Anyone who has ever been to Louisianaknows this is the land of crawfish, shrimp creole, gumboand cajuncuisine. You will not go home hungry. Located in Northwest Louisiana, the small but mighty town of Natchitoches(pronounced Nack-A-Tish) serves up some of the best cuisine in the state. I recently had the good fortune to sample the tasty treasures on the menus of several of Natchitoches’ best restaurants.And there is even more to try. Here’s a peek at some of the most delicious places to eat in Natchitoches, Louisiana.
Maglieaux’s Riverfront Restaurant
A family-owned eaterylocated on the picturesque waterfront of the Cane River, Maglieaux’s Riverfront Restaurantshould be on everyone’s dining itinerary when visiting Natchitoches. In this charmer, Creolecuisine meets Italian classics serving up a varied menu sure to please everyone in your dining party.
It’s all about freshly made cuisine at Maglieaux’s which – along with indoor and outdoor seating and friendly folks – make this iconic Natchitoches eatery a local favorite.
On the menu you’ll find Louisianaclassics including oyster, shrimp and catfishpo’boys. You’ll also find Italian classics including spaghetti and meatballs. And, for diehard burger fans, the Betty Jean Burger will satisfy your meaty appetite. With so many delicious options, it’s not easy to choose. But whatever you do, don’t miss the opportunity to sample the CrawfishCornbread from the appetizermenu. This decadent treat features housemade cornbread topped with crawfishetouffee. It’s definitely large enough to share – but you may not want to!
Things to Know:
- Wheelchair Accessible
- Reservations Accepted
- TakeoutAvailable
- Live Music on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays
- Outdoor seating available with views of the Cane River
Maglieaux’s Riverfront Restaurant
805 Washington Street
Natchitoches, Louisiana71457
(318) 354-7767
Merci Beaucoup Restaurant
Idyllically situated to absorb the charm of Historic Downtown Natchitoches, Merci Beaucoup expertly blends Cajunand American cuisine offering a diverse and delicious menu. Made from scratch quality dishes derived from family recipes provide tasty midday dining. Southern hospitality matters here and you can expect fast, friendly service.
On the menu you’ll find po’boys, catfish, burgers, sandwiches and more. But, the CajunPotato is a showstopper at Merci Beaucoup Restaurant. This decadent delight features a stuffed potato topped with crawfishetouffee and jumbo fried shrimp. Generous in size, the CajunPotato is ideal for sharing.
If you prefer something on the lighter side, the Church Street Salad features a garden salad served with homemade orange dressing and topped with roasted pecans. Church Street Salad also includes a side of fresh fruit and fried or grilled chicken strips. It ranks as the #1 favorite of regular customers.
Things to Know:
- Open 10:30 am until 3:00 pm Monday through Saturday, Open 10:30 am until 2:30 pm Sunday
- Wheelchair accessible
- Outdoor patio available
- Takeoutavailable
- Accepts Reservations
Merci Beaucoup Restaurant
127 Church Street
Natchitoches, LA 71457
(318) 352-6634
Mayeaux’s Steak & Seafood Restaurant
Located in the Historic Districtof Natchitocheson Front Street, Mayeaux’s Steakand Seafood Restaurantfeatures perfectly aged steaks and innovative seafood dishes with a touch of Louisianastyle. If you’re craving a steak, you can’t go wrong with the house ribeye available in a hefty 16 ounce portion or an even bigger 20 ounce portion and served with two sides. The menu also features several po’boys, burgers and seafood classics. Creoleand Cajundishes rise to the top of the house favorites list. Here you’ll discover Red Beans & Rice, Crawfish Etouffee and Chicken and Sausage Gumbo. For an innovative twist on fish, order the Catfish Acadiana comprised of farm-raised catfish fried golden brown and topped with crawfish etouffee – YUM!
Things to Know:
- Hours 10:00 am until 10:00 pm Monday through Saturday, Closed Sunday
- Full Bar available
- Dine-in and takeoutavailable
- Street Parking
Mayeaux’s Steak & Seafood
512 Front St.
Natchitoches, LA 71457
Lasyone’s Meat Pie Restaurant
A nationally recognized leader in the restaurant industry, Lasyone’s Meat Pie Restaurantserves up an authentic soulful Creolecuisine experience. With a back story as delicious as its cuisine, Lasyone’s has been a favorite among Natchitoches restaurantssince 1967.
