is not just a restaurant but a piece of history, where culinary artistry meets cultural heritage in a dining experience that is as elegant as it is flavorful.
12. Crawfish Town USA
In Henderson, Crawfish Town USA is the go-to spot during crawfish season. Massive platters of spicy boiled crawfish are the main attraction, drawing in crowds eager for an authentic Cajun experience.
The restaurant’s rustic wooden decor and vibrant atmosphere evoke the spirit of Cajun country, where food and community are intertwined. Each bite is a spicy, flavorful delight that captures the essence of Louisiana.
Crawfish Town USA is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of Cajun culture, offering a taste of the bayou that is both memorable and satisfying.
13. Drago’s Seafood Restaurant
Drago’s Seafood Restaurant, with locations in Metairie and New Orleans, is renowned for its charbroiled oysters. As they sizzle on the table, the aroma is irresistible, and each bite melts in your mouth.
The restaurant’s atmosphere is a mix of elegance and liveliness, with patrons enjoying a variety of seafood dishes. The vibrant decor adds to the dining experience, making each visit feel special.
At Drago’s, the combination of flavors and ambiance creates a culinary symphony that delights the senses and leaves a lasting impression.
14. Middendorf’s
Located in Manchac, Middendorf’s is famous for its paper-thin fried catfish served lakeside. The setting is a classic Louisiana fish camp, offering stunning views and a cozy, rustic atmosphere.
Patrons savor their meals while enjoying the serene beauty of the surrounding lake, creating a dining experience that nourishes both body and soul. The catfish is expertly fried, offering a crispy, flavorful delight.
Middendorf’s is a beloved destination, where culinary excellence meets natural beauty, inviting you to relax and indulge in Louisiana’s simple yet exquisite flavors.
15. Tujague’s
Tujague’s, the second-oldest restaurant in New Orleans, offers a meat-heavy, old-school Creole menu. The building is full of history, with ghost stories adding a touch of intrigue to the dining experience.
The vintage decor creates a charming atmosphere, where diners enjoy classic dishes that honor the city’s culinary traditions. Each meal is a journey into the past, celebrating flavors that have stood the test of time.
Tujague’s is not just a meal but an experience, where history and hospitality come together in a delightful blend of food and folklore.
16. Parrain’s Seafood Restaurant
In Baton Rouge, Parrain’s Seafood Restaurant is casual but serious about its seafood. The gumbo is a standout, offering a rich, flavorful taste that warms the heart.
Shrimp platters and hush puppies are served with a smile, adding to the restaurant’s inviting atmosphere. The decor is warm and welcoming, making each visit feel like a gathering of friends.
Parrain’s is a place where good food and good company come together, creating a dining experience that celebrates the simple joys of life with every delicious bite.
17. Café du Monde
No trip to Louisiana is complete without a visit to Café du Monde in New Orleans. Known for its powdered sugar-covered beignets and chicory coffee, it’s a must-visit spot for tourists and locals alike.
The atmosphere is bustling, filled with the sounds of laughter and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. Each bite of a beignet is a sweet delight, instantly recognizable and utterly satisfying.
Café du Monde offers more than just a treat; it’s a taste of New Orleans’ vibrant culture, where every visit is a celebration of sweetness and tradition.
18. Judice Inn
In Lafayette, Judice Inn is a no-frills burger joint that has been serving delicious burgers since 1947. The patties are perfectly seasoned, offering a simple yet satisfying taste that keeps patrons coming back.
There are no fries or ketchup here, just burgers with soft buns and a side of local love. The atmosphere is charming in its simplicity, a nod to its enduring popularity.
Judice Inn is a testament to the power of good food and friendly service, offering a dining experience that feels like stepping back in time to a simpler era.
19. La Petite Grocery
La Petite Grocery in New Orleans is a delightful neighborhood spot offering dishes like blue crab beignets and turtle bolognese. The menu is upscale yet retains a cozy charm, inviting diners to relax and savor each bite.
The restaurant’s atmosphere is warm and inviting, with attentive service enhancing the dining experience. Each dish is crafted with care, blending traditional flavors with modern flair.
La Petite Grocery offers a taste of elegance, where culinary creativity meets Southern hospitality, creating a dining experience that is both refined and comforting.
20. Mosca’s Restaurant
Located in Westwego, Mosca’s Restaurant is a family-run gem offering Italian-Creole fusion in a dimly lit roadhouse setting. The shrimp Mosca and chicken à la grande are garlic-loaded legends, delighting diners with every bite.
The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, a perfect backdrop for enjoying hearty, flavorful dishes crafted with love. Each meal feels like a family gathering, where warmth and tradition are at the forefront.
Mosca’s is a culinary treasure, where Italian and Creole flavors blend seamlessly, creating a dining experience that is as comforting as it is delicious.