The Wall Street Journal’s MarketWatch once declared Lafayette, Louisiana to be the “Happiest City in America.” While that’s a claim many cities make, I’m inclined to agree in Lafayette’s case.
With its strong sense of community and lively music and arts scene, this vibrant city boasts more restaurants per capita than any other American city. The Lafayette philosophy is simple: Laissez les bon temps rouler – let the good times roll!
Experience the year-round festivals in Lafayette, a vibrant celebration of the region’s music, food, rich culture, and history. You’ll find yourself immersed in a treasure trove of flavors and sounds.
Carpe Diem Café & Wine Bar
Let’s explore some of Lafayette’s best hangouts and learn why the city lives up to its good times philosophy.
We popped into Carpe Diem Café & Wine Bar for our first stop to enjoy the moment with a Curvee Coffee hot cappuccino. The locally owned cafe’s philosophy of embracing the present moment and making the most of every experience encourages you to slow down and “seize the day,” a play on the Latin phrase “Carpe Diem.”
The full-service coffee house and wine bar serves rich coffee creations, artisan teas, wine, craft cocktails, Italian artisan gelato and sorbetto, gluten-free house-made cakes, pastries, and savory crepes.
Indulge in a savory crepe made with egg, prosciutto, smoked gouda, or a veggie version. Try the lemon mascarpone whip with berry compote or, my favorite, chocolate hazelnut and banana for sweet crepes.
Creative gelato flavors rotate periodically, while the Italian coffee-based affogato is a staple. It consists of vanilla gelato topped with hot espresso and an optional shot of liqueur.
The bar features a carefully curated list of wines from around the world, including reds, whites, and sparkling wines.
You’ll appreciate the friendly and attentive staff in this warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Central Pizza & Bar
Known for its delicious pizza, vibrant atmosphere, and lively bar scene, Central Pizza & Bar is a go-to spot for pizza lovers in downtown Lafayette.
You’ll find a variety of handcrafted pizzas with a wide range of toppings to satisfy every taste. The pizzas are made with fresh ingredients and baked to crispy-crust perfection in a wood-fired oven.
The menu offers something for everyone, from traditional favorites like Margherita and pepperoni to more unique creations.
You can order appetizers, salads, pasta dishes, and desserts. The extensive beer selection offers local and worldly brews.
A great starter is the Central dip made with leek, bacon, parmesan served with wood-fired pita bread, and an order of the Castelvetrano and Kalamata olives.
The can’t-miss Suprema comes with mozzarella, fontina, pepperoni, ground beef, shaved red onion, banana peppers, and mushrooms.
The lively bar and live entertainment scene make Central Pizza popular with locals and visitors.
Festivals Acadiens et Creoles in Girard Park
One of the best places to get the hang of Cajun and Creole food in Lafayette is the annual three-day Cajun and Zydeco music and food Festivals Acadiens et Creoles held in mid-October. It features an official boudin-cutting kick-off with long links of meat and spicy rice boudin that are cut and served to attendees.
The festival included over 50 Cajun and Zydeco bands playing from four stages throughout Girard Park. We enjoyed the best of Cajun and Creole with cuisine from over 30 restaurants and chef demonstrations at Culture Sur la Table. We shopped for unique southern crafts at over 70 booths from across Louisiana.
We danced, laughed, ate Cajun and Creole food, and danced more. The music brought back my toe-tapping memories of being born on the Texas Gulf Coast.
We sampled spicy shrimp tacos, sausage on a stick, shrimp jambalaya, grilled oysters, and beignets sprinkled with powdered sugar. I like to bite off a corner of the puffed pastry and drizzle honey inside.
Abita Brewing Co
Whether you prefer lagers and ales or enjoy more experimental brews like barrel-aged or fruit-infused brews, the Abita Brewing Co offers something for everyone,
The brewery is known for its craft beers, including popular favorites like Abita Amber, Purple Haze, or Turbodog.
Abita Brewing hosts events and live music, making it popular with locals and visitors to enjoy a drink and a lively atmosphere.
Take a brewery tour to learn about the brewing process and get a behind-the-scenes look at the facilities. You’ll see firsthand how their beers are crafted and receive a rich history lesson.
With its commitment to quality and innovation, Abita Brewing continues to be a respected and beloved brewery in the region.
Vermilionville Restaurant La Cuisine de Maman
This charming 1800s home with servers in period costumes is inside Vermilionville’s historic village. The Vermilionville Restaurant La Cuisine de Maman is known for its authentic Cajun and Creole cuisine, this restaurant offers a taste of traditional Louisiana flavors in a cozy and welcoming atmosphere.
Front and back porches have many windows that let in light, making them the perfect setting for a leisurely lunch.
The name “La Cuisine de Maman” translates to “Mom’s Kitchen,” which serves homestyle, comforting dishes like Mother used to make.
We shared appetizers like empanadas, fried green beans, and fried boudin balls. My gumbo with fresh fried Gulf shrimp was delicious. The menu features daily specials like crawfish etouffee with fried shrimp, seafood cornbread with fried fish, or smothered pork chops.
The restaurant showcases the rich culinary heritage of South Louisiana, with dishes ranging from gumbo to jambalaya, crawfish etouffee, and boudin.
Wild Child Wine Shop
Wild Child Wine Shop is a locally owned, friendly neighborhood wine shop with hundreds of bottles of wine displayed in several rooms and seating areas where you can linger and sip. The shop focuses on small-production wines with famous labels.
