Louisiana’s Fourth Largest Town Is Actually the Epicenter of Cajun and Creole Cuisine

Let’s just get this out of the way: New Orleans is a fabulous food city. But there’s another culinary gem tucked away in the state of Louisiana — and that’s Lafayette. The fourth largest town in the state, Lafayette packs a big punch when it comes to food, proudly identifying as the epicenter of all things Cajun and Creole cuisine. In fact, Lafayette’s Say Oui initiative has sparked many of the restaurants to have both French and English menus. 

As a travel writer who splits my time between New Orleans and New York City, my husband and I had the pleasure of living in Lafayette while he was on a one-year assignment, and I can confirm: The food is not only fantastic but incredibly unique.

“Lafayette, to me, can be summed up in two words: family and food. Food is our way of showing and sharing love so each meal is a time to cherish with loved ones,” says Megan Broussard, a writer and producer who was born and raised in Lafayette. “We live by the motto joi de vivre, we don’t live to work. We work hard to live well…and that includes eating well.”

Something that I love about the culture is that most people talk about what they are going to eat for dinner…over lunch. Between crawfish boils, po’boys, and boudin — ask any local about their favorite and they’ll have a pen and paper out in a flash to give you recommendations.

“In Lafayette, we use the phrase ‘I got the envie’ which uses the Louisiana French word ‘envie’  meaning to want or to have a craving for,” says Broussard. “I think our use of the Franglais phrase even today shows how the way we eat is different from other places in the States, even others in the South. We can’t even think about moving on to the next order of business or the next conversation with someone when a craving hits. We have to stop everything and scratch the itch. And everyone around you completely understands.”

One more thing to note about eating well in Lafayette: While there are a handful of fine dining options, some of the best-ever food is found in the most no-fuss environments. (Don’t sleep on the gas station eats, either). 

Here’s where to eat in Lafayette, Louisiana.

Don’s Seafood

Before our short stint in Lafayette, everyone told us that we had to eat at Don’s Seafood. It’s a classic with everything from fried alligator to oysters. “This is where I take anyone who is new to Cajun Country so they can get a nice sampler of our delicacies,” says Broussard. “I love their blueberry cheesecake…I wish it could be my wedding cake.” 

Olde Tyme Grocery

This grocery store and sandwich shop has been around since 1982 and serves as the pinnacle of po’boys in Acadiana. When I’d fly back to New York from Lafayette, I’d bring a stuffed shrimp po’boy from Olde Tyme Grocery to eat on the plane. (Forgive me, seatmates!) Speaking of those flights: I love that the small airport in Lafayette has boarding announcements in both French and English. 

Scratch Farm Kitchen

Just like the name sounds, this is the spot that works hard to support local farmers and growers, bringing the freshest ingredients to the plate. “I love their coffee and general la veillée vibe, which is a Louisiana French saying we have in Cajun Country for ‘evening porch visits,’ something historically that used to be super common for families and neighbors to do,” says Broussard. “I feel like you get that communal opp at Scratch Farm Kitchen.”  

Johnson’s Boucaniere

For some of the best boudin in Lafayette (a superlative that often equates to fightin’ words among locals), Johnson’s Boucaniere has been continuing a family tradition since 1937 and serves boudin, smoked sausages, and tasso. 

Borden’s Ice Cream Shoppe

For something sweet (don’t forget: no king cake outside of Carnival season!), this is the last retail Borden’s Ice Cream Shoppe in the world where you can get a taste of old-fashioned ice cream. The dip cones are where it’s at, here.  

Creole Lunch House

If you don’t score an invite to a local’s house, here’s where you want to go for a plate lunch. Creole Lunch House is known for its famous Creole stuffed breads and homestyle plates like red beans and fried catfish. 

Masala Indian Kitchen

When it’s time for a break from Cajun cuisine, this place has fantastic and authentic Indian food in an upscale atmosphere. Open since 2006, the food at Masala Indian Kitchen is primarily North Indian with fantastic biryani, hakka noodles, and goat curry. 

Just outside the city limits

Best Stop: Just outside of Lafayette in Scott, you’ll find some of the best boudin that you can take to-go. In fact, my tiny freezer in New York City is half full of boudin from Best Stop. 

Parish Brewing Co.: Less than 20 minutes outside of Lafayette is one of our favorite breweries in America. Home to the famous Ghost in the Machine double IPA, which can always (almost) be found on tap. 

Poor Boy’s Riverside Inn: The perfect post-Parish stop, hit up this classic that’s been around for nearly a century. “This is another place I love bringing visitors to Cajun Country because locals eat here, too,” says Broussard. “Another classic, no frills and all flavor.” 

Billy’s Boudin: Billy’s now has multiple locations and ships nationwide. The boudin is very tasty, and the pepper jack roll-ups and boudin balls are excellent.