Baton Rouge food news roundup: Umami's second location, Michelin Guide recs and more bites

October 28, 2026

Umami Japanese Bistro to open second location

Umami Japanese Bistro will take over the former Tsunami Sushi space at 1 Smart Way at the corner of Bluebonnet Boulevard and Highland Road. This news comes after Tsunami quietly closed in the space. This will be the second location for Umami.

Eliza Restaurant & Bar is celebrating its 10th year

Eliza Restaurant & Bar is turning double digits in November, and the eatery is celebrating with a throwback menu running Nov. 9 through 14. The “From the Archives” lineup will feature specials from old menus the restaurant has had during its decade of business.

Vals rolls out a Taco Bell-inspired menu

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Think outside the bun and get a reservation at Vals to try the restaurant’s Cantina Bell menu. Inspired by Taco Bell, this limited lineup elevates fast food classics with items like the Crunchwrap Supremo, Pizza Mexicana, Nacho Fries, Cinnamon Delights and a Baja Blast margarita. The specialty menu is available through Oct. 31.

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More Michelin recognition

Elsie’s Plate & Pie. Photo by Collin Richie

For the second year in a row, two Capital Region spots have nabbed spots on the Michelin Guide‘s recommended list. Both Elsie’s Plate & Pie in Baton Rouge and The St. Francisville Inn & Restaurant in St. Francisville were tapped.

Feast on a Halloween-themed meal on Friday

Grab your brooms and don your pointiest hats for local witch-themed meals around town. Stop by The Colonel’s Club for The Colonel’s Coven, a festive lunch on Oct. 30 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Costumes are encouraged and there will be an award for best dressed. The Plantry Cafe is also hosting The Bewitched Supper on Oct. 30, with autumnal courses, wine pairings and a cocktail party until midnight.

More bites

Local meat shop Iverstine Butcher has opened its Thanksgiving preorders. Customers can take the guesswork out of meal prep by ordering smoked turkeys, beef tenderloins, bone-in hams and all the sides.
The Byronz Restaurant Family is now offering bites from its three eateries—Brasserie Byronz, Pizza Byronz and Bistro Byronz—to Baton Rouge Community College students. Students can stop by the Bienvenue Student Center to get a taste of the Byronz group’s offerings.