Lafayette, Louisiana is brimming with restaurants, many of which offer something truly special in the summer. Whether it is a special, seasonal menu or fantastic outdoor space, there are many options in Lafayette doing right by this season. Here we’ve put together a list of some of the tastiest places you should try in Lafayette during the summer.
Artmosphere Bistro is an eclectic, multifaceted venue featuring a bar, grill, art gallery, and stage for live music. An energetic atmosphere, the bistro offers guests indoor seating along with a spacious patio, complete with trees and bright canopies, perfect for summer gatherings. The menu is brimming with fresh, local flavors that will satisfy many tastes. Must-try options include the sweet and spicy shrimp pizza topped with mozzarella, cream cheese, spinach, tomato, shrimp, and sweet chili glaze.
Open daily, Blue Dog Cafe is a vibrant eatery specializing in zesty Cajun cuisine. The interior of the cafe features a colorful display of paintings by renowned artist George Rodrique who created the Blue Dog. During the warmer months the patio, partially surrounded by vine-covered brick walls, is perfect for al fresco dining. A variety of mouthwatering specialties are on the menu with highlights being the crabmeat au gratin: Louisiana crabmeat combined with a cheesy au gratin sauce, topped with cheddar, baked and served with corn maque choux and dirty-dog rice.
Dark Roux serves favorites such as the Inglewood Farm pork chop with dragon beans, corn maque choux, herb butter, and wild honey, the herb gnocchi with sweet pea purée, smoked mushroom. Dark Roux also serves brunch and lunch, with highlights being beignets, pain perdu, and shrimp and grits. There’s live music on Sunday mornings.
Located in the heart of downtown, Johnson’s Boucanière is not only a restaurant but also a specialty meats store. Being strictly a take-out and outdoor dining venue, Johnson’s is one of the best places to visit during the summer. Build your own plate with smoked pulled pork, brisket, or chicken plus choice of sides, including fruit salad and mac and cheese, before heading out to find a seat and savoring every last piece of succulent meat.
Focusing on fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients, Jolie’s Louisiana Bistro serves New Orleans Creole dishes with a twist. Must-try items include the cioppino stew, which is a fish and seafood stew in a tomato-based broth served with red pepper aioli and a grilled baguette, and the seasonal gumbo topped with rice.
Pamplona Tapas Bar is a beautiful Spanish-inspired restaurant featuring Spanish cuisine infused with other international flavors, including those from France and North Africa. There’s a cozy patio ideal for a spot of summer socializing and a covered outside space which provides ample shade for diners looking to share delicious small plates. Highlights include spicy garlic shrimp, Catalan spinach with raisins, pine nuts, and green apples, and patatas bravas with jalapeño aioli and mojo pican. If it’s too hot out, cool off with a refreshing cocktail or glass of wine.
Romacelli Bistro e Vino is a must-visit spot that is great year-round but especially during the summer.With something for every taste, highlights include the Cajun chicken pasta with grilled chicken, jalapeño, and red onion with penne pasta all tossed in a garlic cream sauce.
Summertime produces some of the best tasting produce around, and if diners are looking for taste of summer on a plate, the best place to visit is a farm-to-table establishment like Saint Street Inn. Priding themselves on procuring the freshest ingredients available from local sources, the culinary team at Saint Street Inn creates flavorful summer options, including a green chili cheeseburger with grilled onions, a fried egg, bacon, house ketchup, plus garlic aioli and the tomato pie accompanied by summer salad, feta, and fried pickled okra.
Social Southern Table and Bar is a stylish establishment featuring delectable cuisine inspired by local flavors. The charming patio offers a relaxing, summertime retreat. Offering seasonal menus, the restaurant serves summer treats such as braised pork shank with roasted vegetable buttermilk, plus tomato jam.
Taco Sisters is a charming little venue, along with a mobile eatery, Taco Sister is what summer is all about: enjoying tasty meals while relaxing outside. Order to go, or enjoy your food in the beautiful garden with colorful flowers, picnic tables, and umbrellas. The menu serves everything from breakfast items to tacos and burritos. The signature fresh fish taco with Louisiana Gulf yellow fin tuna smoked in-house is particularly noteworthy.
