With a vibrant and colorful restaurant scene in Lafayette, it’s easy to be constantly drawn to the big local names. They’re the ones who get the most reviews on Yelp and TripAdvisor. They’re the ones everyone says, “You gotta try here!” They are the ones you photograph and share with friends. And most of the time we are not looking for something new and unknown.
But there’s nothing wrong with the new and unfamiliar. In fact, “new and unusual” is what makes gastronomy so unique. Anyone can serve food, but it’s the unique options in each that keep us trying and coming back. Some of the best places you can find are a little off the beaten track. If you’re making the journey to try something new, you might find a new favorite.
Cafe Habana City
If you’re looking for good, authentic Caribbean cuisine, then you’ll find that Cafe Habana City on Bertrand has just the thing for you. According to a review on Yelp, “We went on a sleepy Monday. Fantastic food and authentic atmosphere. The staff was perfect. I had the cuban sandwich and fries. 10 dollars. Unbeatable value for money.”
scratch kitchen
A new place on the scene, Scratch Farm Kitchen, offers farm-to-table preparation and supports local farms in the area. Their menu is unique and flavorful and yes, the drinks are delicious too.
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“What a gem in the area,” said one reviewer. “Amaze me to find Vietnamese coffee and wonderful farm-to-table dishes. Just quality food, friendly staff and welcoming spaces. I highly recommend this hotel, it stacks there with the best restaurants in the country. I will be back.”
Jane’s French Kitchen
When we talk about Lafayette, we’re talking about Cajun French, but is there enough room for Parisian French in the area? A restaurant thought so and opened to offer classic French cuisine in Lafayette – Jane’s French Cuisine. If you haven’t had a chance to try it yet, it should probably be on your to-do list soon.
“Intimate setting, you can see the chef and staff at work so yeah you can hear the excitement and stuff too,” one noted on Yelp. “It can get pretty hectic in there, we experienced it, but we thought it was fun and felt like we were in Hell’s Kitchen. Overall the service was very good and the food was good too.”
Thai with love
This is about as hole-in-the-wall as it gets. Thai With Love is a little-known spot in Lafayette with big flair and a small but loyal following. Thai cuisine is extremely tasty and this restaurant lives up to it with its menu.
Comments are almost universally positive, with one person calling it “One of my absolute favorite hole-in-the-wall restaurants!” Another said, “Every time I’m in Lafayette I stop at Thai With Love. The food is just so good.”
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Oishi Sushi
Sure, there’s an abundance of sushi places in Lafayette, but what’s unique about this one is that it’s small, quiet, and perfect for a relaxed dinner (or lunch). Oishi Sushi isn’t filled with the hustle and bustle of some of Lafayette’s better known spots, but that seems to be part of its charm.
“Quiet. Picturesque,” notes one comment. “I have been to Oishi many times over the past 10 years and I can say that each visit has been consistent and delicious. The prices are AMAZING for the quality and quantity of food you get. The fish is so fresh and perfectly cut.”
Hideout on Lee
Hideaway on Lee lives up to its namesake “Hidden Gems”. With a variety of options to suit all tastes, it’s hard to find something you can’t eat, and it’s another restaurant with a devoted fan base.
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“Hideaway on Lee is a hidden gem,” noted one Yelp reviewer. “The food and service never disappoints. If you can experience an evening of live music, you will be amazed by the charm of this restaurant. The staff has always been so kind and give the best recommendations. Our waiter, Randy, was wonderful! The staff seem enjoy being at work and enjoy their work.”
mercy kitchen
Another restaurant newer to the scene, Mercy Kitchen, is rapidly growing in popularity and may not be a hidden gem for long at this rate. The atmosphere mixes well with the food to provide a fantastic experience that you will definitely enjoy again and again.
“The food was great and healthy. The ambiance was bohemian. We will definitely come back on the next trip,” noted one person. Another added that it’s a “lovely, welcoming place” with “fantastic cocktails and knowledgeable staff.”
Where are your “hidden treasures”?
Of course, these aren’t the only hidden gems out there. Lafayette has an amazing range of restaurants to visit. So tell us on our social media pages: where are your favorite “hidden gems”?
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