- Date indicates the most recent update of the restaurants listed
- Bold indicates my recommendations; others come from what I consider to be good sources
Alexandria
Cafe Desoto–414 Desoto St. (Latin American) Lunch only (closed Sat & Sun). It looks like the idea here is to have healthy Latin American food with real flavor but without relying on greasy fried items. The reviews indicate they are able to pull it off. Map (Dining room is open 12-15-21)
Noodles & Grill Asian Cuisine–3650 North Blvd. (Thai) Closed Sun & Mon. Reviews are extremely convincing that this is an excellent restaurant (although I think part of it is that you get a lot of food for the money). Map (Dining room is open 2-16-24)
Pamela’s Bayou In A Bowl–2049 N. Mall Dr. (American) Closed Sat; closed Sun & Mon evening. Reviewers recommended it for beef tips, fried chicken, smothered chicken, pork roast, etc. The menu changes daily and the flavor is consistent with things being fresh. Some say skip the Cajun food (you can find that anywhere) but the American food here is much better than other places. Map (Dining room is open 11-27-22)
Pho U–4722 Jackson St. (Vietnamese) Closed Sun evening. Pho is said to be flavorful. Serves banh mi and noodle bowls. Customers recommend the Phnom Penh soup served on Tue (owners are probably Cambodian). Some say to order the “special pho” (which may be the same as the Phnom Penh soup and which now seems to be available every day). Map (Dining room is open 11-27-22)
Word of Mouth–918 Foisy St. (New American) Lunch only (closed Sat & Sun). American food with a creative menu. Seems to have similar quality to Pamela’s, but the food is more non-traditional. Pot roast and bread pudding are recommended. Map (Dining room is open 12-15-21)
Basile
D.I.’s Cajun Rest.–6561 Evangeline Hwy. (Cajun) Dinner only (closed Sun & Mon). Blackened catfish supreme, shrimp etouffee (but reviewers like a number of items). Has live music at night. Map (Dining room is open 2-16-24)
Baton Rouge
Acme Oyster House–3535 Perkins Rd. (Seafood) Closed Mon. This is a recommendation I heard when I was in New Orleans, and they have two locations in Baton Rouge. Seafood and red beans & rice are recommended. Map (Dining room is open 11-5-21)
Ava Street Cafe–5207 Essen Ln. (Vietnamese) Open 11 am to 8:30 pm (closed Mon). Photos of the food indicate that they take extra steps to make it flavorful and give you the “extras” found with true Vietnamese style food. Map (Dining room is open 12-15-21)
Bao–8342 Perkins Rd. (Vietnamese) Closed Sun. When cities have such a strong Vietnamese presence as BR there should be several restaurants that are worthy to try, and Bao appears to be one of them. This is a more modern and upscale restaurant than others, but the food seems to be just as good and as authentic (but it is more expensive). Has bun bo hue with pig’s blood (the authentic version). Other dishes are more to the taste of most Americans, but all seem to be authentic and delicious. Map (Dining room is open 2-16-24)
BB&PF–10248 Florida Blvd. (Nigerian) Open 11 am to 5:30 pm (open 1-5 pm Sat, closed Sun). Reviewers say it is authentic home made African food. The restaurant is small and run by one person. It is vegetarian friendly (has fufu bread, bean burgers, jolof rice, plantains, etc.). Some items are spicy. Map (Dining room is open 2-16-24)
Chow Yum Phat Overpass–2363 Hollydale Ave. (Chinese) Closed Mon. With the closing of OMI, I was hoping to find some other authentic Chinese food in town and this appears to be it. It is actually Asian street food that includes ramen and pho, but the main part of the menu is Chinese style noodle soup and bao. If it is half as good as the similar type of food I had in New Orleans then I would recommend this place. Map (Dining room is open 11-5-21)
