Some meals don’t just fill you up — they ruin you for everything else. In Louisiana, that meal is catfish. Golden, crispy, kissed by spice, and fried with the kind of confidence only Cajun cooks can pull off. Every café on this list knows the sacred secret: catfish isn’t just food here — it’s a ritual. You’ll find it sizzling in small-town diners, served with hushpuppies and hot sauce in places where recipes are guarded tighter than family heirlooms. The smell alone can stop traffic.
These eight Louisiana cafés fry catfish so perfect, you’ll forget every fish you’ve ever tasted — and start planning your next road trip before you’ve even finished your plate.
Middendorf’s — Manchac (Akers), LA
Since 1934, Middendorf’s has been a beloved staple in Manchac. Their “World Famous Original Thin Fried Catfish” is a culinary legend, known for its paper-thin, crackling fillets. The restaurant’s waterfront setting adds a charming backdrop to this timeless dining experience.
The generous portions alongside fries and tartar sauce speak to their commitment to quality and tradition. Middendorf’s near-legendary thin-fry technique makes each bite a crispy delight, keeping patrons coming back for more.
Johnny’s Catfish & Seafood — Shreveport, LA
Johnny’s Catfish & Seafood offers a regional favorite with its golden cornmeal crusts and hearty plate lunches. Established in 2002, the restaurant has become synonymous with homecooked flavors and dependable specials. Each three-piece fried catfish dinner is accompanied by comforting sides like collard greens and fries.
The focus on family recipes and Sunday supper vibes makes every visit feel like a warm embrace. A satisfying meal awaits anyone looking for unfussy, delicious catfish.
Barrow’s Catfish — New Orleans, LA
Barrow’s Catfish, tracing its roots back to 1943, stands out for its multigenerational appeal. Known for cornmeal-battered catfish, the café offers a menu honed over decades. Whether it’s the classic catfish with fries or potato salad, each dish is seasoned to perfection.
The atmosphere is reflective of New Orleans’ vibrant culture, promising an honest, simple seafood experience. Barrow’s offers a taste of tradition that keeps families coming back time and again.
High Hat Cafe — New Orleans, LA
High Hat Cafe, located in Uptown New Orleans, serves up a catfish po’boy that locals adore. The use of U.S. farmed catfish ensures quality, while the chef-driven attention to detail shines through. Accompanied by thoughtful sides like pimento mac, the po’boy is both crunchy and soft. With a neighborhood vibe, the café is perfect for lunch or early dinner.
Creative specials highlight Gulf flavors, making each visit uniquely enjoyable. Expect a welcoming atmosphere and satisfying meals.
Drusilla Place / Drusilla Seafood — Baton Rouge, LA
Drusilla Place, a family-owned staple in Baton Rouge, is renowned for its crisp fried catfish. Alongside boiled seafood and gumbo, the restaurant serves traditional plate lunches. The long local history is reflected in the reliable lunchtime buffets and classic Cajun seasoning. Fried catfish fillets, served with coleslaw and fries, offer a comforting, familiar taste.
Visitors can enjoy the friendly service and welcoming atmosphere that the locals have cherished for years. It’s a place to bring family, savor meals, and indulge in pecan pie.
Olde Tyme Grocery — Lafayette, LA
Famous for its Friday fried catfish po’boys, Olde Tyme Grocery in Lafayette is a local institution. Known for its seafood platters and rapid service, the bustling atmosphere draws crowds of locals and students. The portions are value-packed, and the flavors are authentic Acadiana.
Visitors can expect a lively experience that turns a simple catfish po’boy into a beloved weekly ritual. Arriving early ensures you don’t miss out on this cherished tradition.
Lagneaux’s King of Seafood — Lafayette, LA
Lagneaux’s King of Seafood combines market roots with a restaurant vibe, offering Cajun fried catfish. Known for its hearty buffet offerings, the restaurant serves plates with authentic regional seasoning. A community feel pervades the space, allowing diners to enjoy ample portions of classic Creole-Cajun flavors.
Whether you choose the buffet or à la carte, each meal promises homestyle Acadiana cooking. Weekends bring generous buffets, enhancing the family-friendly dining experience.
Pop’s Poboys — Lafayette, LA
Downtown Lafayette’s Pop’s Poboys offers a chef-driven take on the classic po’boy. The Boudreaux features buttermilk fried catfish topped with inventive pickled okra tartar and blue-cheese slaw. Chef Collin Cormier’s creative touch elevates the traditional po’boy into something uniquely delightful.
Patrons enjoy a refined, crunchy catfish experience that honors tradition while introducing fresh flavors. A stop at Pop’s offers lively meals paired with artisan cocktails, making every visit memorable.