Brian Nagele
Parrain’s Seafood Restaurant
3225 Perkins Rd, Baton Rouge, LA 70808
225-381-9922
Visit Website
Located in the heart of the mid-city district, Parrain’s is known for fresh seafood, cajun beef, chicken dishes, and heaping seafood platters. Open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and until 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, Parrain’s offers lunch and dinner every day and an award-winning brunch on Sundays. While there, you can take in a casual atmosphere that captures the casual southern charm, Louisiana culture, and local art. Offering traditional indoor seating, a bar, and outdoor dining, Perrain’s is one restaurant you do not want to miss. Reservations are encouraged, but the restaurant does take walk-ins.
Zorba’s Greek Bistro
5713 Essen Ln b, Baton Rouge, LA 70810
225-444-5074
Visit Website
Since 1984, Zorba’s has been serving authentic Greek food that merges new and traditional Greek food choices. The restaurant is friendly, warm and offers traditional indoor seating and a climate-controlled patio area. It runs several “specials,” including a patio happy hour, Greek nights, and monthly wine dinners. Their hours are Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. through 8:30 p.m. and open until 9:30 p.m. on Fridays. Saturdays kick off at 5 p.m. and run until 9:30. Zorbas is closed Sunday, and Mo
Mansurs on the Boulevard
5720 Corporate Blvd A, Baton Rouge, LA 70808
225-923-3366
Visit Website
Mansurs specializes in creole cuisine, seafood, beef, and chicken dishes with a healthy dose of pasta, salads, soups, and sandwiches. The facility features a bar and multiple dining rooms with tables set with linens. Nightly classical and jazz piano music plays in the main dining room, and there are multiple private dining rooms. There is a dress code the restaurant calls “business casual.” Mansurs is open 7 days a week. The restaurant is open until 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 Fridays and Saturdays, and 4 p.m. on Sundays. It opens at 5 p.m. on Mondays and 11 a.m. the rest of the week.
Louisiana Lagniappe Restaurant
9990 Perkins Rd, Baton Rouge, LA 70810
225-767-9991
Visit Website
If it is cajun/creole dishes and fresh-off-the-boat seafood you want, it is difficult to go wrong at Louisiana Lagniappe. The restaurant opened in Destine Florida, and relocated to Baton Rouge in 1996. It has won several local awards and has an “excellent” review average by travelers contributing to Tripadvisor. The food ranges from traditional seafood dishes like crab cakes to more traditional fish, chicken, shellfish, and beef options. It also has a very robust children’s menu. The restaurant opens its doors at 5 on Monday through Saturday and does not have a set close time. It is closed Sundays. Reservations are not required.
Ruth’s Chris Steak House
4836 Constitution Ave, Baton Rouge, LA 70808
225-925-0163
Visit Website
Ruth’s Chris Steak House started with one restaurant dedicated to a traditional steak house feel, low-lit warmth of a cozy environment, and mouthwatering steak. The Baton Rouge version does not disappoint in any of those areas, plus it adds its own Cajun spin to the experience. The restaurant offers a vibrant bar, traditional dining room, private eating, and event areas. The menu heavily favors steak and chops, but there are salad, seafood, chicken, and pasta options. Ruth’s prides itself on catering to just about any dietary needs, so ask if you adhere to one. Reservations are encouraged.
City Pork Brasserie & Bar
7327 Jefferson Hwy, Baton Rouge, LA 70806
225-615-8880
Visit Website
No matter the meal, breakfast, lunch, dinner, or just a snack, City Pork Brasserie & Bar has something for you. Offering award-winning BBQ, fresh seafood, and several Cajun dishes, City pork has a dish for every type of taste bud. That includes a unique “sharable” menu of dishes that two can enjoy. The restaurant is open 7 days a week, starting at 6:30 a.m. Monday through Friday. Opening time on Saturday and Sunday is 11 a.m. Unless you do not feel like waiting, you will need reservations. City Pork has multiple locations across Baton Rouge; each has different rules, so call ahead.
Cocha
445 N 6th St, Baton Rouge, LA 70802
225-615-8826
Visit Website
Cocha sits in the heart of downtown Baton Rouge and serves as a restaurant, wine tasting venue, and community gathering place. The restaurant buys locally and uses sustainable seafood and meat sources. The menu has gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options as well as fare that embraces local culture and traditions. Reservations are not required, but on busy nights, which is most often, not having a reservation means waiting quite a while. Menu options range from salads and soups to sandwiches and full entrees. Choices include seafood, fish, steak, pork, and several vegetarian dishes. Vegetarian and vegan-friendly food is an option upon request.
