5 Brilliant Louisiana Seafood Joints

Louisiana Seafood Joints – Fresh Louisiana Oysters are so sweet and with a dash of Tabasco, simply amazing! – Photo Courtesy: Jeff Kovacs

Louisiana state in the USA has had a varied and colorful historical past and today it boasts of a rich diversity of people from different backgrounds. No wonder, the food that Louisiana restaurants offer are a treat for the locals as well as the large number of visitors to the area. Although the food most identified with the state is the Cajun and Creole, seafood is especially popular in Louisiana either as an ingredient or as a main dish such as Shrimp, Crayfish, Crabs, Oysters and Catfish.

We’re going to have a look at five of the brilliant Louisiana seafood joints here. Look below to find them listed from the fifth to the first progressively:

5 Brilliant Louisiana Seafood Joints

5. Casamento’s Restaurant – New Orleans, LA

This classic restaurant has been in operation since 1919 and was established by an Italian immigrant which shows in the Italian style decor and architecture throughout the establishment. The tile and marble adorned restaurant has been featured in commercials and has also been graced by many celebrities. Visitors can reminisce and feel the nodes of nostalgia by gazing at the autographed t-shirts on display that showcase signatures from celebrities over the last ninety years. But the best thing about this joint isn’t the interior design and history; it is the well prepared southern style seafood.

Although their menu features excellent soft shell crab and one of the best gumbos in New Orleans, Casamento’s is best known for their oysters. Whether the oysters are fresh or baked into an oyster loaf they could be said to be the best prepared oysters in Louisiana. This seafood dive is different because instead of using the usual New Orleans french bread they make a signature bread called ‘pan bread’. This is why their oyster loaves have been published as the best in the business by countless magazines. This historic landmark should be visited for anyone crossing through New Orleans both for the ambience and the seafood.

Website: www.casamentosrestaurant.com

4. Sam’s Southern Eatery – Shreveport, LA

For those southern foodies looking to engorge themselves in fried delicacies, and 4th on our list of five best Louisiana seafood joints, Sam’s Southern Eatery offers the largest portions of some the most delicious seafood in Shreveport. The small town is one of the two twin cities across the water and when Sam’s opened up in 2008, the Shreveport community welcomed them with open arms. That is mostly due to their vision of providing the southern seafood tradition to patrons at an affordable price. Since their opening in Shreveport, Sam’s has expanded rapidly to 26 locations in four separate states, making the journey to the original location worth traveling for.

Sam’s is most well known for their huge portions of jumbo shrimp, thin fried catfish and other southern cooked seafood fare at extraordinarily reasonable prices. Their style of restaurant fits perfectly into the scheme of affordable apartment and home prices, which could be a big factor in how they have taken off and expanded since their grand opening. A visit to the original Sam’s is in order for those traveling through Shreveport and it’s full time residents alike.

Website: http://samssoutherneatery.com/home/index

3. Middendorf’s – Akers, LA

Middendorf’s has been around for over 80 years and was established after Louis Middendorf lost his job due to the 1929 stock market crash. The entire Middendorf family began to work at the ‘cafe’ Louis opened with $500 he was awarded for serving in the first World War. His wife Josie was the first person to have the idea for the famous thin cut of catfish; her novel butchering invention combined with Louis’s charm behind the bar created a staple in the Akers community that remains intact today. Middendorf’s operated as a family restaurant for 40 years but was sold in 1984 due to having no more family to pass it down to.

The classic tale of acquiring the American dream is still alive and well at Middendorf’s despite the owners not being Middendorf’s themselves. But the legend is not what keeps customers lined up, it is the original thin cut catfish that is still served up today. They are the original home of world famous thin fried catfish and open for lunch and dinner daily.

Website: http://middendorfsrestaurant.com

2. Borgne – New Orleans, LA

Award winning chef John Besh and his executive chef Brian Landry started Borgne with a mission to provide a classic seafood restaurant to New Orleans. Besh, who has been featured on shows such as Top Chef Masters on Bravo, has a passion for seafood after growing up surrounded by iconic Louisiana seafood restaurants. He takes pride in providing locally caught fish to his patrons and hopes that this attention to detail will make his restaurant the seafood staple of the Big Easy.

The James Beard award winning chef is also a Louisiana native, which provides the ultimate synthesis in fine dining and preservation of heritage that makes Borgne a must visit Louisiana seafood restaurant. He serves dishes like seafood stuffed flounder and oyster spaghetti that are inspired by growing up fishing in the bayou. Although the prices at this spot are a bit higher than others on the list, Borgne is worth visiting for the synthesis of down home energy with fine cuisine.

Website: http://www.borgnerestaurant.com

1. Brother’s Seafood – Shreveport, LA

Brother’s is first on our list of 5 brilliant Louisiana seafood joints partly because of the rave reviews of their seafood and partly because of the inspirational head chef who recently passed away. This Shreveport staple is important to the community because former head chef Orlando Chapman not only served up some of the most delectable stuffed shrimp in the state but also mentored all of the young people he came into contact with. There were over a thousand attendees at his funeral to pay tribute to this pillar of the Shreveport community.

Left: Brother’s Seafood – Shreveport, LA

Their food is that of legend and Brother’s is said to have some of the most delicious, spicy southern style gumbo served in Louisiana. Those who visit, regard it as truly cajun cuisine that remains authentic to the culture. Anyone who finds themselves in Shreveport must visit Brother’s Seafood as it’s menu features one of the best renditions of Cajun delicacies offered in the state.

We hope you get a chance soon to enjoy at one of the above great Louisiana seafood joints.

Cara is a freelance writer who maintains an organic approach to life through interests in culinary arts, yoga and holistic healing. She wrote this article for AptShopper.com. Contact her through Google+.