Louisiana is a melting pot of culture, tradition, and cuisine. The state has some of the best food in the world and travelers come from all over to eat in New Orleans, Shreveport, Lafayette, and other cities in the Pelican State. Today, Black-owned restaurants in Louisiana are plentiful and thriving. They represent a variety of classical cuisines and flavors. From Louisiana Creole to authentic southern barbecue, here are 10 Black-owned restaurants in Louisiana to visit on your next trip.
Morrow’s
Morrow’s is the culmination of a love for food shared between a mother and son duo. The pair opened the restaurant in New Orleans’ Faubourg Marigny neighborhood in 2018. Now, locals and travelers can’t get enough of Morrow’s. Chef Lenora and her son Larry put their spin on traditional New Orleans favorites with a dab of Korean flair. The menu is unique with a little bit of everything from charbroiled oysters to gumbo ramen. Morrow’s is a real southern treat dipped in new-age flair.
- Location: New Orleans, LA
- Type of Cuisine: New Orleans Cuisine & Korean Barbecue
- Menu Spotlight: Gumbo Ramen
- Before You Go: Travelers can enjoy Morrow’s Happy Hour Monday through Friday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Dorothy’s Soul Food Kitchen
Soul and Creole food come together under one roof at Dorothy’s Soul Food Kitchen. Located in Baton Rouge, the family style has traditional soul food as well as everyone’s favorite Creole dishes. Online reviews call Dorothy’s the best soul food in Baton Rouge and folks can’t get enough of their fried fish, collard greens, yams, chitlings, and more. Dorothy’s Soul Food Kitchen is nothing less than good eating and they have the reviews to back it up.
- Location: Baton Rouge, LA
- Type of Cuisine: Soul Food
- Menu Spotlight: Fried Catfish Plate
- Before You Go: Dorothy’s is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Pee Wee’s Crabcakes
PeeWee’s Crabcakes has multiple locations across the US, including New Orleans and Harvey, LA. The Black-owned restaurant specializes in seafood and serves up delicious, crispy goodness every day hot and fresh. Some say PeeWee’s has the best crabcakes in New Orleans and other dishes like their po’ boys, cajun pastas, and stuffed potatoes keep guests coming back. They also have a location in Garland, TX.
- Location: Multiple Locations
- Type of Cuisine: Seafood
- Menu Spotlight: Gentilly Crawfish Bread
- Before You Go: If you’re having a gathering or large event in town, PeeWee’s also offers catering to-go services.
Callihan’s on Pinhook
Callihan’s Restaurant on Pinhook is a great choice for people who love authentic Creole cuisine. The restaurant merges Creole food with a fine dining experience like none other. It’s the epitome of Southern Louisiana flair and the owners were intentional in creating a full-service dining space that’s welcoming and hospitable. The menu includes everything from classic American dishes to signature Southern favorites like blackened fish and fried ribs. Callihans on Pinhook is a real treat and worth the visit when in Lafayette.
- Location: Lafeyette, LA
- Type of Cuisine: Creole Cuisine
- Menu Spotlight: Fried Ribs
- Before You Go: Callihan’s is in a great location that’s close to the airport and walking distance from many popular hotels in the area.
Big Nate’s BBQ & More
For excellent barbecue goodness, head over to Big Nate’s in Shreveport, LA. Shreveport is one of the biggest cities in Louisiana and Big Nate’s is the best Black-owned restaurant to get barbecue in town. Folks love their savory meat platters, piled high with grilled chicken, sausage, pork, and brisket. They also have sandwiches, desserts, and fried fish to choose from if barbecue isn’t your preference.
- Location: Shreveport, LA
- Type of Cuisine: Barbecue
- Menu Spotlight: Meat Platter
- Before You Go: Stop by Tuesdays through Fridays to try the flavorful creations of the chefs at Big Nate’s.
Noah’s Cafe
Another Lafayette spot to grab hot, delicious soul food is Noah’s Cafe. The restaurant is known for its Louisiana soul food and has all of your favorites on the menu. You won’t find an extravagant website or pages of social media links when searching online for Noah’s. However, the reviews speak for themselves, with visitors and locals agreeing on the good, homecooked meals at this Black-owned restaurant.
- Location: Lafayette, LA
- Type of Cuisine: Soul Food
- Menu Spotlight: Red Beans & Rice
- Before You Go: During the week, Noah’s Cafe is only open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The restaurant is closed on Mondays.
Roots Plants And Coffee
For good vibes, cool plants, and a cup of joe, be sure to visit Roots Plants and Coffee. The Black-owned coffee is located in Olde Towne Slidell. Visitors describe the vibes here as warm and welcoming. It’s full of incredible plants for you to take home or just bask in the foliage. If you get hungry or thirsty, the cafe has you covered. They have an assortment of treats, snacks, and coffee beverages to choose from before exploring the city.
- Location: Slidell, LA
- Type of Cuisine: Coffee Shop
- Menu Spotlight: White Chocolate Latte
- Before You Go: Roots Plants and Coffee is open every day of the week in Slidell.
Orlandeaux’s Café
Orlandeaux’s Cafe has a rich legacy connecting it to Louisiana-style Creole food. The owner, Orlando Chapman, grew up working at Freeman & Harris Cafe as a kid under the watchful eye of his father. Years later, Chapman opened his own restaurant to further the evolving story of Louisiana food. Chapman creatively places a Creole twist on American food classics. They have some of the best fried fish in Shreveport and it’s the perfect place to fill your belly with Creole delights.
- Location: Shreveport, LA
- Type of Cuisine: Creole Cuisine
- Menu Spotlight: Pete’s Platter
- Before You Go: The Chapman family has three generations of restaurateurs, with Orlando following in his father’s and grandfather’s footsteps.
D’s Dessert Bar
For the resident baker in Lake Charles, look no further than D’s Dessert Bar. The Black-owned bakery began as a stress reliever for the owner. Instead of worrying, she’s baked delicious treats from cupcakes to cookies and cakes. Seven years later, D’s Dessert Bar is still serving the Lake Charles community. Grab baked goods, host a private party at the restaurant, or up your at-home hosting by having D’s cater your next event.
- Location: Lake Charles, LA
- Type of Cuisine: Bakery
- Menu Spotlight: Custom-Made Baked Goods
- Before You Go: The bakery is open to the public during the week. However, it is closed on Sunday and by appointment only on Saturday.
Traveling to any Lousiana city without enjoying the abundance of restaurants should be a Southern sin. With so many Black-owned restaurants to visit, it may be best to pencil each option into your travel itinerary before heading out. Either way, check out these restaurants the next time you’re enjoying Louisiana’s down-home vibes.
