If Louisiana is known for anything, it’s food. Few other states have such culinary prowess as we do, and we sure are proud of it! From pizza to po’boys, we know our way around the kitchen. If you want to find out where to eat in Louisiana, consider spicing things up a bit with a visit to one of these awesome eateries. Make it your mission to eat at a new restaurant every month! Here are 12 of the best restaurants in Louisiana to get you started:

  1. Franks Pizza Napoletana

Google Maps Frank’s Pizza Napoletana, 6950 Fern Ave, Shreveport, LA 71105, USA

Frank’s Pizza Napoletana/Facebook Pizza is always a good idea, and Frank’s serves some of the best in the state! Not only does the menu feature several old-world, Napoli-style pizzas, but they also have some sensational seafood and steak options, too.

  1. Grayson’s BBQ

Happy.Hippie.Homestead/Google Grayson’s Barbeque, 5849 U. S. Hwy 71, Clarence, LA 71414, USA

Doris Whatley/Google Don’t let the unassuming exterior fool you, behind those doors are some of the most mouthwateringly delicious BBQ around. From plates to pounds, this small-town hidden gem has a loyal fan base, and after one bite you’ll understand why.

  1. Lasyone’s

Jim Martin/Google Lasyone’s Meat Pie Restaurant, 622 2nd St, Natchitoches, LA 71457, USA

HAVIS Adventures/Google This casual joint in Natchitoches is the birthplace of the iconic meat pie and worthy of a road trip from any corner of the state. Available in both meat and crawfish, these fried pockets of perfection pair perfectly with any one of their homemade specialties like red beans and rice, crawfish étouffée, or gumbo.

  1. Main Street Restaurant

Main Street Restaurant/Facebook Main Street Restaurant, 12807 Main St, Gilliam, LA 71029, USA

Main Street Restaurant/Facebook We love small-town restaurants, and Main Street Restaurant checks all the boxes. This locally-owned eatery is a great option for everything from chicken fried steak to boiled shrimp.

  1. Strawn’s Eat Shop

Strawn’s Eat Shop/Google Strawn’s Eat Shop, 125 Kings Hwy, Shreveport, LA 71104, USA

Strawn’s Eat Shop/Google Strawn’s has been a Shreveport staple since 1944, and you better come hungry! This family-owned eatery serves huge portions of Southern comfort food, burgers, and breakfast options. Just make sure you save room for their famous ice box pie!

  1. Waterfront Grill

Waterfront Grill/Facebook Waterfront Grill, 5201 Desiard Street, Monroe, LA 71203, USA

Waterfront Grill/Facebook Located in Monroe, this waterfront restaurant overlooks the beautiful Bayou Desiard and serves incredible Cajun-style dishes in a warm and rustic setting. For a meal with a view, you can’t go wrong with a visit to Waterfront Grill.

  1. Diamond Grill

The Diamond Grill/Facebook Diamond Grill, 924 3rd St, Alexandria, LA 71301, USA

The Diamond Grill/Facebook It’s not every day you get to treat yourself to a meal in a space like this. Once a former jewelry store, this upscale eatery now serves a wide range of steak and seafood options ideal for a celebratory meal with your loved ones.

  1. Cecil’s Cajun Kitchen

Mary Jo Le Blanc/Google Cecil’s Cajun Kitchen, 120 W 1st St, DeRidder, LA 70634, USA

Cecil’s Cajun Kitchen/Facebook A welcoming atmosphere, great burgers, and a good time await you at this down-home spot in DeRidder. As the name would suggest, you’ll also find a wide range of Cajun-inspired specialties on the menu, as well as live music on nights and weekends.

  1. Darrell’s

Holly Ann/Google Darrell’s, 119 W College St, Lake Charles, LA 70605, USA

David Theriot/Google When it comes to po’boys, few can compare to what you’ll get at Darrell’s. This long-time Lake Charles staple has been serving delicious po’boys since 1985 and you better come hungry, because these things are monstrous!

  1. Cafe Josephine

TJ Mattei/Google Cafe Josephine, 818 Napoleon Ave, Sunset, LA 70584, USA

Rich Beef Outdoorsman/Google From Cajun cuisine to homemade pizza, the menu at Cafe Josephine caters to everyone. Of course, when the steaks look like this, we know what we’ll be ordering…

  1. Rice Palace

Mark Loftin/Google Rice Palace Restaurant, 2015 Rice Capital Pkwy, Crowley, LA 70526, USA

Rice Palace/Facebook Part truck stop, part casino, part restaurant… you can do it all at the Rice Palace. This beloved truck stop is the go-to spot for a hot plate lunch. The specials change often, ranging from fried pork chops to good old-fashioned meatloaf.

  1. Roberto’s River Road

Roberto’s River Road/Google Roberto’s River Road Restaurant, 1985 LA-75, Sunshine, LA 70780, USA

Roberto’s River Road/Google A scenic drive along historic River Road isn’t complete without stopping off at Roberto’s, a rustic little joint in Sunshine, Louisiana. The building is nearly 200 years old, and the Cajun and Creole-inspired menu is so good, you’ll be dreaming about it!

