Acadiana, as this region of south-central Louisiana is known, is ground zero for Cajun cuisine. Lafayette, the largest city in the area, is in the heart of this culture-steeped haven of amazing food, friendly locals, and all the zydeco music you can handle! It’s a great place to call home. You may think I sound crazy, but one of the best things about this area is the Cajun cuisine! My favorite reason to visit is all the amazing Lafayette restaurants. Within my first five minutes of talking with a local, my love for New Orleans cuisine was challenged with, “You haven’t tried our food yet!” Challenge accepted! Over the past year or so, I have gotten to experience some amazing local places! Here is a list of my favorite Lafayette restaurants! These are places that my local friends have taken me to and represent what I see as the spirit of Acadiana culture! These are in no particular order, as I couldn’t possibly choose just one winner!
Social Southern Table & Bar
This is definitely one of the Lafayette restaurants about which I can say I have never had a bad meal and always had leftovers! The food is absolutely phenomenal! The establishment takes a “farm to table” approach and focuses on local ingredients. Personally, I don’t care where it comes from as long it tastes good! The overall dining experience is pleasurable. The wait staff is casually dressed, friendly, and extremely knowledgeable about the menu. They also have a unique variety of cocktails and craft beers available. I have eaten here on many occasions, but what keeps me coming back to Social Southern Table & Bar is the smoke-fried chicken and biscuits! Have you ever had sweet potato biscuits and ghost pepper honey? It’s amazing!
Dark Roux
There are several Lafayette restaurants that boast a farm to table angle to their cuisine. Dark Roux elevates it from a meal to an experience! The dining room is deceptively small and intimate, making it a great place for a date night. The menu is second to none! Items such as sweet potato gnocchi, 72-hour boneless short rib, and Gulf tuna tartare are just a few of the mouth-watering selections you’ll find! Can’t decide? Try the 10-course tasting menu! You simply can’t go wrong here! Don’t even get me started on the desserts. I skipped it last time and have regretted it ever since!
Randol’s Seafood
If you want a true Cajun experience complete with a zydeco band, this is one of the Lafayette restaurants that can deliver! Apart from their extensive menu, Randol’s Seafood is also known for their dance floor complete with lessons for beginners! As far as food is concerned, I highly recommend the boudin balls, a true Cajun standard. The corn and crab bisque is a great starter and you can never go wrong with a seafood platter! If you want a great, local experience, I highly recommend Randol’s Seafood!
Poor Boy’s Riverside Inn
Admittedly, this place technically has a Broussard, LA, mailing address. However, I am not going to split hairs over it! The food and peaceful surroundings are well worth the 10–15-minute drive. The food is just good old down home Cajun comfort food! My local friends love their gumbo with potato salad. I have had the crab dinner and the bon temps poulet (chicken on spinach Rockefeller with shrimp) and I was never disappointed! One important thing I noted was how unpretentious the place is. Poor Boy’s Riverside Inn is a great place to have some tasty food and relax. It’s also perfect for large groups!
Those are just a few on the long list of amazing Lafayette restaurants. If you should find yourself craving some classic Cajun cuisine, you won’t have to look far to be satisfied! The food is only one of the many things that makes Lafayette, Louisiana, a great place to visit or call home. There is always plenty to do, see, and, of course, eat!
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