UMAMI Japanese Bistro
3930 Burbank Dr, Baton Rouge, LA 70808
Phone: 225-768-8808
Visit Website
If you are looking for Japanese and southeast Asian cuisine, Umani is where you want to dine.
Umani’s has traditional Japanese and Asian dishes and several not-so-traditional dishes like sea urchin, Nigiri, and Sashimi. It offers vegetarian dishes and several traditional foods like Teriyaki steak and chicken.
There is a sit-down dining room, and take-out is a popular option. The restaurant is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Friday and Saturday until 10:30 p.m. It is closed on Sunday. It is best to reserve a table if you plan on eating in the dining room.
Eliza Restaurant
7970 Jefferson Hwy J, Baton Rouge, LA 70809
Phone: 225-349-8895
Visit Website
Eliza Restaurant and Bar opened in 2016 and focuses on southern cuisine that is as uncomplicated as it is delicious. It serves lunch and dinner and has a vibrant bar scene.
Food choices range from seafood-oriented appetizers and salads to traditional comfort food entrees such as Chicken Cobb Salad, Local Seafood Platter, filet mignon, and pork chops.
Hours of operation are weekdays, and Saturdays 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sundays the restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Eliza’s has specials you can see under “Events” on their website. Reservations are highly recommended and you can make them online.
Mason’s Grill
13556 Jefferson Hwy, Baton Rouge, LA 70817
Phone: 225-756-8815
Visit Website
Mason’s Grill is exactly what the name implies. It is a grill, with a lively bar and dining room, great food, and a friendly, family atmosphere.
Open 7 days a week, Monday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Mason’s closes at 10 on Fridays and 3 Saturday and Sunday. Happy hour runs Monday through Friday, from 3 p.m. to 7.
Several specials, like “Taco Tuesday” and “wings night” run throughout the week. To read through the entire menu almost requires a trip unto itself because there are so many food options. The food offered includes seafood, salads, burgers, rib eye, catfish platters, and much more.
La Contea Italiano Ristorante
7970 Jefferson Hwy STE F, Baton Rouge, LA 70809
Phone: 225-726-7903
Visit Website
La Contea Italiano Ristorante is known for its atmosphere and authentic Italian cuisine.
Offering eat-in, take out and delivery as well as serving as an event venue and catering service, La Contea’s specializes in traditional Italian dishes, steaks, seafood, and a dessert menu that is worth the trip in and of itself.
Its lunch menu offers salads, wraps, traditional Italian dishes, and several Italian chicken preparations.
The restaurant is closed on Mondays and opens at 11 a.m. every other day. Closing time is 9 p.m. Sunday, Tuesday through Thursday, and 10 p.m. on Fridays. You should make reservations, which you can do online via their website.
Beausoleil Restaurant & Bar
7731 Jefferson Hwy, Baton Rouge, LA 70809
Phone: 225-926-1172
Visit Website
The food at the Beausoleil Restaurant & Bar makes a trip to Baton Rouge worth it in and of itself. The restaurant feels the presentation is as important as what is being served.
The staff is determined to inject Baton Rouge culture into everything they serve. That all equals an immersive dining experience that you will remember for a very long time.
The doors open at 11 a.m., seven days a week at Beausoleil’s, Reservations are recommended. Walk-ins are welcome but on peak dining periods, be prepared to wait.
While burgers are on the menu, seafood dominates, along with beef, pork, and chicken. There are several vegetarian options.
Zea Rotisserie & Bar
2380 Town Center Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70806
Phone: 225-927-9917
Visit Website
Zea Rotisserie & Bar was born of three New Orleans chefs that joined forces to provide a menu that offers appetizers, entrees, salads, and sandwiches that feature familiar foods with an international twist.
The result is a unique and delicious concoction of food that has become favorites of visitors and locals alike in five locations in MS and LA.
The restaurant is open 7 days, starting at 11 a.m. Happy hour runs all day every day from 11 a.m. to 6:30 on weekdays and 5 p.m. on weekends.
In addition to a bar and dining room, the restaurant provides off-site catering services and private events onsite.
The Chimes
Multiple Locations
Visit Website
The Chimes Restaurant has served Baton Rouge and the LSU community for over 25 years. It specializes in American and southern food and fare that is distinctive to Louisiana and Baton Rouge.
Their menu has an entire section dedicated to Po Boys, and the general theme of the menu is “Bar Food Plus.”
Operating hours are Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday, 10:30 a.m. until 11 p.m. Eating options are traditional inside the sit-down dining room, the bar, and take out.
Reservations are available but not normally needed except when there is an LSU sporting or college event, at which time it is very crowded.
