Vestal Restaurant

Steak house · Lafayette

Vestal Restaurant

Steak house · Lafayette

2

555 Jefferson St, Lafayette, LA 70501

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Vestal Restaurant by null
Vestal Restaurant by Vestal
Vestal Restaurant by null
Vestal Restaurant by null
Vestal Restaurant by null
Vestal Restaurant by null
Vestal Restaurant by null
Vestal Restaurant by null
Vestal Restaurant by null
Vestal Restaurant by null
Vestal Restaurant by null
Vestal Restaurant by null
Vestal Restaurant by null
Vestal Restaurant by null
Vestal Restaurant by null
Vestal Restaurant by null
Vestal Restaurant by null
Vestal Restaurant by null
Vestal Restaurant by null
Vestal Restaurant by null
Vestal Restaurant by null
Vestal Restaurant by null
Vestal Restaurant by null
Vestal Restaurant by null
Vestal Restaurant by null
Vestal Restaurant by null
Vestal Restaurant by null
Vestal Restaurant by null
Vestal Restaurant by null
Vestal Restaurant by null
Vestal Restaurant by null
Vestal Restaurant by null
Vestal Restaurant by null
Vestal Restaurant by null
Vestal Restaurant by null
Vestal Restaurant by null
Vestal Restaurant by null
Vestal Restaurant by null
Vestal Restaurant by null
Vestal Restaurant by null
Vestal Restaurant by null
Vestal Restaurant by null
Vestal Restaurant by null
Vestal Restaurant by null
Vestal Restaurant by null

Highlights

Vestal mixes upscale steaks and seafood with inventive cocktails in a sleek, modern Lafayette hotspot with a lively vibe and wood-fired flair.  

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555 Jefferson St, Lafayette, LA 70501 Get directions

vestalrestaurant.com
@vestallaf

$100+ · Menu

Reserve

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555 Jefferson St, Lafayette, LA 70501 Get directions

+1 337 534 0682
vestalrestaurant.com
@vestallaf

$100+ · Menu

Reserve

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Jul 30, 2025

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16 Restaurants Worth a Drive Out of New Orleans

"At Vestal, much of chef Sullivan Zant’s stellar menu sizzles at the 14-foot fireplace central to the restaurant. But first, try some pristine raw seafood, like Gulf oysters or tuna crudo with ponzu and truffles. Next, try a grilled wedge with candied pecans or save your appetite for the wagyu or 16-ounce ribeye from Southern Farms, perfectly caramelized by fire. The crab spaghetti may not get fired, but this dish oozes umami, thanks to the dashi cream sauce bathing the giant morsels of blue crab scattered with roe." - Beth D'Addono

https://nola.eater.com/maps/best-restaurants-road-trip-new-orleans-louisiana-mississippi
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A Cajun country agenda
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Eric Mealus

Google
Awesome dinner in a nice restaurant with interesting cocktails and food. Service was on point, recognizing we had some time constraints and wiring hard to get us out by a certain time. All the food we tried was great. I had both the crawfish bisque and the reddish on a halfshell. I would happily order both again. We visit family in Lafayette and we were delighted when they recommended Vestal for our latest visit.

Dmitriy Voronin

Google
The restaurant offers an upscale dining experience, with exceptional food, service, and ambiance. My wife and I celebrated Valentine's Day there and were thoroughly pleased. Furthermore, the prices are quite reasonable considering the high quality of the food and service.

John Lin

Google
A perfect fusion of American classics and Louisiana dishes cooked over open wood-fueled flame , served up in a comfortable and modern concept. Came on recommendation from two different locals who said this was the best restaurant in Lafayette. We were not disappointed. Reservations were needed, but the hostess was able to accommodate us by the kitchen. It worked out GREAT. Was able to see the chef Sullivan and his crew perform their magic on each of the dishes. Every member of the staff was very friendly - from the hostess, servers, chef, our waiter Zach, and the general manager Aaron. Just get two orders of the Roasted Oysters to start. Trust me on this one. Even the Mac and Cheese was delicious! The creme brulee was delectably perfect. Get it! If cocktails are your jam, you won't be disappointed with the selection. My only gripe was that it was very loud on a Saturday at 7 PM. Felt like it was a night club. Made conversation challenging at times. If you need to change diapers, the unisex bathrooms will have accommodations for your baby. A thoughtful touch. Will definitely return if I ever come back to Lafayette.

