12 Popular Restaurants to Try in Baton Rouge (2024)

If you plan to spend your following holidays in Louisiana, then Baton Rouge would be the perfect city to explore the eccentric culture of the state of Louisiana. It may not be as popular as New Orleans, which is an hour away from the city of Louisiana. But Baton Rouge has its own culture, history, and character that allures travel enthusiasts like us to explore the city. Moreover, the city of Baton Rouge is considered as an incredible snapshot of what southern North America has to offer. This includes the cuisines of the city.

Be it Cajun Steak or Chicken, Baton Rouge is also known for its beautiful restaurants that provide mouth-watering food worth “dying for.” Let us learn in detail about the top restaurants in Baton Rouge.

12 Popular Restaurants to Try In Baton Rouge

Baton Rouge is known for its marvelous cuisines. From picnic-style platters to multi-course fine-dining, you can choose the type of restaurant per your mood and requirement. Rest is assured. These are some of the top restaurants in Baton Rouge that are worth exploring:

1. Parrain’s Seafood Restaurant

Parrain’s Seafood is located in Baton Rouge’s mid-city district. The restaurant is known for its fresh seafood dishes, cajun beef, Seafood platters and a variety of chicken dishes.

• Open and Close Timings: It is operated from Sunday-Thursday from 11 am to 10 pm or even until 11 pm on weekends i.e. Friday-Saturday.
• What You Can Try: You can try lunch, dinner, or even brunch during Sundays from Parrain’s.
• Seating and Ambiance: They offer indoor seating, outdoor dining and a bar from where you can explore the casual atmosphere and charm of Louisiana culture and local art. So, if you plan to try the cuisine at Parrain’s, try booking reservations or a walk-in. Moreover, you can also order online.

2. Zorba’s Greek Bistro

Another top restaurant in Baton Rouge you must visit is Zorba’s Greek Bistro. Situated near Essen Lane B, Zorba’s is known for its drooling Greek dishes.

• What to try: The restaurant offers various specials like Patio happy hour, Greek nights, and monthly wine dinners.
• Seating and ambiance: The customer-friendly restaurant is known for its ethnic indoor seating along with a patio area that is climate-controlled.
• Open and close hours: It is open from Tuesday-Thursday from 11 am to 8.30 pm. From 11 am to 9.30 pm on Fridays. Further, on Saturdays, they kickstart from 5 pm and run till 9.30 pm. Sundays and Mondays are off days for Zorba’s.

3. Mansurs on Boulevard

The next best restaurant in Baton Rouge you must try is the Mansurs on Boulevard. The restaurant is the best multi-course fine dining restaurant in the city.

• What to try: They specialize in serving Seafood, Creole cuisine, Beef, and Chicken dishes. You can also expect some healthy dishes such as pasta, soups, salads, and sandwiches.
• Seating and ambiance: The restaurants have a bar as well as a good number of dining rooms with linen tables. What makes the Mansurs stand out amongst other restaurants is its atmosphere filled with some amazing jazz and classical music that plays in the background while customers try its delicious cuisines. The restaurant has a fixed dress code which is called business casual.
• Open and Close Hours: They are open seven days a week. Open at 5 pm on Monday till 9 pm, Thursday 11 am to 9 pm, and during weekends from 11 am to 10 pm, and 11 am to 4 pm on Sundays. To try the cuisine of Mansurs, you will have to book reservations before you arrive at the restaurant.

4. Louisiana Lagniappe Restaurant  

Louisiana Lagniappe is the next best restaurant in Baton Rouge. Situated on Perkins road, it is difficult not to taste their famous delicacies, like Creole/Cajun dishes and the fresh off-boat Seafood. Initially established in Destine, Florida, Louisiana, Lagniappe was then shifted to Baton Rouge.

• What to Try: They offer a good number of seafood dishes including crab cakes and shellfish. Moreover, they have a variety of children’s menus. The Louisiana Lagniappe has won several local awards and has excellent reviews regarding its services and cuisines.
• Open and Close hours: They are open from Mondays through Saturdays from 5 am till whenever they wish to close it, as it does not have fixed close timings. Moreover, it is closed on Sundays.

5. Ruth’s Chris Steak House

Another restaurant you must visit in Baton Rouge is the Ruth’s Chris steak house. Situated on Constitution Avenue, the restaurant is dedicated explicitly to a notable steak house.