Sammy’s Grill Highland
8635 Highland Rd, Baton Rouge, LA 70808
Phone: 225-766-9600
Visit Website
Sammy’s Grill Highland is a “catchall” restaurant, but it is known for crawfish bowls and seafood plates.
Its menu offers dozens of options, including steak, pork, seafood, Po Boys, over a dozen salads, several fish and non-fish sandwiches. Eating is casual, and the environment is very family-oriented.
Monday through Saturday, the restaurant opens at 11 a.m. Sundays open at 10 a.m. Friday and Saturday have a closing time of 11 p.m., and Sunday through Thursday close at 10.
Reservations are not required, but Sammy’s is usually very busy. Sammy’s has sit-down dining, patio seating, and spaces to eat at the bar. Take-out is also an option.
Poor Boy Lloyd’s
201 Florida St, Baton Rouge, LA 70801
Phone: 225-387-2271
Visit Website
Poor Boy Lloyd’s has been in downtown Baton Rouge since 1967 and is a local landmark. The restaurant provides dine-in, carryout, curbside pickup, and delivery options.
It also holds several events like live music Friday nights from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. (when permitted.) Poor Boy Lloyd’s serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, runs a catering service and holds special events on-site.
Breakfast at Lloyd’s is the standard fare, while lunch and dinner options include soups, sandwiches, Po Boys, and platters.
Lloyd’s is open 6 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and on Fridays and Saturdays, it stays open until 10 p.m.
Elsie’s Plate & Pie
3145 Government St, Baton Rouge, LA 70806
Phone: 225-636-5157
Visit Website
Some places that advertise pie in their name offer great pies, and everything else is an afterthought. Elsie’s Plate & Pie offers mouthwatering pies, but everything else on the menu is delicious as well.
Whether you are there for the fried platters or classic sandwiches or melts or just stopping by for a slice of pie, you will not be disappointed.
Elsie’s is open 7 days a week, starting at 11 a.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. on weekends. It serves until 10 Tues through Thursday, 9 Sunday and Monday, and 11 Friday and Saturday. Elsie’s has take-out as well as eat-in and you can order online.
Willie’s Restaurant
11260 Coursey Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70816
Phone: 225-372-2526
Visit Website
Willie’s is your standard southern restaurant that also specializes in seafood. The establishment is open 7 days a week and serves lunch and dinner every day and brunch Saturday and Sunday.
Willie’s opens at 11 a.m., closes at 10 Tuesday through Thursday, 11 Friday and Saturday, and 9 on Sunday and Monday. The food is plentiful, reasonably priced, and is delicious.
Options included boiled seafood, burgers, several sandwiches, Po Boys, tacos, multiple salads, and entrees that range from cajun to American to southern.
Reservations for parties over 10 people are strongly encouraged. Take out is an option as is ordering over the phone.
J. Alexander’s Restaurant
6457 Bluebonnet Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70836
Phone: 225-766-8630
Visit Website
If you are looking for American cuisine that emphasizes beef, steaks, seafood, salads, and specialty salads, J. Alexander’s is your “go-to” restaurant.
A chain restaurant, the J. Alexander has quality food, affordable prices, and superb service down to a science. You will not go wrong spending a lunch or dinner here.
You can order online and eat there or take your food home with you. The restaurant is open 7 days a week from 11 to 9:30 on weekdays and 10 on weekends. You should reserve a space if you plan on eating there Friday through the weekend.
The Little Village
Multiple Locations
Visit Website
With two locations, The Little Village can appeal to those looking for a true Baton Rouge experience and those looking for a quiet place to enjoy a relaxing meal.
Regardless, the menu features Italian dishes, seafood, Louisiana favorites, Cajun delights, and favorite American meals.
Open for lunch and dinner, lunch starts at 11 a.m. and runs until 2, dinner at 5, and runs until 10. Sunday brunch runs from 11 a.m. through 8 p.m.
Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends and during brunch. You can eat at the bar or in the dining room. Take-out is also an option.
Texas de Brazil
10155 Perkins Rd Ste 100, Baton Rouge, LA 70810
Phone: 225-766-5353
Visit Website
The goal of Texas de Brazil is to bring a Brazilian rancher’s love of churrasco cooking and the hospitality of Texas to your table every time you dine there.
The menu is heavy on meats and seafood, with enough salad options to meet vegetarian needs. Texas de Brazil provides eat-in dining options, take out and delivery.
It also runs a catering service and provides group dining on-premises. The restaurant is open Wednesday through Sunday, opening at 5 on weekdays and 3 on weekends.
It is closed Monday and Tuesday. Reservations are recommended. While you are there, check out the many charities the organization supports.