If you are planning a trip to Louisiana, there’s no shortage of places to eat. In fact, there are 16,747 restaurants to choose from here!
With so many options, it can be a challenge to narrow down the best places to go. Should you stick to traditional Cajun or Creole cuisine, or try something off the beaten path?
If your vacation plans include a trip to this culture-filled area but you aren’t sure where to have your meals, you’ve come to the right place. Our guide looks at the seven best Louisiana restaurants and what makes them great.
Food in Louisiana
When people think about local restaurants in Louisiana, Cajun and Creole food are the first to come to mind. These native cuisines are flavorful and vibrant. Although many people use these food types interchangeably, they are very different.
Cajun and Creole food both use lots of celery, green peppers, and onions. Although both food styles have loads of character, they aren’t always spicy. You’ll find many examples of both of these types of food as you travel around Louisiana.
Cajun Food
In the late 1700s, many French people settled in Canada. Over time, this group of people ended up in Louisiana. Cajun food came from the people who relocated here during this time.
Cajun food combines traditional southern food with French influence. Most Cajun food starts with a base of rice and you can make them in one pot. Common Cajun foods include jambalaya, boudin, and backyard crawfish boils.
Many people associate Cajun food with more rural areas. The people who came up with this style of cooking lived outside of the city, closer to the bayou. The ingredients in Cajun food reflect what people living in this region had access to.
Creole Food
Creole food is different from Cajun food in several ways. This type of food mixes many heritages found in New Orleans.
Creole food comes from the city streets of New Orleans. Years ago, people living here were able to get their hands on ingredients that cost more money. This is where the strong tomato, butter, and okra flavors come from.
One of the biggest differences is that Creole food often uses tomatoes in their recipes. Many Creole dishes also have herbs, seafood, and rich sauces in them. You’ll find Creole food like gumbo and grillades when you visit New Orleans.
The Seven Best Restaurants to Visit in Louisiana
Although Cajun and Creole food are most common here, there are countless types of food to try. From New Orleans to the more rural areas of Louisiana, the food in this state is fantastic.
- Mother’s Restaurant
Many people who go to Louisiana are traveling to New Orleans. This city is famous for its po’boy sandwiches. A po’boy consists of French bread, fried seafood or roast beef, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise.
Although there’s a hot debate on where to get the most delicious po’boy, Mother’s Restaurant is the best. People have been visiting this restaurant for over 75 years to get these sandwiches.
- Johnson’s Kitchen
No visit to the Livingston Parish area is complete without a trip to Johnson’s Kitchen. This family-friendly restaurant specializes in home-cooked seafood.
When you come here, you’ll find a relaxed atmosphere and flavorful food. Make sure you don’t leave without trying out their cajun crawfish bread!
- Commander’s Palace
If you’re looking for an upscale place to eat, consider going to Commander’s Palace. Located in the Garden District, you won’t be able to miss the distinctive blue restaurant.
Here you’ll enjoy fine dining that specializes in Creole food. You can try foods like the Commander’s Creole Gumbo or Turtle Soup Au Sherry.
If you decide to go there, be sure to dress up. Also, get that checkbook ready, but the cost will be worth the delicious experience.
- Morning Call Coffee Stand
If you are going to Louisiana, you’ll need to try beignets before you go home. These pastries are French-style donuts with powdered sugar sprinkled on top.
Although there are many places to get beignets, you can’t beat getting them at the Morning Call Coffee Stand. This coffee stand calls City Park home. Here you’ll find locals buying their treats for the morning.
- BBQ West
Barbecue is another staple food you’ll find in Louisiana. The vibe here is casual and relaxing. You’ll love enjoying comfort foods like mac and cheese, tacos, or ribs.
When life gets busy, BBQ West has family-size meals you can buy. You’ll be able to serve a family of six people without any of the hassles of cooking yourself!
- GW Fins
If you are visiting the French Quarter, have a meal at GW Fins. This nice restaurant is the perfect place to go on a date.
You’ll get to try lots of different seafood here, as most of the menu is seafood based. The chefs try to use ingredients and in season so you get the freshest flavor.
If you’re a fan of wine, the extensive wine list will pleasantly surprise you. You can choose from over 100 wines to complement your delicious meal.
- Vacherie
If you’re hankering for a hearty breakfast, give Vacherie a try. This restaurant is in the Hotel St. Marie on the first floor. It is conveniently placed in the French Quarter.
You’ll love the Cajun food on the menu. When you’re here, you’ll have to give some of their breakfast specials a try. They often feature a New Orleans twist on brunch classics.
Louisiana Restaurants Have Something for Everyone
With so many restaurant options in Louisiana, it can be overwhelming to decide where to go out to eat. When locals and visitors visit Louisiana restaurants, they are sure to give their tastebuds the ultimate treat.
Trying food from a Louisiana restaurant is a great motivator to test out a new recipe. Check out our other food blogs for more inspiration today!