Lasyone’s Meat Pie Restaurantis most famous for its namesake meat pies which originated from a recipe created by James Lasyone. After working as a butcher for the nearby Live Oak Grocery for 25 years, Mr. Lasyone began developing his own Natchitoches meat pierecipe in the 1950s. He started his meat pie kitchen in 1967 when he rented out the bottom floor of the local Mason’s building. Today his daughters, Chef Angela Lasyone and Tina Lasyone Smith. run the kitchen and restaurant.
The roots of every dish emerge from old fashioned family recipes. And while you can find meat pies in many locations around Louisiana from New Orleans to Baton Rouge and beyond, everyone who knows about Lasyone’s meat pies will attest – these are the real deal. Recently I had the pleasure of sitting down to breakfast with Chef Angela and sampling the meat pies and the equally delicious crawfishpies which were introduced in 2008. The dough is hand rolled every morning then stuffed with either perfectly seasoned meat or crawfishand deep fried to a light flaky crispy crust. Perfection! I can also tell you that her shrimp and gritsare the best I’ve ever tasted – and I’ve been around for a long time!
Other popular offerings include Red Beans and Sausage, Dirty Rice, Southern Fried Catfish and Bread Pudding with Rum Sauce. Hungry yet?
Things to Know:
- Open Monday and Tuesday from 7:00 am until 2:00 pm and Wednesday through Saturday from 7:00 am until 3:00 pm. Closed Sundays.
- TakeoutAvailable
- Wheelchair Accessible
- Highchairs Available
- Casual, neighborly atmosphere
Lasyone’s Meat Pie Restaurant
622 2nd St.
Natchitoches, LA 71457
(318) 352-3353
Cane River Commissary
Often referred to as the hidden gem of Natchitoches Parish, Cane River Commissary warrants the short drive outside of downtown Natchitoches. Housed in a former schoolhouse, Cane River Commissary is located near the historic Magnolia and Oakland Plantations which are part of the Cane River Heritage Trail.
This delightful restaurant seamlessly blends Creole and Cajun classics with favorite American cuisine and creative co*cktails. On the menu you’ll find crowd pleasing dishes like a Shrimp Trio of Shrimp Etouffee, Stuffed Shrimp & Fried Shrimp alongside Creamy Creole Pasta, Jambalaya and Pork Tenderloins. If you’re looking for a unique twist on the traditional shrimp po’boy, order the Alligator Po’Boy featuring alligator sausage smothered in peppers and onions. I opted to keep things a bit lighter with the Chicken and Sausage Gumbo served over rice – so good!
Held the first Saturday of every month, The Cane Commissary’s Zydeco Breakfast features live music and dancing along with bottomless mimosas and Bloody Mary’s. Now that’s a good time!
Things to Know:
- Hours 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm Tuesday through Friday and 11:00 am to 9:00 pm Saturday and Sunday. Closed Monday.
- Dine-in and TakeoutAvailable
- Full bar with plenty of creative co*cktails
- Children’s Menu
- Themed specials: Taco Tuesdays, Wine Wednesdays
- Wheelchair Accessible
Cane River Commissary
4191 LA-494
Natchez, LA 71456
(318) 238-6361
Mariner’s Restaurant
Husband and wife team Ben and Keri Fidelak purchased Mariner’s in September 2020. Braving the pandemic, the couple and their adult children completely renovated the interior and exterior of the building by day and developed an enticing menu and wine list by night. As a result, the Natchitoches restaurant scene received a new treasure.
Mariner’s Restaurant pays tribute to the Fidelak family’s 20 years of domestic and international travel adventures. The menu and wine list reflect the global influences of their travels with a touch of some of their favorite destinations including Austria, Croatia, France, Greece, Italy, South Africa and more.