Dang’s–12385 Florida Blvd. (Vietnamese) Open daily 9 am to 8 pm (closed Tue). Many say this is the best Vietnamese restaurant in the city in terms of the menu and the execution of the food. The only thing is that the restaurant is old and might have some well-worn booths, etc. Map (Dining room is open 11-27-22)
Dorothy’s Soul Food Kitchen–1221 Gardere Ln. (Southern) Open Thu-Sun until 4:30 pm (closed Mon-Wed). Traditional Southern cooking as opposed to Cajun. Smothered pork chop is recommended. Map (Dining room is open 12-15-21)
Duang Tawan–4850 S. Sherwood Forest Blvd. (Thai) Closed Tue (and closed from 3 to 5 pm). Authentic. Pad ped, pad thai, red curry, pad prik khing are recommended. Map (Dining room is open 11-5-21)
Louisiana Lagniappe–9990 Perkins Rd. (Seafood) Dinner only (closed Sun). Many say it’s the best seafood in BR. Seems to not specialize in fried food, but has the more upscale versions of seafood. Map (Dining room is open 2-16-24)
Parrain’s Seafood–3225 Perkins Rd. (Cajun) Open Daily. I added this because it’s one of the top rated restaurants in BR on Yelp. There does not seem to be any one favorite dish here–you can pick anything that looks good. One of the best features here is the seasoning. Map (Dining room is open 11-5-21)
Ruffino’s–18811 Highland Rd. (Italian) Dinner only, but lunch served on Fri & Sun; closed Mon. One of the co-owners has been described as a local celebrity chef of Italian heritage born in New Orleans, and the restaurant is described as a hybrid of Italian and Creole cuisine. Reviewers on Yelp seem to praise the steak more than any other dish, but they like the Italian food as well (I have had experience with the Italian food in New Orleans that would make me want to try the food here as well). Map (Dining room is open 2-16-24)
The Chimes–3357 Highland Rd. (Cajun) Open daily 11 am to 11 pm. Red beans & rice, crab cakes, seafood, gumbo, crawfish etouffee, blackened alligator bites. Map (Dining room is open 8-24-21)
Viet Garden–11990 Florida Blvd. (Vietnamese) Open Daily. Very good, authentic, large choice of dishes. Vietnamese pork chops are recommended. Map (Dining room is open 11-5-21)
Bossier City
Bergerons Boudin and Cajun Meats–3933 Benton Rd. (Cajun) Mon-Fri 9 am to 6 pm; Fri 9 to 5 (closed Sun). Smoked meats are the featured item. Boudin, chicken, tasso, etc. (Also in Shreveport). Map (Takeout only-this is a market not a restaurant 12-26-21)
Greek Corner–2153 Airline Dr. (Greek) Open 11 am to 8 pm (8-6 Sun). People say the food is delicious and authentic, but the menu is limited (more than gyros but doesn’t have moussaka). Map (Dining room is open 12-26-21)
Lucky Palace–750 Diamond Jacks Blvd. (Chinese) Closed Mon. Supposedly the best Chinese in Shreveport area. Upscale food and dining room. Some reviewers say the quality is similar to Dallas restaurants. I think this is an exaggeration, but the food here is good (some food seems authentic and some more Americanized). Map (Dining room is open 2-16-24)
Pho Bowl–1605 Benton Rd. (Lao) Closed Sat evening & Sun. Lao restaurant, but also has pho & Vietnamese (Lao food has the best reviews). Map (Dining room is open 11-5-21)
Sam’s Southern Eatery–2910 Barksdale Blvd. (Southern) Open 10 am to 9 pm (closed Sun). Known for its (giant) fried shrimp. Gumbo is also very good. Has home made cake for dessert. Has 2 other locations in Bossier City and 3 in Shreveport (I thought the service was so good here that I really recommend this location). Map (Dining room is open 2-16-24)
Southern Pho–2100 Benton Rd. (Vietnamese) Closed Tue & closes 7 pm Sun evening. Reviewers like the pho, vermicelli dishes, fried rice, etc. (and say it has a true Asian flavor). Map (Dining room is open 12-26-21)