Hanna Whitney

Google
I loved this place! The service was great and the server was nice and attentive. I loved the ambiance of the restaurant and their food was amazing. I always get tired of eating the same thing but their spinach and artichoke dip as well and their macaroni was phenomenal even though it’s nothing short of ordinary, it was so delicious. I also had the roasted oysters and a chocolate martini and it those were just as good as the rest! 10/10

Kri (Klmbean)

Google
Vestal is more hype than anything. Service was very good. Food was different but tasty. The spinach/artichoke dip wasn't the best I've had but ok. The grilled oysters were yummy. I had the red snapper. the sauce was spicy. The entrees come with no sides so you have to add on for a minimum of $10/item. I skipped the sides. It was a nice dining experience but be prepared to pay. Drinks are expensive too.

Tammy

Google
Vestal in Lafayette, Louisiana, is an absolute gem for those seeking an exceptional dining experience. From the moment you step in, the ambiance exudes a sultry sophistication—dim lighting, stylish decor, and an energy that feels both intimate and electric. The roasted oysters are nothing short of spectacular, delivering a bold, unforgettable flavor that keeps you coming back for more. Every bite is a testament to the kitchen’s craftsmanship. Beyond the incredible food, the service is top-notch, with attentive and knowledgeable staff who ensure every visit is seamless. Whether you're traveling along I-10 East or West, stopping at Vestal is a must.

JCEppley

Google
Not a bad place to eat, but just not our cup of tea. Would suggest ice in the water when first getting to the table. Portions were decently sized. Wife got the 6 oz steak which was cooked perfectly. I got the half shell redfish which was great but way too spicy. The caesar salad was good but spicy as well. (Maybe the anchovy dressing?) The duck fat fingerling potatoes stole the show. Best potatoes I've ever had, hands down.

Kaitlin McCauley

Google
Love love love this place! I know it's silly to say, but I've been thinking about their foccacia and whipped feta butter for days now. My husband and our friend got some of the cocktails, but I'm not much of a drinker so I opted for their sparkling lemonade which always hits just right. My harissa half chicken was huge, but oh so good!
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Kristina S.

Yelp
Everything was amazing! Ambiance was great for date night, service was exceptional, everyone was so friendly and the food and drink were phenomenal. We ordered the oysters and bone marrow as an appetizer and finished off with the wagyu which was super tender. Would definitely come back again!

Brooke S.

Yelp
We had a great dinner! Cocktails were good, the bone marrow was excellent. Highly recommend
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Stacy E.

Yelp
The decor is relaxing trendy modern and sleek! The service is super friendly, knowledgeable and attentive! The red fish was spicy to me but my husband loved it! The filet steak was cooked perfectly! I didn't care for the Caesar salad only because it was drowning in dressing! The drink with the Wasabi rim was delicious & very strong! I felt the price we paid for the atmosphere service and food was adequate! Yes, I recommend this place! Happy Anniversary to us!
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justin b.

Yelp
Wow. How many good things will Yelp allow me to say. This place is a fusion of down south hospitality and out of the world culinary creativity. From New York to Houston you will be hard pressed to find an establishment like this that checks all the boxes. I had a talk with the manager and head chef and these guys have a passion for what they do. They know exactly what it means when you say medium rare. Congratulations on a job well done. I can't wait to come back!
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Jamie B.

Yelp
I wanted to give this place 5 stars instead of 4, but there was one thing that I really couldn't get past. We made a reservation weeks ago for an early dinner at 5:30 on Saturday, Dec 30. We had never dined here and was really looking forward to it. The front of the restaurant had an adorable waiting area, the bar was just magnificent, and the white tables with little square tiles were so trendy. The pendant lighting around the back bar and the wood burning fire pit as you watched the kitchen staff was all so beautiful. The hoestes greeted us and seated us right away. As we waited for our waiter/waitress, the hostess came back to tell us, "Just to let yall know, there is a 2 hour limit to dine here." I was a little taken back, first thing I could think was to respond with a joke, so I sort shock laughed and told her umm we will try to calm the party level down to not surpass the two hour limit. After she left, we all looked at each other and was like, that was weird, right? I can only think that maybe the manager must have told her to remind guests that it's 2 hours (even though that is an unwritten rule at almost all restaurants) since it was going to be a busy night. Either way, it left a bad taste in my mouth. Anyway, after the odd hostess incident, the worlds sweetest waitress with the warmest smile came by to welcome us. We placed our drink orders and apps. She had recommended some really good dishes. We ended up ordering the crudo, which was amazing! And I had the clockwork orange cocktail. That drink was so good! I haven't had a drink that had carrot in it, such unique and refreshing flavors! I also ordered the chicken for my meal, trying to be somewhat healthy, and it was ok. My husband ordered the mac and cheese, and my goodness, the crunchy crust on that mac n cheese was delicious! It was almost like a mac n cheese pie, crusty, crunchy crust and moist, cheesy filling. I was full, but I just kept eating that mac n cheese. The manager came and checked on us to make sure all was ok half way through the meal and I didn't want to make my friends uncomfortable by bringing up the hostess thing, as much as I wanted to tell him, but I did say that I loved the cocktail and the mac n cheese. Wanted to keep the evening positive. I am not sure if I will be back. But it is a beautiful restaurant with great ambiance, cocktails, and in the heart of downtown.
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Gerald H.

