New Restaurants to Try in Baton Rouge in 2026
Baton Rouge’s food scene is unlike any other, and this year, there’s no shortage of new places to try around the city.
Whether you’re in the mood for comforting classics, bold global flavors, something sweet or just a coffee to go, these new restaurants are bringing fresh energy to Baton Rouge. From comfy neighborhood spots to upscale dining options, there’s something new waiting to be added to your list of must-tries around the city.
Note: This blog is updated every six months to reflect the latest restaurant openings across Baton Rouge.
July 2026 Update
Southdowns Grille
Address: 4205 Perkins Rd.
Located in the old Solera, Southdowns Grille brings a menu built around elevated comfort food. Executive chef Eric Sibley is behind dishes like redfish on the halfshell, blue crab fritter, and pan roasted gulf fish. With the handcrafted cocktail menu already drawing crowds, this is a stop you'll want to put on your must-try list.
City Roots Coffee Bar & Les Amis Bake Shoppe
Address: 400 Convention St. (inside ll City Plaza)
Two local favorites have teamed up to open a joint downtown location, and it's been a welcome addition to the weekday lunch crowd. City Roots brings its small-batch, specialty coffee to the space while Les Amis fills the glass display case with macarons, cupcakes, cake balls, and croissants.
Las Brujas Coffee & Grocery
Address: 3101 Government St.
Named after owner David Villa's family farm in Colombia, Las Brujas is part coffee bar, part neighborhood bodega, and entirely its own thing. Located right in between Elsie's Plate & Pie and Radio Bar, the warm vintage interior, wall murals by local artists, and kid-friendly corner all reflect his community-first vision. Between the air-roasted beans, scratch-made syrups, and a bodega stocked with goods from local farms and producers, this one's more than a coffee shop. It's what the neighborhood actually needed.
Daruma Ramen Bar & Grill
Address: 3669 Government St.
Prairieville-born Daruma Ramen Bar & Grill has landed in Baton Rouge. Their Mid City location brings the full experience to Baton Rouge: 13 varieties of ramen, dumplings, bao buns, bubble tea, and even a private karaoke room. If you're looking for a spot that can do dinner and an event all in one, this is it.
Homakase
Address: 4611 S. Sherwood Forest Blvd.
Duy Nguyen spent years doing intimate at-home omakase experiences before opening a permanent spot, and Homakase delivers that same intentional energy in a sleek, U-shaped bar designed around the hand roll. The idea is simple: crispy seaweed, warm rice, and premium ingredients eaten right away, the way they're meant to be.
Le Rêve
Address: 4321 Perkins Rd.
A French-inspired café has settled into the former Southfin space in Southdowns and kept the location's best feature: the drive-thru. Le Rêve pours beans from Lafayette's Rêve Coffee Roasters and bakes its pastries in-house, covering everything from blueberry cream cheese danishes to bacon & brie sandwiches.
Elisa's Cuban Cuisine
Address: 2627 S. Sherwood Forest Blvd.
What started as a beloved food truck is now a full brick-and-mortar restaurant on Sherwood Forest. This unique concept brings authentic Cuban flavors to the table with dishes like slow-roasted pork, rice and beans, chicharrónes, and Cuban coffee.
Café Verdino
Address: 6626 Jones Creek Rd., Ste. H
Café Verdino is brewing something new and exciting on Jones Creek Road. From iced coffee and espresso drinks to light pastries and sandwiches, it's the type of stop that allows you to slow down and stay a while. The roomy café features generous indoor seating and a front patio.
New Locations
Okki Tokki
Address: 18303 Perkins Rd. E., Ste. 408
The downtown Korean bowl spot everyone loves now has a home on the south side of town. The build-your-own bowl format is the same, choose your base, protein, veggies, sauce, and toppings, but the new space is bigger, with more seating and room to grow. If the garlic fried rice with Korean fried chicken bites hasn't been on your radar yet, now's a great time to fix that.
January 2026 Update
Dumpling and Bao
Address: 6212 Siegen Ln
The steam is rising, the baskets are stacked, and Baton Rouge has a new destination for authentic Asian flavors. Dumpling & Bao specializes in handcrafted soup dumplings and steamed buns, along with a variety of Chinese dishes made fresh right in front of you. Pull up a seat and watch the kitchen work its magic!
Stir Coffee House
Address: 15405 Airline Hwy Suite 103
Whether you’re stopping in for your morning brew or meeting up with a friend, STIR Coffee House is a warm, welcoming space where good coffee meets good people. The café employs and celebrates adults with developmental and intellectual differences, creating a place where everyone can shine, connect, and grow. The menu features a variety of coffee drinks, pastries, and dirty sodas, as well as cute merch you can purchase.