Taqueria San Miguel–4100 Barksdale Blvd. (Mexican) Open Daily. Authentic Mexican food. Has “arroz con mole” and other Mexican style sauces (chile verde, chipotle red sauce, etc.). Many people recommend the fish and fish tacos, as well as the tacos al pastor. Map (Dining room is open 12-12-21)
Vincent General Asian Store–1000 Northgate Rd. (Filipino) Open daily 9 am to 8 pm (don’t know if restaurant hours are the same). Vietnamese grocery store that also has a restaurant–reviewers say the restaurant is Filipino. Map (Dining room is open 12-26-21)
Breaux Bridge
Cafe Sydnie Mae–140 E. Bridge St. (Cajun) Dinner only Wed-Fri; lunch & dinner on Sat; breakfast & lunch only on Sun (closed Mon & Tue). (Formerly Cafe des Amis–it closed for a while and was reopened by other family members). Used to best known for its breakfast but I think now has expanded its menu. Steaks and seafood are popular for lunch & dinner. Side dishes, dessert, etc. are Cajun or New Orleans style. Map (Dining room is open 8-7-21)
Poché’s–3015 Main Hwy. (Cajun) Open daily 4 am to 8 pm (6 am to 6 pm on Sun). Has a wide variety of real Cajun cooking, but may be most famous for its meat market (sausage, etc). This is the restaurant featured on Globe Trekker’s program highlighting Cajun food and culture. I particularly liked the gumbo (special served in winter only). Note: you can get some of Poché’s items by mail order at cajungrocer.com. Map (Dining room is open 11-27-22)
Church Point
Sunny’s Fried Chicken–111 E. Ebey St. (Cajun) Open daily 7:30 am to 9 pm (10 pm on weekends). Seems to be competing with Palace Cafe in Opelousas, because they both are said have excellent fried chicken and shrimp poboys. Map (Dining room is open 10-30-22)
Covington
Baan Thai Sala Thai–501 N. Theard St. (Thai) Closed Mon. Reviewers think the flavor here stands out compared to other Thai restaurants. Many think the lunch buffet is a particularly good deal (Tue-Sat)–the flavor is good and you get a good selection of different items. Map (Dining room is open 12-12-21)
Lola–517 N. New Hampshire St. (American) Lunch Mon-Fri; Dinner Fri & Sat (closed Sun). One reviewer describes this as fresh, seasonal Southern fare. Also has sandwiches and Cajun food (this is fresh and seasonal as well). Map (Dining room is open 12-26-21)
Pho Cong Noodles & Grill–1200 US 190 Bus. (Vietnamese) Open 10 am to 8 pm (closed Sun). Many excellent reviews for the pho, but those who move to other items on the menu love them as well. Has Vietnamese “pancakes” (banh xeo). Map (Dining room is open 2-16-24)
Denham Springs
Randazzo’s Italian Market–240 Capitol St. (Italian) Lunch Tue-Sat; Dinner Thu-Sat. Authentic fresh tasting (as opposed to “red sauce” type) food, with ingredients imported from Italy. Very high ratings on Yelp. Map (Dining room is open 12-26-21)
Donaldsonville
Grapevine Cafe and Gallery–211 Railroad Ave. (Cajun) Closed Mon, closed Sat lunch. Reviewers say this is one of those special hidden gems found in small towns that gives you local food the way it should be prepared. Has both Cajun and Creole food, and both are upscale. Prices are a little high but not to the point of being “fine dining.” Map (Dining room is open 2-16-24)
Elton
Neptunes–1010 Main St. (Cajun) Dinner Wed-Sat; Lunch Sun. Many say this is the best place ever for crawfish. Other items get very good reviews as well. Map (Dining room is open 12-26-21)
Eunice
The New Ronnie’s Cajun Cafe–541 W. Laurel Ave. (Cajun) Breakfast & lunch daily; dinner Wed-Sat. Doesn’t just concentrate on seafood (has pork chops, chicken, beef tips, and according to Yelp even has vegetarian options). Plate lunch comes with side dishes & dessert. Map (Dining room is open 10-30-22)
Hammond
Pho Grace–2728 W. Thomas St. (Vietnamese) Open 11 am to 9 pm (closed Sun). Seems to be authentic, but the menu is pretty basic. People like the flavor of the food, and the drinks are good (almond milk tea, etc.). Map (Dining room is open 2-16-24)
