Tsunami 16.7%
100 Lafayette St. • 346-5100 servingsushi.com Save to foursquare
What a view! From its unparalleled vantage point atop the Shaw Center, Tsunami offers a sweeping panorama of the Baton Rouge riverfront. Sip sake or a signature cocktail on the rooftop terrace while you watch riverboats and barges churn the waters of the mighty Mississippi, then head inside where you can continue to enjoy the view through glorious floor-to-ceiling windows, bathed in the glow of a Red Stick sunset.
Runners-up: Ruffino’s (11.3%), The Little Village (10.0%), Gino’s Italian Restaurant (9.8%), Juban’s (9.7%)
FOODIE PICK Latil’s Landing at Houmas House houmashouse.com
The definition of escape, this tranquil estate and dining room transports visitors to another era—one that is gorgeous and delicious.
P.F. Chang’s 25.8%
7341 Corporate Blvd. • 216-9044 pfchangs.com Save to foursquare
The Asian-fusion menu spans the continent, with dishes inspired by the cuisines of China, Vietnam, Japan, Thailand and more. Why limit yourself to just one cuisine, when P.F. Chang’s can take you ’round the world in just a few plates? The family-style dining encourages everyone to taste something new, whether it’s the sweet coconut curry, spicy pad Thai or crunchy chicken lettuce wraps. Combine that with attentive service and stylish surroundings, and you have a recipe for success.
FOODIE PICK Duang Tawan Thai Restaurant duangtawan.wix.com/main/
This blink-and-you’ll-miss-it eatery on Sherwood Forest Boulevard cooks up fresh and 100% authentic Thai dishes, including a crispy, delectable Duck Pineapple Curry.
Ambrosia Bakery 45.2%
8546 Siegen Ln. • 763-6489 ambrosiabakery.com Save to foursquare
Ah, the siren’s call of strawberries and sweet cream. It’s a craving few Baton Rougeans can resist. And it’s easy to see why this popular patisserie took top honors in our poll for the eighth year running.Venture beyond the famed fresh strawberry cake, and you’ll find Ambrosia’s friendly bakers dole out expertly made delicacies from tortes and tarts to clafoutis and crčme brűlée.
Runners-up: Baum’s Fine Pastries and Chocolates (13.1%), Whole Foods Market (11.%), Gambino’s Bakery (6.8%), Nothing Bundt Cakes (6.3%)
FOODIE PICK Strands Café strandscafe.com
Hand-crafted and house-made from top to bottom, the versatile menu of this downtown coffee shop and bakery includes everything from chocolates, croissants, scones and cinnamon rolls to breakfast quiches and artisan sandwiches.
TJ Ribs 27.7%
Multiple locations tjribs.com Save to foursquare
Whether on South Acadian or Siegen Lane, TJ Ribs is full each night. Why? The answer is in the restaurant’s consistent delivery of succulent chopped beef, pork, chicken and—oh yeah, ribs. (Photo courtesy TJ Ribs)
The Bulldog 18.8%
4385 Perkins Rd. • 303-9400 bulldog-batonrouge.draftfreak.com Save to foursquare
The Bulldog has been spicing up Baton Rouge’s nightlife for three years with a wide array of beers on tap and in the bottle, a cozy interior and a pooch-friendly patio.
Runners-up: The Chimes (14.6%), Sullivan’s (14.3%), Radio Bar (13%), Juban’s (8%)
The Little Village 47.6%
Multiple locations littlevillagebr.com Save to foursquare
Never has the warning, “Don’t fill up on bread,” come with so much temptation as with this golden, braided loaf, tender to the pull and topped with a snowdrift of parmesan that, at the slightest nudge, avalanches into the pool of olive oil enveloping the entire decadent dish. Add tapenade or fresh roasted garlic to surrender completely.
Mason’s Grill 25.4%
13556 Jefferson Hwy. • 756-8815 masonsgrill.com Save to foursquare
When it comes to brunch, our readers want a restaurant that takes it seriously. Mason’s Grill doesn’t skimp on hearty choices—from sirloin and eggs to creamy Eggs Florentine and even a breakfast quesadilla. The brunch menu is definitely not limited, and with plenty of morning cocktails to quench your thirst, you can take your time figuring out the best way to start your midday.
