Cajun food is a staple of the south -- originating in Louisiana from French colonists known as Acadians it brings together West African, French, and Spanish cooking techniques. This cuisine is known for incorporating seafoods, flavorful meats, aromatic vegetables, and a variety of savory spices. The best cajun foods can be found locally in the south starting in Louisiana and branching out to neighboring states, like Georgia. Atlanta is known for having some of the best cajun restaurants, so here are our top six favorites that you or someone special can try the next time you head out to the Big Peach.
Going into 2021 we have adopted new safety procedures such as staying home as often as possible, social distancing, and wearing protective face masks. However, this does not prevent birthdays and holidays from happening, which means you still need gifts for these special events! With GiftYa -- an electronic gift card service that sends a gift card to whoever you choose via text message -- you can safely deliver that birthday gift to over 1.5 million locations across the United States. The best part is you can personalize the gift card to their favorite restaurants, shops, bars, etc and add a message of your own. If they love cajun food, here are our top six favorites in Atlanta -- so keep this in mind if they’re ever on a business trip to the Gate City!
“New Orleans Style” Cooking and Atmosphere Found Right in Atlanta
1193 Collier Rd NW | Atlanta | bigeasygrille.com
Big Easy Grille was founded in 2002 by two friends -- “Big,” a chef from Louisiana and “Easy,” a businessman and professional drinker. Their passion for cajun and creole food and the “New Orleans Style” helped them bring their restaurant to life. The style they are referring to is a small neighborhood location with delicious homemade food and good times. They pride themselves on serving fresh food with seafood brought to the location directly from Louisiana.
Whenever you visit -- be sure to order the shrimp po-boy, because Big Easy is known for having the best in Atlanta. You might also want to try their seafood platters, jambalaya, etouffee, burgers, beignets, and so much more. You will receive a hearty portion and leave this place feeling satisfied and filled with cajun hospitality.
“Very good food and the best beignets in Atlanta! I kept driving back and forth in front of the restaurant and decided to stop in. I am so glad that I did! The portions were generous, everything tasty, and the beignets were incredible!” - Yelp Review
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Refined New Orleans Creole Cooking in a 1970’s Atmosphere
3209 Maple Dr NE | Atlanta | mckinnons.com
Founded in 1972, McKinnon’s has been serving New Orleans style Creole cooking for 45 years -- earning them the title of oldest continuously operating restaurant in Atlanta. The kitchen has served as the backbone of the restaurant and was started by Billy McKinnon after he arrived back in Atlanta after a long apprenticeship at Galatoire's in New Orleans. He immediately began cooking Louisiana seafood for the Atlanta community who has loved it from day one.
Since its opening, the restaurant has been attended by famous food critics and Atlanta natives who all gave their stamp of approval. If you want to be transported back to the funky times of the 1970’s while enjoying some delicious traditional and new Creole cuisine, McKinnon’s is the place to be!
“Class never goes out of style. If you are ever in ATL take a step back in time, but two steps higher in modern day service. Great food, style, and family.” - Yelp Review
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A Unique Blend of Louisiana and Mexican Cuisine
659 Auburn Ave NE | Atlanta | serpasrestaurant.com
Executive chef Scott Serpas is a Louisiana native with his own unique style, serving a “true food” approach with an edge. Since its opening in 2009, Serpas True Food has gained attention from national and local critics, earning it a place among the “10 Best New Restaurants in America,” by GQ Magazine. Sous chef Manuel Lara, a Mexican native, has brought his indegenous cooking techniques and authentic flavors to the restaurant. Together the duo has created a changing menu that includes fresh produce and diverse seasonal ingredients.
When you visit Serpas, diners swear by the salmon chips. While their menu might be small, they have perfected each and every item available to provide the most delicious and flavorful foods possible. Bringing together a blend of BBQ, seafood, and traditional meat, there is a unique food experience awaiting you at this restaurant.
“This place was AMAZING! I started with the salmon chips. These are a Must. I also got the gumbo. I loved the spice level and the dark rue was everything. I ordered the scallops as my main. The dish was so good that I ate until I was so full I was getting sick.” - Yelp Review
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Louisiana Inspired Cajun Seafood in a Relaxing Environment
1496 Church St | Decatur | louisianabistreaux.com
With three locations, Louisiana Bistreaux serves cajun inspired seafood. They strive to bring the cuisine of Louisiana to diners in a casual setting. On their menu you can find a variety of fresh seafood, steaks, gumbo, jambalaya, etouffee, and more. They boast a relaxing atmosphere for you and the rest of your family, so this is a great restaurant for kids as well!
When you want to visit, keep in mind their lunch and dinner menus -- as well as a specialty drink menu and dessert menu. Depending on how much you love them -- see their banquet menu and potential catering services for your next event. Someone special is bound to enjoy the Louisiana seafood at this restaurant!
“Omg!! Super good Louisiana Cajun food in Decatur Georgia! We got the gator bites, catfish dinner and the bourbon chicken with grits. All were super delicious and amazing portion sizes!” - Yelp Review
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Delicious Fried and Steamed Cajun Seafood for Every Type of Diner
1722 Campbellton Rd SW | Atlanta | mycajunseafood.com
Cajun Seafood Market is a small location serving bold flavors and well seasoned seafood platters. Diners rave about the best garlic butter in Atlanta -- and who doesn’t enjoy food smothered in a delicious garlic butter. They have options for health conscious eaters as well as those looking for fried and delicious bites. Here you can find healthy steamed seafood platters in addition to fried seafood and a variety of sides to go along.
If you’re in the market for a dinner cooked by someone else, pick up some fresh seafood to cook for tomorrow night’s dinner because this location also has fresh seafood available for purchase. No matter what you’re in the mood for, you can find it here!
“Food is always amazing each and every time I go. Never a complaint. I went once and now I'm hooked. Best garlic butter and the corn is always sweet.” - Yelp Review
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Cajun Style Seafood Restaurant With a Vietnamese Twist
4337 Buford Hwy NE #170 | Atlanta | crawfishshackseafood.com
Crawfish Shack Seafood is not your typical cajun style restaurant -- they add a unique Vietnamese flare to their meals. You will find that every order is made with fresh, live seafood during its season. This is a relatively new restaurant founded in 2008 by owner Hieu Pham who infused his childhood Vietnamese flavors with the cajun style of food he mastered long before opening his restaurant. Crawfish Shack has been featured in the New York Times, Atlanta Eats, and was visited by Travel Channel’s Anthony Bourdain.
At this restaurant you can find a variety of po-boy sandwiches, seafood meals and platters, as well as seafood that can be ordered on its own. Their platters and meals are enough for two -- so come hungry and with a friend to share this delicious meal with!
“The food was amazing! I had the Cajun shrimp and my other family members had fried crawfish and fried fish. Everyone enjoyed their meal and no one left hungry. Definitely will stop back when back in Atlanta!” - Yelp Review
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With these six restaurants, you can find everything from cajun and Creole traditional meals to cajun inspired dishes with Mexican and Vietnamese twists! If you’re in the mood for classic or unique, you can find it here! These dinners will not disappoint, and probably leave you with leftovers.