• What to Try: the menu of the Ruth’s Chris steak house favors steak and chops heavily. Further, it also provides salad, Seafood, chicken, and pasta as additional options.
• Seating and arrangements: The restaurant offers a low-lit, warm, and cozy environment with a traditional dining room, vibrant bar, private eating as well as the event areas.

So, if you crave steak, make prior reservations at Ruth’s Chris steak house and enjoy the mouth watering dish.

6. City Pork Brasserie and Bar

The Next best restaurant in Baton Rouge is the City pork Brasserie & Bar. Located near Jefferson highway, the restaurant is the best place to avail yourself of lunch, dinner, breakfast, or snacks.

• What to try: they offer award-winning BBQ recipes, fresh Seafood, different Cajun dishes, and more.
• Open and close hours: the restaurant is open seven days a week. Monday to Friday from 6.30 am. Saturdays and Sundays from 11 am.

If you plan to try City pork Brasserie and Bar recipes, then you will have to make prior reservations.

7. Cocha

Cocha is another popular restaurant in Baton Rouge. Situated on the 6th street in Baton Rouge, Cocha is located in the central downtown.

• What to try: you can try wine, seafood, as well as the meat. Also, gluten-free and vegan dishes as well.

Further, they also have a wide range of options on their menu like Salads, soups, and sandwiches. No reservations are required initially. But during the busy days, it is ideal for making a prior reservation at Cocha.

8. Umami Japanese Bistro

Umami Japanese Bistro is the next best restaurant in Baton Rouge. Located in the Burbank door, Umami Japanese Bistro is the best south-Asian restaurant in the city.

• What to try: Asian and Japanese dishes and non-traditional dishes such as Nigri, and Sashimi. You can also try Teriyaki steak and chicken.
• Seating: The restaurant offers a take-out service as well as a sit-down dining room.
• Opening hours: Umami Japanese Bistro is open from Monday – Thursday from 11 am to 9.30 pm. During weekends it is open till 10.30 pm. Sunday is closed.

9. Eliza Restaurant

Another top restaurant in Baton Rouge is the Eliza Restaurant. Situated on Jefferson Highway J, the restaurant and bar were established in the year 2016.

• What to try: you can try everything from salads and traditional entrees like a Local seafood platter, chicken cobb salad,  filet mignon, to the seafood-oriented appetizers.
• Opening and closing hours: The restaurant is open from 11 am to 9 pm on weekdays and Saturdays. On Sundays, the restaurant is open from 11 am to 2 pm.

10. Mason’s Grill

Mason’s grill is another top restaurant in Baton Rouge. Located on Jefferson Highway, Mason’s grill is something you must try once in your lifetime.

• What to try: Taco week, wings night, Seafood, salads, burgers, ribeye, catfish platters, and more.
• Opening and closing hours: the restaurant is open seven days a week. It is open from Monday to Thursday and it opens from 11 am to 9.30 pm. Fridays the restaurant closes at 10 pm and Saturdays and Sundays it closes at 3 am.
• Seating and ambiance: Mason’s grill comes with a grill, lively bar, dining room, great food, and a friendly family atmosphere on the whole.

11. La Contea Italiano Ristorante

The next best restaurant in Baton Rouge is La Contea Italiano Ristorante. Situated on Jefferson Highway, the restaurant is the ideal place if you want to try Italian cuisine.

• What to try: You can try authentic Italian dishes like steak, Seafood, and dessert. Further, you can also try salad, wraps, and chicken preparation tips.
• Open and close hours: the restaurant opens every day at 11 am and closes at 9 pm—further, 10 pm on Fridays.

So, if you are looking forward to trying Italian cuisine, La Contea Italiano Ristorante is the best place.

12. Beausoleil Restaurant

The Beausoleil restaurant is another popular restaurant in Baton Rouge. Located on Jefferson Highway, the restaurant is worth a try.

• What to try: Seafood, beef, pork, and chicken are some dishes you can try at Beausoleil. Further, there are vegan options as well.
• Open and close hours: The restaurant is open seven days a week. Sunday to Saturday from 11 am. There are walk-ins and reservation options available.

Conclusion

Overall, these are some of the finest restaurants in Baton Rouge you can try. It is worth your money and energy. So next time you plan a trip to Louisiana, make sure you have enough time to visit all these top restaurants at least once. After all, life gives you only a chance to explore the world and its cuisines. So, grab the chance and exploit it positively.