The 10 Best Gumbo Restaurants In Louisiana

Gumbo is one of the best-known staples of Louisiana cuisine and has come to symbolize the state’s multicultural heritage. The dish is best described as a stew over rice, with base seasoning of bay and sassafrass leaves. Gumbo can be made with seafood, or chicken and sausage, but there is no hard-and-fast rule, as each bowl of gumbo is an individual creation. Enjoy our list of the best places in Louisiana to get a steaming bowl of gumbo.

Billedeaux's Kitchen

Billedeaux’s Cajun Kitchen is a local favorite in Lake Charles, Louisiana. In addition to hearty chicken and sausage gumbo, Billedeaux’s Kitchen is also known for its jambalaya, smoked game meats and house-made boudin. Additionally, enthusiasts can order boudin to be shipped home.

Boudreaux & Thibodeau

Boudreaux and Thibodeau are central characters in Cajun lore and humor, with numerous stories told about their adventures and mishaps. These stories are passed down from generation to generation, as are Cajun culinary traditions. At Boudreaux & Thibodeau, guests can sample seafood gumbo or chicken and sausage gumbo.

Café des Amis

Restaurant, American, Seafood

Housed in a historic building in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana, Café des Amis is an important piece of Southern Louisiana History. The original owner Dickie Breaux is an avid historic preservationist, which carries over into the way the restaurant is run. Café des Amis serves shrimp and okra gumbo or chicken and sausage gumbo. The restaurant also features regular live music performances.

Cochon

Restaurant, Cajun

Serving traditional Cajun food with a modern twist, Cochon is one of New Orleans’s most popular restaurants. The restaurant is owned and operated by Chef Donald Link and his partner Chef Stephen Stryjewski, one of the most prominent chefs hailing from Southern Louisiana. Diners love the chicken and andouille gumbo, which is known for its especially dark and flavorful roux.

Coop's Place

Located right across the way from the New Orleans French Market, Coop’s Place has been a French Quarter staple since 1983. The menu features traditional Cajun and Creole fare, including Coop’s Place house specialty seafood gumbo. In addition to gumbo, this casual dining establishment is also well known for its rabbit and sausage jambalaya.

Fremin's

Restaurant, American, Italian

Situated in downtown Thibodaux, Louisiana, Fremin’s is housed in the old Roth Drugstore, which was originally built in 1878. The Fremin brothers purchased the building in 1998 and spent two years restoring its original decor. The restaurant concept was inspired by the brothers’ parents, Myrtle and Lester Fremin, who cherished Italian and Creole cooking styles.

Gumbo Shop

In the heart of the New Orleans French Quarter, the Gumbo Shop is well known as one of the best spots in the city to get a steaming bowl of gumbo. Guests can choose between seafood okra gumbo or chicken andouille gumbo, the latter of which has been selected by locals as the best bowl of gumbo in the city.

Herby-K's

Restaurant, Seafood

Opened in 1936, Herby-K’s has been setting the standard for Shreveport comfort food for many years. The restaurant was originally a shop where locals could buy tobacco, liquor, or a sandwich before Herbert J. Busi, Jr. transformed it into a fully-fledged restaurant. Herby-K’s serves a popular gumbo entrée unrivaled across the state.

Middendorf's

Restaurant, Seafood

Middendorf’s restaurant has been open for business for over 75 years and is a destination stop for diners in Southern Louisiana. Middendorf’s serves three different types of seafood gumbo, featuring different combinations of crab and shrimp. To celebrate the original owners’ heritage, the restaurant offers a special Oktoberfest menu every year.

Prejean's

Restaurant, Cajun, Seafood, American

Prejean’s is a true institution in Lafayette, Louisiana, and has been serving meals to locals, visitors, and traveling dignitaries since 1980. The culinary team at Prejean’s has received numerous awards, rivaling any other restaurant in the American South. Prejean’s serves four types of gumbo – seafood, shrimp, chicken and sausage and smoked duck and andouille.

About the author

Ann Marshall-Thomas

Ann Marshall Thomas is a regular contributor to The Culture Trip, writing primarily about New Orleans and the Southern United States. She studied Political and Social Thought at the University of Virginia and lived in Besancon, France after graduation. An explorer at heart, Ann Marshall has traveled throughout North America and Europe, and in parts of South America and Asia. Her favorite cities are Istanbul, Paris, and her home city, New Orleans.