Plan Your Year of Dining: 12 Must-Try Louisiana Restaurants

If Louisiana is known for anything, it’s food. Few other states have such culinary prowess as we do, and we sure are proud of it. From pizza to po’boys, we know our way around the kitchen.

If you want to find out where to eat in Louisiana, consider spicing things up a bit with a visit to one of these awesome eateries. Make it your mission to eat at a new restaurant every month. Here are 12 of the best dining experiences in the Pelican State to get you started.

1. January: Franks Pizza Napoletana - Shreveport

A fresh, hot pie is always a good idea: Frank’s Pizza Napoletana serves some of the best in the entire state. Not only does the menu feature several old-world, Napoli-style pizzas, but they also have some sensational seafood and steak options, too. You will feel right at home at this cozy, family-friendly spot. It's open Monday to Thursday, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday until 10 p.m.

2. February: Grayson’s Bar-B-Q - Clarence

Don’t let the unassuming exterior fool you; behind the doors of Grayson's Bar-B-Q are some of the most mouthwateringly delicious ribs, brisket cuts, and meat around. From plates to pounds, this small-town hidden gem has a loyal fan base, and after one bite, you’ll understand why. Grayson's is open Tuesday to Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. (6 p.m. on Sunday).

3. March: Lasyone’s - Natchitoches

Lasyone's in Natchitoches is the birthplace of the iconic meat pie and is worthy of a road trip from any corner of the state. Available in both meat and crawfish, these fried pockets of perfection pair perfectly with any one of their homemade specialties like red beans and rice, crawfish étouffée, or gumbo. Stop by Monday to Wednesday, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Thursday and Friday until 3 p.m.; and Sunday until 4 p.m.

4. April: Main Street Restaurant - Gilliam

We love small-town eateries, and Main Street Restaurant checks all the boxes. This locally-owned spot is a great option for all the Southern comfort classics, from chicken-fried steak to boiled shrimp. You won't regret a quick pit stop at this Gilliam restaurant on your next road trip throughout the state. Hours are 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily, and also 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday, for dinner.

5. May: Strawn’s Eat Shop - Shreveport

Strawn’s Eat Shop has been a Shreveport staple since 1944, and you'd better come hungry. This family-owned eatery serves huge portions of Southern comfort food, burgers, and breakfast options. Just make sure you save room for their famous ice box pie, filled with cream and sweet strawberries. Both locations are open daily from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. (open at 7 a.m. on Sunday).

6. June: Waterfront Grill - Monroe

Located in Monroe, the Waterfront Grill overlooks the beautiful Bayou Desiard and serves incredible Cajun-style dishes, such as gumbo, Shrimp Po'Boys, and more, in a warm and rustic setting. For a meal with a serene and relaxing atmosphere, you can’t go wrong with a visit to this waterfront restaurant. The grill is open Tuesday through Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

7. July: Diamond Grill - Alexandria

It’s not every day you get to treat yourself to an upscale dining experience like Diamond Grill. The building was once a former jewelry store (hence the name), and now serves a wide range of gourmet steak and seafood options—perfect for special occasions or date night. Reservations are highly suggested as tables fill up fast. Hours are Monday to Saturday, from 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.

8. August: Cecil’s Cajun Kitchen - DeRidder

A welcoming atmosphere, great burgers, and a good time await you at Cecil's Cajun Kitchen in DeRidder. As the name would suggest, you’ll also find a wide range of Cajun-inspired specialties on the menu, as well as live music on nights and weekends from local musicians and bands. It's the perfect lively atmosphere for a night out with friends. Cecil's is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Friday and Saturday until 10:30 p.m.

9. September: Darrell’s - Lake Charles

When it comes to po’boys, few can compare to what you’ll get at Darrell’s. This long-time Lake Charles staple has been serving delicious po’boys since 1985, and you'd better come hungry, because these things are monstrous. One of their most famous is the surf and turf, complete with steak, shrimp, and veggies, all deliciously seasoned. Save room for a slice of pie, too! Darrell's is open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday to Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

10. October: Cafe Josephine - Sunset

From Cajun cuisine to homemade pizza, the menu at Cafe Josephine caters to everyone. Of course, when the steaks are this juicy, and the grilled oysters are seasoned to perfection, you can't help but try it all. The restaurant is cozy, yet upscale, featuring an artisanal cocktail menu and Louisiana-inspired decor. It's one of the best Louisiana restaurants to visit this year. Hours are Tuesday to Thursday, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

11. November: Rice Palace - Crowley

Part truck stop, part casino, part restaurant… You can do it all at the Rice Palace in Crowley. This beloved truck stop is the go-to spot for a hot plate lunch. The specials change often, ranging from fried pork chops to good old-fashioned meatloaf. The interior has recently undergone a lovely upgrade—pay a visit to experience it yourself. Rice Palace is open daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

12. December: Roberto’s River Road - Sunshine

A scenic drive along historic River Road isn’t complete without stopping off at Roberto’s, a rustic little joint in Sunshine, Louisiana. The building is nearly 200 years old, and the Cajun and Creole-inspired menu is so good, you’ll be dreaming about it. Stop by for the most delicious seafood, steak, and decadent dessert. It's open Tuesday through Friday, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., and Saturday, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Which of these Louisiana staples are you hoping to visit first? If you're already dreaming up time spent at these eateries, plan a day trip to them using Only In Your State's itinerary planner, which will suggest some of the best nearby lodging and sightseeing opportunities.