The Louisiana Restaurants You Only Hear About From Locals
Some restaurants don’t advertise, chase trends, or try to impress outsiders. Their reputation spreads the old-fashioned way, through quiet recommendations, repeated visits, and loyalty built over years.
In Louisiana, these are the places locals mention casually, assuming everyone already knows. The food speaks plainly but memorably, the dining rooms feel familiar, and the experience never feels staged.
These restaurants aren’t trying to be discovered, they’re simply doing things right, one plate at a time.
1. Parkway Bakery & Tavern
Roast beef debris po-boys here aren’t just sandwiches—they’re a full-blown spiritual experience wrapped in French bread. The gravy-soaked beef spills over every edge, and you’ll find yourself licking your fingers between bites without a shred of shame.
Locals line up out the door, especially during lunch, and for good reason.
Located at 538 Hagan Avenue in New Orleans, this place started as a neighborhood bakery back in 1911. The building still has that old-school charm, with picnic tables out back where everyone eats elbow-to-elbow.
You can taste the history in every bite, and the casual vibe makes you feel like you’ve been coming here your whole life.
Order the fully dressed po-boy with extra debris, grab a cold beer, and settle in. The shrimp and oyster options are killer too, but that roast beef?
That’s what dreams are made of. Don’t skip the homemade potato salad on the side—it’s tangy, creamy, and the perfect partner to all that rich, meaty goodness.
2. Domilise’s Po-Boys & Bar
Step inside Domilise’s and you’re stepping back in time. The wooden bar, vintage signs, and friendly banter make this place feel like your favorite uncle’s living room—if your uncle happened to make the best po-boys in the city.
Regulars pack the tiny space, swapping stories while waiting for their orders, and the energy is contagious.
Tucked away at 5240 Annunciation Street in New Orleans, Domilise’s has been family-run since 1918. The fried shrimp po-boy is legendary, with plump, perfectly seasoned shrimp that crunch with every bite.
They pile them high on fresh Leidenheimer bread, and the hot sauce bottles on every table are there for a reason—use them liberally.
What I love most is how unpretentious everything feels. There’s no fancy decor or Instagram-perfect plating, just honest-to-goodness food made with care.
The catfish po-boy is another standout, flaky and golden, with just enough spice to keep things interesting. Cash only, so come prepared, and don’t be surprised if you leave planning your next visit.
3. Olde Tyme Grocery
Walking into Olde Tyme Grocery feels like discovering a secret your best friend finally decided to share. It’s a tiny corner store that doubles as a sandwich shop, and the po-boys here have a cult following among Lafayette locals.
The bread is always fresh, the fillings are generous, and the prices won’t make your wallet weep.
You’ll find this gem at 218 West Saint Mary Boulevard in Lafayette, and it’s been serving up sandwiches since 1982. The fried oyster po-boy is a must-try—crispy, briny, and dressed with lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and mayo that all blend together in perfect harmony.
But honestly, you can’t go wrong with any choice on the menu.
The store itself is no-frills, with a few tables and a cooler stocked with cold drinks. People order at the counter, grab their sandwiches, and either eat there or take them to go.
The turkey and Swiss is surprisingly delicious if you’re not in the mood for fried seafood. Everything is made to order, so expect a short wait, but trust me—it’s worth every minute.
4. Li’l Dizzy’s Café
Creole soul food at Li’l Dizzy’s hits different, especially when you roll in for their famous weekday lunch buffet. The fried chicken is crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and seasoned so well you’ll want to ask for the recipe (they won’t give it up, trust me).
The mac and cheese is creamy, the greens are perfectly seasoned, and the cornbread melts in your mouth.
Located at 1500 Esplanade Avenue in New Orleans, this family-owned spot has been feeding locals since 2004. The buffet lets you sample a little bit of everything, from red beans and rice to smothered pork chops and okra gumbo.
Breakfast is another highlight—the shrimp and grits will change your life, and the biscuits are fluffy clouds of buttery goodness.
