Top Restaurants and Culinary Experiences in Baton Rouge
The Capital Cravings trail centers around Louisiana's capital city of Baton Rouge and stretches from the urban city center to the sugar plantations along the Great River Road. Explore the open-air markets and eateries and cosmopolitan cooking of this phenomenally diverse culinary trail.
Top Culinary Experiences in Baton Rouge
Baton Rouge Food Tour
All About Baton Rouge Tours offers a Baton Rouge Food Tour throughout the city which includes food tastings at local restaurants infused with entertaining historical and cultural details; sure to get you full from belly to brain.
Red Stick Spice Company
Spices are the foundation of south Louisiana cuisine, and spices are what they’re all about at Red Stick Spice Company. Here, you won't find foodies — just home cooks who believe in the power of a home-cooked meal. Whether it's Taco Tuesday or a six-course meal, you'll find everything you need to spice it perfectly. Even better, book a hands-on cooking class!
Red Stick Farmer’s Market
Wake up to the best of the season's harvest every Saturday morning. Join Baton Rouge locals and experience the wide selection at the Red Stick Farmer’s Market for yourself! Every Saturday, the Market opens rain or shine with over 50 vendors that include Louisiana's small family farmers and artisans.
Don’t Miss Dishes in the Baton Rouge Area
Gov't Taco
Whether it's Taco Tuesday or not, you won't want to miss the inventive flavors at Gov't Taco! Chef and pit master Jay Ducote is the mastermind behind these insanely delicious tacos that incorporate aspects of Louisiana cuisine into each creation. Chef Ducote is a flavor king - he finished runner-up on Food Network Star's 11th season and even beat Bobby Flay at a crawfish boil competition.
Roberto’s River Road Restaurant
Roberto’s River Road Restaurant offers a quaint, local vibe. Set in a 200-year-old house alongside the Mississippi River, it’s worth a wait even on the busiest of evenings. With small rooms and a cozy atmosphere, it’s a great spot to bring either a date or the family. Their signature Shrimp Roberto - seafood stuffed shrimp wrapped in bacon and fried, set in beurre blanc, finished with hollandaise and parmesan cheese - is a must-try.
Mason’s Grill
Famous for their bottomless champagne brunch, national award-winning Bloody Mary’s and Cajun Shrimp Burger, everyone in your family will find something to love at Mason’s!
Zeeland Street Market
Surrounded by live oak trees and cute bungalows, Zeeland Street Market is always buzzing with eager diners on weekends. From the breakfast menu, the Zeeland Slam is a sure bet. It offers a taste of several Zeeland Street items, like the savory, melt-in-your-mouth cheddar cheese grits; warm, fluffy buttermilk pancakes; sizzlin’ bacon; and eggs as you like them. Beyond the top-notch comfort food, the Zeeland staff is wonderful – full of sincere smiles and a clear passion for food and their guests.
Tsunami
Situated on the rooftop of the Shaw Center of the Arts downtown, Tsunami provides the unique experience of sushi dining while overlooking the Mississippi River that no visitor to Baton Rouge should miss. The view at sunset is spectacular, although the relaxed ambience here also makes for a perfect getaway lunch spot. For a little Louisiana flair, try the Ragin’ Cajun Roll with panko fried alligator!
The Little Village
Little Village is a local Baton Rouge spot to check out for those Italian cravings. Make sure to order their Village Bread. It will be the highlight your visit once the bread arrives at your table warm and extra soft, topped with parmesan cheese and a good amount of olive oil as any quality Italian dish would have. And there’s still an olive spread on the side!
George’s
You cannot talk about burgers and po'boys in Baton Rouge without mentioning George’s. Their selection, ranging from seafood to deli meat for po'boys and including a vegetarian option for burgers, has been selected among the city’s best eats more than once. And don't pass on the onion rings. The portions are generous, too, so you will leave with both your taste buds and your appetite pleasantly satisfied.
Mansurs on the Boulevard
Crab is among the most delicious blessings that Louisiana receives from the Gulf, and Mansurs in Baton Rouge knows just how to embrace this gift. Their signature cream of brie and crabmeat soup features thick lumps of crabmeat in an ample amount of fresh, melted brie cheese to create a rich, creamy bowl of delight that is much more than the sum of its parts.
The Chimes Restaurant
More than a restaurant, Chimes has long been a Baton Rouge tradition that locals hold dear. From seafood platters to gumbo and po'boys, the menu gives a well-rounded taste of Louisiana cuisine at the north gates of LSU’s campus. The Chimes is also well-known for its good selection of local and international beer. And there are Happy Hour specials every day for both bite and booze, like oysters on the half shell every Tuesday!
Louie’s Café
Open 24 hours, Louie’s Café has been welcoming guests since 1941 with the old-school diner ambience and comfort food. On any late night in Baton Rouge, treat yourself to one of their signature omelets, like the Seafood Louie with shrimp, crawfish, and herbed cream sauce, or the famous “Veggie” with 10 different vegetables. The Mitchell throws their famous hash browns into the mix. Delving into a warm, hearty omelet at odd hours is a unique beauty to embrace at this diner.
For the latest information on the Baton Rouge food scene, check out the Capital Cravings Culinary Trail and plan a trip to feed your soul!
