The French Press

3 Best Day Trips from New Orleans

"There’s a wealth of casual dining options in Lafayette, but few that even slightly elevate their dining room or ingredients. This café delivers refinement without adding pretension. Breakfast and lunch are the main events here (the restaurant only opens for dinner at the weekend), and the menu is a thoughtful mix of classics and local twists. The Cajun Benedict uses boudin sausages and andouille gumbo, for instance, and the Croque Monsieur was a melty delight of Gruyère and béchamel sauce. Historically, this long, narrow room was a working print shop, and the good looks of the original building have been retained. The exposed, polished stone and dark, wooden floors make for a classy atmosphere that stands out in town." - Paul Oswell