Okay, it’s no secret. In South Louisiana we love our food. We love to eat, cook, talk about eating, revisit memories of significant meals from the past, plan what we’re going to eat next (while we’re currently eating.) Food is a big deal in Baton Rouge. So, it’s no wonder that we really enjoy going out to eat, and thankfully Baton Rouge has some great restaurants to satisfy one of our city’s favorite activities.
If you want to go grab a bite to eat (of course you do) or if you need a little restaurant inspo (we all need a little change-up from time to time) we present to you 10 great Baton Rouge restaurants you need to know and try.
Is this the complete list of all the amazing restaurants in Baton Rouge? No. Is this a 10 best Baton Rouge restaurants list? No (although each one is solid, a great choice, and can hold their own.) These are 10 Baton Rouge restaurants you’re going to want to visit. Plan your next outing or skim the list to help you pick a destination or read it and learn about somewhere you haven’t heard of and try something new! That’s half the fun of going out to eat. Enough chit chat—let’s get on to the restaurants.
1. Cocha
445 North Sixth Street Baton Rouge LA 70802 | 225-615-8826 | https://www.cochabr.com/
Fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced food inspire the menu at Cocha. Known for South American flavors and artisan menus, Cocha always impresses. With one of the best wine selections in Baton Rouge, be sure to ask for something special to pair with your meal. If wine isn’t your thing, the superb Cocha bartenders will craft you something special.
Located in Downtown, Cocha is a great choice for date night. Be sure to seek out the specials.
2. Elsie’s Plate & Pie
3145 Government St, Baton Rouge, LA 70806 | (225) 636-5157 | https://elsiespies.com/
Local favorite Elsie’s Plate & Pie is a Mid-City staple. As Mid-City has been on the come-up for a while now, Elsie’s has taken her place as a go-to for comfort food and homespun, casual dining. A great place to go with out-of-towners so they can get a feel for our region.
Savory pies? Elsie’s got ‘em. Dessert pies? You know it (obviously, save room for dessert.)
In the savory line, locals often enjoy the crawfish hand pies (similar to an empanada) and rave about the tomato pie (close cousin to a quiche.) Elsie’s also touts their craft beers and all their melts and burgers. If you want to go big, try the red beans and rice with fried chicken.
Pro-tip: on one of our many festival nights that take place in Mid-City Baton Rouge—Elsie’s is going to be packed. Plan accordingly. Elsie’s is walking distance from Radio Bar—another Mid-City favorite—and is otherwise surrounded by some of the cool places in Baton Rouge like ax throwing, Boomerang Comedy Club, Barcade. (Please tell us which pie you end up getting.)
3. JoVi’s Tacos
13214 Coursey Blvd Ste A, Baton Rouge, LA 70816 | (225) 427-0800 | https://jovistacos.com/
Taco lovers—we finally have some good news for you. Hands down the best tacos in Baton Rouge are at JoVi’s, Read our full review of JoVi’s here. JoVi’s fun and casual atmosphere is a great place to gather with friends. The straightforward menu offers a variety of delicious tacos including a surf-and-turf and their signature brisket (made in-house by owner Jorge.) Vegetarian and vegan options available. (Ooh, the meatless camote taco is one to try, if you like a little spice.)
Margarita fans we doubly have good news for you: JoVi’s margaritas are some of the best ever. NO mixes, NO pre-fab concoctions. A JoVi’s margarita is made from scratch and will wow your world.
Text your friends you haven’t seen in a while and go get some JoVi’s. After your meal, take a picture by the mural wall (painted by Mrs. JoVi FYI.)
4. Simple Joe Café
Breakfast is just better at Simple Joe. Yes, they serve lunch, too, but how would we know (we’re busy eating some shrimp and grits… but we’re getting ahead of ourselves.) Located in Mid-City (near the aforementioned Elsie’s) Simple Joe has the hustle of a classic diner and a local’s hangout vibe.
Bustling during the mornings on weekends, you might have to wait in line, but the tasty eats will be worth it. Pro tip: there’s no saving tables at Joe’s, so don’t try it.
Whether you order an omelet, French toast, or any of the breakfast combos, Simple Joe Café is sure to delight. (Please help: could someone go there for lunch and report back? We’re sure the burgers will be divine. Thank you in advance.)
