Louisiana is the number one producer of oysters in the United States. Not everyone loves this slippery, salty delicacy, but if you do, Louisiana is the right place to be. Many believe that the oysters harvested in the Gulf of Mexico are some of the best in the world. The Mississippi River runs into the Gulf of Mexico, lowering the salinity of the water and giving Gulf oysters a distinct taste and texture. Because of this, Louisiana oysters are large and tender with a delicate, creamy taste you won't find anywhere else.
Even better, oysters deliver a variety of incredible health benefits to both humans and the environment. They are low in fat, calories, and cholesterol but high in protein, iron, omega 3 fatty acids, and many other essential vitamins and minerals. Oysters can help reduce blood pressure, improve immune function and energy levels, aid in weight loss, and increase bone strength and tissue repair. Oysters are also a well-known aphrodisiac, making them the perfect date-night snack. But oysters help out the environment too. The valves in oysters have the power to cleanse our entire ecosystem of pollutants and can filter up to 50 gallons of water per day. Pretty impressive.
Oysters are an incredible food and Louisiana is an incredible place to eat them. The Louisiana Oyster Trail was created in 2012 to help locals and visitors alike experience that culinary glory that is a Louisiana oyster. The Louisiana Oyster Trail stretches throughout Jefferson Parish, from the towns surrounding Lake Pontchartrain and the Mississippi River all the way down to the Gulf of Mexico. Currently, 22 restaurants are participating in the Trail. In addition to serving up their finest oysters, each participating restaurant also features their own unique 3-foot oyster sculpture hand-painted by a talented local artist.
As you may know, there are many different ways to eat oysters. You can stick with the classic- raw oysters in the half shell, or expand your horizons and try something a little different. At the restaurants on the Louisiana Oyster Trail, you’ll find them grilled, fried, pickled, creamed, deviled, pan roasted, covered in a rich Rockefeller sauce, or floating inside a creamy bowl of chowder. With each participating restaurant serving up their finest oyster dishes, the Louisiana Oyster Trail is the best way to enjoy iconic Louisiana oysters in a variety of styles.
The Acme Oyster House has been serving authentic New Orleans seafood since 1910. At the House, you can enjoy raw or chargrilled oysters, or give their Peace Maker a try, an original dish that is half fried oyster, half fried shrimp. At the Cafe 615 - Home of Da Wabbit in Gretna, you’ll find quality food at affordable prices. You’ll want to try the oyster sandwich or their Oysters Brochette, which are golden fried oysters wrapped in bacon and served with their house-made remoulade sauce. The Boulevard American Bistro in Metairie is a classic yet sophisticated American bistro, well known for their Boulevard Oysters: crispy Gulf oysters topped with creamed spinach and Crystal aioli. Deanie’s Seafood Restaurant on the shores of Lake Pontchartrain in Metairie is known for their huge portions and their signature Creole dressing. Come for tasty chargrilled, broiled, and fried Louisiana oysters and other delicious seafood. Deanie’s has won the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence for six years in a row. For something a little more upscale, try Restaurant des Familles in Crown Point. This elegant Creole cottage on the Bayou des Familles specializes in a variety of French-Creole dishes, including Oysters Rockefeller and and their famous Louisiana oyster platters. You can view all the participating restaurants on the Oyster Trail website.
No matter where you go on the Oyster Trail, you will find delicious Louisiana oysters along the way. A trip down the Trail is a fun and delicious way to explore the state and its rich culinary history. Download the official Oyster Trail brochure and follow the Trail on Facebook for updates and more information on participating restaurants and events.
Planning a culinary adventure down Louisiana Oyster Trail? Book a stay at one of the Louisiana Bed & Breakfast Association's many unique and charming properties located all across the state.