Unearth The Voyage
Louisiana knows seafood like nowhere else in America. From the Gulf waters to the bayous, fresh catch has shaped the state’s food culture for generations. Whether you crave raw oysters on the half shell, spicy boiled crawfish, or perfectly fried catfish, these 15 seafood chains deliver authentic Louisiana flavor every single time.
1. Acme Oyster House (statewide)
Since 1910, Acme has been shucking oysters and serving hungry crowds across Louisiana. Walking into any location feels like stepping into New Orleans history, with marble counters and shuckers working at lightning speed.
Raw oysters arrive ice-cold and briny, but the chargrilled version steals the show with butter, garlic, and cheese bubbling on top. Fried seafood platters overflow with shrimp, catfish, and oysters, all golden and crispy. Po’boys come dressed the classic way, with lettuce, tomato, pickles, and plenty of mayo.
You’ll find Acme in New Orleans, Metairie, Covington, and Baton Rouge, making it easy to get your oyster fix wherever you roam in the state.
2. Drago’s Seafood Restaurant (Metairie • New Orleans • Baton Rouge • Lafayette)
Drago Cvitanovich invented the charbroiled oyster back in the 1990s, and his family restaurant has been perfecting it ever since. Each oyster gets a generous coating of garlic, butter, herbs, and parmesan before hitting the broiler.
What comes out is smoky, rich, and downright addictive. Beyond oysters, Drago’s serves everything from stuffed crab to blackened redfish, all prepared with that same attention to Louisiana tradition. The original Metairie location remains a local favorite, but you can now enjoy Drago’s in downtown New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Lafayette too.
Reservations help during peak hours, especially at the Hilton Riverside spot.
3. Deanie’s Seafood (Bucktown • French Quarter • Market)
Deanie’s started as a family operation in Bucktown and grew into a beloved seafood destination with locations in the French Quarter and a thriving market. Portions here are never small. Platters arrive loaded with fried shrimp, oysters, catfish, and hushpuppies, all cooked to order.
Boiled seafood comes by the pound, seasoned just right with Deanie’s signature spice blend. The market side lets you take home fresh Gulf shrimp, crabs, and fish to cook yourself. Locals appreciate the no-frills vibe and consistent quality, whether dining in or grabbing takeout.
Prices stay reasonable, making Deanie’s a go-to for feeding a hungry crowd without breaking the bank.
4. Don’s Seafood (Acadiana & Greater NOLA)
Don Landry opened his first restaurant in Lafayette in 1934, and Don’s has been serving Acadiana ever since. Seafood gumbo here starts with a dark roux and gets loaded with shrimp, crab, and okra for that authentic Cajun flavor.
Fried catfish arrives hot and flaky, with a cornmeal crust that crunches perfectly. When crawfish season hits, Don’s boils them fresh with potatoes, corn, and spicy seasoning. Multiple locations stretch from Lafayette through Metairie, making it easy to find a Don’s nearby.
The atmosphere feels family-friendly and casual, perfect for a weeknight dinner or weekend feast with friends.
5. Mike Anderson’s Seafood (Baton Rouge • Prairieville • NOLA)
Mike Anderson built his Baton Rouge restaurant into a capital city institution, and it’s easy to see why locals keep coming back. Gulf fish gets grilled, blackened, or fried to perfection, always fresh and never overcooked.
Cajun classics like crawfish etouffee and shrimp remoulade share menu space with oyster platters and po’boys. The Prairieville and New Orleans locations bring the same quality to a wider audience. Servers know the menu inside out and can guide you toward the day’s best catch.
Expect a lively crowd on weekends, especially during LSU football season when fans pack the Baton Rouge spot before and after games.
6. Mr. Ed’s Oyster Bar & Fish House (Greater New Orleans)
With three locations across greater New Orleans, Mr. Ed’s has become the neighborhood oyster bar everyone needs in their life. Raw oysters arrive freshly shucked, cold, and briny, perfect with a squeeze of lemon and a dab of horseradish.
Chargrilled oysters come bubbling with garlic butter and cheese, rich enough to make you forget your diet. Creole plates like red beans and rice, jambalaya, and fried seafood round out the menu. The Metairie, French Quarter, and St. Charles Avenue spots each have their own loyal following.
Stop by for happy hour specials on oysters and cold beer, a quintessential New Orleans experience.
7. Felix’s Restaurant & Oyster Bar (French Quarter • Lakefront • Gulf region)
Felix’s has been a French Quarter fixture since 1940, and stepping inside feels like visiting an old friend. Oyster shuckers work behind the bar, tossing shells and cracking jokes while keeping the bivalves flowing.
Chargrilled oysters at the Lakefront location offer stunning views alongside that signature garlic butter char. Po’boys come overstuffed, gumbo tastes rich and smoky, and fried seafood platters satisfy even the biggest appetites. Multiple locations mean you can enjoy Felix’s whether you’re in the Quarter, by the lake, or exploring the Gulf region.
Tourists and locals mingle at the bar, united by their love of fresh Gulf oysters and cold beer.
8. Half Shell Oyster House (Covington • Lafayette • Lake Charles & more)
Half Shell started on the Gulf Coast and expanded into Louisiana with locations in Covington, Lafayette, Lake Charles, and beyond. Oysters dominate the menu, available raw, chargrilled, or fried, depending on your mood.