Yelp
Another outstanding dining experience, the server was great, and recommended the beet hummus which is a must have. The pickled shrimp was a new flavor experience which worked out very well and balanced, the sweet potato with the jalapeño on top gave a nice spice to the sweetness. Now on to the pork chop which was thick and juicy, and very flavorful, the butter nut squash beneath was seasoned perfectly, now the crab spaghetti was spectacular, creamy with the al dente noodles yum!!!! Every bite was delicious. Great food great service, louder but lively.
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Cinai V.

Yelp
We had a large group eat dinner here and the service was phenomenal. The atmosphere is beautiful and romantic. The sea food was delicious but I felt that my steak wasn't seasoned although the quality of the meat tasted amazing and so was the chimichurri. Some people in the group ordered the French onion soup and it was almost inedible.. super thick and weird tasting. I'll remember their snapper forever, it tasted unreal, so fresh and perfect. The employees were also so incredible and patient with our table, I'd return again just for the wedge salad and service. A very good restaurant but a little over priced in my opinion.

Holly K.

Yelp
Atmosphere is 10/10. I lovedddd the oysters. Would go back for that any day. Drinks were great!

Susan T.

Yelp
Bar staff was great ! If you're in Lafayette you have to make time for this amazing restaurant.

Aaron M.

Yelp
All the food we got was great, including the short rib, Mac and cheese, fish, charred okra, and Brussels sprouts. Server was knowledgeable and very helpful with menu. Wonderful vibe, and the layout of restaurant was very appeasing.
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Adele C.

Yelp
We've been anxiously anticipating the opening of Vestal as huge fans of Ryan Trahan going back to the Dark Roux days. We were blown away by the remodel of the former Antler's building. The ambience and decor are unlike anything else in Lafayette with a clean, modern aesthetic. It's evident that every detail was considered and the result is a gorgeous restaurant. The front of the house staff was friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable. In a time when many businesses are struggling to find employees, it was good to see such competent staff in place. We were delighted to recognize some faces from Dark Roux. The menu is extensive and, again, different from anything else currently available in the Lafayette market. We had a hard time deciding what to try, so we sipped cocktails for awhile. The cocktail list is creative and well executed. We tried the Sonnet 45 and the Random Task. Both were balanced and delicious. We eventually made food selections and of course ordered too much. We tried the crudo, tartare, carrots, U10 shrimp, and zabuton. We finished with the mousse. The crudo, carrots, zabuton, and mousse were over the top delicious. The crudo was of course fresh, and the ponzu sauce was a lovely complement to the fish. I convinced my protein loving husband that we should order the carrots, and even he agreed that they were outstanding. The yogurt sauce paired beautifully with the earthy roasted carrots. The zabuton was a cut of steak we've not encountered before. It was incredibly tender and beefy, cooked exactly as ordered. The mousse was rich, creamy, and decadent, and it came with the most delicious miso ice cream and candied hazelnuts. The tartare and shrimp were fine, but not quite the show stoppers that the rest of the items were. The tartare was quite tasty, but the meat could have been trimmed a bit better and I had a few bites that were chewy as a result. This would not stop me from trying it again, as I love tartare and it's practically never available locally. The shrimp were perfectly adequate, I just wasn't as excited about them as the rest of our selections. We can't wait to go back and try the rest of the menu. Vestal is a wonderful addition to the Lafayette restaurant scene and to downtown.
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David V.

