Must-Try Dishes: Places To Eat In Natchitoches, Louisiana

1. Yam cake and more at French Market Express

It might come as a surprise, but some really good food can be found at a gas station. If, of course, that gas station happens to be French Market Express. Alligator and boudin sausage links, loaded potato tots, and boudin balls are a few of the meal options, but, by all means, save room for dessert. French Market Express is the only place where you can buy Louisiana Yam Cake, a scrumptious combination of yams, coconut, and pecans. It is baked on the premises using a secret recipe that is closely guarded. Note also that French Market Express bakes fresh gingerbread every day, not just during the holiday season.

2. Meat pies are a signature Natchitoches dish

Meat pies, which consist of seasoned beef and sausage baked in a crust, have emerged as a must-try item when you visit Natchitoches. Since they might seem bland to bold flavor lovers, a variety of sauces are often served alongside meat pies. Some of the best can be found at Cane River Commissary, which is also known for Creole dishes such as Creamy Creole Pasta, gumbo, or orange/reddish jambalaya. (If the jambalaya is brown, it’s considered Cajun).

3. Fried meat pies and crawfish pies at Lasyone's

Meat pies at Lasyone’s Meat Pie Kitchen are fried rather than baked, and the crawfish version is fantastic. Both meat pies and crawfish pies are so popular that they are available for shipment across the country via Goldbelly.com. Angela Lasyone took over the business when her parents retired and continues traditions they started in 1967. Lasyone’s serves breakfast and lunch.

4. Cajun potato at Merci Beaucoup

Merci Beaucoup is normally a lunch place, but during the Christmas Festival days it opens late for all those taking in the lights and the sights on Front Street and along the river. The restaurant serves Cajun and Creole favorites, and I can personally attest that the Cajun Baked Potato is one of the most delicious dishes I’ve ever tasted. The potato is soft and covered with an amazing crawfish étouffée full of crawfish tail meat and flavors galore, then it is topped with a jumbo fried shrimp. The bread pudding at Merci Beaucoup is very good, but I’d suggest you try the Louisiana Sin Bar for layers of chocolate decadence.

5. Pecans at Little Eva Pecan Company

When you drive around Natchitoches Parish, you will pass acres and acres of tall pecan trees. That will make you think immediately of pecan pies, pecan muffins, pecan brittle, pecan cake, and more. When I inquired about the best place to buy fresh pecans, I was directed to Little Eva Pecan Company, also known as Natchitoches Pecans. At one time, there were 11,000 acres near Little Eva’s which made up the largest pecan orchard in North America. Now, the pecan store sits on 400 acres of what was once Little Eva Plantation. It was named for the young girl who befriended Uncle Tom in Harriet Beecher Stowe’s book “Uncle Tom’s Cabin.”

On my visit three varieties of pecans were available for purchase: Caddo, Elliott, and Sumner. Visitors are invited to sample each kind before deciding what they want to purchase. The store is full of attractive gift items as well, including some based on the artwork of Clementine Hunter.

6. Oysters Benedict at Mariner's Restaurant

The location of Mariner’s Restaurant on Sibley Lake is stunning. Owners Ben and Keri Fidelak purchased the property during the pandemic and undertook a complete remodel of the interior, making it one of the most elegant dining spots in the area. Ben is also the chef at Mariner’s and particularly enjoys serving creative dishes such as Boudin Stuffed Chicken Breast or Tomahawk Steaks with Fire Roasted Rosemary. Dancing and live music make this a perfect romantic date location, but Mariner’s is also wildly popular for Sunday brunch. You’ll be surprised to see Oysters Benedict on the menu here - a unique dish that you won’t find easily. This dish includes a half dozen fried oysters, two poached eggs over andouille sausage, and a drizzle of pepper jelly reduction - it was very flavorful.

7. Elegant breakfast at a B & B

Natchitoches is referred to as the Bed and Breakfast Capital of Louisiana. Thirty B & Bs in the town include homes on the National Register of Historic Places, homes along Cane River Lake, and a home that served as the setting for the popular movie “Steel Magnolias.” As a general rule, the breakfast part of the title consists of a sumptuous entree served elegantly. Some of the dishes served at Violet Hill Bed & Breakfast, for example, include Apple Strudel Pancakes, Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast, Apple Spice Belgium Waffles, or Quiche with a side of Rosemary Potatoes. Visitors to Natchitoches will want to consider staying at a B & B in order to have this delicious experience.

8. Smoked meats at Grayson's Bar-B-Q

Your mouth will start salivating in the parking lot when you catch the aroma at Grayson’s Bar-B-Q. The pulled pork and brisket are wonderful, but smoked ham puts this place over the top. When the meats are served with a homemade bun, silky smooth potato salad, and great coleslaw, you will be a happy eater. Be sure to save room for Grayson’s legendary pecan pie. You might want to order one to take home, and by the way, Grayson’s food would taste mighty good while you’re watching your favorite team on TV.