Gulf seafood entrees showcase shrimp, crab, and fish prepared with Cajun and Creole influences. The atmosphere stays casual and laid-back, perfect for families or groups celebrating something special. Daily specials keep the menu fresh, often featuring seasonal catches at great prices.
Half Shell’s consistency across locations means you know what to expect, whether you’re dining in Covington or Lake Charles. Service stays friendly and efficient, even during busy dinner rushes.
9. Cajun Seafood (multiple New Orleans locations)
Four New Orleans locations make Cajun Seafood the mini-chain that locals turn to when cravings hit. Seafood boils arrive at your table in bags, messy and delicious, with your choice of spice level and seasoning.
Peel shrimp and crawfish with your hands, dip everything in the spicy butter sauce, and embrace the chaos. Po’boys and fried seafood platters offer less hands-on options, but the boils steal the spotlight. Prices stay affordable, making it easy to feed a group without worrying about the bill.
Each neighborhood location serves its community well, from Mid-City to the West Bank and beyond. Takeout works great for backyard gatherings.
10. Landry’s Seafood House (New Orleans Lake Pontchartrain; statewide Landry’s portfolio)
Landry’s brings its well-known brand to Louisiana with a Lake Pontchartrain location that offers stunning water views. Gulf-style seafood includes everything from stuffed flounder to grilled redfish, all prepared with care and served in generous portions.
The menu balances Louisiana classics with broader Gulf Coast favorites, appealing to both locals and visitors. Landry’s reputation for quality and consistency means you can trust what arrives at your table. The lakefront setting adds something special, especially during sunset when the light dances across the water.
Reservations help secure a window seat, particularly on weekends when the restaurant fills quickly with families and couples celebrating special occasions.
11. Tony’s Seafood Market & Deli (Baton Rouge)
Tony’s claims the title of Gulf South’s largest seafood market, and one visit proves it. Fresh shrimp, crabs, crawfish, and fish fill the cases, all sourced from Gulf waters and Louisiana fishermen.
The deli side serves hot plates, seafood boils, and sides, perfect for grabbing lunch or dinner without cooking at home. Locals rely on Tony’s for everyday seafood needs, whether buying ingredients for a backyard boil or picking up prepared food after work. Prices stay competitive, and the quality never wavers.
Staff members know their seafood and can answer questions about cooking methods and seasonal availability. Tony’s has become a Baton Rouge institution for good reason.
12. Fiery Crab Seafood Restaurant & Bar (New Orleans • Houma • Baton Rouge/Lafayette areas)
Fiery Crab brings the Cajun seafood boil experience to multiple Louisiana cities, from New Orleans to Houma to Baton Rouge and Lafayette. Order seafood by the pound and choose your spice level, from mild to fire-breathing hot.
Sauces like garlic butter, lemon pepper, and Cajun blend coat shrimp, crab, crawfish, and mussels in flavor. Bibs and gloves come standard because eating here gets messy in the best possible way. The fun, casual atmosphere makes Fiery Crab perfect for groups and celebrations.
Prices vary by market seafood costs, but portions stay generous. Don’t skip the corn and potatoes, which soak up all that delicious sauce.
13. Captain D’s (statewide)
Captain D’s might be a national fast-casual chain, but Louisianans in Alexandria, Monroe, Shreveport, and beyond count on it for quick, affordable seafood. Fried fish and shrimp come hot and crispy, served with hushpuppies, coleslaw, and fries.
The menu stays simple and predictable, which works perfectly when you need a fast seafood fix without fuss. Drive-through service makes it easy to grab dinner on busy weeknights. While purists might scoff, Captain D’s fills a real need in Louisiana cities where independent seafood spots are scarce.
Prices stay budget-friendly, and kids eat free on certain nights, making it a practical choice for families watching their wallets.
14. Red Lobster (Baton Rouge • Metairie • Bossier City • Monroe)
Red Lobster operates four Louisiana locations as of late 2025, serving Baton Rouge, Metairie, Bossier City, and Monroe. While it’s a national chain, these spots remain popular for consistent seafood at predictable prices.
Cheddar bay biscuits still arrive warm and garlicky, starting every meal right. Endless shrimp promotions draw crowds, and the menu offers everything from lobster tail to grilled salmon. Check the brand’s website for current hours and any location updates, as the chain has seen changes recently.
Red Lobster works well for families and anyone seeking familiar seafood options without surprises. Service stays friendly, and the atmosphere feels comfortable and unpretentious.
15. Bonefish Grill (Metairie • Lafayette)
Bonefish Grill brings Bloomin’ Brands’ seafood concept to Louisiana with locations in Metairie and Lafayette. Bang Bang Shrimp, the chain’s signature appetizer, arrives crispy and coated in a creamy, spicy sauce that keeps people coming back.
Market-fish specials change regularly based on fresh catches, and servers can explain preparation options like grilled, blackened, or with special sauces. The atmosphere feels a step above typical casual chains, making Bonefish a solid choice for date nights or business dinners.
Wood-grilled cooking adds smoky flavor without overwhelming the fish’s natural taste. Prices sit higher than fast-casual spots but remain reasonable for the quality and service provided.
