There’s a sweet smell of success in the air on Government Street, and it smells like a flaky pie crust and tasso cream sauce. Baton Rouge’s Elsie’s Plate & Pie has earned a coveted spot in the inaugural MICHELIN Guide for the American South, officially doubling down on the fact that Baton Rouge is a culinary haven for foodies not only in Louisiana but everywhere. Just north of the city, St. Francisville is carving its own place on the Michelin map. But what exactly does this honor mean, and how did these local favorites earn it? Keep reading to find out.
What is the MICHELIN Guide?
The MICHELIN Guide was created by brothers André and Édouard Michelin, founders of the Michelin tire company. Their goal was simple: encourage people to drive more and, in turn, boost tire sales. The early guide listed places to eat, stay, and refuel across France, making travel easier for motorists. Over time, it evolved into one of the most respected culinary guides in the world, spotlighting exceptional dining experiences across the globe. This year marks the first year of the American South guide.
The Magic Behind Elsie’s Plate & Pie
What makes people keep coming back for more? Maybe it’s the comforting atmosphere that feels like stepping into Grandma’s kitchen, or the recipes that actually come from Grandma herself. Yep, you read that right. In 2018, Chef Paul Dupre opened Elsie’s Plate & Pie to honor his grandmother, Elsie. Bringing her beloved recipes to life, he blended Louisiana flavor in every dish, from sweet pies to savory creations. Since then, Elsie’s has built a loyal following, earning a spot on locals’ must-visit lists and taking home multiple Best of 225 Awards, including “Best Overall Restaurant.”
Chef Dupre put it best: "From our grandmother's pie recipes, to our incredible staff that brings our vision to life day after day, we take great pride in sharing our creative take on our family's history of Southern Louisiana cooking," said Chef Dupre. "We hope that every guest that walks through our doors feels the love that we have poured into our family restaurant."
Must-Try Dishes
Elsie’s menu is full of standout plates, but a few dishes have become local legends. Ask anyone, and they’ll tell you the Eye of the Tiger Pie is the star of dessert. It’s a creamy lemon icebox pie topped with a swirl of blueberry whipped cream, paying homage to LSU’s mascot with its name. On the savory side, the crawfish hand pies are a crowd favorite and have a spot on our Iconic Eats of Baton Rouge list for good reason. Each one is stuffed with Louisiana crawfish and corn, wrapped in a handmade crust, and fried to golden perfection before being served with Cajun cream sauce. Order a plate and you’ll get two hand pies with a side salad and your choice of sides.
No Louisiana menu would be complete without red beans and rice, and Elsie’s takes it up a notch by serving it over a crispy piece of fried chicken. And if you’re starting with appetizers, don’t skip the fried okra or the crawfish queso. Both are perfect for sharing, though you may not want to.
A Culinary Neighbor: St. Francisville Inn & Restaurant
Just a 30-minute drive from Baton Rouge, the St. Francisville Inn & Restaurant also earned a spot in the guide. Located inside the historic St. Francisville Inn, which dates back to the 1800s, the restaurant pairs Southern charm with boutique elegance. Picture a dining room draped in white tablecloths and vibrant green walls, and a cozy patio with string lights & ample seating.
Chef Michael Dardenne leads the kitchen, blending old and new flavors into a menu that celebrates Louisiana’s roots with a modern twist. First-time visitors can’t go wrong with the warm bread pudding topped with blueberry compote or one of the Inn’s signature Gulf seafood dishes, which have become staples on the menu.
The Saint’s not new to recognition, though, earning a spot on OpenTable’s Top 100 Brunch Restaurants in the U.S. for 2025 and being featured on multiple OpenTable top lists since opening in 2019.
Beyond the restaurant, St. Francisville makes for an easy day trip or overnight getaway. Stroll through its historic downtown and antique shops, hike the scenic Tunica Hills, or plan your visit around the St. Francisville Food & Wine Festival, held each fall. Whether you’re after adventure or a slower pace, this charming small town makes the perfect complement to a Baton Rouge weekend.
Start Your Culinary Adventure
This international recognition validates what Baton Rouge locals have always known: our city is a true destination for food lovers. Each city’s food scene tells a story, and ours is one of authenticity, flavor, and creativity. From comfort food classics to refined Southern fare, Baton Rouge’s chefs are redefining what it means to dine in Louisiana’s Capital City.
Don’t just take our word for it. Plan your own culinary adventure and see why the Baton Rouge region is earning national attention. Find your pace and get ready to explore.
