The best restaurants Louisiana

Timetable

There's no schedule more variable than the restaurant business. Not only do they vary according to the season, but they also change several times during the same season. Restaurants in the big cities tend to have relatively fixed opening times all year round, whereas in the regions, some establishments may have a specific opening period, notably some small shacks open only for crayfish season. And as everywhere, weekends and holidays are synonymous with big crowds, especially for the famous brunch served until 2, 3 or even 4pm. It's also worth noting that Louisianans eat earlier than Europeans. As a result, kitchen opening hours are not very late, generally closing around 9 or 10 pm (later on Fridays and Saturdays, until midnight - or even 24 hours a day - in some New Orleans restaurants). Finally, it's worth noting that many restaurants close in the afternoon, generally from 2pm to 4 or 5pm.

Budget & Tips

You can easily grab a bite to eat for less than US$15. You should expect to pay at least US$20-25 for lunch and at least US$35 for dinner.Lunch/daily specials ( fixed-price menu) can save you money, and always include starter and main course, as well as dessert on 3-course menus. More upscale restaurants often offer a multi-coursetasting menu. The cost can vary from US$60 to US$150 or more, and selected wine pairings are available at extra cost.
All methods of payment are accepted, although smaller restaurants may limit themselves to cash and/or debit cards.
In Louisiana and the rest of the country, you can also take the rest of your meal home, 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 neighboring Canada, but many restaurants allow it. The corkage fee is generally a maximum of US$30, and some don't charge a penny.

What costs extra

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

The local way

Eat crayfish again and again, boiled, fried, stewed and so on.

Put hot sauce on just about everything, as Louisiana, the home of Tabasco®, is reputed to be the spicy seasoning capital of America.

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

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

To be avoided

Just because you're in America doesn't mean you 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 specially designed for little ones.

Smokers

Smoking is prohibited in restaurants, but is possible on the terrace.

Tourist traps

In neighborhoods popular with visitors, 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.