Top 10
Must-Try Dishes in
lake charles, louisiana
From spicy gumbo to blue crab beignets, these Lake Charles dishes are worth the trip.
From spicy gumbo to blue crab beignets, these Lake Charles dishes are worth the trip.
Lake Charles is in a league of its own when it comes to flavor. This Louisiana gem blends Cajun, Creole, Southern, and global influences into every bite. Whether you're a foodie planning your next getaway or a local on the hunt for fresh cravings, here are 10 unforgettable dishes that define our culinary scene.
A Lake Charles favorite, Luna Bar & Grill serves Chicken Ella, grilled or fried chicken topped with Louisiana crawfish and basil cream sauce. Get it over garlic cheddar mashed potatoes for the full experience. With two locations, including Downtown and South Lake Charles, the local staple is a must-visit.
Nina-P’s Café has been a local staple for over 20 years, serving Louisiana favorites with a New Orleans French Quarter flair. Their award-winning chicken and sausage gumbo has been named Southwest Louisiana’s best for over a decade! It’s a go-to for Cajun comfort food.
Packed with crispy Louisiana shrimp, this po’boy is a Lake Charles classic. Since 2001, Seafood Palace has been serving up Southern favorites from family recipes, making it a top spot for fresh, fried, and boiled seafood. A casual, no-frills joint, it’s a must for seafood lovers.
Slow-cooked, spiced to perfection, and bursting with flavor, this hearty stew is a standout at Area 337. This family-owned spot brings the bold flavors of Cuba, Venezuela, and the Dominican Republic to Southwest Louisiana. Every dish tells a story, whether it’s arepas, plantains, or a refreshing mojito.
Pair this savory What the Fig pizza, topped with mozzarella, goat cheese, prosciutto, black mission figs, bacon jam, and arugula on a garlic oil base, with a crisp Louisiana Lager, brewed locally with Louisiana rice. Since 2016, Crying Eagle Brewing has been a destination for craft beer, live music, andincredible food. A second location on the Lake Charles lakefront will open inlate summer 2025!
This cozy, upscale spot blends two of Lake Charles’ favorite restaurant legacies: Harlequin and The Villa. The Duck + Capocolla Meatballs, served with Calabrian chile cream and spinach fettuccine, are a must-try, making The Villa Harlequin a top pick for fine dining.
Seafood and beignets? Yes, please! Restaurant Calla’s Blue Crab Beignets combine fresh Louisiana crab meat with avocado crema, basil, and almonds. Chic and ingredient-obsessed, Restaurant Calla reinvents local seafood with dishes made with locally sourced ingredients and creative cocktails.
A true Lake Charles icon, Darrell’s Famous Po-boys has been serving up overstuffed sandwiches since 1985. Founded by Susie and Darrell DeRouen, this casual hotspot just off I-210 is home to the legendary Darrell’s Special: layers of ham, turkey, and roast beef smothered in jalapeño mayo and roast beef gravy on crusty French bread. It’s messy, it’s crave-worthy, and it’s a rite of passage for anyone visiting Southwest Louisiana.
A true classic, the Pujo Signature Burger is a half-pound of ground chuck on a house-made bun. Pujo Street Café has been serving up comfort food with a twist for over 25 years, making it a downtown Lake Charles staple.
The Mona Lisa brings together fresh shrimp, Louisiana crabmeat, and angel hair pasta in a light seafood cream sauce for the perfect bite. Inspired by Italian flavors and locally sourced ingredients, 121 Artisan Bistro offers an elevated yet comforting dining experience in the heart of Lake Charles.