Punjabi Dhaba–2201 SW Railroad Ave. (Indian) Open 11 am to 10 pm (closed Tue and closed from 3-5 pm). Inside a gas station, but the food is described as being genuinely good. It seems that they have chutney/sauces which add to the flavor. Map (Dining room is open 12-26-21)
Jeanerette
Le Jeune’s Bakery–1510 Main St. (Bakery). Founded in 1884, it has been run by the same family since then. Recipes were developed by the first Le Jeune and a Frenchman who immigrated here. Specialty is French bread, and snack cakes are popular. Map (Takeout only 12-3-22)
Jennings
Boudin King–906 W. Division St. (Cajun) Closed Sun. Reputed by many to have the best boudin in Louisiana, and Jane & Michael Stern in their book “Roadfood” say at the very least it is very good. They also recommend the fried chicken, catfish, gumbo, and crawfish. Map (Dining room is open 11-26-22)
Rocket Drive In–1118 N. State St. (American) Open daily 9 am to 9:30 pm. Open since 1962, its hamburgers and onion rings are the most popular items. However, it is also said to be an excellent place for fried shrimp. Map (Eat in car or covered outdoor picnic tables 12-3-22)
Lafayette
Bangkok Thai–3904 Johnston St. (Thai) Open Daily. Consensus for one of the best or the best Thai in Lafayette. Green and red curry are popular. Quieter than other Thai (no loud TV). Map (Dining room is open 12-15-21)
Blu Basil–5451 Johnston St. (Vietnamese) Closed Sun. Upscale, sister restaurant to Saigon Noodles. More expensive, but you’re paying for a bigger selection, quiet atmosphere, and supposedly better food (such as more high quality shrimp). I thought the vermicelli bowl with spring roll was especially good. Map (Dining room is open 2-16-24)
Bon Temps Grill–1211 W. Pinhook Rd. (Cajun) Open Daily. Top quality Cajun food. This was a large restaurant in an out-of-the-way neighborhood (now they have moved and perhaps are in a more prominent location). Reviewers say it has a very large selection of items (some that are not available in many restaurants), the flavor is top notch, the prices are pretty good, but sometimes servings are small compared to other restaurants. Map (Dining room is open 11-5-21)
Cafe Vermilionville–1304 W. Pinhook (Cajun) Dinner only (closed Sun & Mon). Well regarded Cajun restaurant. More upscale than most other Cajun restaurants. Map (Dining room is open 12-12-21)
Cedar Deli–1115 Jefferson St. (Lebanese) Open 10 am to 2 pm (closed Sat & Sun). Serves Middle Eastern food (Lebanese & Greek among others), mostly sandwiches. Has some Indian food. Seems to be doing a Cajun fusion thing also, with a muffaletta (Middle Eastern sandwich on round bread instead of pita). Map (I think they have tables-it is self serve 12-15-21)
Charley G’s–3809 Ambassador Caffery (Cajun) Dinner only (open daily). Upscale Cajun. Expensive–should go for a special occasion experience. Andouille gumbo, crab cakes, crab meat salad, blackened mahi mahi. Seasonal specialties are recommended. Map (Dining room is open 11-5-21)
Dwyer’s Cafe–323 Jefferson St. (Cafe) Open daily 6 am to 2 pm. Known for its breakfast and hot plate lunch. Has Cajun dishes such as gumbo, sausage, poboy, etc. Food is somewhat upscale and reviewers say it is very good. The restaurant also has a special “French table” where locals meet around 7 am to enjoy breakfast and to speak French. Map (Dining room is open 11-5-21)
iMonelli Italian–4017 Johnston St. (Italian) Lunch Tue-Fri; Dinner Tue-Sat. This is upscale Italian that seems to specialize in any Italian dish that comes with seafood. It’s not a red sauce restaurant–the cream sauce, lemon butter sauce, etc. seem to be more popular. Map (Dining room is open 12-3-22)
Note: The nearby Alesi Pizza House at 4110 Johnston is a popular “old style” Italian place known for its Sicilian style pizza made with crust that is hand tossed and covered with slow cooked tomato sauce. The owners’ son Tommy is a drummer with the Cajun band Beausoleil (which I heard at the Border Folk Festival in El Paso). Map