Runners-up: Another Broken Egg Café (19.7%), The Chimes (16.7%), Beausoleil (7.7%), Bistro Byronz (6.9%)
Five Guys Burgers and Fries 14.5%
Multiple locations fiveguys.com Save to foursquare
Maybe it’s the backyard-grill juiciness of the patties, or the accompaniment of fresh-cut Idaho fries, but this Virginia-based chain led an unexpected burger upset last year and shows no sign of giving up the title. You only need to visit one of their two Capital City locations to witness the devotion—lines out the door at lunch, with burgers and fries being served up at a furious pace. Neck and neck for second are old favorite Dearman’s and relative newcomer Fat Cow.
FOODIE PICK Curbside
That’s right: According to our foodies, the best burger in town is one you get off a truck. This rolling grill uses fresh ground beef seasoned with salt and pepper and makes its own buns, pickles and addictive pork belly preserves.
Capital City Grill 13.8%
Multiple locations capitalcitygrill.net Save to foursquare
Whether locals want to impress a client without going overly upscale, a quick bite during a busy workday or an extended martini lunch, Capital City Grill takes the field.
Runners-up: Zea Rotisserie and Grill (12.1%), Galatoire’s Bistro (8.2%), Mansurs on the Boulevard (8%)
Louisiana Lagniappe 21.7%
9990 Perkins Rd. • 767-9991 louisianalagniapperestaurant.com Save to foursquare
Chalk this up as the fourth consecutive win for Louisiana Lagniappe in the Best Cajun/Creole category. The seafood-centric restaurant can start you off with a cup of delicious gumbo or bisque before moving on to decadent entrees of fish or shrimp covered in beurre blanc, Hollandaise or lemon sauces. Granted, you won’t find jambalaya or shrimp Creole on the menu, but your taste buds will recognize familiar, spicy Southern flavors turned up a notch with upscale flair.
Runners-up: Roberto’s River Road Restaurant (13.9%), Parrain’s (13.8%), Juban’s (11.2%), Mansurs on the Boulevard (6.4%)
CC’s Coffee House 33.6%
Multiple locations ccscoffee.com Save to foursquare
Starbucks doesn’t stand a chance against CC’s on its home turf—with nine locations in the greater Baton Rouge area alone, they even outnumber the java juggernaut. Serving up both classic and seasonal blends of Louisiana favorite Community Coffee gives this local chain a definite buzz. (Photo by Erin Parker)
FOODIE PICK Garden District Coffee gardendistrictcoffee.com
Nestled in its titular neighborhood, this coffee spot—formerly Perks—brews a rich cup and boasts a shaded patio, plus housemade treats.
Sammy’s Grill 34.6%
8635 Highland Rd. • 766-9600 sammysgrill.com Save to foursquare
Once the march of the mudbugs begins, Baton Rougeans pack the tables and booths at Sammy’s, devouring platter after platter of choice crustaceans.
Runners-up: Tony’s Seafood (33.1%), LA Boilers (8.2%), Heads and Tails (5.4%), Randy Montalbano’s (4.2%)
Copeland’s Cheesecake Bistro 31.6%
6171 Bluebonnet Blvd. • 761-1110 copelandscheesecakebistro.com Save to foursquare
Bananas Foster, butter pecan, tuxedo and turtle—the titular treat of this popular Louisiana-based chain is definitely the menu’s star attraction. With so many flavors to choose from, fans of the creamy confections can hardly dream of a more mouthwatering Mecca.
Runners-up: Juban’s (11.2%), Ruffino’s (11%), Mansurs on the Boulevard (9.4%), La Madeleine (8.7%)
The Chimes 43.9%
Multiple locations thechimes.com Save to foursquare
While Baton Rouge bars have recently embraced local beer enthusiasts’ expanding palates, The Chimes is still the first place our readers think of when in need of a good beer from the tap. Take a world tour via the restaurant’s extensive draft beer menu or get adventurous and mix two of your favorites with suggestions from the bartenders. (Photo by Erin Parker)
Runners-up: The Bulldog (30.3%), B.J.’s Brewhouse (7.4%), The Londoner Pub and Grill (6.1%), The Cove (4.7%)
Taco de Paco 33.9% tacodepaco.com Save to foursquare
Being a pioneer pays off. The city’s first food truck serving hot, grilled dishes is still the top fan favorite. This Tex-Mex-focused mobile eatery also has branched out with a sweet breakfast menu.
