Best Baton Rouge Restaurants: Top 16 Spots in 2024
There are Baton Rouge restaurants that serve classic Southern specialties made with an emphasis on timeless flavor, and there are others that offer contemporary creations with an emphasis on modern gourmet magic. However, the best Baton Rouge restaurants are the spots that merge old and new to occupy a space somewhere in between, where every diner can find just the right dish to suit their tastes.
Which Baton Rouge restaurants accomplish this culinary sorcery best? You can head into Louisiana’s capital city and seek out the best restaurants in Baton Rouge on your own, or you can check into our nominations for the best 16 Baton Rouge restaurants to get a head start on finding your next fantastic meal. From seafood to pizza to mainstay American favorites, these eateries put it all on the table for you to relish.
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16 Best Baton Rouge Restaurants
1. Parrain's Seafood Restaurant
Delicious dishes from under the sea are offered at Parrain's Seafood Restaurant. For more than 20 years, this charming shanty has brought innovative fish and seafood specialties to the table in a way that outdoes other Baton Rouge restaurants.
The Vibe
Aged surfaces and nautical artifacts create a cozy and whimsical atmosphere that feels antique. Parrain’s has a minimalist vibe that makes it ideal for diners looking for Baton Rouge restaurants with a casual dinner setting.
What to Order
Grab a seafood gumbo bowl, a side of coleslaw with peanuts and a platter of crawfish étouffée to get a taste of real Louisiana cuisine.
Parrain's Seafood Restaurant | 3225 Perkins Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70808 | $$
2. Willie's Restaurant
If you're looking for an old-time Louisiana dining experience, Willie's Restaurant is one of the best of the Baton Rouge restaurants serving up Cajun-style favorites. Classics crowd the menu, with batches of crawfish selling out regularly, so call ahead to make sure there are some on hand when you visit.
The Vibe
This bright and cheery bar and grill truly embodies the modern Southern spirit of hospitality with hearty portions and personable waiting staff. The Baton Rouge restaurant is light and spacious and also has an outdoor terrace — ideal for summer evenings.
What to Order
Cajun pasta is popular here, and it consists of tender penne with shrimp and crawfish tails. The signature dish is a po' boy with three kinds of meat dressed in gumbo gravy — a real taste of Louisiana.
Willie's Restaurant | 11260 Coursey Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70816 | $$
3. The Chimes
The name implies serenity, but there's something even groovier happening at The Chimes. This is one of the prime restaurants in Downtown Baton Rouge and is extremely popular with students from Louisiana State University.
The Vibe
Warm pub interiors and an inviting wood deck make this hot spot the place to be. With multiple bar chairs, solo visitors are just as welcome as large groups.
What to Order
Southern bar bites adorn the menu, with regional favorites like red beans and rice with sausage, and authentic gator chili topping the list of options.
The Chimes | 3357 Highland Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70802 | $$
4. Mason's Grill
Few Baton Rouge restaurants bring laid-back dining to the local scene like Mason's Grill. You'll find burgers, wings and steaks overtaking tabletops as you settle in for a relaxed time.
The Vibe
Be ready for a drinks-served-in-Mason-jars level of relaxation here. At its core, this is a restaurant with a family-friendly feel and locals that become regulars.
What to Order
The Cajun Shrimp Burger is the best of all worlds: a half-pound patty stacked with shrimp and jalapeños.
Mason's Grill | 13556 Jefferson Highway, Baton Rouge, LA 70817 | $$
5. Zea's Rotisserie & Bar
Zea's Rotisserie & Bar puts spirit into the American Cookbook among Baton Rouge restaurants with a focus on diversity. A trio of well-known NOLA chefs collaborate on a melting-pot menu of global and domestic delights.
The Vibe
A casual layout makes this a great stop-over for families to enjoy. The seating arrangement feels like a refined tribute to the classic American diner.
What to Order
Take advantage of rotisserie-tender meats by ordering the mango habanero chicken, dressed up with sweet and spicy tropical elements.
Zea's Rotisserie & Bar | 7415 Corporate Blvd., Suite 920, Baton Rouge, LA 70809 | $$
6. Sullivan's Steakhouse
Deluxe steakhouse style is all the rage at Sullivan's Steakhouse, one of the plushest settings you'll find among Baton Rouge restaurants. A live music calendar and private dining rooms offer next-level dining experiences.
The Vibe
Dress well and come ready for the royal treatment at this chic steakhouse, which is one of the most desirable Baton Rouge restaurants.
What to Order
Filet mignon, wagyu bone-in strip, dry-aged tomahawk ribeye — carnivores are spoilt for choice when it comes to how you like your cut of steak.
Sullivan's Steakhouse | 7415 Corporate Blvd., Suite 920, Baton Rouge, LA 70809 | $$$$
7. BRQ Seafood and Barbeque
Get your fill of real Southern barbecue and sumptuous coastal seafood on the same plate at BRQ Seafood and Barbeque. Enjoy a mouthwatering selection of elite-level meats and sides, created with a level of culinary excellence that Baton Rouge restaurants like BRQ take pride in providing.
The Vibe
Airy dining spaces and a patio called the Backyard infuse the space with an easygoing atmosphere.
What to Order
Choosing a Q Combo lets you load up on tender pork, chicken, brisket or ribs, plus traditional sides that make perfect pairings. Make sure you visit hungry!
BRQ Seafood and Barbeque | 10423 Jefferson Highway, Baton Rouge, LA 70809 | $$
8. Drago's Seafood Restaurant
This Baton Rouge restaurant takes a dip in the Gulf and comes up with phenomenal dishes for locals and visitors to relish. Drago's Seafood Restaurant is a long-time local treasure that has been in operation since 1969.
The Vibe
Modern, airy and perfect for a casual bite with your inner circle.