Johnson’s Boucaniere–1111 St. John St. (Cajun) Lunch only (closed Mon); breakfast on Sat. Come here for “real Cajun food and culture.” Made in house smoked sausage is recommended. Map (Dining room is open 12-15-21)
Judice Inn–3134 Johnston St. (Burgers) Closed Sun. Makes burgers with “a Cajun twist” (their special sauce which apparently has a kick). They don’t serve french fries, but potato chips (What? they have something against French style potatoes?). Map (Dining room is open 12-3-22)
Keller’s Bakery–1012 Jefferson St. (Bakery) Closed Mon. The recipes came from the Alsace region of France and had both French and German influences. French bread and sweets are the specialties. Also known for their king cakes used to celebrate Mardi Gras. Map (Takeout only 12-3-22)
La Pagua–5425 Johnston St. (Mexican) Open daily except Sun evening. A friend of mine who ate there says this is real-deal Mexican food with a good flavor (not touristy or Americanized). Map (Dining room is open 12-15-21)
Mae Sone Noodle House–4807 Johnston St. (Lao) Closed Sun (and closed from 2 to 5 pm). Several cuisines, but the specialty seems to be Lao. Very good reviews of the food. (Seems to be more expensive than the typical Asian restaurant, though). There are several other authentic Asian restaurants close by (on Johnston St.). Map (Dining room is open 11-27-22)
Magic Wok–2944 Johnston St. (Chinese) Open 11 am to 8 pm (closed Sun). This is the only Chinese restaurant in town that looks like it has real Chinese food (string bean & tofu, garlic green beans, udon noodle soup, dumplings, etc.). Reviewers say to skip the buffet and ask the owners to make some “specialty authentic Chinese cuisine.” Map (Dining room is open 11-5-21)
Old Tyme Grocery–218 W. St. Mary Blvd. (Cajun) Closed Sat evening & Sun. Excellent PoBoys (shrimp is popular, but all are good). Has an indoor dining room and an outdoor patio. Note: their sister restaurants are Sandra’s Cafe & Health Food Store in Lafayette and BJ’s Poorboy in Broussard. Map (Dining room is open 12-12-21)
Saigon Noodles–2865 Ambassador Caffery (Vietnamese) Closed Sun evening & Mon. Medium selection of dishes–rest. is small. (Go to their sister restaurant Blu Basil for a larger menu choice, but if you want pho or one of the basic dishes Saigon Noodles is probably a better choice and seems to be less expensive). Map (Dining room is open 12-12-21)
Social Southern Table–3901 Johnston St. (Southern) Closed Sun evening & Mon. Primarily a traditional Southern restaurant (fried chicken, etc.) but also has Cajun food. Map (Dining room is open 12-12-21)
Thai With Love–924 Kaliste Saloom Rd. (Thai) Open 11 am to 8 pm (closed Sun). Seems to be the most authentic Thai in Lafayette. Tom yum, panang curry, green curry. Map (Dining room is open 12-15-21)
The French Press–214 E. Vermillion St. (French) Breakfast & lunch only (closed Mon & Tue). Especially recommended for breakfast.The Cajun Benedict is popular. Food is said to be some of the best in town, and setting is upscale (as opposed to many places that have more of a diner atmosphere). Map (Dining room is open 11-5-21)
Lake Charles
Beauxdine’s–3013 Ryan St. (Seafood) Open daily except Sun evening & Mon evening. Reviewers seem to be quite impressed by both the variety and quality of the seafood and sides (offers plate lunches that are popular). Combination of straight and Cajun style food. Map (Dining room is open 12-26-21)
Big Daddy’s Sports Grill–1737 W. Sale Rd. (Seafood) Open 6:30 am to 7 pm–closes at 2 pm on Sat (closed Sun & Mon). Supposedly the best place for fresh (not frozen) fried shrimp. Other food, though (non-seafood dishes) gets mixed reviews. Map (Dining room is open 11-5-21).
