Posted by: Mae Mayeux

If you are a foodie seeking out the next under-the-radar culinary destination, Baton Rouge might be just the spot for you. Baton Rouge boasts a thriving food scene serving up some of the tastiest Cajun and Creole flavors in the entire state. Come to Baton Rouge for mouth-watering seafood, unbeatable Southern classics, and a refreshing mix of fine dining establishments and casual hole-in-the-walls. Though there are countless great restaurants to choose from, here are five local favorites to add to your Baton Rouge itinerary.

1. George’s Restaurant

George’s Restaurant is famous for their huge portion sizes and classic, down-home cooking. At George’s, you’ll get overflowing poboys, humongous burgers, and seafood plates that could feed a village. They also serve unbeatable daily specials like chicken fried steak and shrimp etouffee. There are three locations throughout Baton Rouge, so no matter where you stay, there will likely be one close by.

2. Louisiana Lagniappe Restaurant

Head to Louisiana Lagniappe Restaurant for New Orleans-style fine dining in the heart of Baton Rouge. They are most famous for their Oysters Lagniappe, but you can get all sorts of seafood here, including a tasty Louisiana Seafood Gumbo or Shrimp Andouille Pasta. If you aren’t in the mood for seafood, Louisiana Lagniappe also serves steaks, soups, salads, and a variety of scrumptious appetizers.

 

3. Parrain’s Seafood

Many locals say that Parrain’s has the best seafood in town. Whether you like your fish grilled, sauteed, fried, or raw, you’ll find something to satisfy your appetite at Parrain’s. The fish and seafood are always sourced locally, with nothing coming from further away than the Gulf of Mexico. Specials change daily based on what ingredients have been freshly caught. Menu items might include Black & Bleu Tuna steaks, barbecued fish, or fish encrusted Andouille sausage.

 

4. Ruffino’s

Ruffino’s is owned by local celebrity chef, Peter Sclafani. Sclafani brings his rich Italian heritage to the table, serving up a unique hybrid of Italian and Creole cuisine you can’t get anywhere else. Like Parrain’s, Ruffino’s specializes in all things local. They highlight seasonal ingredients in their kitchen and bar and source what they can from the local farmer’s market. There is something for everything on the menu at Ruffino’s: soups, salads, steak, seafood, pastas, and wood-fired pizzas. They also offer a full schedule of cooking classes on everything from lobster to Italian classics. If you like brunch, Ruffino’s has one of the best in town.

5. Juban’s Restaurant

Juban’s Restaurant & Catering specializes in contemporary Creole cuisine served in an elegant space that is also popular for weddings and special events. Since 1983, Juban’s has been Baton Rouge’s premier fine dining experience. At Juban’s, you’ll find menu items like Seafood Diablo, Hallelujah Crab, and Frog Legs Vacherie as well as a variety of meat and seafood specialties. Their four course prix fixe menu is perfect if you are looking to splurge. During their “Jubilation Hour,” you can order draft beers, wines, well cocktails, and martinis for just $4 each.

 

Planning a culinary tour of Baton Rouge? Book a stay at one of the Louisiana Bed & Breakfast Association’s charming properties located in the area.