What to Order
Charbroiled lobster is such a unique must-try option — it's also part of Drago's colorful logo. For something hand-held, the fish tacos are the way to go.
Drago's Seafood Restaurant | 4580 Constitution Ave., Baton Rouge, LA 70808 | $$$
9. Our Mom's Restaurant
With a name like Our Mom's Restaurant, the down-home atmosphere at one of the coziest Baton Rouge restaurants does not disappoint. This eatery is an indie version of larger fast casual locales, with a focus on great food and friendly service.
The Vibe
Shiplap walls, acid-washed concrete floors and sliding barn doors make industrial shabbiness ultra-chic.
What to Order
A mac and cheese burger lets you savor eight ounces of beef mashed between layers of homemade mac and cheese, on sourdough with a bacon topper — a truly unique option.
Our Mom's Restaurant | 250 W. Lee Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70820 | $$
10. Acme Oyster House
Fun is the not-so-secret ingredient at Acme Oyster House. As Baton Rouge restaurants go, this seafood spot offers one of the widest arrays of fish and shellfish on every section of the menu (except dessert)!
The Vibe
Bar style rules here, with neon and checkerboard tablecloths providing eye-popping accents.
What to Order
Try the New Orleans Medley for a mix of sausage, red beans and rice, served with gumbo and jambalaya — a tasty Cajun quartet. The restaurant also boasts of its year-round availability of oysters. For dessert, the chocolate caramel pie is a must for its rich, creamy decadence.
Acme Oyster House | 3535 Perkins Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70808 | $$$
11. Mansurs on the Boulevard
Get dolled up for a good time at Mansurs on the Boulevard, a gem among the date night-ready Baton Rouge restaurants. You'll find gourmet Creole cuisine served in an environment worthy of its business casual dress code.
The Vibe
Elegance fills every corner of this sophisticated Baton Rouge restaurant.
What to Order
Ultimate Alfredeaux brings crawfish, crab and shrimp into an Italian setting via the Gulf.
Mansurs on the Boulevard | 5720 Corporate Blvd., Suite A, Baton Rouge, LA 70808 | $$$
12. Ruffino's
Finding a charming Italian trattoria like Ruffino's in the selection of Baton Rouge restaurants is like finding an extra meatball buried in your spaghetti! Fans of steakhouses will enjoy the Italian slant here.
The Vibe
Festive and friendly, with lots of raised glasses to toast the finer moments in life.
What to Order
Barbecue shrimp pasta shakes up the Cajun and Italian culinary styles into a single sumptuous sensation.
Ruffino's | 18811 Highland Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70809 | $$$
13. Tsunami’s
If you're checking out Baton Rouge restaurants for modern sushi spots, Tsunami's should be first on your list. This award-winning sushi house has been singled out for great sushi time and again.
The Vibe
Savor breathtaking rooftop views like no other Baton Rouge restaurants can offer.
What to Order
In addition to crunch rolls, cucumber-wrapped Naruto rolls and the ever-popular California rolls, you can dig into the Big Easy: a memorable combination of crab and crawfish topped with panko.
Tsunami | 100 Lafayette St., Baton Rouge, LA 70801 | $$
14. Elsie's Plate & Pie
Just like Joe's Pie Diner in "Waitress: The Musical," Elsie's Plate & Pie puts pie high on the menu among diner-style Downtown Baton Rouge restaurants. With such a loaded menu, saving room for a slice may be challenging!
The Vibe
Vintage diner styling gets an artistic modern upgrade. The general interior and vibe are fun, while Elsie’s has previously marked Pi Day by offering pies for just $3.14.
What to Order
Order Cajun crawfish queso and Almond Joy pie, and you'll have the best Elsie's serves up.
Elsie's Plate & Pie | 3145 Government St., Baton Rouge, LA 70806 | $$
15. Roux61
Roux61 handily wins the medal for the most clever name among Baton Rouge restaurants. Beyond being a reference to Louisiana's share of Route 61, this dynamic grill embodies the creative spirit of the South.
The Vibe
Brick-and-wood cantina architecture brings a streak of Tex-Mex to the Gulf Coast.
What to Order
The blackened catfish sandwich is a morsel that helps give Baton Rouge restaurants their stellar reputation.
Roux61 | 8322 Bluebonnet Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70810 | $$
16. Red Zeppelin Pizza
Who can resist wordplay-friendly Baton Rouge restaurants with names like Red Zeppelin Pizza? Primo pizza and spectacular side options make perfect weeknight dinners when home cooking is off the menu.
The Vibe
Vibrant walls in red and corrugated tin hold frothy pop culture photos and art for quirky surroundings while you chow down on plentiful pizza.
What to Order
Grab a Bou-Ray, a pie that transforms alligator sausage and boudin into a meaty pizza pairing.
Red Zeppelin Pizza | 4395 Perkins Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70808 | $$
Try Cooking Baton Rouge Foods
Interested in creating a phenomenal Louisiana menu of your own? With cooking classes in Baton Rouge, you can explore the distinctive mix of influences that makes this Southern locale a favorite among foodies from around the world. Work with top-shelf local chef instructors as you explore techniques and recipes that feel fresh and familiar at the same time. It’s your best bet for bringing the flavors from the best restaurants in Baton Rouge to your home kitchen.
Join 200,000+ Culinary Enthusiasts
Baton Rouge is a city of varied tastes, equal parts modern U.S. capital, down-home bayou burg and college town brimming with youthful energy. Baton Rouge restaurants reflect this mélange of laid-back and highly charged, which makes it easy to find whatever you’re looking for whenever you want it. And when you finally settle on your choices for the best Baton Rouge restaurants, you'll have a road map to incredible food you can follow wherever your taste buds lead you.
For even more ways to explore Baton Rouge and beyond, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
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