Pho World–4415 Nelson Rd. (Vietnamese) Closed Sun. Generally good ratings–some say it is lacking mint & is not authentic (but the owners are Vietnamese refugees). Map (Dining room is open 2-16-24)
Leesville
Tha da Petch–1910 S. 5th St. (Thai) Closed Sun. Said to be very good Thai with rich flavors. Map (Dining room is open 12-26-21)
Mamou
Krazy Cajun Cafe–411 6th St. (Cajun) Breakfast & lunch Mon-Fri; dinner Thu (closed Sat & Sun). Cafe Mamou which was previously at this location had a shrimp sandwich that was recommended. Now people just say this is authentic Cajun food, and it has good specials. Map (Dining room is open 12-26-21)
Fred’s Lounge–420 6th St. (Cajun) Only open Sat 7:30 am to 2 pm. Live music and Cajun dancing Sat. morning (along with the food–mostly breakfast items) Sausage is a favorite here. Map (Food served in a bar setting 2-16-24)
Manchac
Middendorf’s Manchac–30160 US 51 (Seafood) Closed Mon & Tue. Famous for its thin-cut fried catfish. The Sterns recommend it in their “Roadfood” book, and say gumbo or po boys are good choices to go with the catfish. Many like to sit outside on the covered patio to enjoy the seaside setting. Map (Dining room is open 11-26-22)
Mermentau
C’Est Bon–1400 Railroad Ave. (Cajun) Breakfast & lunch Mon-Sat; dinner Wed-Sat. Said to have excellent Cajun food. Boiled crab, shrimp, and crawfish is the specialty (can also get it in gumbo). (E. of Jennings). Map (Dining room is open 2-16-24)
Monroe
Athena–1530 Sterlington Rd. (Greek) Open daily except Sun evening. Mostly Lebanese food with a few Greek dishes. Moussaka, lamb chops, chicken shawarma, hummus, & falafel are recommended. Seems to be more expensive than typical Middle Eastern restaurants (and they seem to have large servings). Map (Dining room is open 12-26-21)
Big Momma’s–1118 S. 2nd St. (Southern) Open 11 am to 3 pm (closed Sat & Sun). Reviewers say it is excellent southern style food. Soul food and BBQ are both good here. Map (Dining room is open 12-12-21)
Note: See West Monroe for Thai options
Natchitoches
Lasyone’s–622 2nd St. (Cajun) Breakfast & lunch daily; Dinner on Sat. Meat pie is a local specialty, and Lasyone’s is the most well known place that serves it (and the place that supposedly rescued the tradition after the former street vendors were gone). Red beans and rice are a popular suggestion to go with it. This seems to be the only place in town where reviewers say the Cajun food (gumbo, etc.) is really good (authentic, not too salty, made the right way, etc.). Map (Dining room is open 11-26-22)
New Iberia
Theriot’s–330 Julia St. (Cajun) Breakfast Mon-Fri; Lunch Sun-Fri (closed Sat). Grocery store that serves plate lunch (a winning combination in Cajun country). It differs from some others, though, because they have a more varied menu that includes New Orleans style food and other items that are not necessarily Cajun. Map (Dining room is open 12-3-22)
Opelousas
Chicorys at the Palace Cafe–135 W. Landry St. (Cajun) Breakfast & lunch only (closed Mon). Shrimp poboy is recommended (bread is thin so you get a good taste of the sandwich). Fried chicken is also among the best. Reviewers recommend a number of other items. Map (Dining room is open 11-27-22)
Rayne
