Whether you’re hosting for holidays or just for fun, the restaurant scene in Baton Rouge has something for everyone. But it’s important to remember that “Louisiana food” or “local eats” isn’t just Cajun/Creole food. Local culture is created by the people who make Baton Rouge great, and not just certain people.
So where should you bring out of town guests? I have you covered. Here are eight local restaurants that will have your guests falling in love with the Baton Rouge food scene.
Jamaican Vibes
4763 Airline Highway, Baton Rouge, LA 70805
Whether you’re jerk chicken, loaded mac and cheese, or other classic Jamaican food, Jamaican Vibes in north Baton Rouge is a staple. They also have some of the very best oxtails in the whole city. They used to be located on Lee Drive, but they’ve moved to 4763 Airline Highway. Good for either lunch or dinner, Jamaican Vibes has a small dining room and fun music selection.
If you go, you should try out their sampler platter. They advertise it for two people, but it easily feeds four. The dish has a little bit of everything, so you can see what you like for next time.
Boru Ramen
4957 Essen Lane, Baton Rouge LA 70809
Recently relocated from Government Street (be careful with Google maps,) Boru Ramen has the full package: ramen, a boba/dessert shop and Tiger Clawzzz, their 21 claw machine arcade. The soft serve at Sweet Society is so good. Make sure to check their instagram to see what their weekly flavors are.
All these things are connected so you could stop in for just one. Just be warned that in this new location, Sweet Society has tall tables with no chairs, so it’s not really a sit-down dessert shop anymore. They still play K-pop music videos though.
Los Plebes
9830 Florida Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70815
This local Mexican place has one location in Baton Rouge and one in Prairieville. They specialize in Sinaloan cuisine and have a ton of ceviche options. Their house ceviche, which comes with three oyster shots and their house red sauce is the definition of Instagram-worthy. I also love their molcajete arremango.
This is a more low-key place in terms of decor, but it’s definitely a hidden gem in the Baton Rouge dining scene.
Veracruz
3510 Drusilla Lane, Baton Rouge, LA 70809
Veracruz is a coastal Mexican spot that opened earlier this year, and it’s quickly become a favorite for Baton Rouge foodies. It’s a super cute restaurant, and the food is amazing. I never go without getting the steak skewers and ceviche. If it’s Tuesday, they have a good Taco Tuesday deal on four or eight tacos.
I bring out of town guests to Veracruz almost every time, but I also just go. It’s almost the never the wrong answer to the question, “Where should we go out to eat today?”
La Divina Italian Coffee Cafe
3535 Perkins Road Suite 360, Baton Rouge, LA 70808
Right off the interstate, La Divina has amazing gelato, good coffee and Italian food options at all hours. Stop in for dessert after dinner or for a nice lunch. In the evenings, La Divina also has live music or activities like Mahjong or chess. It’s a gathering place in Baton Rouge. Make sure to check their website for event details before you go to make sure you get a seat. If you’re just swinging in for gelato, you can’t go wrong with the lavender honey gelato.
Birria & Barbacoa De Chivo Los Compadres
10021 Professional Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70809
This taco truck currently parked outside Floor and Decor next to Costco is the best spot for birria tacos, and if your friends are visiting in fall/spring, it’ll be so nice to sit out at their folding tables for tacos. The owners are looking for a brick and mortar location, but for now, this taco truck gets the job done. If you go on the weekends, they also serve goat tacos!
Umami Japanese Bistro
3930 Burbank Drive, Baton Rouge, 70808
Umami is one of the best sushi places in Baton Rouge, and it has a great date night vibe. They have inventive rolls and rotating weekly specials which means you could have something new every time. Outside of sushi, they also have a selection of wagyu dishes, a small vegetarian menu and typical Japanese dishes like tempura or katsu.
Did I miss your fav? Let me know in the comments below!
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