Yelp
I finally had a Saturday off to visit Vestal and I'm so glad I did. Service was great and the food was even better. We started with focaccia & ceviche. The bread was delicious on its own, but the whipped feta butter really brought it to the next level; especially with the tomatoes that are baked into it. Our ceviche was top notch also. The salted strawberry aspect it had was really nice and the herbs & lime made it very refreshing. For entrees we had the gulf catch (skin-on snapper) & pork shank. My fish was cooked perfectly and the pork was rich, super tender, and not dry in the slightest. The chocolate mousse was our choice for dessert and it was a fantastic end to our meal. The slight bitterness from the chocolate, paired with the ice cream and candied hazelnuts was quite literally the perfect bite. Overall, it was a wonderful experience and I'm happy to see a restaurant of this caliber in Lafayette.
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Alex M.

Yelp
Really good!! Went earlier today and service, food, and atmosphere was amazing!!!can't remember our servers name:( but he was awesome!!
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Ernesto E.

Yelp
This is one of the best things in Lafayette eight now. Everything on the menu is delicious, great ambiance and ingenious palatable drinks! I suggest you order a little bit everything and share with the whole table; specially the roasted veggies. This is a pricey restaurant but worth every penny, and there is a little bit of everything for everyone. Definitely a new favorite!
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Peter N.

Yelp
Came here for a birthday dinner, and it did not disappoint! Everything was perfect! From the service, to the ambience and the food! Make sure to make reservations! It gets pack fast and get booked up pretty quick too! We sat counter (which had an awesome view of the chefs cooking) Oysters - (Beau Soleil) Crudo - tuna, ponzu, fennel, oregano, smoked chili, szechuan Tartare - wagyu, wasabi, oyster mayo, capers, shallots, sourdough Spaghetti - blue crab, katsuo cream, basil, chili, salmon roe Wagyu Steak - (if they have in stock) Whole Fish - (Loupe De Mer) capers, olives, herbs, soy glazed Potatoes - smashed, duck fat, tallegio, chives Cauliflower - charred, yuzu koshu salsa verde, toasted hazelnuts Tart - blueberry, szechuan, vanilla, almond Everything was so good, definitely no complaints at all! Cannot go wrong with any of these choices! Check @eatinglafayette on Instagram and Facebook for more Lafayette food things!
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B W.

Yelp
Amazing. Drove in from Austin and as usual did a search for whole fish, expecting the usual fried fare and likely farm raised catfish. Was delighted to find out when I call d that wild caught Pompano was the offering so we made a reservation for 2 at the kitchen counter and off we went. What a delight. The atmosphere is perfect and the food was amazing. When I say the fish was cooked perfectly, it was as close to eating at home as possible which is the highest praise possible. The service was superb, with Kameron offering the perfect balance of service and privacy. The kitchen counter was a treat as the professional staff operated lie a tremendous machine, which was entertaining in itself. Next time back in Lafayette, we will return with friends. Can't happen soon enough!
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Megan B.

Yelp
I'm taking a class in Lafayette this weekend so I checked out Yelp for a restaurant. Vestal Restaurant popped up and got my taste buds excited!! It surely didn't disappoint. What you see is the Wagyu Tartare and Chargrilled oysters. I had a Tart for dessert but the boomarang wouldn't post.. BUT Wow! Excellent choices! The oysters were a little in between raw and chargrilled for me to love but the flavor was there. I'm a little spoiled from Nola's chargrilled. Besides that, kudos to these chefs! The menu is incredible..I had to look up a few things up including the Niboshi..Great job on concept and ambiance!
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Tony L.

Yelp
1. Crudo: Tuna, ponzu, fennel, oregano, smoked chilli, szechuan. $17. 2. Chargrilled oysters: torgarashi garlic butter, pecorino, furikake. $15 3. 16 oz Ribeye from southern farms $40. 4. Potatoes in garlic fat, tallegio, chive. $8. 5. Lasagna: smoked beef cheek bolognese, ricotta, egg yolk. $22. 6. Satsuma cake with strawberry, citrus curd, semifreddo. $8 Was it worth it? Yes, yes it was. Perfect date night or extravagant chill spot to eat and chill with friends. The experience was extraordinary. I would come back.
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Mark H.

Yelp
Place is clean, excellent service. Sat at bar area and all the servers worked harmoniously. Food was excellent, well prepared and tasty. I am a Nola native and a restaurant snob.. well deserved, this place was doing great until the manager asked me not to feed my service pup a steak.. this will be the last time I dine here. I've eaten far nicer places and never an issue my pup is 8, well trained and a clean and federally licensed service animal, cleaner and mannered more so than most people. I spend my money and dine how I choose I frequent many much nicer restaurants and never told anything, this place is cute but let's be real.
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Victoria A.