Cheesecake Lab
Address: 7970 Jefferson Hwy Suite B
The latest experiment in Baton Rouge is its desserts scene, and the Cheesecake Lab is passing the test. Create the perfect combination by choosing your own cheesecake bake and then decorate it with special toppings. Dessert is science, after all!
Josephine's
5350 Government St
This new Italian spot comes from Sally and Russell Davis, the owners behind Eliza’s and Jed’s Local. With decades in the restaurant world, stepping into Italian cuisine feels like a natural next move. At Josephine's, expect comforting classics like pizza and pasta, layered lasagna, and other familiar favorites perfect for lingering over a good meal.
KPOT
7620 Andrea Dr
All-you-can-eat Korean BBQ? Say no more! KPOT Korean BBQ & Hotpot lets you grill your own Korean BBQ right at the table, watching every bite sizzle. Pick from an array of sliced meats, fresh vegetables, and noodles to create the perfect lunch or dinner for you and your friends. Don’t forget to check out their lunch and dinner prices; they’re some of the best all-you-can-eat deals in town.
Starbox Falafel
4353 S Sherwood Forest Blvd
Since opening last summer, Starbox Falafel has quickly made a splash with its menu full of homemade Mediterranean favorites. From chicken shawarma to falafel, and even Dubai chocolate for dessert, there’s something for every craving and all at wallet-friendly prices.
Spanish Town Market & Café
701 Spanish Town Road
Spanish Town Market & Café is the neighborhood bodega you didn’t know you needed, right on a historic street corner. Grab your coffee, breakfast, pizza, or groceries, and be one with the locals while taking in the charm of this historic neighborhood.
Main Street Market
501 Main St
Downtown’s Main Street Market has long been a community hub, connecting locals to the Red Stick Farmers Market and businesses all under one roof. After recent renovations, it’s added four exciting new restaurants to the mix:
- Creole Creations: Serving authentic Louisiana seafood and classic Creole comfort dishes, from poboys and catfish to boudin balls, all made fresh to order.
- Sapor Indian Fusion: Fast, fresh, and full of flavor, Sapor blends bold Indian spices into breakfast wraps, fusion bowls, and lunch plates with a modern twist.
- The Cozy Griddle: A welcoming spot for breakfast and lunch, The Cozy Griddle serves made-from-scratch comfort food perfect for friends, families, and neighbors.
- Vivian’s Rotisserie & Grill: Fresh and wholesome meals made with care, featuring signature rotisserie chicken, flavorful sides, and vegetarian and vegan options that never compromise on taste.
Dining Depot at Bally's Baton Rouge
Address: 103 France St
Big changes have arrived downtown. Formerly known as The Belle Casino & Hotel, the property is now Bally’s Baton Rouge, featuring an on-land casino, hotel rooms, and a lineup of new dining options. The Dining Depot pays tribute to the site’s past as a beautifully restored train station and now houses five new restaurants:
- Hearth Pizzeria: Fresh dough made daily, wood-fired pizzas, and comforting Italian classics like Mama’s Meatballs and Sunday Ziti.
- Oyster Bar: Fresh Gulf oysters shucked right in front of you for a true taste of the coast.
- Vintage 1806: A cozy, refined wine bar pouring thoughtfully curated wines from around the world.
- Maritime Coffee: Start your day with Community Coffee and fresh pastries from local favorite Aucoin’s Bakery.
- The Terrace: An inviting open dining space with a private room perfect for intimate gatherings or small celebrations.
New Locations
Drago’s
Address: 10111 Perkins Rowe Bldg C, Suite 100
Now open inside of Perkins Rowe, Drago’s brings its classic seafood dishes and bold Louisiana flavors to one of Baton Rouge’s busiest shopping areas.
Eloise Market And Cakery
Address: 1940 Perkins Rd.
Eloise Market and Cakery has expanded into a larger space, giving fans more room to enjoy its beloved baked goods, cakes, and cake decorating classes.
Jeremiah’s Italian Ice
Address: 343 S Sherwood Forest Blvd Ste A
Known for its cool, colorful treats, Jeremiah’s is now open on the east side of Baton Rouge, serving up Italian ice and frozen favorites perfect for cooling down any time of year.
Eat Your Way through Baton Rouge
There’s always something new cooking in Baton Rouge, and these restaurants are proof. Save this list, try a few, and check out more local classics to find more favs!
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