8 Coastal Louisiana Restaurants Where Gulf Views Are As Memorable As The Food
Louisiana’s coastline serves up more than seafood – it delivers moments where the view is as unforgettable as the meal.
In Grand Isle, barrier island breezes pair perfectly with a platter of Gulf shrimp, while Venice’s busy marinas offer a front-row seat to life on the water.
Fresh catches and stunning scenery come together here, so bring both your appetite and your camera.
1. Hurricane Hole Restaurant – Grand Isle
Marina dining reaches new heights at this Grand Isle favorite, where sunset views paint the sky while fishing boats return from their Gulf adventures.
Island-front tables offer prime real estate for watching the daily parade of charter vessels heading home with their catches.
Shrimp beignets steal the show here, combining Louisiana’s love affair with both seafood and fluffy pastries. Their “cook your catch” option means your morning fishing success becomes tonight’s dinner special.
Tuna tacos provide a fresh twist on coastal classics.
2. Bridge Side Marina Deli – Grand Isle
Grab-and-go gets gourmet treatment at this waterside deli positioned perfectly at Caminada Pass. Boat crews stock up here before heading into deeper waters, knowing good food makes long fishing days more bearable.
Hot roast beef po’boys drip with gravy and local flavor, while breakfast plates fuel pre-dawn departures. Outdoor seating provides front-row seats to bridge traffic and passing vessels.
I once watched a pelican steal someone’s sandwich here – apparently, even local wildlife knows quality when they taste it.
3. Crawgator’s Bar & Grill at Venice Marina – Venice
Charter boat central comes alive at this dockside establishment, where offshore adventures begin and end. Venice Marina’s constant activity provides dinner entertainment as successful fishing parties return with coolers full of Gulf treasures.
Seafood-baked potatoes transform humble spuds into coastal masterpieces, loaded with fresh catches and melted cheese.
Gumbo here tastes like generations of family recipes, while burgers satisfy landlubbers who prefer their protein without fins.
The classic charter-town atmosphere makes every meal feel like a celebration.
4. Lighthouse Restaurant at CoCo Marina – Chauvin
Terrebonne Parish’s marshes stretch toward the Gulf from this waterfront dining spot where Cajun culture meets coastal convenience. Open water views remind diners that the Gulf lies just beyond the maze of channels and wetlands.
Fresh Gulf seafood arrives daily, prepared with traditional Cajun seasonings that honor local heritage. The marina setting attracts serious anglers who appreciate both quality food and strategic location.
During my last visit, a great blue heron stood motionless nearby, apparently judging our seafood selections with professional interest.
5. The Bayview – Cypremort Point
Vermilion Bay spreads like a blue carpet from this shoreline restaurant where state park beaches meet serious seafood.
Set on Vermilion Bay (with the state park’s Gulf-beach access nearby), it’s one of the few coastal dining spots you can easily reach by car between Grand Isle and Cameron.
Gulf seafood plates showcase the bay’s bounty while casual grill fare satisfies diverse appetites. Bay views stretch endlessly from dining tables, creating natural entertainment as boats navigate channels toward deeper waters.
The proximity to Cypremort Point State Park makes this a perfect meal stop during coastal exploration adventures.
6. Lighthouse Bend Restaurant – Cameron
Brand new for 2024, this waterfront complex proves that coastal dining continues evolving along Louisiana’s rebuilding shoreline. The 100-seat restaurant anchors a marina and RV park development that signals renewed confidence in Cameron’s future.
Steaks share menu space with Gulf seafood, offering something for every palate preference. Bread pudding dessert has already earned local favorite status despite the restaurant’s recent opening.
Clear water views from the ship channel create a dining ambiance that celebrates both recovery and resilience.
7. Anchors Up Grill – Cameron
Coastal community spirit thrives at this outdoor seating establishment where Holly Beach day-trippers refuel between Gulf adventures.
Set along Cameron’s Calcasieu Ship Channel just inland from the Gulf, Cameron’s location makes every meal feel like waterfront dining, even when you’re technically on dry land.
Kickin’ shrimp po’boys deliver heat and flavor in perfect Louisiana proportions. Fried seafood baskets satisfy serious appetites worked up by beach exploration and Creole Nature Trail adventures.
The town’s rebuilding energy creates an atmosphere of determination mixed with traditional coastal hospitality that makes every visit memorable.
8. Don’s Boat Landing Café – Erath
Vermilion Bay’s edge comes alive at this classic marina café where true coastal access meets authentic Louisiana hospitality. Boats, fuel, and seafood plates combine to create the complete coastal experience that fishing enthusiasts dream about finding.
Plate lunches deliver traditional Louisiana comfort food while fried seafood celebrates daily Gulf harvests. Breakfast service accommodates early-rising anglers who understand that successful fishing starts before dawn.
The legitimate water views from this working landing remind diners that the best coastal restaurants often hide at the most functional locations.