Chef Roy’s Frog City Cafe–1131 Church Point Hwy. (Cajun) Closed Mon; closed Sat lunch; closed Sun evening. The food is upscale (the atmosphere seems to be casual). The chef is from France, and either puts a French spin on Cajun food or vice versa (I’m not sure which). In any case, they say it is very good. Map (Dining room is open 12-26-21)
Gabe’s Cajun Food–1410 The Blvd. (Cajun) Open 10 am to 8 pm (closed Sun and closed from 2 to 3 pm). Gumbo, chicken. Lunch plates Mon-Fri with different items each day. Map (Dining room is open 2-16-24)
Saint Gabriel
St. Gabriel’s Grocery & Deli–3495 LA-75 (Cajun) Open Mon-Fri 5 am to 6:30 pm (grocery store hours). The grocery store dates back to the 1820’s, and since 1993 it has also served lunch (po boys, gumbo, hot roast beef, sausage, etc.). This is said to be the inspiration for some of Justin Wilson’s humorous Cajun stories. Map (Indoor dining is available 12-3-22)
Shreveport
El Cabo Verde–1023 Provenance Pl. (Mexican) Open Daily. Chef is from Oaxaca. It does not seem to totally follow traditional recipes, but it is fresh and organic, it is said to be delicious, and gives a good food experience. Vegetable enchiladas and vegetable tacos are two of their specialties, but they have meat dishes as well. Map (Dining room is open 11-27-22)
Marilynn’s Place–4041 Fern Ave. (Cajun) Closed Sun evening; closed Mon & Tue. One of the highest rated restaurants in Shreveport on Yelp. Gumbo is especially recommended. Map (Dining room is open 12-26-21)
Taqueria La Michoacana–2905 Youree Dr. (Mexican) Open daily 8 am to 9:30 pm . Seems to be the most authentic Mexican restaurant in town (mostly serves tacos). Note: this does not have upscale Mexican food–for that the reviewers recommend Ki’ Mexico or El Cabo Verde, but neither of them is said to be really authentic. This also has much better prices than most of the other restaurants. Map (Dining room is open 12-15-21)
Slidell
Copeland’s of New Orleans–1337 Gause Blvd. (Creole) Open Daily. If you want New Orleans food without the traffic and parking problems, this looks like a good bet. Mostly gets very high reviews (this is a chain out of New Orleans with 15 locations, all of which are in the Southeast). Map (Dining room is open 12-26-21)
Kenney Seafood–400 Pontchartrain Dr. (Seafood) Open daily (closes at 6:30 pm-5:00 on Sun). This seems to be the locals’ favorite for fresh seafood (has a market and restaurant). Restaurant only serves po boys, oysters, and side dishes. This is not the only seafood restaurant with high ratings, though (others include Pearl’s, Peck’s, and Kingfish). Map (Dining room is open 11-27-22)
Pho House–720 Brownswitch Rd. (Vietnamese) Closed Sat & Sun. Reviewers say it is authentic, has a pretty large menu, and is as good as the Vietnamese restaurants in New Orleans (or at least is pretty close). Map (Dining room is open 11-27-22)
Terry Lynn’s Cafe–1960 1st St. (American) Breakfast & lunch only (closed Sat & Sun). May be the best place in town for breakfast. Other food is eclectic: American (hamburgers, etc) New Orleans style (muffaletta, etc.). Map (Dining room is open 12-26-21)
Thai Orchid–785 Robert Blvd. (Thai) Closed Sat lunch & Sun (and closed 2:30 to 5 pm). Excellent food according to reviews. People especially like pad thai, panang curry, yum nuea. Extensive menu (can find some new, interesting dishes). Is reasonably priced. Map (Dining room is open 2-16-24)