Yelp
Vestal was beautiful from the outside all the way to food and service. The atmosphere was amazing. The decor is beautiful. I forgot to take pictures of our food but that is a testament to how GREAT the food was! The menu is pricey but my fiancé and I agree, that IT IS well worth it. We will be back. I highly suggest you visit at least 2x.
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Amit A.

Yelp
Awesome place! Never had a bad meal. Got get the food!! Wood fired steaks, tuna Crudo and tartare are amazing!! Excellent service and food. Can't go wrong!!
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Patrick K.

Yelp
Had dinner at the bar which was fine because we didn't have a reservation. Our bartender/server, Spencer, was helpful, friendly and as attentive as possible considering it was a very busy night. Interior- the restaurant decor, wall lighting, space is nice and not common to this area in my opinion. It felt like I had walked into a LA or NYC restaurant which is always a great feeling for me since I've always enjoyed dining in both cities. The front entrance and sitting area is small and feels tight especially on a busy night but that's to be expected given it's downtown and space is a premium. Food- Appetizer - Charbroiled oyster- smaller in size but tasty and cooked perfectly. No bread provided which is customary at other restaurants not sure why a few small slices aren't provided. Dinner - Wagyu steak and a order of potatoes was cooked to perfection. Overall experience - Really good atmosphere, can get a little noisy but not a real deterrent. I definitely will return in the future and hopefully will dine at a table.
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Dmitri W.

Yelp
Fine dining in Lafayette! Oysters, creative cocktails, excellent service, upscale decor. Eat here, you're worth it!
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Ashley M.

Yelp
Delicious! I visited for my birthday, and it definitely was a good choice. I had the Sonnet 65 drink (they were out of the Girls and Cigars). We tried the chargrilled oysters, and they were delicious. Get the potatoes...they were to die for! The steak was cooked really well and had great flavor.
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Tiffany N.

Yelp
The fish dishes were soooo good! Whole fish was yellow fin tuna and red snapper that were cooked over open fire. It was such a simple yet fancy date spot! And they make really good old fashio
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Tess B.

Yelp
Downtown Lafayette is so lucky to have this gem. We've been a few times and we're looking forward to more visits!
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Justin M.

Yelp
On the whole, all dishes were too salty but they were still good. Boselei oysters were good, like the 3 sauces. Steak tartare was good but salt and wasabi was overpowering the dish as a whole. The spaghetti was just Devine. They really know how to do their noodles and love them. Crab and the sauce just went so well. The bread starter was good with the butter and soft which I like. The whole fish was loupe de mar and it was good but didn't like the soy with it. The fish was light and flaky and decent flavor. The jasmine rice was just refreshing and simple. The lasagna again they do nooodles so well, was great too. Didn't get the Smokey flavor but still enjoyed it. Had the steak ribeye medium rare and it was delicious in certain areas and other areas got a little tough and salty. The marrow butter was worth the extra money for another dollop. Almost ordered the wagyu but been disappointed with really expensive meats before so chose not too but still tempting considering the ribeye was good. The mushrooms were the only thing that was just bad. Not sure what it was but something unpleasant was very forward. Switched to the duck fat potatoes and the cauliflower. Potatoes great. Cauli was boring. Dessert was blueberry tart. Ice cream was delicious the crust dried your mouth out. Also tried the miso hazelnut and didn't like the consistency of it. It felt slimy which was weird and didn't even finish it. It was just ok. The drinks were all exquisite and really enjoyed the adventurous ingredients. Shame they didn't do the drunk in love but still have it on the menu. Was disappointed in that. Don't tease us with something that sounds delicious but don't serve it. Waiter was good too. Little pricey but it was a nice dinner.
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Jessica M.

Yelp
We spent our anniversary here and it was such a treat! We savored, enjoyed and loved EVERY thing we ordered. (We are not picky eaters but don't usually love restaurant food as much as we loved this place!) Our appetizers, ceasar salad and charbroiled oysters were divine ... perfectly done! The ribeye was by far one of the best steaks we've ever eaten - cooked perfectly. My red snapper was so fresh and clean and so well grilled it melted in your mouth. The dessert mousse and hazelnut ice cream was the icing on the cake. :) The wait staff was exceptional and very attentive but not hovering! Exceptional, quality, flavorful, perfect portions, and worth every penny!
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Matt M.

