Louisiana's Culinary Trails
Not long ago, there was a scientific study that ranked Louisiana as the nation’s happiest state. There may be many reasons that led to this distinction, but we’re pretty sure the incredible Louisiana cuisine played a role.
In Louisiana they don’t just eat - they dine with gusto! The food connects their diverse heritage that includes French, Spanish, African and German influences. Over a meal they come together in celebration, whether it’s a Mardi Gras gumbo or simply a Friday night crawfish boil.
If you’d like to join in the fun, Louisiana have created eight culinary trails that cover the entire state. With fine dining establishments, family diners and everything in between, there are stops for every budget. As you explore, you’ll also meet the people behind these great dishes, people like Chris McMillian, one of New Orleans’ best bartenders. And for every trail you’ll find suggestions for culinary experiences to take your trip to a new level.
Creole Crescent
Welcome to the land of stiff drinks, celebrity chefs and locals who lift dining to an art form.
New Orleans’ cuisine is like no other. Since the city’s founding almost three centuries ago, French, Spanish, Caribbean and African influences – and actually, many more – have had a hand in creating the iconic dishes associated with the Big Easy. There’s no such thing as too many cooks in this multicultural kitchen.
Northshore Sampler
Sophisticated cuisine crafted by chefs showcasing local ingredients.
St. Tammany Parish, aka Louisiana’s Northshore, is rich in family-run restaurants where soulful food reflects tradition, heritage and hearty appetites. But you’ll also find sophisticated, even innovative, cuisine crafted by chefs showcasing the best local and seasonal ingredients on menus inspired by Louisiana’s bounty.
Prairie Home Cooking
Find down-home hospitality and good food without pretense in Louisiana’s Cajun prairie.
For an authentic Louisiana experience, don’t overlook this off-the-beaten-path region. Opelousas and the entire St. Landry Parish are filled with hidden gems and boast a heritage influenced by the French, Germans, Spanish, and American Indians who settled here. In Opelousas, stop by Savoie's Sausage for a taste of their Cajun smoked sausage, and grab a table at Back in Time for their Pearl Harbor salad—a longtime favorite. Hear charming Cajun and Creole French still spoken by the locals. Dance to accordion-fueled zydeco tunes, and shop for local art and antiques.
Capital Cravings
In Baton Rouge, delicious cuisine is a way of life.
Capital Cravings. Hands on! If it’s seafood you’re craving, Tony’s Seafood provides the best live and boiled seafood in Baton Rouge. And if you’re in the capital city on a Saturday, stop by the Red Stick Farmers Market and stock up on locally grown, in-season produce and food items. Keeping on trend with locally owned, get a true boutique experience at Strands Café with tea service.
Bayou Bounty
Crawfish, boudin, hot sauce - Acadiana has all the makings for a taste-tempting trip.
You’d be wise to extend your stay in the heart of Cajun Country. First-time travelers rarely allow enough time to take in the region’s treasures. Here, the folks are generous hosts and excellent cooks. They strive to preserve the Cajun heritage, which includes knowing how to have a good time.
Seafood Sensation
The bounty of Southwest Louisiana’s coasts and wetlands makes this the ultimate road trip for seafood lovers.
The southwest corner of Louisiana, sometimes called the "Outback," beckons sportsmen. There’s great fishing, oystering, shrimping and crabbing. The bounty from the waters finds its way onto the menus of local restaurants such as Steamboat Bill's in Lake Charles, best known for seasoned crawfish and fried seafood platters.
Red River Riches
The variety of cuisines featured along this trail means you’ll be planning your next meal before you even leave the table.
If you think South Louisiana has a monopoly on legendary cuisine, you’re sadly mistaken. Find your way to the northwest corner of the state, where Southern fare meets Louisiana flair.
Delta Delights
From savoury beginnings to sweet endings, Northeast Louisiana dishes up not-to-be-missed fare with a Southern focus.
It’s quite easy to adjust to the relaxed pace of life and friendliness of folks in northeast Louisiana. Here, you’ll find ample farmland and scenic drives dotted with restaurants serving Southern staples. Cornbread and down-home vegetables are served alongside Louisiana favorites, including terrific catfish and crawfish, and a few more surprises along the way.
Join Louisiana Chef John Besh as he introduces you to food experiences around the state and visit Louisiana Culinary Trails official website for more information.
