While Louisiana has always been known for having excellent food and a number of nationally prominent chefs, in the past few years our culinary scene has completely exploded. There is a constant stream of new restaurants being founded in the city and some truly spectacular places to have a meal with loved ones. Here are 10 of the most highly rated restaurants in Louisiana and why you should consider taking a table there!

1. La Provence Restaurant, 25020 Hwy 190, Lacombe

This is the farm to table brainchild of the famed John Besh restaurant group, and in my opinion it is the absolute best. There’s just nothing quite like eating meals prepared fresh from the surrounding gardens. The flavors here are sure to wow you.

2. Louisiana Lagniappe Restaurant, 9990 Perkins Rd, Baton Rouge

This restaurant has been around Baton Rouge for years but continues to win awards for having some of the best seafood and Cajun favorites anywhere in the state. You don’t want to miss their unique take on shrimp - it’s totally delicious.

3. Shaya, 4213 Magazine St., New Orleans

Recently named best new restaurant in AMERICA by the James Beard Award Foundation, Shaya is an offshoot of the John Besh restaurant Domenica, led by stand out chef Alon Shaya. His unique take on Mediterranean food will truly astound you, offering a unique dining experience that can’t be matched anywhere else in the state.

4. La Petite Grocery, 4238 Magazine St., New Orleans

This New Orleans stunner came into fame as its chef, Justin Devillier, climbed the ranks of Top Chef and then recently received the Best Chef: South award from the James Beard Foundation. Don’t miss the burger, which is truly special.

5. Gautreau’s, 1728 Soniat St., New Orleans

Sue Zemanick heads up this New Orleans delight, and has grown in prominence as she won the James Beard award for Best New Chef: South in 2014. She’s also been featured on Bravo’s Top Chef Masters and offers up classic, carefully prepared foods with a unique touch.

6. Cotton, 101 N Grand St., Monroe

Chef Cory Bahr is at the helm of this Monroe restaurant after winning countless awards from both Louisiana Cooking Magazine and Louisiana Life Magazine. There’s a great balance of delicious Louisiana seafood favorites as well as Southern staples that make this place a stand out.

7. The French Press, 214 E Vermillion St., Lafayette

Brunch, in my opinion, is the best meal of the day, and here at French Press, they do it with incredible style and of course delicious flavors. The Sweet Baby Breesus and praline bacon shouldn’t be missed.

8. Restaurant R’evolution, 777 Bienville ST., New Orleans

Chef John Folse has made quite a name for himself among chefs in Louisiana and has created some interesting culinary programs to continue his Louisiana cooking legacy. But it is here at his French Quarter restaurant that you really get to know what all the fuss is about. His incredible hybrid of modern cuisine and reliable Southern staples makes for a truly unforgettable meal.

9. Dark Roux, 3524 Kaliste Saloom Rd, Lafayette, LA

Led by chef Ryan Trahan, Dark Roux offers an eclectic mix of old style Cajun favorites and modern flair. All of the locally-sourced farm to table ingredients make this restaurant a true star.

10. Cristiano Ristorante, 724 High St., Houma

While Houma may not be the first place you think of when seeking fine dining in Louisiana, this restaurant stands out from the rest for its high quality Italian cuisine with Cajun flare. The restaurant is led by Cristiano Raffignon, a native of the Italian Riviera coast, who’s able to hold a very high standard for Italian food while not sacrificing Louisiana flavors.

How many of these highly rated restaurants in Louisiana have you visited? I would love to hear what your experiences were like! These restaurants are some of the most recognizable and deeply delicious places to score a meal in the whole state. What would you order if you went? Let us know your thoughts! We love hearing back from you.