Whether you’re looking for a bold Cabernet Sauvignon, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, or a refreshing Prosecco, Wild Child Wine Shop has something to suit every taste. I chose Fizzy Lizzy “Swampwater” Pet Nat, a sparkling petillant naturel by Lagniappe Wines from Willamette Valley, Oregon.
The knowledgeable staff is always available to provide recommendations and help find the perfect wine for any occasion.
I wandered the rooms filled with gifts and party packs, including tins of sardines, tuna pate, smoked salmon, and anchovies. Other selections included smoked geoduck, smoked oysters, mussels, olives stuffed with anchovies, gourmet olive oil, cookbooks, candles, and tea towels.
I found a selection of cider and kombucha, and Brainiac caught my eye. It was a small batch of dry kombucha. I took the bottle to go as we explored more of downtown Lafayette.
Spoonbill Watering Hole & Restaurant
Known for its unique and creative cuisine, Spoonbill Watering Hole & Restaurant offers a variety of dishes with a blend of locally sourced southern food and Gulf Coast seafood options. You’ll find a cozy and inviting atmosphere in this former Conoco station, making it a great place to enjoy a meal with friends or family.
Whether you try one of the signature cocktails or explore the extensive wine list, you’ll discover how Spoonbill aims to craft the perfect customer experience.
Spoonbill was a James Beard Foundation Nominee in 2020, reassuring you that they offer something to satisfy every palate, whether you’re in the mood for seafood, steaks, or vegetarian options.
Our group sat outside on the patio and watched the sunset wash the sky in shades of pink and purple. My raspberry ginger lemonade was refreshing and matched the sky’s bright pink hues.
We started with four appetizers: artichoke dip, crab quesadilla, crispy duck tenders, and ginger chili cauliflower. We each got a taste, but don’t hesitate, or it’s gone.
BBQ shrimp bathed in Paradise Park beer, butter, and Creole spice was my main course. Green rice and pesto bread accompanied it. I soaked up every bit of the flavorful sauce with that crispy bread.
Others enjoyed the grilled gulf fish with vegetables, the rare, seared tuna over avocado crema with roasted poblano and red onion, and the Poke bowl served with Gulf tuna, green rice, mango, cucumber, and avocado. I heard lots of exclamations of approval as we compared flavors.
For dessert, don’t pass up the Cookie Skillet, a chocolate chip cookie baked in a cast iron skillet topped with ice cream. Oh, my goodness!
Borden’s Ice Cream Shoppe
Visit the world’s last remaining Borden’s Ice Cream Shoppe in downtown Lafayette for famous banana splits, milkshakes, malts, and two dozen ice cream and sherbet flavors. The downtown landmark has been famous since 1940.
The banana split was at the top of my list.
Bayou Teche Brewing Company
Bayou Teche Brewing Company offers diverse beers to satisfy many palates, from traditional brews like pilsners and IPAs to experimental styles incorporating local fruits, spices, and herbs.
As I was toe-tapping to the funky Zydeco music of John Wilson and the Zydeco House Rockets, I was drafted to play the frottoir or washboard on stage with the band. I was surprised and honored! Two curved metal slings across my shoulders held the washboard in front of me, and he handed me two spoons to stroke the metal ridges in time for the music. It was easy to slip into the groove since I’d listened to this music for years.
We explored wine, local brews, and fancy umbrella drinks here at Bayou Teche, pronounced (tesh), a taproom and beer garden that crafts local beers to complement Creole and Cajun lifestyles.
Order a Swamp Thing IPA with your Cajun Saucer Neapolitan wood fired pizza and listen to the locals trade tales about creatures that lurk in the shadows of the bayous and swamps of Southern Louisiana.
Romacelli Bistro e Vino in River Ranch
With its cozy ambiance, Romacelli Bistro e Vino combines a delectable Italian menu with a Cajun-Creole twist. It also offers an extensive wine selection for a perfect romantic evening. The menu features a variety of Italian-inspired dishes that are sure to awaken your taste buds.
Start with appetizers like fresh Mozzarella burrata, Mediterranean hummus, or goat cheese spread with pita bread. Indulge in one of a selection of pasta dishes, including classics like fettuccini alfredo, Bolognese pasta, or Gulf shrimp al pesto with vermicelli pasta.
You may prefer unique creations like Acadiana shrimp with fettuccine or truffle mushroom pasta.
For pizza, choose thin-crust pizzas topped with fresh ingredients such as Margherita, prosciutto, and arugula or four kinds of cheese. You can pay extra for a cauliflower crust.
Enjoy mouthwatering entrees like Osso Bucco, grilled salmon, or chicken parmigiana. Pair them with sides of risotto, Brussels sprouts, or roasted red potatoes for pure deliciousness.
Save room for traditional desserts that take you to the heart of Italy, like delectable tiramisu, cannoli, or panna cotta. Pair your selection with a dessert wine, port, or cup of freshly brewed coffee or espresso.
Romacelli Bistro e Vino offers an extensive wine list to complement your gourmet meal, featuring international and local options. Your waiter will offer perfect wine pairing suggestions.
Lafayette’s bustling culinary scene and distinctive Cajun and Zydeco music embrace its heritage, innovation, and diversity for a unique, unforgettable experience.
Janie blogs at JourneyMapped.com
You may also enjoy reading these articles on Lafayette, Louisiana:
Discovering Lafayette, the Heart of Arcadiana
Visit Vermilionville, Louisiana, the Cradle of Cajun Culture
Tabasco: A Hot Lafayette Attraction
The Louisiana Swamp That Keeps on Giving
