Louisiana is a melting pot with Creole and Cajun culture going hand-in-hand. People used to recognize Cajun cuisine as ‘country’ food and Creole cuisine ‘city’ food. Nonetheless, both cultures have French roots during the European colonization period in the New World.
From this article, you can find seven top-rated Louisiana restaurants that epitomize the Creole and Cajun culture.
Louisiana Food Trail: The Journey Begins
1. Arlene’s Cajun Kitchen (4.9 Rating on Google Reviews)
Many people might miss this restaurant because of its underwhelming exterior. Do you know it is just a façade to hide its delectable menu?
Arlene’s Cajun Kitchen offers the best burgers in town. Adding on with a baked potato and chicken wings to your plate will make a wholesome meal. With friendly staff and homely atmosphere, your dining experience will be unforgettable.
Address: 405 Church St, Youngsville, LA 70592, United States
2. DezMeaux’s Boudin (4.9 Rating on Google Reviews)
Boudin is a spicy Cajun sausage made of pork, rice, seasonings, and some vegetables. This is the spot where you can find the best boudin in Louisiana. Besides, this store serves a special type of chicken wings by stuffing in boudin.
All you have to do is to find a smug-looking pig chef, DeMeaux’s Boudin’s mascot. Afterwards, you can have a boudin fiesta.
Address: 720 E Vine St, Opelousas, LA 70570, United States
3. Brigtsen’s Restaurant (4.8 Rating on Google Reviews)
Image Credit: Brigtsen’s Restaurant Twitter Image Credit: Brigtsen’s Restaurant Facebook
Operated by the Brigtsens, this contemporary Creole restaurant has served the people of New Orleans since 1986. Time to enjoy your seafood platter or grilled beef tenderloin for dinner in this cottage setting.
The owner, Chef Frank Brigtsen, went for seven years training in Louisiana cuisine. Many patrons have praised his creative incorporation of local Creole ingredients and modern menu. He also receives awards from both local and transnational organizations.
Remember to support Chef Brigtsen when you have reached New Orleans.
Address: 723 Dante St, New Orleans, LA 70118, United States
4. Roberto’s River Road Restaurant (4.7 Rating on Google Reviews)
Established in a 200 years old building, Roberto’s River Road Restaurant provides delicious Cajun and Creole dishes to the people in Sunshine. Locals often stay to have a drink and socialize in the bar after a long-day of work.
You can choose the common dishes like catfish, shrimps, or the fresh catch of the day. If you are daring enough, you can try the fried gator meat from the dinner menu. A dish that you will never have in most restaurants in the US.
Address: 1985 LA-75, Sunshine, LA 70780, United States
5. Bellue’s Fine Cajun Cuisine (4.7 Rating on Google Reviews)
Want to grab a quick lunch? Bellue’s Fine Cajun Cuisine gives you quality Cajun cuisine in a flash of lightning. From stuffed pork to crawfish, you will never get disappointed by the lunch meals.
You can also attempt your home-cooked Cajun meal by purchasing their raw sausages. 1 pound of sausage costs between $4.99 to $6.99, a reasonable price to cook for your family.
Address: 3110 Scenic Hwy, Baton Rouge, LA 70805, United States
6. Cochon RESTAURANT (4.6 Rating on Google Reviews)
Set in a renovated New Orleans warehouse, Chef Donald Link is the composer of the magical dining experience. His delectable food menu in Cochon is his cast to give patrons a delightful mealtime.
Whether it’s small plates, boucherie, or large format dishes, Chef Link and his team use fresh ingredients and tailor each dish according to the customers’ diet. Many patrons recommend the wood fired oysters and fried alligator meat, specialties only in Louisiana.
Address: 930 Tchoupitoulas St suite a, New Orleans, LA 70130, United States
7. Warehouse No 1 Restaurant (4.7 Rating on Google Reviews)
By the Ouachita River, there is a little tin warehouse which has witnessed the growth of Monroe for 100 years. Despite the trials of time and floods, this warehouse remains strong and complete. Today, it has become the establishment of Warehouse No 1 Restaurant since 1980.
If you are staying in Monroe for a night, dine in this historical building. Does it sound romantic to have a plate of salmon or crab cake on the table, accompanied by the view of the sunset reflecting on the surface of one of the most beautiful rivers in America.
Address: 1 Olive St, Monroe, LA 71201, United States
Eating in Louisiana is an exquisite experience that combines the local tradition and the contemporary American lifestyle. All the unusual ingredients, historical restaurants, and chefs with their own food stories will change the way you look at Louisiana cuisine. Do you want to find more exciting restaurant for your food trip? Visit LokaEats for our recommendations on top-rated dining spots.