Runners-up: Curbside (23.5%), Dolce Vita Wood Fired Pizza (10.1%)
Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers 33.2%
Multiple locations raisingcanes.com Save to foursquare
You can’t beat the hometown recipe. Baton Rouge is definitely Raising Cane’s turf, marked by swathes of salmon-colored Cane’s sauce, mounds of golden-brown chicken fingers, piles of crinkle-cut fries and slabs of buttery Texas toast. From humble beginnings at the North Gates of LSU, Cane’s has grown into a bona fide national phenomenon.
Latte e Miele 18.7%
7809 Jefferson Hwy. • 925-2282 latteemielebr.com Save to foursquare
While some go for the coffees, soups and sandwiches, the real treat is the generous selection of gelato. The flavors range from milk and honey to mint chocolate chip, and readers enjoyed all of them. (Pictured: Blackberry, sage and herbsaint gelato. Photo by Erin Parker.)
The Chimes 43.9%
Multiple locations thechimes.com Save to foursquare
Both the seafood and the duck and sausage varieties get right what a lot of other restaurants, even those in Louisiana, somehow don’t. With a bold, smoky flavor to the meats and an indulgent thickness to the roux that makes every single spoonful count, this gumbo, served with a buttery pistolette, tastes closest to what Grandma used to make.
Superior Grill 23.3%
5435 Government St. • 927-2022 batonrouge.superiorgrill.com Save to foursquare
What’s better than tasting the best margarita in Baton Rouge? Getting a 2-for-1 deal on the best margarita in Baton Rouge. With a daily happy hour that lasts from 3:30 to 6 p.m., patrons can grab their favorite margaritas or mixed drinks on the cheap.
Runners-up: Kona Grill (11.2%), Bonefish Grill (9.2%), Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar (8.1%), The Chimes (10.3%)
Gino’s Restaurant 22.8%
4542 Bennington Ave. • 927-7156 ginosrestaurant.com Save to foursquare
Gino’s boasts Italian authenticity, where Mama still does the cooking and lasagna, cannelloni and veal parmigiana are on the menu. You’ll smile, leaving with a full stomach and maybe even a leftover cannoli. (Pictured: Gino’s chicken kabobs)
Runners-up: The Little Village (19.3%), DiGiulio Bros. (15.3%), Ruffino’s (13.5%), Monjuni’s (10.1%)
FOODIE PICK Nino’s Italian ninos-italian.com
Hand-rolled pasta, fresh Gulf seafood and locally sourced veggies make all the difference at this small husband-and-wife-run restaurant on Bluebonnet Boulevard.
Superior Grill 37.7%
5435 Government St. • 927-2022 batonrouge.superiorgrill.com Save to foursquare
Sweet as lemonade with a sour tequila kick, served in Styrofoam containers as big as your head—whatever magic they mix in this Tex-Mex specialty has the Red Stick hooked.
Runners-up: Ninfa’s Mexican Restaurant (16.7%), Mestizo Louisiana Mexican Cuisine (12.5%), La Carreta Mexican Restaurant (10.2%), Coyote Blues (6.2%)
Albasha 47.2%
Multiple locations albashabr.com Save to foursquare
There are plenty of Mediterranean restaurants in Baton Rouge, but Albasha always tops the list. Whether it’s the juicy shawarma and gyros, tangy hummus or sweet, sticky baklava, this longstanding Greek and Lebanese favorite always delivers.
Runners-up: Serop’s (28.1%), Roman’s (10.7%)
Superior Grill
5435 Government St. • 927-2022 batonrouge.superiorgrill.com Save to foursquare
A lively, casual atmosphere, strong margaritas and a wood-fired mesquite grill make this Mid City hotspot a popular place to meet friends or take the whole family. Most importantly, go to chow on some serious Tex-Mex eats.
