If you ask a Lafayette native about their favorite restaurant, the answer will most likely be, "That depends." Locals have their favorite dishes at certain places, so what you're looking for will dictate where you eat! Searching for the best pizza? That may not be the same place that has the best lasagna. We asked real locals which restaurants had their favorite dishes, and they gave us a range of classics like pizza to favorites like tacos. Check out the 25 dishes below that we're excited to try in 2025.

Baba Kebab - Angry Eggplant

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Baba Kebab, the Angry Eggplant

Looking for a Mediterranean influence? At Baba Kebab, the Angry Eggplant brings a bold, spicy twist to the classic vegetable. It consists of roasted layers of eggplant and feta cheese topped with spicy angry tomato sauce and pita bread.

Blu Basil - Bulgogi Beef Lettuce Wraps

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Blu Basil - Bulgogi Beef Lettuce Wraps

Blu Basil excels at small plates like Bulgogi Beef Lettuce Wraps and grilled short ribs. The lettuce wraps are topped with marinated bulgogi beef, shredded crab, carrots, cilantro, and lime.

Cafe Bella - Veal Ossobuco Milanese

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Indulge in the decadent veal ossobuco milanese at Café Bella. Braised veal shank served with seasoned Italian polenta & au jus.

Cafe Josephine - Char-Grilled Oysters

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Cafe Josephine

Cafe Josephine in Sunset offers a sophisticated yet welcoming setting. They are known for steak but do not sleep on the char-grilled oysters—fresh, plump, and grilled to perfection.

Charley G's - Sous Vide Pan-Seared Duck Breast

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For a more decadent offering, Charley G's serves a beautifully prepared Sous Vide Pan-Seared Duck Breast—a dish that exemplifies precision cooking. The duck is cooked to perfection, with crisp skin and tender, juicy meat. It is often paired with seasonal sides that elevate the luxurious flavors.

Destination India - Palak Paneer

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Destination India serves creamy, comforting Palak Paneer, a spinach-based curry with tender cubes of paneer cheese that melt in your mouth. The dish is perfectly spiced to create harmony.

Deuces Taste of the South - Brisket Tacos

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In Broussard at Deuces Taste of the South, they excel at BBQ. The brisket tacos combine smoky, tender meat with fresh toppings, perfect for those on the go.

Dumpling Hour - Xiao Long Bao

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Dumpling Hour - Xiao Long Bao

At Dumpling Hour, the Xiao Long Bao, or soup dumplings, are a must-try. The delicate dough is filled with savory broth and tender pork or chicken, offering a burst of flavor with every bite.

El Zarape Tacos Y Gorditas - Birria Tacos

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On N. University El Zarape Tacos Y Gorditas, the Birria Tacos steal the show, with slow-cooked, spiced beef in crispy tortillas, served with a flavorful consommé for dipping.

Fuji Sushi - Lauren Roll

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Tucked away on Johnston Street, Fuji Sushi is low-key and serves some of the best sushi in town, and the Lauren Roll is no exception.

Izumi Ramen - Pork Bao Buns

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Izumi Ramen - Pork Bao Buns

Over at Izumi Ramen, yes, the ramen is great, but the Pork Bao Buns and Gyoza are also favorites. They are soft, fluffy buns stuffed with juicy pork and crispy, pan-fried dumplings packed with flavor.

La Pagua - Papusas

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La Pagua - Papusas

For something hearty and comforting, head down Johnston Street to La Pagua for their Papusas, thick corn tortillas stuffed with cheese, beans, and/or pork, served with tangy pickled cabbage. Be sure to get a side of refried beans because La Pagua does them perfectly.

M&K Old School Cooking - Stuffed Pork Roast

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M&K Old School Cooking - Stuffed Pork Roast

M&K Old School Cooking on the Northside is a must-visit for its stuffed pork roast, served over rice with a rich gravy and sides like collard greens and cornbread.

Marcello's - Daily Risotto Special

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Marcello's - Daily Risotto Special

If you're looking for a more romantic option, don't miss the daily risotto special at Marcello's. One of the few places in town that offers this creamy rice dish, Marcello's has perfected it. Try the goat cheese or roasted red pepper.

Nhi Taste of Asia - Miso Shrimp Eggplant

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Nhi Taste of Asia - Miso Shrimp Eggplant

Nhi Taste of Asia serves up a flavorful Miso Shrimp Eggplant: fried Gulf shrimp and tempura eggplant sautéed in creamy miso sauce with green onion.

Njoy Curry Masala - Chicken Vindaloo

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Njoy Curry Masala is the place for a tantalizing Chicken Vindaloo—a spicy, tangy dish with marinated chicken cooked in a flavorful, aromatic sauce that balances heat with rich depth.

Pamplona Tapas Bar - Mac n Cheese

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Pamplona Tapas Bar - Mac n Cheese

For a rich, indulgent side, head downtown to Pamplona Tapas Bar for their decadent Mac n Cheese. Melty, rich cheese sauce coats tender pasta in a cast iron skillet.

Parish Biscuit Co. - The Cameron

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Parish Biscuit Co. - The Cameron

For brunch, head over to the Oil Center for Parish Biscuit Co. The Cameron is a must-try: a biscuit piled high with crispy fried chicken, hot honey, and jalapeños, creating a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory.

Park Bistro - Roasted Salmon

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Park Bistro - Roasted Salmon

Park Bistro brings something truly memorable to the table with its Roasted Salmon—perfectly cooked, flaky salmon accompanied by braised beluga lentils, cauliflower, and roasted kale, all drizzled with a tangy tomato vinaigrette.

Pho Home - Banh Mi

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Pho Home - Banh Mi

Just down the road is Pho Home. They're the place to go for a delicious Banh Mi (a Vietnamese poboy) featuring crispy baguette, marinated pork, carrots, and cilantro.

Priya's - Stuffed Eggplant

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Vegetarians will find plenty to love, starting with Priya's, where the Stuffed Eggplant is a must-try. This dish features eggplant filled with a savory mix of spices and veggies, then cooked to tender perfection—offering a satisfying, flavorful bite in every forkful.

Saigon Noodles - Oxtail Pho

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Saigon Noodles offers a rich and aromatic Oxtail Pho. Tender oxtail is served in a fragrant broth loaded with fresh herbs and spices.

Sarrica's Italian Pizza - Classic Margarita

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Sarrica's Italian Pizza - Classic Margarita

The most recent addition to the pizza scene is Sarrica's Italian Pizza, and a local favorite is the classic margarita. Why do fancy dishes when you can do a classic so well? Sarrica's is a casual pizza place for the whole family.

Taqueria La Mexicano - Toluqueña Specialty Torta

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Taqueria La Mexicano serves incredible tortas - similar to a poboy. A crowd favorite is Toluqueña Specialty Torta - a Mexican sandwich loaded with a fried steak, pork chop, egg, Monterey jack cheese, avocado, tomato, chorizo, refried beans, and mayo.

Vestal - Crab Spaghetti

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Vestal - Crab Spaghetti

At Vestal in downtown Lafayette, the Crab Spaghetti dish stands out. Fresh lump crabmeat tossed with handmade pasta is simple while allowing the sweet flavors of the blue crab to shine.