Looking for good lunch spots in Baton Rouge? We don’t blame you — this is one of the richest culinary meccas in the country.
Making a list of the best lunch restaurants in Baton Rouge is quite a task — our cuisine is what we’re known for, and narrowing it down to just a few restaurants is tough. Nonetheless, here is a list of the capital city’s 14 best eateries.
Before deciding where to get the best lunch in Baton Rouge this week, you may want to know a little more about the available cuisine. Louisiana may be known internationally for the spicy, highly seasoned cajun fare, yet it’s easy to find a variety of global flavors in the city. Many eateries also feature delectable gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian choices as well.
Visit any of the favorites listed below for your midday meal today!
150 3rd St., Baton Rouge, LA
It’s a bold move to open a New York deli in the middle of the Creole and Cajun melting pot that is Baton Rouge. Any restaurant doing so had better know their stuff. Fortunately for us all, Milford’s on Third has mastered the art of piled-high meats, melted cheeses, fresh toppings and delicious bread, all while overflowing with that southern hospitality we treasure here.
This ambitious restaurant started out with the explicit goal of being the area’s best deli, and it seems to have surpassed this objective by a good margin. It is easily the best lunch spot in Baton Rouge — nowhere else can you pop in, order a delicious tuna melt or sausage po-boy and be on your way with such ease and abundance of flavor.
Milford’s on Third offers meaty, mouthwatering sandwiches that will fortify you for the rest of the day. The bagels all come with a generous spreading of schmear, and the salmon is so tender and fresh you’ll swear it was just caught. Stop by Milford’s on Third for the best lunch in downtown Baton Rouge.
3357 Highland Road, Baton Rouge, LA
Where would Baton Rouge be without seafood? The Chimes, a Baton Rouge institution for the past quarter of a century, is one of the kings of the craft. When you have a craving for crawfish, gumbo and more, this is the place to be. It rides the fine line between a college dining spot and a top-drawer seafood spot, and its energetic atmosphere complements the flavors perfectly.
The Chimes’ lunch specials are no laughing matter. Whether your mouth is watering for their charbroiled catfish with garlic butter, their grilled salmon fillet with dill sauce or their fried oysters, you’re sure to leave with a full stomach and a smile on your face. If you’re looking for a Louisiana classic done well, try their po-boys.
Where would Baton Rouge be without seafood? The Chimes, a Baton Rouge institution for the past quarter of a century, is one of the kings of the craft. When you have a craving for crawfish, gumbo and more, this is the place to be. It rides the fine line between a college dining spot and a top-drawer seafood spot, and its energetic atmosphere complements the flavors perfectly.
The Chimes’ lunch specials are no laughing matter. Whether your mouth is watering for their charbroiled catfish with garlic butter, their grilled salmon fillet with dill sauce or their fried oysters, you’re sure to leave with a full stomach and a smile on your face. If you’re looking for a Louisiana classic done well, try their po-boys.
470 N Alexander Ave, Port Allen, LA
Are you looking for a Baton Rouge lunch that gives you more than expected? Couyon’s BBQ doesn’t hold back on the flavor or the food. This favorite luncheon location is known for its generous servings. Bring your appetite for fried seafood, smoked meats, hush puppies and much more.
Couyon’s BBQ has a relaxed, friendly vibe. Kick back and sample all the great tastes. If you’re new to southern temptations, go for the gusto and choose some fried okra. Couyon’s BBQ fries up okra like nobody’s business. This is Louisiana fare done the down-home way.
7731 Jefferson Highway, Baton Rouge, LA
As if the food at Beausoleil weren’t enough fun, there is also the challenge of pronouncing its name. This incredible restaurant was the brainchild of four different families, who came together with the intent of creating fantastic Louisiana cuisine. They are one of the best places for a more upscale lunch in Baton Rouge, with a juicy curried chicken salad sandwich, po-boys of oyster, shrimp or catfish, sautéed gulf fish and, of course, fried Louisiana catfish.
This restaurant has a casual atmosphere, and its cuisine is contemporary, authentic Louisiana. Don’t leave without trying the tender but crispy beef short ribs. Also check out their seafood, including scallops and seared Ahi tuna. Even if you’re not a southerner, you will be one when you leave — their stone-ground grits and mac and cheese will turn anyone into a Louisiana convert.
209 W. State St., Baton Rouge, LA
Louie’s Café is the 24-hour diner to end all 24-hour diners. Forget the fact that this is a Louisiana State University staple for a moment — this place is world-class in its own right. It is also at the top of the list for tasty, cheap places to eat in Baton Rouge.
The diner has been running since 1941, and entering is like stepping into a time machine into the past. From the black and white checkered floor tiles to the retro, ruby-red bar stools, Louie’s will transport you to the time when diners were a way of life.
Louie’s Café serves up the BEST po-boy, an acronym for bacon, egg, sprouts and tomato. They also offer the vegetarian Phyllis, which is stir-fried veggies covered with swiss and alfalfa sprouts. The menu also includes shrimp, crawfish and catfish, as well as burgers aplenty. We recommend ordering the town secret, the Eggs Cletus, which isn’t on the menu. Stop in at Louie’s any time of day, but don’t miss it for one of Baton Rouge’s best lunches or breakfasts.
5215 Plank Rd, Baton Rouge, LA
Tony’s Seafood fits the market and deli description and more. This specialty destination has become a Baton Rouge lunch spot that’s the perfect place to tempt your palate. Order up some boiled crawfish or shrimp. Snack on Cajun-style boudin balls. Taste-test Louisiana’s version of mac and cheese. You’ll always find something new to try at Tony’s Seafood.
In addition to flavorful creations from the sea, this mainstay of Baton Rouge provides vegetarian fare. Be sure to take lots of pictures at this bustling fish house — you’ll want to capture the memories.
13556 Jefferson Highway, Baton Rouge, LA
Is it brunch or is it lunch? Well, what is brunch but a more celebrated version of lunch? At Mason’s Grill, they believe in doing brunch the proper way — by making sure it’s as filling and satisfying as any other meal of the day. They start it off with the Bloody Mason, a take on the popular alcoholic breakfast beverage that they let you customize to your heart’s content.
Then, it’s on to the heartier fare. The breakfast burger qualifies itself as such by offering one patty of beef and one of sausage. Then, there is the Cajun breakfast, which is everything you could dream of from such a promising title. Don’t forget the chicken and waffles, or the shrimp poppers you’ll find topping your burgers. In Baton Rouge, we make lunch the best meal of the day.
5713 Essen Lane, Baton Rouge, LA
When it opened in 1984, Zorba’s brought a fresh new flavor to Baton Rouge — that of the Greek isles. We’re talking tzatziki, grilled halloumi, spanakopita and dolmades. If you don’t know what those are, you’re in for a real treat. Made with Greek ingredients like feta, hummus and olives, their food is without comparison in Baton Rouge.
Zorba’s offers authenticity, and they have been able to stick to real Greek food without heeding the siren’s call of Louisiana cuisine. That’s not to say they don’t fit in — they are a true staple of Baton Rouge’s food scene. To see examples of why, look no further than their Big-Z lamb burger, gyros sandwich, lamb and halloumi sandwich and chicken shawarma sandwich. Their waffle fries are also to die for.
7333 Highland Road, Baton Rouge, LA
The different types of cuisines just don’t stop coming. Superior Grill is arguably the best Mexican joint in Baton Rouge. Along with their consistently delicious menu items, there’s one item that seals the deal: the fajitas.
Superior Grill’s lunch fajitas are always worth the trip. These sputtering hot delicacies come with lightly crisped homemade flour tortillas, guac, sour cream, pico de gallo, rice and a side like black bean soup, tortilla soup or beans. Then there is the choice of a base: sizzling chicken, beef, jumbo shrimp or vegetables.
The fajitas are a hearty meal in themselves, but don’t forget to try the other items on the menu, like ensaladas, enchiladas, tacos and burritos.