5. Parrain’s
3225 Perkins Road Baton Rouge, LA 70808 | (225) 381-9922 | http://parrains.com/
Seafood is our pride and joy in Baton Rouge and Parrain’s is a local favorite for serving up South Louisiana fish dishes. No joke: five minutes after opening time, Parrain’s is often full with the lunch crowd and the dinner crowd will keep the place hopping.
Lots of locals have a favorite dish they always get at Parrain’s, and with so many of the entrees, you can’t go wrong.
Secret weapon: Parrain’s is a great place to take out-of-town guests. From the old timey bayou styling to the essential South Louisiana dishes, Parrain’s is a great way to share the culture of the region in one place.
6. Louisiana Lagniappe
9990 Perkins Rd, Baton Rouge, LA 70810 | 225-767-9991 | https://www.louisianalagniapperestaurant.com/index.php
Oh, it’s a special occasion you say? Wanting to put on your fancy pants? Louisiana Lagniappe is the place to impress. Everything is just a little bit better at Louisiana Lagniappe. But wait—before you jump to what they serve, please accept this advice: always hear the specials at Louisiana Lagniappe before you settle on what you’re ordering. Ya got it? The specials are special at Louisiana Lagniappe.
Fresh Fish en Papillote or Oysters Lagniappe stand out; the Louisianne shines (sautéed fish, topped with lump crab meat and a lemon butter.)
If you’re from out of the area, here’s our second tidbit of advice: lagniappe is pronounced lan-yap, and it means a little something extra (usually a treat or little gift. A lagniappe is a good thing!)
Date night, birthdays, anniversaries are perfect at Louisiana Lagniappe. Enjoy one of their fine cocktails and indulge in dessert.
7. Umami
3930 Burbank Dr, Baton Rouge, LA 70808 | (225) 768-8808 | http://www.umamibr.com/
Is Umami a sushi secret? It shouldn’t be. From traditional nigiri to specialty handrolls to oyster shooters and flash fried brussel sprouts—Umami is rightfully addictive. Do yourself a favor and try the Death Valley roll or Sexiest Man Alive roll. Umami’s sushi chefs know what they are doing and deliver in every bite. Speaking of which….
If you really love sushi, consider a splurge for a special occasion: Umami offers a fabulous 12-course chef’s choice Omakase. (Minimum two people; reserve in advance.)
To. Die. For.
Even if you go for a “regular” sushi dinner (or lunch!) Umami is scrumptious. You’ll be back for more (again and again.)
8. Bistro Byronz
Mid-City on Gov’t St or at Willow Grove | https://www.bistrobyronz.com/
The classic bistro styling gives Bistro Byronz away—this upscale take on bistro grub is a favorite place for hot sandwiches, fresh-made bread, steak frites (that’s right—frites, not fries), soups, and salads.
Famous for their vodka freeze and Sunday brunch, Bistro Byronz is reliably delicious.
9. Nino’s
7512 Bluebonnet Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70810 | (225) 757-9300 | https://www.ninos-italian.com/
We’re pulling back the curtain here and sharing an insider restaurant. Nino’s Italian restaurant is a favorite of many locals, but might not be as well known by visitors. If you like fresh pasta dishes and rich Mediterranean flavors, Nino’s is for you.
Located near Perkins Rowe, in a relatively unassuming building, Nino’s satisfies the foodie demands of the Baton Rouge palate with Italian fare. Yes—get the Tiramisu.
10. Chai Thai Lao
8733 Jefferson Hwy, Baton Rouge, LA 70809 | (225) 448-3147 | https://www.chai-thai-lao.com/
The best Thai in Baton Rouge can be found at Chai Thai Lao. All your Thai favorites can be enjoyed at Chai Thai Lao including Pad Thai and Pad See Eew, a rainbow of curries, Tom Yum soup, and chicken satay.
The open kitchen and walk-up ordering give a bit of a street food feel in a relaxed sit-down restaurant space. As Chai Thai Lao is a family run business, you may get to see several relatives on the grind to get out your meal. This is the kind of place you want to keep to yourself and tell everyone about at the same time.
Pro-tip: Chai Thai Lao can turn up the heat, so be sure to clarify which heat level you want with any of your dishes. So good!
Conclusion
Which of these 10 Baton Rouge restaurants are you going to visit first? What made it appealing to you? Like we said from the start, this list doesn’t contain all the wonderful Baton Rouge eateries that can whip up something special. Next time you have a hankering for something good to eat, now you have even more Baton Rouge options to satisfy your hunger!
