“Feed Your Soul.” It’s Louisiana’s official tourism slogan and it’s easy to see why. The rich cultural heritage, bountiful natural beauty, and laid-back atmosphere beckon visitors. But, once across the state line, you can “Feed Your Belly” with some of the best dishes east of the Mississippi.

When I landed in Lafayette, Louisiana, my mouth watered thinking of Acadiana Region specialties; boudin, beignets, alligator. Strongly flavored with Cajun and Creole influences, the unique blend of cultures has inspired native dishes that will tempt your taste buds. You’ll return home with tighter jeans and a new appreciation for crawfish. Bypass the chains and try these restaurants instead. You’ll be glad you did.

Delicious Restaurants in Lafayette, Louisiana

I visited so many restaurants during my trip to Lafayette and received so many recommendations from locals that I decided to divide my dining into a breakfast, lunch, and dinner series.

Lunch Options

Located on Avery Island, the Tabasco Restaurant 1868 focuses on simple Cajun fare with a focus on Tabasco Sauce. And they have a variety! Served cafeteria style, you can create a platter of your favorites from choices like red beans and rice, and gumbo. The Bloody Mary bar is a nice touch. Purchase a souvenir glass and treat yourself to unlimited Bloody Mary’s you prepare using their myriad of ingredients.

The restaurant is open daily from 9 AM-4 PM. While you’re there, don’t miss all the things to do on the island. Take a tour of the Tabasco Sauce Plant and learn the history of Tabasco sauce. Stop by their general store and try a free sample of their Tabasco ice cream.

If you—like me— are a fan of Po-Boys, then a stop by Pop’s Po-Boys is a must. The setting is casual, but the food is not. The key is in the ingredients. Freshly made bread. Quality ingredients. While you can try one of the traditional flavors of Po-Boys, they offer twists like the vegetarian Red Bean Falafel Po-Boy or the Burger Po-Boy.

Don’t miss one of their sides, even if you have to share! I recommend Mimi’s Mac and Cheese, a rich cheese covered dish made with spaghetti instead of the traditional elbows. They even make their own soda, known as “Swamp Pop.”

A former Conaco “Filling” Station, Spoonbill Watering Hole and Restaurant has been converted into a casual dining experience. You’ll still find the antique gas pumps outside, but inside you’ll find a “diversified perspective on Southern food culture and Gulf Coast seafood.” Spoonbill is a compact restaurant with limited indoor and outdoor seating. They don’t take reservations so on weekends either come early or plan to wait.

Don’t miss the Alligator Sliders, made from crispy fried alligator tossed in creamy chili sauce and served with mint and onions on Hawaiian rolls. This is a unique take on the classic fried alligator found in most restaurants. There are four sliders in a serving, so it would make a complete meal if an additional side was purchased. Of course, you need to try the signature drinks or their takes on the classics. Here you’ll find the “Hibiscus Hurricane” blended from Flor de Caña Silver Rum, Appleton Jamaican Rum, Pineapple, Orange, and Lime Juices, Tiki Bitters, and Hibiscus. It’s served in a tiki glass with a Wind Swept Umbrella for decor.

La Cuisine de Maman prides itself on its classic Cajun and Creole fare. Here’s where you’ll find Gumbo, Etouffée, Po-Boys, and Bread Pudding all prepared in the traditional manner. While the restaurant is located inside Vermillionville, it is free to enter the restaurant. If you wish to visit the historic village, there is an admission fee.

One of the sites that caught me by surprise the first time I visited Louisiana was the Drive Through Daquiri Bars. It is possible, according to the local liquor laws, to go through a drive through and drive away with an adult beverage. The only stipulation is that the top must be taped closed. We stopped by Frankie’s Best Drive Through Daquiri’s to check this out for ourselves. My takeaway? This isn’t your traditional daiquiri. You’ll find a vast menu filled with concoctions to numerous to mention with names like “Wedding Cake,” “Ghost Busters,” and “Purple Passion.” There is truly a flavor for every taste.

Fish Tacos at Spoonbill Restaurant

Other Recommendations

While I didn’t get to visit these restaurants, they were highly praised and often frequented by friends that live in the area.
Café Sydnie Mae-Located in nearby Breaux Bridge, Cafe Sydnie Mae is named for Sydnie Mae Maraist Durand, a former state representative for Louisiana District 46. They serve a twist on traditional Cajun dishes like Fried Smoked Boudin Balls or Louisiana Shrimp and Crab Gumbo, along with steaks and salads.
Patacon– A traditional Venezuelan restaurant in Louisiana? Yes. Patacon, owned by Jose and Wanda Lugo, serves up the specialties of their homeland; arepas, empanadas, and patacones. Because of the style of cooking, most of the dishes have the added bonus of being gluten-free.
Central Pizza and Bar– This restaurant is owned by the same man who brought us Pop’s Po-Boys. Here you’ll find woodfired pizzas, Swamp Pop Soda, local beers, and their own twist on cocktails.

Where to Find the Restaurants:

Tabasco Restaurant 1868 is located at 6228 Avery Island Rd on Avery Island in New Iberia, Louisiana, a 45-minute drive from Lafayette.
Pop’s Po-Boys is located at 740 Jefferson Street in downtown Lafayette.
Spoonbill Watering Hole and Restaurant is located at 900 Jefferson Street in downtown Lafayette. La Cuisine de Maman is located at 300 Fisher Rd (inside Vermillionville) in Lafayette.
Frankie’s Best Drive Through Daquiris is located at 110 14th Street in Lafayette.

Swamp Pop Soda at Pop’s Po-Boys

I’m not the only person to think Lafayette has some of the best food around. They were voted the Tastiest Town in the South by Southern Living in 2012, a Best of the Road Food City by Rand McNally and USA Today, and the 2014 Best Getaway in the South, Tastiest Town, and Best Gumbo in Louisiana by AAA Southern Traveler.

Looking for a Louisiana Food Experience for yourself? Check out the Cajun Bodin and Blue Plate Special Food Tours put together by the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce