Best Restaurants in Lafayette LA (2025)
For a one-of-a-kind dinner I visit Vestal, where chef Ryan Trahan cooks over a 14-foot central fireplace and dishes sizzle from hearth-roasted oysters to swoon-worthy wagyu and a perfectly caramelized 16-ounce ribeye — the crab spaghetti is also terrific.
Housed in a 1939 filling station, Spoonbill brings a breezy patio vibe, Gulf-forward cooking, and a standout brunch. Recognized by regional media and a James Beard design nomination, it’s a lively all-day downtown hangout with broad local appeal.
Chef Peter Cooke’s Saint Streets spot leans New American with Southern Italian notes—ricotta gnocchi, risotto balls, seasonal veggies—served in a relaxed neighborhood room. Profiled by The Advocate, it’s an intimate counterpoint to Lafayette’s Cajun staples.
Downtown’s Spanish stalwart pairs tapas and paella with a serious cocktail and sherry program. Praised by regional food writers, it’s long been a go-to for date nights and lingering dinners a short stroll from the festival corridor.
A campus-adjacent landmark since 1982, Olde Tyme turns out overloaded po-boys on local bread; Southern Living spotlighted its fried crawfish version during Lent. Expect lines, paper-wrapped sandwiches, and the kind of everyday hospitality Lafayette is loved for.
This family-run smokehouse carries a 1937 Eunice legacy into downtown Lafayette with boudin, tasso, brisket, and the beloved Parrain Special. Food Network named it Louisiana’s top barbecue; it remains a porch-swing slice of Cajun culture.
An iconic Cajun roadhouse refreshed by local owners, Prejean’s pairs live music with duck-and-andouille gumbo, fried seafood, and chargrilled oysters. It’s a reliable, family-friendly stop where visitors meet Lafayette’s festive spirit head-on.
Locally owned and ingredient-driven, Social mixes wood-fired plates, Southern comfort, and a strong whiskey program. Praised by Lafayette Travel, it’s where locals gather for happy hour snacks, weekend brunch, and shareable suppers.
David Billeaud’s plate-lunch institution is celebrated by Southern Foodways Alliance for gravies, smothereds, and a zydeco spirit. Go early for étouffée omelets, then stay for fried chicken or rice-and-gravy plate lunches that feed the soul.
A farmer-run kitchen focused on local produce and from-scratch cooking, now in a larger mid‑city space across from Moncus Park. Covered by The Advocate, it’s a bright stop for seasonal breakfast, lunch, and baked goods.
Since 1947, this no-frills burger counter has stayed stubbornly itself—chips instead of fries, secret sauce, and generations of regulars. The Advocate chronicled its enduring pull and careful updates, but the burgers remain the draw.
Family-run and warmly hospitable, Masala offers North Indian classics—from tandoor meats to vegetarian curries—in a city dominated by Cajun flavors. Food & Wine’s Lafayette guide highlights it among the area’s essential stops.
