Louisiana natives are proud of their Cajun cuisine – and no wonder. Traditional cafeterias plate up generous portions of fried shrimp po’ boys, gumbo, red beans and rice – just thinking about it is enough to make your mouth water. Take a look at these 10 places to eat Cajun food in Louisiana, and work up an appetite: you’ll need it.
Coop’s Place, New Orleans
An institution of New Orleans’ French Quarter, Coop’s serves up Cajun comfort food at its finest. Dig into rabbit and sausage jambalaya, served with red beans and rice.
A-Bear’s Restaurant, Houma
Decked out in wood paneling and checked tablecloths A-Bear’s restaurant is a traditional insider favorite. Gumbo, catfish and peanut butter pie are just some of the home-cooked specialties.
Johnny’s Po-Boys, New Orleans
Established in 1950, Johnny’s is the oldest family-owned po’ boy joint in town. This traditional cafeteria plates up catfish po’ boys alongside their famous surf ‘n’ turf: a decadent combination of hot roast beef and fried shrimp.
Prejean’s, Lafayette
Serving up traditional Cajun dishes morning, noon and night, Prejean’s is something of a local Louisiana legend. Live music complements the experience at dinner and weekend brunch.
Victor’s Cafeteria, New Iberia
Fans of novelist James Lee Burke will know Victor’s Cafeteria, and crowd the line up for a taste of traditional Cajun cooking. The delicious gumbo and fried shrimp is a bestseller.
Bon Ton Café, New Orleans
Located in historic downtown New Orleans, Bon Ton Café has been an institution of Cajun cuisine since the 1950s. The traditional menu of buttered steak, red fish and rice is served on nostalgic red and white checked tablecloths.
Crawfish Town USA, Lafayette
It may be touristy, but the institutional Crawfish Town USA is no tourist trap. This place has been winning awards for its tasty crawfish for as long as anyone can remember.
Guy’s Po-Boys, New Orleans
Whoever does the best po’ boys in New Orleans, Guy’s is a strong contender; go traditional with fried shrimp, or branch out and give the roast beef dressed in onions and gravy a try.
Poche’s, Breaux Bridge
Don’t be fooled into thinking Poche’s is all meat and no restaurant. This legendary butcher in Breaux Bridge has been family owned since 1962, and is the place to go for lunchtime specials of boudin and crackling.
Franky and Johnny’s, New Orleans
Take one look at Franky and Johnny’s and it’s easy to see why this friendly family diner is a favorite among locals. Chow down on crawfish, red beans and rice, or try the daily specials.
Featured image: © Prejean’s
Written by insider city guide series Hg2 | A Hedonist’s guide to… whose guides cover all the best hotels, restaurants, bars, clubs, sights, shops and spas.
