It is a well-known fact that New Orleans is a world class food destination. With restaurants featuring traditional cajun and creole flavors, to restaurants with a diverse range of flavors from around the world, New Orleans exceeds our expectations every single time. But New Orleans is not the only place in Louisiana that is known for having delicious food. With influences from French, African, Spanish, and Native American cuisines, Louisiana has developed a unique culinary identity that has captured the hearts of people worldwide. Southern Louisiana is home to endless eats that will leave you craving more. Follow along as we give you a list of our favorite restaurants in and around southern Louisiana! Many of these restaurants make perfect pit stops if you’re passing through on a road trip. If you’re planning a road trip through Louisiana, consider booking a motor coach charter and adding one or more of these restaurants to your itinerary!
Jacques-Imo’s, New Orleans
Located at 8324 Oak Street, in Uptown New Orleans, Jacques-Imo’s is a local’s favorite! Known for their tasty cocktail menu, mouth watering southern-style appetizers, and traditional New Orleans cuisine, Jacques-Imo’s is guaranteed to impress! Be sure to try an order of their Fried Green Tomatoes and Shrimp and Alligator Sausage CHEESECAKE as a starter, and finish off your meal with Jacques-Imo’s famous Blackened Redfish! Not only are the entrees extremely generous in size, but they also come with two complimentary sides, so be prepared to take home leftovers! If you aren’t too full after dinner, walk down Oak Street and check out the unique shops and bars featured in this picturesque New Orleans neighborhood.
A Tavola, Metairie
A Tavola, located at 3414 Veterans Blvd in Metairie, is bringing coastal Italian flavors to southern Louisiana! Famous for their fresh and delicious pastas, pizzas, cocktails, and more, A Tavola is a must-do for your next date night. Who doesn’t love a good drink special? In addition to having a full lunch and dinner menu, A Tavola has a 7-day a week happy hour from 2-6pm! Enjoy discounted frozen and call beverages for just 7$ and select appetizers for under 10$. Yum!
Rips on the Lake, Mandeville
Look, disagree with me all you want, but location matters when it comes to choosing the best dinner spots. Our next restaurant, Rips on the Lake, in Mandeville, not only has the picture-perfect location for a restaurant, but is matched by equally terrific food. Sitting directly in front of Lake Pontchartrain on the Northshore, Rips on the Lake serves both tasty meals and good vibes. From New Orleans, Rips on the Lake is just a short 45 minute drive on one of our shuttle bus rentals, and is the best final stop to make after an afternoon on Lake Pontchartrain! Everything on this menu is delicious, so I wouldn’t be surprised if you experience some decision paralysis. For an appetizer, I like to start out with the Fried Calamari and Oyster Rockefeller Bread. As a seafood lover, you just cannot beat seafood that is fried and covered in cheese. Yum! If your mouth isn’t water already, Rip’s entree menu is sure to make you hungry. They offer endless options, from a classic surf and turf, to seafood pasta and crawfish etouffee. If you are not a seafood fan, don’t worry, Rip’s has plenty of non-seafood options. For our meat lovers, I suggest ordering their Roast Beef Po-boy. Paired with their delicious house-made fries, Rip’s Po-boy’s are the perfect choice for lunch or dinner.
Parrian’s Seafood, Baton Rouge
Sticking with our seafood theme, our next suggestion is Parrian’s Seafood in Baton Rouge! Check Parrian’s Seafood out at 3225 Perkins Rd, where they fry up some of the best seafood platters I’ve ever had. If you’re a Catfish fan, this is the place for you! I recommend going with the half and half platter with Fried Catfish and Shrimp. Not only does this menu give you a generous heap of fish and shrimp, but it comes with your choice of two of their eleven side options! If you still have room for dessert, you HAVE to try Parrian’s famous White Chocolate Bread Pudding.
Bon Temps Grill, Lafayette
If you ever get the privilege to visit Lafayette, Louisiana, a stop at Bon Temps Grill is a must! Bon Temps Grill, located at 1211 W Pinhook Rd, cooks up some of the best Cajun cuisine I’ve ever had. Featuring an extensive dinner menu and daily brunch menu, this restaurant is truly the spot for any occasion! For a Saturday brunch, I suggest starting off with one of their Build Your Own Bloody Marys. Starting at just 3$, Bon Temps Grill lets you build the Bloody Mary of your dreams! Wanna throw a boiled egg on it? Personally I wouldn’t, but you can for just a 2$ up charge! If you haven’t drank your breakfast by now, I suggest rounding out your meal with an order of Bon Temps’ Crab Cake Eggs Benedict. Served with two deep fried crab cakes, two poached eggs, and a generous serving of their lump crab, this meal is sure to appease your appetite.
Tasting Room of Louisiana, Alexandria
Nestled in the heart of downtown Alexandria, Louisiana, is where you’ll find our final hidden food gem, The Tasting Room of Louisiana. Known for having the largest whiskey selection in the area, this restaurant is sure to raise spirits, quench your thirst, and satisfy your appetite. At the Tasting Room, the drinks are the star of the show, however they offer a wide selection of tasty charcuterie boards, sandwich platters, and more. This restaurant is the perfect place to grab a drink and snack with friends!
Louisiana Motor Coach
If you are looking to plan a more curated restaurant and bar tour, request a quote for one of our charter bus rentals! Renting a bus with Louisiana Motor Coach is the perfect way to experience the Louisiana food scene, without the stress of handling transportation, navigation, parking, and other headaches. Leave it to our experienced drivers and top-notch bus rentals to get you where you need to be without the hassle!