11 Legendary Family-Owned Restaurants In Louisiana You Have To Try
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Jackie Ann
Author
You may have heard about them, and you may have even dined at one of them, but did you know that these famous restaurants in Louisiana are family owned? Yep, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most legendary restaurants in Louisiana that have been keeping it in the family for generations. Some of these restaurants are more than a century old! In no particular order, here are some of our favorites…
Antoine's Restaurant, 713 St Louis St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
Established in 1840, Antoine’s is the oldest family-run restaurant in the country, and easily one of the most famous restaurants in Louisiana. The history behind Antoine's dining rooms is fascinating, and you can ask for a tour if you’d like. For example, the Mystery Room got its name due to Prohibition. During that time, you could walk through a door in the women's restroom to a secret room and leave with a coffee cup full of alcohol. The standard response when asked where the cup came from was: "It’s a mystery to me" and the name stuck to this day. Located at 713 St. Louis Street, New Orleans, LA 70130.
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Casamento's Restaurant, 4330 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115, USA
Joe Casamento opened the restaurant in 1919 and today it’s run by his son and grandson, Joseph and CJ. Make sure you check Casamento's hours of operation before you go! They close for months at a time to spend time with their families, which is very rare these days and we love them even more for it.
Don’s Seafood - Metairie, 4801 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Metairie, LA 70006, USA
Don’s Seafood - Gonzales, 2405 W Cabela's Pkwy, Gonzales, LA 70737, USA
Dons Seafood - Denham Springs, 136 Rushing Rd E, Denham Springs, LA 70726, USA
Dons Seafood - Covington, 126 Lake Dr, Covington, LA 70433, USA
Dons Seafood - Lafayette, 4309 Johnston St, Lafayette, LA 70503, USA
Don Landry opened his first restaurant in downtown Lafayette in 1934 with $400 he borrowed from his uncle. Four generations and five locations later, the Landry family still owns and operates each restaurant. Don’s Seafood has locations in Lafayette, Denham Springs, Gonzales, Hammond, Covington, and Metairie.
Fertitta's Delicatessen, 1124 Fairfield Ave, Shreveport, LA 71101, USA
Shreveport’s oldest continually owned family restaurant has been around since 1927. John and Mary Fulco opened the business originally as a grocery in 1927. In 1949, the next generation took over. Sam and Florence Fertitta continued to run the business as a grocery until the 1960s when they expanded into the sandwich making business. They started selling muffulettas, and as they say, the rest is history. Today Fertitta’s is owned by Agatha Fertitta-McCall and the business is just as strong as ever. Their trademark "Muffy" sandwich is the most popular item on the menu, bringing both tourists and locals back again and again. Located at 1124 Fairfield Avenue, Shreveport, LA 71101.
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Galatoire's, 209 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
Founded in 1905 by Jean Galatoire, this historic New Orleans restaurant is now run by fifth generation Galatoire’s who continue to carry on the tradition that began over a century ago. Located at 209 Bourbon Street New Orleans, LA 70130.
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Herby-K's, 1833 Pierre Ave, Shreveport, LA 71103, USA
When Herbert Johnn Busi Jr. opened Herby K’s back in 1936, he had no idea it would become a Shreveport institution. In 1945 he introduced the infamous Shrimp Buster (and the secret Shrimp Buster sauce) to the menu and people are still enjoying it over 70 years later! Herby-K’s has stayed in the family and is definitely one of the most famous restaurants in Louisiana. Located at 1833 Pierre Avenue, Shreveport, LA 71103.
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Judice Inn, 3134 Johnston St, Lafayette, LA 70503, USA
Alcide and Marc Judice opened this Lafayette tradition in 1947. The brothers physically build the original building themselves, working only at night after their shifts at their primary jobs were completed. This delicious burger joint has kept it in the family all these years later, and a whole new generation of Judice’s are committed to bringing the same level of excellence that Al and Marc did. Locals will tell you Judice Inn has some of the best burgers in Louisiana, but just know that they do not serve fries! Never have, and never will! Located at 3134 Johnston Street, Lafayette, LA 70503.
Lea’s Lunchroom, 1810 U. S. Hwy 71, Lecompte, LA 71346, USA
Lea’s Lunchroom has been a favorite pitstop among locals since 1928. Lea Johnson was bored with his life as a mechanic, so he traded a car for two countertops, five barstools, one stove and a coffee pot. He hired a recent high school graduate to manage the café, and wouldn’t you know it they got married in 1939. Lea’s is known for their delicious homemade pies, which are a family recipe, as well as one very scrumptious ham sandwich. Located at 1810 Hwy. 71, Lecompte, LA 71346.
Poche's Market and Restaurant, 3015 Main Hwy A, Breaux Bridge, LA 70517, USA
Opened in 1962 and still going strong! Poche’s is known for their specialty meats like tasso, boudin, smoked sausages, and more. They know how to serve up authentic, delicious Cajun dishes that you’re sure to love. Currently operated by second-generation owner Floyd Poche and his wife Karen. Located at 3015 Main Hwy, Breaux Bridge, LA 70517.
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Brennan's, 417 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
Owen Brennan opened the original Brennan’s Vieux Career Restaurant in 1946. About a decade later, it moved over from Bourbon Street to its current location on Royal Street, in that famous pink building. If you're a fan of Banana's Foster, then you have Brennan's to thank! The iconic dessert was invented right here in the 1950s. Located at 417 Royal Street, New Orleans, LA 70130.
Angelo Brocato, 214 N Carrollton Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119, USA
If you've got a sweet tooth, then you have to make your way over to Brocato's, one of the most famous restaurants in Louisiana for desserts and sweet treats. This New Orleans staple has been serving up delicious treats for over a hundred years. Angelo Brocato opened up the ice cream parlor in 1905 and today his grandchildren run the business, keeping all of the same traditions and recipes that it began with over a century ago. Located at 214 N Carrollton Ave, New Orleans, Louisiana 70119.
Have you been to any of these restaurants? Let us know in the comments below!
For more incredible eateries, check out some of our favorite po’boys in Louisiana.
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More to Explore
Famous Restaurants in Louisiana & Related Info
What are some of the best restaurants in Louisiana?
Some of the best restaurants in Louisiana include:
- Bear’s: A local restaurant in Covington, Louisiana known to have some of the best po’boys in town.
- Chicken on the Bayou and Boudin Shop: A no-frills joint in Breaux Bridge serving up authentic Cajun fare, and also known for its fried chicken.
- Regatta Seafood and Steakhouse: A waterfront restaurant in Lake Arthur serving up surf and turf options. There is a dock at this restaurant, allowing visitors to arrive to this restaurant by car or boat.
Check out these incredible restaurants in Louisiana for more delicious dishes.
What are some must-try foods in Louisiana?
Louisiana has a very unique culinary landscape of Cajun and Creole cuisine, often featuring seafood as the protein of choice. Some of the must-try foods when visiting Louisiana include:
- Crawfish: Available seasonally, from mid-January to mid-July.
- Snoballs: A variation of the north’s version of a snow cone, but Louisiana snoballs are made with much finer ice.
- Po’boys: Louisiana’s spin on a hoagie, grinder, sub, etc. Originally made with fried oysters, you can get your po’boy topped with whatever protein you’d like, but fried shrimp, fried oysters, and roast beef are the top three. When you order your po’boy, it’s common to say that you’d like it “dressed” which means lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise.
There are many more famous and must-try foods in Louisiana, and all of them are worth a try Here are some of the most famous foods in Louisiana.