People Travel Across Louisiana To Dine At These 12 Iconic Creole And Cajun Restaurants
Last summer, I found myself standing outside a century-old restaurant in New Orleans, stomach growling, watching locals and tourists alike queue up for a taste of authentic Creole magic.
Louisiana’s culinary scene is legendary, and these restaurants prove exactly why food lovers make special trips from all corners of the state and beyond.
Get ready to discover where the real flavor happens.
1. Arnaud’s — New Orleans
Founded in 1918, this French Quarter gem serves up history alongside shrimp Arnaud and oysters Bienville.
The jazz brunch alone is worth the drive, with live music floating through rooms dripping with old-world elegance.
Upstairs, there’s even a Mardi Gras museum showcasing costumes worn by the restaurant founder’s daughter.
The tile floors, vintage mirrors, and tuxedoed waiters transport diners straight back to the Roaring Twenties. Reservations fill up fast, especially during festival season, so plan ahead for this culinary time machine.
2. Brennan’s — New Orleans
Bananas Foster was literally invented here in 1951, and watching servers flambé the dessert tableside never gets old.
Breakfast at Brennan’s isn’t just a meal; it’s a full-blown event complete with turtle soup, eggs Hussarde, and enough champagne cocktails to make you forget about calories.
The gorgeous courtyard, bursting with lush greenery, makes every brunch feel like a special occasion.
After a major renovation following Hurricane Katrina, the restaurant came back stronger and more beautiful than ever.
3. Mr. B’s Bistro — New Orleans
Barbecue shrimp here will ruin you for all other versions. Seriously, the butter-soaked, peel-and-eat beauties come swimming in a sauce so good you’ll want to drink it with a straw.
Located right on Royal Street, Mr. B’s nails that sweet spot between fancy and comfortable.
The gumbo ya ya, packed with chicken and andouille, has converted countless gumbo skeptics into true believers. Monday lunch specials draw crowds of locals who know quality when they taste it.
4. Gumbo Shop — New Orleans
Sometimes you just need a big bowl of soul-warming gumbo without the fuss, and this French Quarter spot delivers exactly that.
Since 1795, the building has housed restaurants, making it one of the oldest eateries in the area.
The seafood gumbo, dark as midnight and packed with flavor, comes with a scoop of potato salad plopped right in the middle (a Louisiana tradition that somehow just works).
Prices won’t break the bank, and the laid-back atmosphere welcomes everyone from backpackers to businesspeople.
5. Drago’s Seafood Restaurant — Metairie
Charbroiled oysters were perfected here, and one bite explains why people drive hours just for a dozen.
The oysters arrive sizzling, topped with garlic butter, parmesan, and herbs that create an addictive combination.
Originally a small neighborhood joint, Drago’s has expanded but never compromised on quality. The family recipes, passed down through generations, keep regulars coming back weekly.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try the oyster loaf, a Louisiana po-boy stuffed with fried oysters that’s messy, delicious, and totally worth the napkin count.
6. Acme Oyster House — New Orleans
Watch expert shuckers work their magic at lightning speed while you slurp down cold, briny oysters at the marble-topped bar.
The line snaking down the sidewalk might look intimidating, but it moves surprisingly fast.
Since 1910, Acme has been slinging oysters to hungry crowds who appreciate quality seafood without pretension.
The red beans and rice make an excellent side, and the chargrilled oysters give Drago’s a run for their money. Cash tips for the shuckers are customary and always appreciated.
7. Lasyone’s Meat Pie Restaurant — Natchitoches
Natchitoches meat pies are a regional treasure, and Lasyone’s has been cranking out the best versions since 1967.
These handheld crescents, stuffed with seasoned beef and pork, arrive piping hot with a perfectly flaky crust.
James Lasyone brought his family recipe to the masses, and now tourists plan entire road trips around a lunch stop here.
The dirty rice and red beans round out the plate beautifully. Fair warning: one meat pie is never enough, so order extras to go.
8. Middendorf’s — Manchac
Thin-fried catfish is an art form here, with fillets pounded paper-thin, breaded lightly, and fried to golden perfection.
Located right on the water between New Orleans and Baton Rouge, the restaurant has been a road trip staple since 1934. The casual, no-frills atmosphere lets the food do all the talking.
Locals swear by the tangy tartar sauce that accompanies every order. Weekend waits can stretch long, but watching boats drift by makes the time pass pleasantly enough.
9. Mike Anderson’s Seafood — Baton Rouge
When LSU fans aren’t tailgating, they’re probably at Mike Anderson’s devouring platters of boiled crawfish and crispy fried seafood.
The portions here don’t mess around; everything arrives in generous quantities meant for serious appetites. The étouffée, rich and perfectly spiced, showcases classic Cajun cooking at its finest.
Since opening in 1975, Mike Anderson’s has become a Baton Rouge institution where generations of families celebrate everything from graduations to game-day victories.
The seafood gumbo could win awards if it bothered entering competitions.
10. Spahr’s Seafood — Des Allemands
Tucked away in the self-proclaimed Catfish Capital of the Universe, Spahr’s serves up some of the freshest catfish you’ll ever taste. The small-town charm and waterfront location add to the authentic Louisiana experience.
Family-owned and operated, this spot treats every customer like a regular, even first-timers passing through. The fried catfish, caught locally, arrives with hushpuppies that are dangerously addictive.
Don’t skip the coleslaw, which provides the perfect cool, crunchy contrast to all that fried goodness. Cash is preferred, so hit the ATM first.
11. Crawfish Town USA — Henderson
Henderson sits in the heart of crawfish country, and this spot knows how to boil them right.
During peak season, mountains of mudbugs get seasoned, boiled, and dumped straight onto your table for a proper Cajun feast.
The casual, come-as-you-are vibe encourages messy eating and good times. Locals and tourists mingle over newspaper-covered tables, swapping tips on the best tail-peeling techniques.
The boudin balls make an excellent appetizer while you wait for your main event. Bibs are provided, but you’ll still leave smelling deliciously like crawfish.
12. Parrain’s Seafood — Baton Rouge
Upscale without being stuffy, Parrain’s elevates Louisiana seafood to an art form. The crabmeat au gratin, bubbling with cheese and perfectly seasoned, converts even the pickiest eaters into seafood enthusiasts.
Chef James Graham brings decades of experience to every dish, blending traditional Cajun flavors with refined techniques.
The stuffed shrimp, packed with crabmeat dressing, practically melts in your mouth.
White tablecloths and attentive service make this the perfect spot for celebrations or impressing out-of-town guests with Louisiana’s culinary excellence.