The Best Restaurants In Lafayette, Louisiana

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Bon Temps Grill (literally ‘good time grill’) is a casual place specialising in typical Cajun and Creole cooking, with grilled fish and meats at the very forefront of the ‘Swamp Edge’ menu. Options abound, but the richness of this kind of cuisine means that you can choose from a hearty palette of blackened meats, andouille sausages, delectable gumbos and freshly caught crayfish, all served in a no-frills atmosphere, and at low prices. Bon Temps’ décor is all about simplicity, so come here with an open mind, order one of the longtime favourites and wash it all down with a big glass of chilled, local craft beer.

The French Press is easily the hippest dining venue in Lafayette, its industrial chic vibe with dilapidated walls balanced by crisp white tables and the occasional, idiosyncratic accessory. Inside the kitchen, Chef Justin Girouard, whose James Beard Foundation Award nomination has made The French Press one of the most coveted dining spots in the area, takes inspiration from Cajun and new American influences to create dishes that are modern yet strongly rooted in their local tradition. For a real taste of Louisiana, try the fried shrimp melt of Louisiana jumbo shrimp with ham, Swiss, veggies and sauce on French bread, or the blackened fish po’boy, which combines New Orleans blackened redfish with greens and a spicy tartare.

When they opened their restaurant, the eponymous Taco Sisters , Molly and Katy Richard, decided to reinvent the simple taco, giving it a shape and flavour beyond its typically fast food character. Their delicious tacos, served in a tiny, colourful hut on Johnston Street, can be eaten at one of the outdoor tables, or simply taken out. They are as simple as can get without compromising on quality, the fresh Gulf fish and locally caught seafood that goes into the tacos is all smoked in-house with a soy and ginger glaze, while the succulent meats are all carefully marinated. Those craving a classic should try the beef brisket taco, while the more adventurous foodies shouldn’t miss the smoked shrimp filling with diced apples and spicy churri sauce.

Best known for its ‘world-famous hot boudin’, Johnsons Boucaniere is an old-school classic in Lafayette, the kind of place you go to for an authentic taste of the city. And in line with this spirit, this no-frills restaurant is housed in an inconspicuous shack with practically no embellishment, the interior décor functional, rather than aesthetic. On the menu, the main protagonists are the Parrain Special, which is a boudin ball enveloped by American cheese, and, of course, the smoked meat sandwiches, order either the brisket or pulled pork option, where the meat is rubbed with an in-house marinade and slow-smoked for up to 13 hours. A couple of blocks away from the local university, this is a great spot for a hearty, well-priced lunch.

Dim lighting, wood-panelled walls and simple yet chic furniture define the somewhat understated atmosphere at Social, a restaurant that fuses Southern culinary charm with a decidedly contemporary vibe. Although this venue draws customers with its impeccable service and ambient décor, the food remains the centre of attention. Carefully selected morsels of locally sourced meats travel straight from farm to table, and bring out unique flavours in dishes such as smoked shrimp and grits, the succulent tenderloin medallions with a goat gouda mash or Social’s famous flatbreads, the choice is more than satisfying, with toppings such as the classic boudin and Carolina mustard combined with caramelised onions and apple coulis, or the simple farmers’ market veggie, which relies on the chef’s daily selection of fresh ingredients.

Café Vermilionville’s distinguishing feature is its historic location in a 19th century villa, complete with elegant, antique interiors that exude the atmosphere of pre-Civil War Louisiana. The cuisine is equally refined in its presentation, with textures and colours intermingling to create feasts for the eye as well as the stomach. Although local, old-school recipes dominate the menu, they’re all executed with a contemporary flair worthy of the local foodscape. Opt for the macadamia-crusted scallops with a celeriac puree, Brussels sprout chips and white truffle oil for something quite special, or try the seared breast of duck from Maple Leaf Farm, accompanied by a foie gras and chickpea fritter, black olive caramel and a garden salad.

Owned by Glenn Murphree since 1982, the Old Tyme Grocery has evolved into Lafayette’s top po’boy eatery despite its humble beginnings. Murphree’s love for this simple Southern dish has meant that any of the ‘poor boys’ (as they are called here) on offer embrace authentic, local recipes with hearty Cajun generosity. From the basic ham or shrimp filling to one of the specialty varieties, the Old Tyme Special with ham, turkey, roast beef and Swiss is particularly decadent, this venue is a fantastic, traditional showcase of Louisiana’s favourite type of sandwich. Choose a half-portion and try two different flavours for a taste of Murphree’s culinary talent and po’boy expertise.

As its name suggests, Artmosphere is committed to the belief that an arty atmosphere is an essential element of any satisfying dining experience. And indeed, their music and art events define the restaurant, with local bands filling Artmosphere’s cultural calendar from Wednesday until Sunday. On days when there isn’t music, diners can enjoy their meal during a songwriters’ night (every Tuesday) or a karaoke session (Mondays). The food here is simple but invariably tasty, and the menu offers solid pizzas with a crispy crust, classic salads as well as healthy wraps and hand-made, juicy burgers that can be customised with a number of different toppings.