The best restaurants Louisiana

Timetable

There is no schedule more variable than the restaurant business. Not only do they vary seasonally, but they also vary several times within a season. Restaurants in major cities tend to have relatively fixed hours throughout the year, while in the regions, some establishments may have a specific opening period, including some small shacks that are only open for crawfish season. And as everywhere, weekends and holidays are synonymous with great crowds, especially for the famous brunch served until 2, 3 or even 4 pm. It is also important to know that Louisianans eat earlier than Europeans. Therefore, the opening hours of the kitchens are not very late, and generally close around 9 or 10 pm (later on Fridays and Saturdays, until midnight - even 24 hours a day - in some restaurants in New Orleans). Finally, you should know that many restaurants close in the afternoon, usually from 2pm to 4 or 5pm.

Budget & Tips

You can easily eat on the run for less than 10-15 US$. You should expect to pay at least 20-25 US$ for lunch and at least 30 US$ for dinner.Lunch/daily specials ( fixed price menu) allow you to save some money and always include the starter and the main course, as well as the dessert in the 3 course menu. The more upscale restaurants also often offer a tastingmenu with several courses. The cost can vary from $60 to $150 CAD or more, and a wine pairing is offered as an additional charge.
All forms of payment are accepted, but small restaurants sometimes limit themselves to cash and/or debit card.
In Louisiana and the rest of the country, you can also take home the rest of your meal or bring your own bottle of wine or beer to the restaurant. The "bring your own booze" (BYOB) concept may not be as widespread as in Canada, but many restaurants allow it. The corkage fee is usually a maximum of US$30 and some don't charge a cent.

What costs extra

As a general rule, prices on menus are always exclusive of tax. Not only must you add sales tax (4.45% + local tax of up to 7%), but also the 15% service charge. To find out what you have to pay, you have to add 19.5% to 26.5% depending on the city.

The local way

Eating crawfish, again and again, boiled, fried, stewed and so on.

Put hot sauce on just about everything, Louisiana being known as the hot sauce capital of America.

Have breakfast at Buck & Johnny's (in Breaux Bridge) on Saturday for the inevitable Zydeco Breakfast.

Get used to the often gigantic North American-styleportions, but also to the fried food that is omnipresent.

To be avoided

Just because we're in America doesn't mean we have to do what Americans do! So please, avoid the big fast food chains and opt for the local tables to savor Louisiana.

Kids

Your little ones are welcome in most restaurants, with the exception of sections where a bar license applies. Booster chairs are often available and many restaurants offer a menu especially designed for the little ones.

Smokers

Smoking is not allowed in restaurants, but it is possible on the terrace.

Tourist traps

In popular neighborhoods, such as the French Quarter in New Orleans, take the time to compare restaurants and menus, as many tend to boost their prices to take advantage of the tourist windfall.