Yelp
Went last night. Some things were great. Some things could use work. What we liked: The crudo and the tartare. Very fresh. Very good combo of flavors. Filet was very good. Maybe to Much butter? But that's me being nit picky. My wife loved the catch of the day. It was prepared perfectly. Service was also very good. What we didn't like: Charbroiled oysters. Just had much better elsewhere. Cauliflower- so i love spicy food. Love it. This was too spicy for even me. Prob could do with lowering the heat a bit. Very loud space, wouldn't be a good first date spot. Wife liked her dessert, one with lemon. I thought the blueberry tart was okay. They were also out of bread which was disappointing. Will give it another go in the future.

Christian C.

Yelp
My favorite restaurant around! We usually visit for special occasions and try to try at least one new thing. The chargrilled oysters and steak are always great. The cocktails are so balanced, please never stop making Easily Amused! And try a dessert, you're already there just go all in.
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Stephanie V.

Yelp
Great experience last night. The decor and vibe of this restaurant is great and unique. Our reservations were for 630 and our group of 6 was sat promptly. To start we ordered the bread, caviar, crudo, and spaghetti. All appetizers were excellent but the crudo and spaghetti were above and beyond our favorites! For the main course we got all the sides and the tomahawk and whole fish. If you have a big enough party, definitely worth ordering for the experience. The fish was amazing and cooked perfectly and the steak was really flavorful. Service was great and overall a good experience. Can't wait to come back
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Charlotte S.

Yelp
I dined at the highly anticipated restaurant this past Saturday and was truly blown away. Every detail was meticulous, well thought out and beautiful. The interior design is impeccable- something the that Lafayette has never seen before. It transforms you to a different place. All around the restaurant were thoughtful details - beautiful plants as dividers, very comfortable cesa style chairs in the dining room and le labo and boy smell products in the restrooms. The server (whose name I can't recall) was so kind and accommodating and had great recommendations! We started with the crudo and tartar - both supered and excellently balanced. Next we had the bread and squash which we finished very quickly. I'm still thinking of the ricotta and squash combo!! We ended the night with the gulf catch and a blueberry tart and enjoyed every bite. Also special shoutout to the bartender - best old fashion I've had in a very long time. Props to Ryan and his team - you have created something incredibly special and I cannot wait to come back. Special thanks to the general manager Aaron who treated us with great kindness!!! Lafayette is lucky to have y'all! Thank you for a great dining experience.

Blake O.

Yelp
New menu. Definitely a lot more expensive. Some plates seeing a 6-10$ jump. Steaks a lot more expensive...Blueberry tart is gone...enough said. Duck potato dish taste like a breakfast potato dish. Shredded instead of cubed which changes the texture. Skip the sweet corn. Overall the sides that were to share are not anymore. They are almost 20$ a piece for some. It's crazy to me that an already very expensive place that is always full...needs such a large increase in price. Prices are in your control...
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Kimberly M.

Yelp
An amazing new restaurant that is absolutely beautiful. The menu has a ton of delicious options including several cooked over open fire. Aside from the amazing food (and it is amazing) the restaurant itself is designed in a neat way where you can see the food prepared. The staff are all incredibly friendly and the bar is amazing. They have a great wine list and some unique and satisfying mixed drinks. I would definitely go again and recommend to friends and family. This place is worth checking out!
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Golden R.

Yelp
The food, cocktails, and wine here are amazing. Vestal's competes (and occasionally wins) in a competition with *any* restaurant in Louisiana. And yes, I'm from New Orleans.
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Rusty S.

Yelp
What is this? Food for ants? The price of the food for the small ration you get, could swear you're in Paris, but you in Lafayette baw. My piss has more alcohol in it than these over priced cocktails as well.

Jonathan W.

Yelp
Magnificent! Very energetic vibe with exciting plates and thrilling cocktails! We were very fortunate to be guided by Zachary, and his recommendations were en pointe. Lafayette has some wonderful places to eat at - who remembers Dark Roux - and Vestal is a place not to be missed. Just go!
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Derrick L.

Yelp
Very good food! Atmosphere is one of the best, great service. Only complaint, food is very pricey for the amount you get.
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Halezyeah ..

Yelp
This is a very cool place to dine. Very trendy. The steaks are pretty good. The lasagna is ok.

Nicole B.