Runners-up: Ninfa’s Mexican Restaurant (16.5%), La Carreta Mexican Restaurant (14.4%), Mestizo Louisiana Mexican Cuisine (13.9%), Coyote Blues (13.4%)
Galatoire’s Bistro 27.7%
3535 Perkins Rd., Suite 400 • 753-4864 galatoiresbistro.com Save to foursquare
The old became new again when Galatoire’s Bistro reopened in Baton Rouge in January. With French classics right out of New Orleans, like Bistro au Poivre, Crabmeat Sardou and more, now’s the time to class it up with an early dinner on Galatoire’s patio. (Pictured: Fresh Gulf fish topped with crabmeat.)
Runners-up: Restaurant IPO (13.1%), Portico Bar and Grill (11.1%), Latte e Miele (7.2%), Magpie Café (7.2%)
FOODIE PICK Bin 77 Bistro & Wine bin77.com
One block from the Cinemark Perkins Rowe Theater, this locally owned restaurant makes for the perfect dinner-and-a-movie date with its variety of inventive small plates and entrees.
Louie’s Cafe 29.0%
206 West State St. • 346-8221 louiescafe.org Save to foursquare
Whether at five in the morning or five in the afternoon, Louie’s can serve up an omelette worth remembering. Students stumbling in after an all-nighter share counter space with alumni revisiting their college days, tucking into a fluffy, decadent Seafood Louie, Mitchell or the salsa-topped Southwestern (pictured). (Photo by Erin Parker)
Runners-up: Another Broken Egg Café (28.0%), Mason’s Grill (12.5%), Frank’s Restaurant (7.4%), The Chimes (6.8%)
Fleur De Lis 37.9%
5655 Government St. • 924-2904 fleurdelispizza.com Save to foursquare
Inside a pale pink stucco building on Government Street, greatness dwells: the pizza that Baton Rouge diners consistently vote as their favorite. Fleur De Lis’ rectangular pizzas have a hold on our taste buds, whether we keep it simple with pepperoni and cheese or stack it up with the famed Round the World. You can keep your deep-dish, your Brooklyn-style, your personal pan—in this city, it’s go square or go home.
Sammy’s Grill 13.1%
8635 Highland Rd. • 766-9600 sammysgrill.com Save to foursquare
Grilled shrimp poboys. Fried oyster poboys. Roast beef poboys. The middle of this signature Southern sandwich may change, but Sammy’s gets it right with fresh, soft French loaves and delicious fillings guaranteed to give you a real taste of Louisiana. (Photo by Erin Parker)
Runners-up: George’s (12.1%), Rocco’s (11.3%), Acme Oyster House (10.6%), The Chimes (9.3%)
Ruffino’s 11.8%
18811 Highland Rd. • 753-3458 ruffinosrestaurant.com Save to foursquare
If you ever want to impress someone, take that person to Ruffino’s. Steak, seafood, gourmet Italian dishes—this restaurant has it all, as well as impeccable service. By the end of the night, you and your date, and both of your stomachs, will be impressed, full and happy. Make a reservation, though, because everyone else in Baton Rouge knows how to impress someone, too. (Pictured: Filet with green pea puree.)
Runners-up: Louisiana Lagniappe (11.6%), Roberto’s River Road Restaurant (9.6%), Juban’s (8.9%), Little Village (8.8%)
FOODIE PICK Beausoleil Restaurant & Bar beausoleilrestaurantandbar.com
For its creative, seasonal menu and cutting-edge take on Southern comfort foods and cocktails, our panel chose this cozy Bocage-area destination.
Zeeland Street Market 37.4%
2031 Perkins Rd. • 387-4546 zeelandstreet.webs.com Save to foursquare
On the edge of the Garden District, Zeeland Street Market is a family-owned breakfast and lunch spot with down-home lunch plate specials that keep customers coming back again and again.
Runners-up: Frank’s Restaurant (18.5%), Tony’s (15.6%), The Table is Bread (11.2%), Chicken Shack (6.4%)
J. Alexander’s 18.2%
6457 Bluebonnet Blvd. • 766-8630 jalexanders.com Save to foursquare
Salads aren’t usually a stand-out item on most menus, but Nashville-based chain J. Alexander’s dominates our salad category because they buck that trend with housemade dressings and huge portions piled high with Ahi tuna, olives, cilantro, pine nuts and more.
Runners-up: Zea Rotisserie and Grill (11.6%), Bistro Byronz (11.6%), Louis DeAngelo’s Casual Italian Dining (11.2%), Jason’s Deli (8.8%)
FOODIE PICK MJ’s Café mjs-cafe.com
One could be excused for mistaking this quaint eatery for a home décor store. But inside, owner Maureen Joyce’s passion for healthy cooking shines through without cutting out the taste. Try the fan favorite Black Bean Salad.
