In the state capital, there’s bound to be thousands of places to eat, some harder to find than others. Here’s our guide to the hidden treasures of Baton Rouge cuisine.
Yvette Marie’s Café: 1857 Government St.
This cafe tucked behind the connected Circa 1857 antique and art market has some of the best sandwiches around. Get the Greek chicken warm pressed sandwich after perusing the market.
Rama Restaurant: 2919 Perkins Rd.
The mysterious Thai restaurant is only open 5 to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Squeeze into the dinner rush and treat yourself to pad thai and fried banana à la mode.
Pinetta’s European Restaurant: 3056 Perkins Rd.
The spaghetti capital of Baton Rouge is noticeable only by the twinkling lights in the window. Inside, European memorabilia cover the walls and patrons eat pasta by warm candlelight. Try Pinetta’s famous red sauce, rich enough to make your head swim. 
Café Américain Restaurant & Bar: 7521 Jefferson Hwy
Situated in the corner of a shopping center, Café Américain Restaurant & Bar boasts the best hushpuppies in town. Usually empty, it’ll be easy to find a seat at this hidden gem of a restaurant. If you’d rather a burger than their speciality seafood, get it on sourdough.
Bonus: Menu Items
Paradise Smoothie’s Bubble Tea: 1295 N Sherwood Forest Dr
This seemingly innocuous smoothie shop is the only place to get boba milk tea, or bubble tea, in Baton Rouge. With flavors ranging from espresso, various fruits and even taro root, every bubble tea enthusiast will              leave refreshed.
Louie’s Cafe’s Vegan Apple Pie: 206 W State St
There aren’t many vegan choices in Baton Rouge, much less in Tigertown’s favorite greasespot. But when you stop by on late nights for hashbrowns, omelettes or burgers, vegan friends can get a slice of Louie’s apple pie, the only menu item of its kind.

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Grace Steinhauser

Rama is located on Perkins Rd.