Yelp
This was the best restaurant we have been to in Lafayette. The atmosphere, decor, food and service were all 5 stars. Our waiter was extremely helpful, pleasant, and professional. All of the food ordered was great and cooked perfect. This experience was very close to how restaurants feel in D.C. Definitely will be back!

Johny J.

Yelp
This place doesn't live up to the hype. The food doesn't actually taste that good and certainly doesn't warrant the price. To start, I'm a little curious if some of these reviews are legit, but this restaurant admittedly has a lot of hype by word of mouth, so maybe so... Sorry, but the way the reviews describe the decor and atmosphere, they're just way over the top. It's not that special or unique. It's not fancy, despite the white table cloth price tag. It's very dimly lit, which is fine, but I noticed 2 other patrons using the flash light on their cellphone to read the menu. The set up by the wood fire grill is pretty cool, but you've seen similar if you've been anywhere that does oysters. Still, the grill setup is pretty ingenious and looks like something I'd love to cook on. Anyways, this place is very trendy at the moment. It's where all the hip, young money, and people on dates go. It's loud, not that romantic, but hip. The cocktails are good. The ones I've tried were all well-balanced with sweetness and bitters, but be careful, they're very strong. As far as the food goes, maybe I just happened to order all the worst stuff on the menu, but it just wasn't that good. Most, I would say are not that special, but this was the first time in years that I've eaten something at a restaurant that actually tasted bad. My wife asked me not to send the food back or tell the staff how I really felt about it because she didn't want to ruin the mood. The focaccia bread was nice and soft, but it's just bread. The butter that comes with it is very tasty and certainly the reason everyone likes the dish. The pork ribs were surprisingly good. To be honest, I'm not a big fan of ribs, but I really enjoyed these. They were tender and smokey. The soy sauce on it was a very nice change from the ridiculously sweet bbq sauce you get from most places and the peanuts were a nice addition as well. The Caesar salad was pathetic. Arugula and breadcrumbs. That's it. My wife enjoyed it, I was shocked that they charge money for that. The mushrooms were ok. They were meaty and smokey, which was nice, but after a couple of bites, it became too much. I tried eating the mushrooms in the same bites with my entree at times (lasagna) and it didn't really work together. I ate less than half and had enough. The potatoes were really good and probably the highlight of the night for the food. The toasted, crunchy garlic on them set them over the top. And now... the "lasagna". There's meat in there? Where? No beef cheek to be found. Cheese? Err... not much... a drizzle of white cheese sauce that you'll be scrounging to try and get in every bite. The pasta was fine, but it was doused in the grossest sauce I've ever had in a restaurant. Did anyone taste this? My wife said it was ok, but she was already 2 drinks in and kept insisting on being nice and not complaining. The red sauce was heavily over salted, watery tomato sauce that may have come straight from a can and they just dumped a bunch of salt in it. No herbs or spices or any other flavor to be found. Basil? lol No. Garlic? lol No. Salt and bland, watery tomato. I'm shocked that anyone would serve that. There's no way they tasted it. This clearly can't be the chef's intended product. If it is, their pallet is wrecked. For dessert, we had the "mousse". It's not a mousse. It was very tasty. A bitter, dark chocolate cake complemented with a sweet, hazelnut cream. I heard a patron next to me also taken by surprise saying, "Uh... that's a THICK mousse!" Looking at other reviews, maybe I should have just went with the steak or fish. The staff and service was great. The $200 price tag was a bit of a shock. I'd gladly pay that at fine dining restaurants, but this isn't fine dining - not even close. I'm shocked that with their wood fire setup up, they don't do any pizzas or flatbreads. The menu is underwhelming. I literally felt like I settled for every item that I picked. There's nothing on the menu that I read and was excited to try. The "spaghetti" with blue crab sounded cool, but when I seen it come out for other patrons, it looked pretty lame and I changed my mind. Certainly not worth the hype and I'm actually pretty surprised that it's the current trendy restaurant in the city. Maybe I'm just getting old.

Hazel J.

Yelp
I was so excited about this place initially however I left feeling really underwhelmed and disappointed. Good points: staff really kind and courteous, good cocktails, atmosphere, dessert was innovative and great. Now the real deal the quality of the food was not in line with the price point. Menu on website is not the current menu. Steak (filet) ordered medium served medium well to almost well it was dry. The crab pasta lacked flavored, salt and the yuzu that is mentioned on menu is non existent. Oysters were salty. The whole menu hints a Cajun with a Asian flare. Which means strong flavors. I couldn't taste any Asian flare. I'm sorry to say but I wouldn't recommend for dinner. Drinks and dessert is the only way I would go back.