Did your favorite Louisiana bucket list restaurant make the list? What is your favorite of the best restaurants in Louisiana? Let us know in the comments! While you’re in Louisiana, check out these five eclectic restaurants you won’t want to miss.

Google Maps

Frank’s Pizza Napoletana, 6950 Fern Ave, Shreveport, LA 71105, USA

Frank’s Pizza Napoletana/Facebook

Pizza is always a good idea, and Frank’s serves some of the best in the state! Not only does the menu feature several old-world, Napoli-style pizzas, but they also have some sensational seafood and steak options, too.

Happy.Hippie.Homestead/Google

Grayson’s Barbeque, 5849 U. S. Hwy 71, Clarence, LA 71414, USA

Doris Whatley/Google

Don’t let the unassuming exterior fool you, behind those doors are some of the most mouthwateringly delicious BBQ around. From plates to pounds, this small-town hidden gem has a loyal fan base, and after one bite you’ll understand why.

Jim Martin/Google

Lasyone’s Meat Pie Restaurant, 622 2nd St, Natchitoches, LA 71457, USA

HAVIS Adventures/Google

This casual joint in Natchitoches is the birthplace of the iconic meat pie and worthy of a road trip from any corner of the state. Available in both meat and crawfish, these fried pockets of perfection pair perfectly with any one of their homemade specialties like red beans and rice, crawfish étouffée, or gumbo.

Main Street Restaurant/Facebook

Main Street Restaurant, 12807 Main St, Gilliam, LA 71029, USA

We love small-town restaurants, and Main Street Restaurant checks all the boxes. This locally-owned eatery is a great option for everything from chicken fried steak to boiled shrimp.

Strawn’s Eat Shop/Google

Strawn’s Eat Shop, 125 Kings Hwy, Shreveport, LA 71104, USA

Strawn’s has been a Shreveport staple since 1944, and you better come hungry! This family-owned eatery serves huge portions of Southern comfort food, burgers, and breakfast options. Just make sure you save room for their famous ice box pie!

Waterfront Grill/Facebook

Waterfront Grill, 5201 Desiard Street, Monroe, LA 71203, USA

Located in Monroe, this waterfront restaurant overlooks the beautiful Bayou Desiard and serves incredible Cajun-style dishes in a warm and rustic setting. For a meal with a view, you can’t go wrong with a visit to Waterfront Grill.

The Diamond Grill/Facebook

Diamond Grill, 924 3rd St, Alexandria, LA 71301, USA

It’s not every day you get to treat yourself to a meal in a space like this. Once a former jewelry store, this upscale eatery now serves a wide range of steak and seafood options ideal for a celebratory meal with your loved ones.

Mary Jo Le Blanc/Google

Cecil’s Cajun Kitchen, 120 W 1st St, DeRidder, LA 70634, USA

Cecil’s Cajun Kitchen/Facebook

A welcoming atmosphere, great burgers, and a good time await you at this down-home spot in DeRidder. As the name would suggest, you’ll also find a wide range of Cajun-inspired specialties on the menu, as well as live music on nights and weekends.

Holly Ann/Google

Darrell’s, 119 W College St, Lake Charles, LA 70605, USA

David Theriot/Google

When it comes to po’boys, few can compare to what you’ll get at Darrell’s. This long-time Lake Charles staple has been serving delicious po’boys since 1985 and you better come hungry, because these things are monstrous!

TJ Mattei/Google

Cafe Josephine, 818 Napoleon Ave, Sunset, LA 70584, USA

Rich Beef Outdoorsman/Google

From Cajun cuisine to homemade pizza, the menu at Cafe Josephine caters to everyone. Of course, when the steaks look like this, we know what we’ll be ordering…

Mark Loftin/Google

Rice Palace Restaurant, 2015 Rice Capital Pkwy, Crowley, LA 70526, USA

Rice Palace/Facebook

Part truck stop, part casino, part restaurant… you can do it all at the Rice Palace. This beloved truck stop is the go-to spot for a hot plate lunch. The specials change often, ranging from fried pork chops to good old-fashioned meatloaf.

Roberto’s River Road/Google

Roberto’s River Road Restaurant, 1985 LA-75, Sunshine, LA 70780, USA

A scenic drive along historic River Road isn’t complete without stopping off at Roberto’s, a rustic little joint in Sunshine, Louisiana. The building is nearly 200 years old, and the Cajun and Creole-inspired menu is so good, you’ll be dreaming about it!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

The OIYS Visitor Center

The Best Food In Louisiana November 30, 2022 William Suphan What are the most iconic foods in Louisiana? The most iconic foods in Louisiana include:

Red Beans and Rice. This Louisiana Creole staple is made traditionally on Mondays with andouille sausage, kidney beans, pork bones, and spices. Beignets. These French-inspired deep-friend pastry fritters can be found all over New Orleans and are a favorite treat for locals. Boudin Sausage. There are several versions of this sausage, but it is commonly made with pork, liver, rice, and spices. Shrimp and Grits. No Louisiana brunch is complete without shrimp and grits. It’s found in almost every breakfast spot in the state. Jambalaya. The ultimate iconic Louisiana dish is jambalaya and it’s a part of every potluck in the state.