What makes Li’l Dizzy’s special is the warmth you feel the moment you walk through the door. The staff treats everyone like family, and the food tastes like someone’s grandmother has been cooking all morning just for you.
Come hungry, leave happy, and maybe loosen your belt a notch before you sit down.
5. Scratch Farm Kitchen
Farm-to-table isn’t just a trendy phrase at Scratch Farm Kitchen—it’s a way of life. Everything here is made from scratch using locally sourced ingredients, and you can taste the difference in every single dish.
The menu changes with the seasons, so you’re always getting the freshest flavors Louisiana has to offer.
Situated at 4834 Johnston Street in Lafayette, Scratch has become a favorite among locals who appreciate thoughtful, creative cooking. The shrimp and grits are next-level, with plump Gulf shrimp swimming in a rich, savory sauce over creamy stone-ground grits.
The fried green tomatoes with remoulade are tangy, crispy, and addictive. Even the salads here feel special, piled high with fresh greens, roasted veggies, and house-made dressings.
Brunch is an event worth planning your weekend around. The biscuits and gravy are fluffy and indulgent, and the breakfast boudin balls are crispy little flavor bombs.
The vibe is cozy and welcoming, with rustic decor and friendly service that makes you want to linger over coffee. It’s the kind of place where you leave feeling nourished, not just full.
6. Sheila Café and Catering
Homestyle cooking reaches new heights at Sheila Café, where every plate feels like a hug from someone who genuinely cares about your happiness. The daily lunch specials are the main attraction, featuring classics like smothered chicken, pork chops, and crawfish étouffée that taste like they’ve been simmering all morning.
The portions are generous, the prices are fair, and the flavors are unforgettable.
You’ll find this cozy spot at 127 West Main Street in New Roads, tucked away in a small town that most tourists speed right past. Big mistake on their part.
The seafood gumbo is dark, rich, and packed with shrimp and crab. The red beans and rice are creamy and perfectly seasoned, and the cornbread is sweet, moist, and impossible to resist.
Sheila herself often works the kitchen, and you can feel the love in every dish. The atmosphere is casual and unpretentious, with locals filling the tables during lunch rush.
Save room for dessert—the bread pudding is warm, custardy, and drizzled with a rum sauce that’ll make you close your eyes and sigh with contentment.
7. C’est Bon
Hidden in the tiny town of Mermentau, C’est Bon is the kind of place you’d drive right past if a local didn’t tell you to stop. But once you do, you’ll understand why people make special trips just to eat here.
The boudin is some of the best in the state—moist, flavorful, and packed with rice, pork, and Cajun spices that dance on your tongue.
Located at 1003 East Main Street in Mermentau, this unassuming spot serves up authentic Cajun food that locals swear by. The cracklins are crispy, salty, and dangerously addictive.
The gumbo is thick and hearty, with a dark roux that tells you someone took their time getting it just right. Even the plate lunches are solid, with generous portions of jambalaya, dirty rice, and whatever the special of the day happens to be.
The building itself won’t win any design awards, but who cares when the food is this good? Grab a link of boudin, a bag of cracklins, and maybe some gumbo to go.
You’ll be talking about this place for weeks and planning your next road trip back.
8. Bellue’s Fine Cajun Cuisine
Cajun food with a touch of elegance—that’s what Bellue’s brings to the table. The crawfish étouffée here is rich, buttery, and loaded with tender crawfish tails swimming in a sauce so good you’ll want to drink it straight from the bowl.
The presentation is beautiful, but the flavors are pure, unapologetic Louisiana.
You’ll find Bellue’s at 5673 Bankers Avenue in Baton Rouge, and it’s a local favorite for special occasions and weeknight dinners alike. The seafood platter is a showstopper, featuring fried catfish, shrimp, oysters, and crab cakes that are all perfectly seasoned and cooked to golden perfection.
The gumbo is dark and smoky, and the turtle soup is an adventurous choice that pays off big time.
