It’s safe to say 2018 was the year for sleek, chic and international restaurant openings in Baton Rouge. In a matter of months, the Capital Region became a diverse food hub bursting with unique restaurants home to gorgeous interiors and mouthwatering menus. With dozens of poke and fusion spots, as well as cafe and bar openings, it can be hard to keep up. Think you’ve tried them all yet? If not, here’s your list to check off in the new year.
FULL-SERVICE RESTAURANTS
What: An upscale Mid City pizzeria that serves Italian classics with a modern twist
Where: 3897 Government St.
When: January
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What: A romantic downtown spot for Creole cuisine
Where: 421 N. Third St.
When: April
Francois Cafe & Grill
What: A restaurant with a lengthy menu and New Orleans flair
Where: 5454 Bluebonnet Blvd.
When: May
Marcello’s Restaurant & Wine Bar
What: A classy Italian restaurant in Southdowns featuring a rustic wine bar
Where: 4205 Perkins Road, #5
When: May
What: A Mid City restaurant dishing out hip and modern Asian cuisine
Where: 5050 Government St.
When: July
What: A quick lunch spot for delicious sushi
Where: 9634 Airline Highway, Suite F2A
When: July
What: Comfort food served in a modern and artsy restaurant in the Acadian Village Shopping Center
Where: 3535 Perkins Road, Suite 400
When: September
What: A stylish space in Ichiban Plaza serving authentic Mexican cuisine (think the non-Tex-Mex kind)
Where: 7673 Perkins Road, Suite A5
When: October
What: A Mid City restaurant chock full of New Orleans staples
Where: 672 Jefferson Highway
When: November
FAST-CASUAL SPOTS
What: The city’s newest and long-awaited gourmet food hall
Where: 4624 Government St.
When: May
What: Flash-fired pizzas from the same owners of Stroubes Seafood and Steaks
Where: 18303 Old Perkins Road, E #116
When: June
What: A delicious merger between Tiger Deaux-nuts and Smokin Aces BBQ
Where: 5162 Government St.
When: July
What: A spacious and colorful restaurant serving Caribbean fare, along with a great patio for watching volleyball matches
Where: 7477 Burbank Drive, south of LSU
When: July
What: New Haven, Connecticut-inspired pizza is the main attraction at this pizza joint from the City Pork family
Where: 124 W. Chimes St.
When: August
What: A sports bar with daily food specials
Where: 18181 Old Jefferson Highway
When: September
What: A modern twist on traditional Chinese food with hints of Southern cuisine
Where: 501 Main St., nestled next to Main Street Market downtown
When: November
What: A family-owned vegan soul food spot
Where: 4608 Bennington Ave.
When: November
What: A Mid City barbecue joint located in the former Smokin Aces BBQ
Where: 2504 Government St.
When: November
HEALTHY CONCEPTS
What: An Instagrammable New Orleans-born poke restaurant
Where: 3260 Highland Road
When: September
What: An acai bowl chain at Nicholson Gateway
Where: 3646 Nicholson Drive, Unit 4
When: October
What: A calming vegan cafe and lounge inside Yoga Bliss
Where: 7384 Highland Road
When: October
What: Poke restaurant with Hawaiian-inspired dishes
Where: 9837 Bluebonnet Blvd.
When: October
What: A cold-pressed juice bar franchise near LSU
Where: 411 Ben Hur Road, Suite E
When: November
COFFEE, TEA & DESSERTS
What: A bright and airy coffee shop that employs displaced refugees
Where: 257 Lee Drive
When: March
What: A family-owned bakery specializing in extravagant desserts
Where: 9618 Jefferson Highway
When: May
What: The city’s first rolled ice cream shop
Where: 7514 Bluebonnet Blvd., in the Bluebonnet Shopping Center
When: June
What: Locally owned bakery with everything from decorative cakes to bubble tea
Where: 3617 Perkins Road, #1B, in the Acadian-Perkins Plaza
When: June
What: A New York-based Taiwanese bubble tea shop off Florida Boulevard
Where: 11230 Florida Blvd.
When: July
What: An Italian ice and frozen custard franchise
Where: 1082 West Lee Drive
When: October
What: A bubble tea shop on Corporate Boulevard that serves tapioca, coffee and light snacks
Where: 7620 Corporate Blvd., Suite G
When: December
ADDITIONAL LOCATIONS
What: A modern Louisiana-based poke restaurant that has recently added Hawaiian shaved ice, milk teas and mochi
Where: 7474 Corporate Blvd., Unit 206
When: May
What: All-American restaurant serving handcrafted burgers
Where: 18303 Perkins Road E, Bldg. 1, Suite 100
When: July
What: The barbecue and seafood joint with a farm-to-table feel added a second location in Denham Springs
Where: 240 Range 12 Blvd., Ste. 121
When: September
What: The Louisiana-based salad franchise opened a downtown post
Where: 333 Laurel St., inside the Commerce Building
When: October
What: A laid-back version of this popular pizza parlor with a modern interior
Where: 411 Ben Hur Road
When: October
BARS
What: An after-work hang-out for sports lovers in the former Draft House downtown
Where: 421 Third St.
When: February
What: A downtown bar specializing in traditional cocktails and wine offerings in the former Roux House location
Where: 143 Third St.
When: September
FOOD SHOPS & BUSINESSES
What: A specialized wine and craft beer shop in the heart of Mid City
Where: 711 Jefferson Highway, Suite 1C
When: May
What: A restaurateur’s heaven, full of food and cooking supplies. Think Sam’s Club, except exclusively for those with a resale certificate
Where: Commercial Avenue off O’Neal Lane
When: August
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What: The popular catering boutique relocated to a larger space in Studio Park to offer retail items, pastries and carry-out lunch in addition to the catering menu
Where: 1660 Lobdell Ave., Suite 100
When: November
Let’s hear it—who did we miss? Let us know in the comments!