Louisiana Lagniappe 21%
9990 Perkins Rd. • 767-9991 louisianalagniapperestaurant.com Save to foursquare
Start with a filet of fresh fish straight from the Gulf, top it with a hefty portion of lump crabmeat and shrimp stuffing, wrap it in parchment paper, bake it and finish with a dousing of garlic beurre blanc. That’s how you get the most popular dish at Louisiana Lagniappe, a restaurant that keeps winning our readers’ hearts. (Photo by Erin Parker)
Ruth’s Chris Prime Steakhouse and Restaurant 22.2%
4836 Constitution Ave. • 925-0163 ruthschris.com Save to foursquare
At Ruth’s Chris’s, a diner never has to ask, “Where’s the beef?” Attentive but never intrusive, impeccably clad waiters and waitresses seem to appear at your table before you even realize you need them, clearing away plates and offering refills, dessert and coffee.
Runners-up: Ruffino’s (16.5%), Juban’s (14.7%)
FOODIE PICK Magpie Café
Service isn’t all about speed. So say our foodies, who always feel at home and cared for by friendly owners James and Lina Jacobs and the staff of this relative newcomer.
Ruth’s Chris Prime Steakhouse and Restaurant 37.8%
4836 Constitution Ave. • 925-0163 ruthschris.com Save to foursquare
The savory selection of prime cuts at Ruth’s Chris leads the pack yet again—and gets our mouths watering just thinking about the melt-in-your-mouth filet mignon and flavorful bone-in ribeyes served on sizzling plates. Temper your appetite with a petite filet, or split the difference with a dining companion by ordering the porterhouse for two.
Runners-up: Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar (12.9%), Sullivan’s Steakhouse (11.2%), Doe’s Eat Place (10.2%) Stroubes Seafood and Steaks (6.2%)
Tsunami 25.0%
100 Lafayette St. • 346-5100 servingsushi.com Save to foursquare
Sushi may be an Eastern import, but no one knows fish like a Southerner, and Tsunami has been tickling our taste buds with rockin’ rolls for quite some time. Traditional tastes like tuna, crab and eel join fins with Louisiana flavors like crawfish, shrimp and, yes, alligator. (Pictured: Dragon Roll)
The Wine Loft 37.9%
Multiple locations theloftbr.com Save to foursquare
Low, romantic lighting, a surplus of casual, cozy seating and a wine list that would make even the most picky sommelier sit up and take notice: no wonder The Wine Loft has wound its way to the top of our readers’ lists. There’s even a fine selection of cordials for a sweet finish.
Runners-up: Bin 77 Bistro (15.4%), Blend (12.7%)
Roberto’s River Road Restaurant 33.9%
1985 Louisiana 75, Sunshine, La. • 642-5999 robertosrestaurant.net Save to foursquare
This unassuming little building in St. Gabriel may be out of the way, but readers visit for the near-legendary eggplant crab cakes, Catfish Billy and River Road Shrimp and a sweet malted chocolate caramel pie. (Pictured: Seafood linguini)
Runners-up: Middendorf’s (19.6%), Houmas House (13.2%), Hymel’s (6.3%), Satterfield’s (5.5%)
Tsunami 16.7%
FOODIE PICK
TJ Ribs 27.7%
The Little Village 47.6%
Five Guys Burgers and Fries 14.5%
Capital City Grill 13.8%
CC’s Coffee House 33.6%
Sammy’s Grill 34.6%
The Chimes 43.9%
Latte e Miele 18.7%
Gino’s Restaurant 22.8%
Superior Grill 37.7%
Galatoire’s Bistro 27.7%
Louie’s Cafe 29.0%
Fleur De Lis 37.9%
Sammy’s Grill 13.1%
Ruffino’s 11.8%
Zeeland Street Market 37.4%
Louisiana Lagniappe 21%
Ruth’s Chris Prime Steakhouse and Restaurant 22.2%
Ruth’s Chris Prime Steakhouse and Restaurant 37.8%
Tsunami 25.0%
Roberto’s River Road Restaurant 33.9%
