La Madeleine French Bakery and Cafe
This French cafe, with its appealing rustic decor, is a sure bet when you want delectable food. Originally featuring perfect pastries, breads, cheesecakes, and tarts, the eatery also serves Continental fare. Bountiful breakfasts feature omelets, French toast, fresh fruit, and fragrant French roast coffee. Other options include quiche, pastas, seafood, pizza, rotisserie chicken, and a variety of salads, sandwiches, and soups. Dessert temptations include créme brûlée, tiramisu, fruit napoleons, cookies, and tortes. (225-927-6072)
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Ruth's Chris Steak House
This beloved chain of steakhouses bills itself as the "Home of Serious Steaks," and one visit will tell you that's more than a marketing slogan. Steaks are known for their sizzle, achieved by a dollop of butter dropped on hot-from-the-oven cuts; your choice will still be sputtering when it's placed in front of you. Ruth's Chris isn't intended for calorie-counters, but it is a true steak lover's haven. The establishment also takes pride in its great service, extensive wine list, and atmosphere of comfortable elegance. (225-925-0163)
Juban's
This pleasantly sophisticated restaurant regales diners with both genteel Southern ambience and a delightful Creole menu. You'll see from the presence of crab and boursin cheesecake that creativity is prominent, and it's proven with seafood mirliton cassoulet, Creole duck, and crabmeat-topped veal medallions. Lamb, pork, venison, and beef also appear on the menu, along with plenty of seafood options. Private dining rooms and wine dinners (which capitalize on the award-winning cellar) are also available. (225-346-8422)
Mansur's
Creole cuisine's refined sensibility elicits delighted murmurs from Mansur's appreciative patrons. The restaurant's inviting ambience, coupled with an accomplished menu and a top-notch wine list, also make it one of the area's favorite dining destinations. Entrees feature steak, lobster, seafood, lamb, game, and poultry, perfectly seasoned and enriched with lush sauces. A full bar is available, and private functions can be accommodated as well. (225-923-3366)
Ralph and Kacoo's
This expansive restaurant has room for scores of patrons amid its menagerie of mounted wildlife specimens. Their rustic character is a fitting complement to the range of seafood dishes, which feature plenty of local options, including catfish, crawfish, alligator, frog legs and barbecued shrimp. You'll also find fresh salmon, steaks and other, tamer alternatives. Kick back, choose your favorites, and enjoy the ambience of the place. And make sure to pop a few of their awesome hushpuppies along the way! (225-766-2113)
Mike Anderson's Seafood Restaurant & Oyster Bar
Set near LSU, this seafood restaurant plies students, visitors and residents alike with a bevy of fresh seafood dishes. Local waters deliver ingredients featured in seafood and chicken pasta, crawfish tails, stuffed crabs, grilled fish, crabmeat au gratin, and all-you-can-eat catfish. If your appetite's substantial, consider fried or broiled seafood platters or plates where one ingredient (crab, shrimp or crawfish) is delivered in seven different recipes! Steaks and chicken are also offered, along with lots of oyster appetizers. Full bar and microbrews available too. (225-766-7823)
Maison LaCour
Understated elegance reigns at this accomplished restaurant, which sits invitingly amid manicured grounds and boasts antiques, soft colors, and fresh flowers. The family-run establishment features only from-scratch ingredients and plies guests with homemade pâtés, fresh-baked breads and desserts, and hand-cut meats. The result of all this attention is such fare as stuffed pheasant, cognac-laced veal chops, and seared scallops. Other traditional dishes please as well, and game and vegetarian options are both available. Crepes, tortes, and pastries dressed with fruit and cream shouldn't be missed either. (225-275-3755, 800-377-7104)
The Cabin Restaurant
Tradition runs strong at this fascinating restaurant, which occupies a former slave home from the Monroe Plantation. Today, it's been restored and is a fabulous place to partake of Cajun cuisine. A cypress roof and walls plastered with newspapers contribute to the authentic ambience, and farming implements increase the character. Mealtime fare includes andouille gumbo, blackened fish, red beans and rice, and well-stuffed po'boys. Drinks are served in Mason jars for added charm. Know, though, that the Cabin gets crowded at lunch – come early! (225-473-3007)