3225 Perkins Road, Baton Rouge, LA
The Chimes may have made the list first, but Parrain’s gives them a solid run for their money when it comes to seafood. This incredible restaurant serves generous portions — always a welcome bonus in the world of seafood — and flavors that lack nothing. Some of their specialties include the Andouille Encrusted Fish, the Delacroix, the New Orleans BBQ Shrimp and Crawfish Etouffee.
Don’t leave Parrain’s without ordering their grilled Mahi-Mahi, though. This perfectly cooked fish flakes under your fork and is topped with two fried oysters. On the side are garlic mashed potatoes and tender asparagus, sending you to Creole cuisine heaven. For authentic Louisiana seafood, don’t miss out on Parrain’s.
100 Lafayette St, Baton Rouge, LA
Fancy some sushi for lunch in Baton Rouge? Feast your eyes on the offerings at Tsunami Shaw Center. This hotspot is known for eye-catching and mouthwatering sushi rolls that marry time-honored Japanese cuisine with innovative culinary twists and adaptations.
At Tsunami Shaw Center, you can feast on more than fresh seafood. The menu is peppered with options ranging from ribeye steak entrees to vegan selections. Get a taste of Asia in the heart of the southern United States, and stay a while to enjoy the views of the magnificent Mississippi River from this must-visit eatery.
3205 Perkins Road, Baton Rouge, LA
The Magpie Café is a gourmet restaurant masquerading as a coffee bar. They pride themselves not only on their coffee and espresso but also on sourcing ingredients that are local, seasonal and organic. As a result, they’ve become legendary among locals, who flock to the café daily for food.
Let’s get this out of the way first: Magpie’s espresso and coffee are fantastic, with bold tones and no bitterness. Then, there are the blueberry scones, moist and crumbly and perfect for any time of day. But, their menu is absolutely perfect for a light lunch. Chicken caesar salad skewers, beet-cured salmon with horseradish cream, honey roasted carrots with arugula and labneh and hazelnuts — it’s as healthy as it is delicious.
5575 Government St, Baton Rouge, LA
Further expanding the capital city’s reputation for culinary diversity, Anthony’s Italian Deli takes Italian food to the next level. For the last 34 years, Anthony’s has been making Baton Rouge sing with its authentic, delectable pasta dishes from the old country. During those 34 years, however, they couldn’t resist the allure of the Louisiana bayou that surrounded them, so it made its way into their dishes, as well.
For starters, there is Anthony’s lasagna. Filled with meat, sauce, cheese and the perfect blend of herbs and seasonings, this hearty dish will fill you to the brim. Then, there is their take on the po-boy, which they sought to improve by adding meatballs to it — Italian style. Try the Muffaletta for its taste and textures — crispy on the outside, warm and gooey on the inside.
150 Third St., Baton Rouge, LA
The Gregory knows how to do lunch the right way — with a fixed price lunch offer. This idea takes the form of their famous $15 Express Lunch Daily Special. This includes a non-alcoholic beverage and ups the ante by offering 4 courses in just 30 minutes or less.
You start with a soup, and you get a choice between a classic, delicious gumbo or the soup du jour. Then comes the salad, which will take the form of either a spinach caesar or a fattoush. For your main course, you can choose the fresh fish of the day, the chef’s ½ sandwich of the day or the mysteriously titled “Main of the Moment.” Of course, you’ll finish off with a dessert — and for this treat, you must surrender to the unfailingly delicious whims of the house with the dessert of the day.
Of course, there are other fine lunch items at The Gregory as well: frog legs, sausages, pork and oysters, cochon de lait and much more. Have fun choosing, and don’t say we didn’t warn you — you’ll be back for more.
Get out there and taste the city of Baton Rouge. With so many restaurants around the city for you to enjoy, you’re sure to find your new favorite lunch dish!
Milford’s on Third is one of the best lunch spots in all of Baton Rouge. Enjoy NYC deli classics when you pop in for a quick treat or dine in with a group of friends. Need catering for a tailgate or work luncheon? Milford’s has you covered. Order from Milford’s to receive platters of sandwiches stacked with meats, spreads and toppings. Dine with us at Milford’s on Third or place your catering order today by filling out our contact form or calling us at 225-408-2600.
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