Located on Sibley Lake, Mariner’s Restaurant serves up sunsets as lovely as its menu offerings. Focusing on contemporary Louisiana cuisine, the offerings include steaks, seafood, pasta and more. My dining companions suggested we try the Seafood Nachos. This decadent appetizer elevates nachos to an entirely new level with shrimp, crawfish, crabmeat, ahi tuna, cheesy bechamel and pickled jalapeno peppers. And that was just the starter!
Whiskey lovers will appreciate the Mariner’s extensive bourbon selection. And co*cktail enthusiasts will be spoiled by the expansive selection of signature co*cktails to choose from.
Things to Know:
- Hours: Monday through Thursday, 4:30 pm to 9:00 pm; Friday and Saturday, 4:30 pm to 10:00 pm. Closed Sunday.
- Live music featured in The Cove
- Takeoutand Delivery Available
- Reservations accepted by not required for parties of less than 10
- Wheelchair Accessible
- Did I mention explosive sunsets?
Mariner’s Restaurant
5948 LA-1
Natchitoches, LA 71457
(318) 228-8056
French Market Express
Before visiting Natchitoches, Louisiana, if anyone had told me I would be including a gas station convenience store in my where to eat round-up – I would have assumed they had been drinking far too many daiquiris from Lousiana’s drive-through daiquiri bars. Yes, it’s a thing – and so are tasty gas station eateries.
At the French Market Expressyou’ll find everything from meat pies to shrimp po’boysto boudinsausage, LouisianaYam Cakes, American fast foodand more. Nearby you’ll also find souvenirs, gifts, an expansive wine and beer selection and probably some motor oil. The French Market Expressserves breakfast, lunch, dinner and brunch – yes, brunch. Who knew?
What to Know:
- Open 24/7
- TakeoutAvailable – of course
- Some seating available
- Don’t miss the LouisianaYam Cakes!
French Market Express
5109 University Pkwy
Natchitoches, LA 71457
(318) 357-9002
More Places to Eat in Natchitoches, Louisiana
It would be impossible to sample all the delicious cuisine at every Natchitoches restaurant during my visit. But even though I haven’t tried the following eateries, these deserve a mention as local favorites.
Classic Mexican and Homemade Pizza
For more than 20 years, El PatioMexican Grill has served authentic Mexican food based on family recipes. The restaurant now has six locations throughout Northwest and Central Louisiana. In Natchitoches, you’ll find El Patioat 5412 University Parkway.
Sometimes you just want pizza. When that craving strikes in Natchitoches, head to Peggy’s Homemade Pizzalocated at 4116 University Parkway. A Natchitochesfavorite since 1996, Peggy’s offers appetizers, pizza, pasta, salads, calzones and desserts.
Seafood, Steaks, Burgers and More
Mama’s Oyster House and Papa’s Bar & Grillare located in the same building at 608 Front Street in Natchitoches. While Mama’s Oyster House’s menu concentrates on seafood dishes and fresh Louisiana oysters, Papa’s Bar & Grill offers a wide-variety of sandwiches including hamburgers and po’boys. Also on the menu is fried seafood and USDA choice steaks.
Located in the original 1830 Pioneer Land Office and Bank Building, Pioneer Pub features over 19 draft beers along with a full bar. On the menu, your favorite pub grub is available including seafood, steaks, burgers, nachos and pizza.
Asian Favorites
For Asian cuisine, Hana Steakhouse Seafood & Sushi on Keyser Ave in Natchitoches is the place to go. Serving lunch and dinner, Hana Steakhouse Seafood & Sushi is known for its tasty tempura rolls and fresh delicious sushi offerings.
For Chinese favorites, try Chef Wok. Voted one of the Top 100 Chinese Restaurants in the USA (out of over 43,000!) Chef Wok focuses on signature dishes by Chef Larry who has been in the business of creating delicious traditional Chinese cuisine for more than 40 years.
More Cajun Favorites
Family owned and operated since 1989, Crawfish Holeserves up old fashioned Louisiana-style crawfish along with other seafood favorites in a casual outdoor dining atmosphere.
At Fontenot’s Cajun Cafe two worlds collide in a delicious way. This BBQ and seafood restaurant serves regional favorites like gumbo, po’boys and fried seafood platters alongside BBQ plates. For something unique, try the Grilled Cheese Boudin. How could you go wrong?