Sunset
Cafe Josephine–818 Napoleon Ave. (Cajun) Dinner Tue-Sat; lunch Fri & Sat. Good alternative to Prejean’s (Prejean’s used to be good but has reportedly gone downhill). Gumbo, seafood (reviewers really like everything). This looks upscale, and the food is not like you will find in most Cajun restaurants. Map (Dining room is open 11-5-21)
Thibodaux
Fremin’s–402 W. 3rd St. (Cajun) Dinner only (open Wed-Sat). New Orleans quality food. Upscale–lunch has some affordable choices such as soup and sandwich. Most dinners were about $20 to $30 as of 2019. Map (Dining room is open 2-16-24)
Vacherie
Fee-Fo-Lay–5593 Hwy. 18 (Cafe) Breakfast & Lunch only (closed Mon & Tue). This is a popular place to get coffee, pralines, beignets, and t-cakes. (Fee-Fo-Lay is Creole for Fille Foulet, which along with the Loup Garou is a legend of the Mississippi River–the restaurant has a “Lore Trail” on the property). Map (Dining room is open 10-30-22)
Ville Platte
Cafe de la Salle–714 W. Lasalle St.(Cajun) Open 10 am to 8 pm (closed Sat & Sun). Popular place for down home Cajun food (can get etouffee, sausage & tasso, gumbo, fried fish, as well as American food such as meatloaf and hamburger steak). Map (Dining room is open 10-30-22)
Cafe Evangeline–102 W. Main St. (Cajun/American) Lunch Wed-Fri; Dinner Wed-Sat. Has white tablecloths, but reviewers say it is “high end atmosphere, though not pricey.” Recommended items include fried eggplant with tasso cream sauce, tasso stuffed chicken, and blackened redfish. Apparently they have cheaper prices at lunch. Map (Dining room is open 10-30-22)
Teet’s Food Store–2210 W. Main St. (Cajun) Open Daily. Grocery store that serves plate lunches. Sausage, boudin, etc. is popular but their specialty is ponce (pig’s stomach filled with pork sausage meat). A popular item is the jalapeno cheese ponce. Teet’s has its own seasoning mix that makes their food popular. Map (Dining room is open 12-3-22)
West Monroe
Bangkok Spice–5332 Cypress St. (Thai) Closed Sun and closed Sat lunch. Reviews say the pad thai is good and the flavors here are complex. However, the owners disclose that they tried selling authentic Thai food when they opened in 2011 but it was not selling in this market so the food is Americanized. They indicated a willingness to take special orders in certain circumstances, and they obviously can prepare authentic food if they have the ingredients, so it probably would not hurt to ask if this is what you want. Map (Dining room is open 2-16-24)
RawZ–203 Blanchard St. (Thai) Closed Sun and closed from 2:30 to 5 pm. Much of the food looks Americanized from the photos, and a lot of what they sell is sushi. However, the curry looks good and gets good reviews (and I think is not Americanized). Map (Dining room is open 11-5-21)
Closed (Formerly on the Restaurant Guide)
- Real BBQ and More–5863 Fairfield Ave., Shreveport (closed 2022) Known for its brisket. TV report said it closed due to rising prices.
- For additional explanation of this list see Index
- Please feel free to leave your own comments or suggestions.
Sources:
Google Maps
Jane & Michael Stern, “Roadfood,” New York: HarperPerennial, 1992.
Dixie Poché, “Classic Eateries of Cajun Country,” Charleston, SC: American Palate, 2015.
Urbanspoon.com (former web site which I used for preliminary research)