What sets Bellue’s apart is the balance between traditional Cajun cooking and refined technique. The service is attentive without being stuffy, and the atmosphere feels upscale but still welcoming.
Try the bread pudding for dessert—it’s warm, sweet, and topped with a whiskey sauce that’ll make you want to order a second one to go.
9. Marlie’s Restaurant
Breakfast at Marlie’s is the stuff of legend among locals in French Settlement and beyond. The omelets are fluffy, loaded with cheese, veggies, and your choice of meats, and they come with hash browns that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
The pancakes are thick, golden, and big enough to cover the entire plate.
Located at 16281 Highway 16 in French Settlement, Marlie’s has been serving up hearty meals since the early 2000s. The lunch menu is just as impressive, with plate lunches that feature fried catfish, smothered pork chops, and chicken-fried steak that’s crispy, juicy, and covered in creamy white gravy.
The sides are all homemade, from the mashed potatoes to the green beans, and everything tastes like it came straight from grandma’s kitchen.
The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, with friendly servers who remember regulars by name. It’s the kind of place where you can bring the whole family and everyone will find something they love.
The portions are huge, so come hungry or be prepared to take home leftovers for later.
10. Turgeau’s
Stepping into Turgeau’s feels like walking into a friend’s home for Sunday dinner. The menu is packed with South Louisiana favorites, and everything is cooked with care and attention to detail.
The fried catfish is perfectly seasoned and crispy, and the crawfish étouffée is rich, creamy, and full of plump crawfish tails that taste like they were pulled fresh from the bayou.
Located at 721 North Columbia Street in Covington, Turgeau’s has been a local staple for years. The gumbo is dark and flavorful, with a perfect balance of spice and depth.
The shrimp and grits are creamy and comforting, and the red beans and rice are cooked low and slow until every bite is tender and delicious. Even the sides shine here—the potato salad is tangy, the coleslaw is crisp, and the cornbread is sweet and moist.
What I appreciate most is the consistency. No matter when you visit, the food is always on point, and the service is friendly and efficient.
It’s the kind of place where you can bring out-of-town guests and know they’ll leave impressed.
11. Mattina Bella Restaurant
Italian flavors meet Louisiana soul at Mattina Bella, where the menu is a delicious fusion of two culinary traditions. The crawfish pasta is a standout, with tender crawfish tails tossed in a creamy garlic sauce over perfectly cooked linguine.
The flavors are bold, the portions are generous, and every bite feels like a celebration.
You’ll find this charming spot at 421 East Gibson Street in Covington, and it’s quickly become a favorite among locals who appreciate creative, flavorful cooking. The shrimp and grits here have an Italian twist, with sun-dried tomatoes and a hint of basil that elevate the dish to something truly special.
The muffuletta is another must-try, piled high with cured meats, cheese, and tangy olive salad on fresh bread.
The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, with warm lighting and rustic decor that makes you want to settle in and stay awhile. The service is attentive, and the staff clearly takes pride in what they do.
Save room for dessert—the tiramisu is light, creamy, and the perfect ending to a fantastic meal.
12. Basel’s Market
Basel’s Market is part grocery store, part deli, and all delicious. The sandwiches here are legendary among locals, piled high with fresh meats, cheeses, and toppings on bread that’s baked fresh daily.
The roast beef po-boy is a crowd favorite, with tender, juicy beef and just the right amount of gravy to keep things messy in the best way possible.
Located at 11719 Ferdinand Street in Saint Francisville, Basel’s has been a community hub for years. The boudin is made in-house and is some of the best you’ll find anywhere.
The fried chicken is crispy, juicy, and seasoned to perfection. Even the sides are noteworthy—the potato salad is creamy and tangy, and the deviled eggs are rich and flavorful.
The market itself is charming, with shelves stocked with local products, hot sauce, and specialty items you won’t find anywhere else. Grab a sandwich to go and enjoy it on the patio, or take some boudin home for later.
Either way, you’ll leave happy and already planning your next visit.