Sammie P.

Yelp
Immediately as I walked in I thought, "Wow, I'm in Lafayette, right?" The ambience Vestal has created is something like no other restaurant in town. Perfect lighting, just dim enough to feel as though we were the only ones in the restaurant. And the music! Not too upbeat, but also not too slow. And for the food! We started off with a dozen raw oysters, and my goodness they tasted so fresh and were a perfect appetizer paired with the focaccia bread. I could have eaten the feta butter with a spoon. For drinks we started with the Oxford comma and Dreaming of you. The Oxford comma was very light and refreshing, each ingredient paired so well together. The Dreaming of you was a fantastic tequila cocktail to start with, very spirit forward but the apricot and lavender lingered with each sip, creating a nice balance. The Random task was a great pairing with this drink. These bartenders really know what they are doing here. And they are so friendly, welcoming, and informative! The tuna crudo is also a must-try, along with the wagyu tartare and ceviche. We also had the carrots and salanova salad. Everything was fabulous. Our server was also very patient and informative, never making us feel as though we were asking too many questions. If I lived in Lafayette, I would probably dine here twice a week, at the least. I can't wait to go back and try the rest of the menus. 12/10 experience! Great job Vestal!
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Marcus O.

Yelp
Chef Ryan Trahan did it again! If you've been looking for a new experience with a fresh vibe this is the place to check out. As soon as you walk through the doors it's like you've stepped into a different city, I love all the details inside the restaurant. The open grill surely brings a majestic feel to your dining experience. The New York I ordered was cooked perfectly, tender and oh so juicy. Was hesitant whenever my table ordered the Tartare, but this turned out to be my favorite appetizer! The wait staff were so friendly and kept the drinks rolling (this is a big part of my rating). I would like to compliment the staff on the ticket time! The restaurant was packed and we managed to hold a conversation about doge without having to yell across the table. By the time we looked up our apps were rolling in! Gotta love that. Downtowns restaurant scene needed something spectacular and this is it! I promise you won't regret making a reservation on any night of the week.

Cathleen L.

Yelp
Vestal is an experience. Excellent wait staff, very professional...when you walk in, the aroma from the open flames tease you....the art and lighting are lovely....the menu is perfect, small enough that all dishes are well prepared. I love this restaurant...it was warm, aromatic, delicious...competent wine menu and drinks menu...very romantic...!

Allie S.

Yelp
Seriously, one of the best meals I've ever had. From the moment I walked through the doors, I was blown away by the decor. The ambiance was so inviting, and the staff were incredibly welcoming! We started with the crudo, the tartar and the focaccia. Every bite was incredible! We ordered the whole fish for the table and devoured every bit! Can't wait to go back to try more!!
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Chris A.

Yelp
My wife and I just dined at Vestal for the first time last night and we were both blown away! I love the ambience of the dining room. Whoever remodeled the place did an excellent job. If you love cocktails, the pillow talk and girls and cigars will not disappoint. Our favorite dishes were the crab spaghetti and the tuna crudo. I also had the pleasure of trying the Wagyu strip which melted in my mouth like warm butter. The service was outstanding. Our waitress was delightful and was well educated on the menu. This is a smaller space so it will get a bit loud during prime hours, but no louder than most places on a Saturday night. Be prepared to drop about $100/person if you like cocktails and have an appetite, but it's well worth it. We will definitely be coming back sooner rather later.
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Spencer R.

Yelp
The best restaurant experience I've had in a long time and I eat out pretty often. The ribeye was cooked perfectly. Highly highly recommend everybody give it a chance. Also the aesthetic was great, they did a great job with this restaurant!!!
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Tammy T.

Yelp
Absolutely the best experience! Most new businesses take time to iron out the kinks, but on the first day of service Vestal was amazing! The food, the drinks, the service, the ATMOSPHERE! You have to experience it to understand! I wish I could recommend one must have, but my list includes the bread with feta whipped butter, spaghetti, rib eye, oysters, the mushrooms, the potatoes....and wow, their twist on the Cesar salad is deeeeelish!!! Try all the drinks, you'll have a hard time picking your favorite. Pillow Talk, Girls & Cigars, and Middleton Mule are our faves! Do not wait! Make your reservations NOW!