Of course, a trip to any neighborhood in Baton Rouge is not complete without a meal, and downtown is no exception. For authentic Italian cuisine, grab a seat at The Little Village—you’ll be calling the waiter over for more of their signature bread! Sushi lovers will be delighted by Tsunami Sushi, where you can wine and dine while taking in sweeping views of the Mississippi River on their rooftop terrace. For oyster enthusiasts or those looking to test the waters with new flavors, visit Jolie Pearl Oyster Bar for raw, baked, seasoned and grilled oysters from the West, Gulf and East coasts! Located a few blocks away, check out Cecelia's Creole Bistro for more authentic Louisiana food with a twist like sweet and spicy alligator or Belli Cafe in the historic Spanish Town neighborhood for breakfast or lunch. Night owls will savor the taste of Pastime Restaurant for pizzas, po’boys and platters served until 10 p.m.

If you’re a foodie, you’ve picked the right part of town to visit. Your first stop to this neighborhood should include a trip to Elsie’s Plate and Pie for delicious Southern-style cuisine and a slice of award-winning pie. If you’re looking to host a girls’ night out or a modern date night spot, just down the street is Soji Modern Asian, where the blend of Asian flavors on your plate is just as Instagrammable as the restaurant’s chic atmosphere. And no Mid City food tour is complete without a meal among the greenery at Barracuda Taco Stand.

Located just off LSU’s campus, you’ll find local classics like The Chimes and Louie’s Café. Just down the street lies the Overpass District—a foodie’s paradise filled with local flavors, each one worth a taste. But for a fine dining experience like no other complete with live music nights, try BLDG 5 for your next date night or celebration! And when the season’s just right, head just down the street to the Acadian Perkins Place for steaming crawfish from the beloved Crawfish On The Geaux truck. For something closer to home and pho worth raving about, treat yourself to Drunken Fish’s Vietnamese and Japanese cuisine that’s sure to satisfy your tummy and budget.

For some of the best fried chicken in Baton Rouge, go straight to Chicken Shack or Triplet’s Blue Store. For seafood and hot plates, Tony's Seafood is a Baton Rouge classic. If you're looking for food that'll fill your belly and your heart, Ethel's Snack Shack is a delicious hidden gem.

Once you’ve worked up an appetite, immerse yourself in the flavorful food culture that makes Louisiana so unique. For a colorful atmosphere full of blue hues and good vibes, head over to SoLou, and discover experimental Southern flavors like crawfish beignets and alligator hot dogs. Other restaurant staples in the area include Rouj Creole for worldly fare with a Baton Rouge twist and Louisiana Lagniappe for timeless classics like the Louisianne, a sautéed filet of fresh fish topped with jumbo lump crabmeat sautéed in lemon butter—mouthwatering! Just nearby, you can find a Parisian atmosphere with a Southern spin at Bistro Byronz. For more casual dining, try the Bistro’s sister pizzeria, Pizza Byronz with delectable lunch specials and classic Louisiana dishes turned pizzas.

After working up an appetite be sure to stop by one of the delicious eateries in the Shenandoah area. Head to Hunan Chinese Food for their all-you-can-eat Chinese buffet, or stop by George’s Bar & Grill for the juiciest homestyle burgers. Brunch fanatics can’t skip the opportunity to dine at Mason’s Grill, renowned for its hearty breakfast burger and Willie's Restaurant is a must for seafood lovers.