Discover several more of the most iconic foods in Louisiana.  What are the oldest restaurants in Louisiana? The oldest restaurants in Louisiana are:

Antoine’s.  Located in the French Quarter in New Orleans, this restaurant has been around for over 180 years and it invented local dishes like Oysters Rockefeller. Herby-K’s. This humble local favorite has been open since 1936 and has looked much the same for decades. It’s known especially for frog legs and oysters. Frank’s. This rustic  Baton Rouge restaurant has been serving delicious Louisiana favorites like crawfish etouffee, shrimp and grits, and biscuits for three generations of ownership.

  What restaurants have the best gumbo in Louisiana? The restaurants with the best gumbo in Louisiana include:

Coop’s Place. This casual New Orleans eatery has some of the best gumbo in the city and it’s very affordable. Hambone. Located in Mandeville right next to Lake Pontchartrain, this restaurant makes gumbo that tastes like home cooking. Spahr’s Seafood. While this is a chain restaurant, the gumbo is still a local favorite all over the state. Fremin’s. This Thibodaux restaurant serves an eclectic gumbo with duck and andouille sausage that is packed with flavor.

Find out more about these and a few more restaurants with the best gumbo in Louisiana. 

The OIYS Visitor Center

The Best Food In Louisiana

November 30, 2022

William Suphan

What are the most iconic foods in Louisiana? The most iconic foods in Louisiana include:

Red Beans and Rice. This Louisiana Creole staple is made traditionally on Mondays with andouille sausage, kidney beans, pork bones, and spices. Beignets. These French-inspired deep-friend pastry fritters can be found all over New Orleans and are a favorite treat for locals. Boudin Sausage. There are several versions of this sausage, but it is commonly made with pork, liver, rice, and spices. Shrimp and Grits. No Louisiana brunch is complete without shrimp and grits. It’s found in almost every breakfast spot in the state. Jambalaya. The ultimate iconic Louisiana dish is jambalaya and it’s a part of every potluck in the state.

Discover several more of the most iconic foods in Louisiana.  What are the oldest restaurants in Louisiana? The oldest restaurants in Louisiana are:

Antoine’s.  Located in the French Quarter in New Orleans, this restaurant has been around for over 180 years and it invented local dishes like Oysters Rockefeller. Herby-K’s. This humble local favorite has been open since 1936 and has looked much the same for decades. It’s known especially for frog legs and oysters. Frank’s. This rustic  Baton Rouge restaurant has been serving delicious Louisiana favorites like crawfish etouffee, shrimp and grits, and biscuits for three generations of ownership.

  What restaurants have the best gumbo in Louisiana? The restaurants with the best gumbo in Louisiana include:

Coop’s Place. This casual New Orleans eatery has some of the best gumbo in the city and it’s very affordable. Hambone. Located in Mandeville right next to Lake Pontchartrain, this restaurant makes gumbo that tastes like home cooking. Spahr’s Seafood. While this is a chain restaurant, the gumbo is still a local favorite all over the state. Fremin’s. This Thibodaux restaurant serves an eclectic gumbo with duck and andouille sausage that is packed with flavor.

Find out more about these and a few more restaurants with the best gumbo in Louisiana. 

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

The most iconic foods in Louisiana include:

  • Red Beans and Rice. This Louisiana Creole staple is made traditionally on Mondays with andouille sausage, kidney beans, pork bones, and spices.
  • Beignets. These French-inspired deep-friend pastry fritters can be found all over New Orleans and are a favorite treat for locals.
  • Boudin Sausage. There are several versions of this sausage, but it is commonly made with pork, liver, rice, and spices.
  • Shrimp and Grits. No Louisiana brunch is complete without shrimp and grits. It’s found in almost every breakfast spot in the state.
  • Jambalaya. The ultimate iconic Louisiana dish is jambalaya and it’s a part of every potluck in the state.

Discover several more of the most iconic foods in Louisiana. 

What are the oldest restaurants in Louisiana?

The oldest restaurants in Louisiana are:

  • Antoine’s.  Located in the French Quarter in New Orleans, this restaurant has been around for over 180 years and it invented local dishes like Oysters Rockefeller.
  • Herby-K’s. This humble local favorite has been open since 1936 and has looked much the same for decades. It’s known especially for frog legs and oysters.
  • Frank’s. This rustic  Baton Rouge restaurant has been serving delicious Louisiana favorites like crawfish etouffee, shrimp and grits, and biscuits for three generations of ownership.

 

What restaurants have the best gumbo in Louisiana?

The restaurants with the best gumbo in Louisiana include:

  • Coop’s Place. This casual New Orleans eatery has some of the best gumbo in the city and it’s very affordable.
  • Hambone. Located in Mandeville right next to Lake Pontchartrain, this restaurant makes gumbo that tastes like home cooking.
  • Spahr’s Seafood. While this is a chain restaurant, the gumbo is still a local favorite all over the state.
  • Fremin’s. This Thibodaux restaurant serves an eclectic gumbo with duck and andouille sausage that is packed with flavor.

Find out more about these and a few more restaurants with the best gumbo in Louisiana.