Louisiana’s Culinary Trails

This trail, centered in New Orleans, reveals iconic Louisiana recipes. Bite into a muffuletta sandwich layered with salami and chopped olives. Sample Gulf oysters prepared in a variety of mouth-watering styles. End with bananas Foster, a flambéed dessert of bananas spiked with rum.

Trace this trail through New Orleans' Northshore to cozy restaurants serving Louisiana comfort foods, such as generously-stuffed po’boy sandwiches at The Chimes in Covington (on the scenic Bogue Falaya River) or shrimp remoulade and fried green tomatoes at Liz’s Where Y’at Diner in Mandeville.

Find down-home hospitality and good food without pretense in Louisiana’s Cajun prairie. Don’t miss Cajun sausage at Savoie’s in Opelousas or fresh cracklins (fried pork skins) at Billy's Boudin and Cracklin in Krotz Springs.  

As Louisiana’s capital and college town, Baton Rouge mixes sophisticated tables with simple gathering spots. Along this trail, reserve at Mansurs on the Boulevard for modern twists on Creole classics, such as cream of brie and crabmeat soup. Hit Tony’s for a casual lunch of the freshest seafood.

In the heart of Louisiana’s Cajun Country in and around Lafayette, good food pairs with a good time. Crawfish, boudin and hot sauce are highlights in the region, and are best enjoyed to the beat of Cajun and zydeco music.  

Southwest Louisiana’s coast and wetlands yield fresh, flavorful seafood that finds its way on to local menus. And boudin, Louisiana’s favorite finger food, can be sampled at various establishments along the Southwest Louisiana Boudin Trail near Lake Charles.

In the northwest corner of the state, Southern fare meets Louisiana flair. Bite into a savory meat pie from Lasyone’s in Natchitoches or pick up a dozen hand-rolled tamales in Zwolle. For dessert, order strawberry ice box pie at Strawn’s in Shreveport or Bossier City, or pecan pie from Lea’s Lunchroom in Lecompte.

Farmland signals the fresh bounty served along this northeast Louisiana trail. At Restaurant Cotton in Monroe, fresh-picked ingredients inspire creative dishes (start with deviled eggs featuring house-made pickles).