A Guide to ATL’s Best Cajun & Creole Food
If you can’t make the trip to New Orleans, these Atlanta restaurants are the next best thing. They’re bringing the spices, the flavors, and the beignets to ATL and doing it so, so well.
1. Hugo’s Oyster Bar
10360 Alpharetta St, Roswell, GA 30075<
You’ll find Hugo’s close to the heart of Roswell, right off Alpharetta street, slinging delicious cocktails – like the Pineapple Express and Tequila Old Fashioned – while making delicious cajun and creole favorites in the kitchen. The menu was created by chef Tony Manns of C&S Seafood and Oyster House fame, and while the costs are slightly more affordable than C&S’ fine dining menu, the quality is equal. Try the praline crusted salmon, herb based redfish on the half shell, or crispy fried catfish with red beans and rice.
2. Bayou’Q
982 Canton Street Roswell, GA 30075
Roswell has all the best spots! Case in point: Bayou’Q. Dig into their shrimp and grit cakes, their po boys, or their Nawlins’ shrimp. They’ve got a rockin’ patio with live music many nights as well, and a mean jamabalaya. It’s a place where you can’t really go wrong with anything you order from the menu.
3. Bon Ton Atlanta
674 Myrtle St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
It’s rare that a restaurant has both phenomenal decor and food, but that’s exactly what you get at Bon Ton. It’s a super cool, hip atmosphere–walking in to this cozy space and you will truly feel like you’ve discovered something underground and special–plus Vietnamese/Cajun food that pleases every time. They’re also available for delivery on UberEats at this time.
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4. Bourbon St. Concepts
777 Oak St SW Atlanta, GA 30310
Pull up your favorite delivery apps and gear up for a fantastic meal. A new pick-up and delivery-only spot has opened up at Oak Street Eats Food Depot called Bourbon St. Wings, and they have some of the BEST beignets we’ve ever had. They also have a variety of po boys, and have super fun and delicious cake waffles if you really want to indulge your sweet tooth!
5. Cafe Bourbon St.
1318 Sylvan Rd. Atlanta 30310
There is a line everyday at this food truck spot in Triton Yards, and it’s because they’re doing cajun food maybe better than anyone in ATL. There’s wonderful beignets, po boys, gumbo, and even jambalaya eggrolls. Go for a visit and see what the hype is all about!
6. Flatlands Bourbon And Bayou
52B N Main St, Alpharetta, GA 30009
You don’t have to go intown or to Buford Highway for a taste of cajun spice. If you live north of the city, you’ll find that Flatlands Bourbon and Bayou in Alpharetta more than hits the mark. The alligator bites are the perfect starter, the chargrilled oysters are on point, and crawfish mac and cheese is just decadence on a plate. They also have outdoor seating available!
7. The Food Shoppe
123 Luckie St NW #108, Atlanta, GA 30303
Folks rave about The Food Shoppe in Downtown Atlanta. This hole-in-the-wall spot has a cozy and welcoming kind of atmosphere with amazing service and fantastic dishes with creole flavor in everything. From creole chicken pasta to creole omelets, that New Orleans flavor takes front and center in everything they make.
8. Henry’s Louisiana Grille
4835 N. Main Street Acworth, GA 30101
The passion this Acworth joint inspires in customers is unreal! It’s been featured on Food Network and for great reason–they’re really bringing the Big Easy’s flavor and flair to Acworth.
9. The Juicy Crab
Multiple Locations
You don’t need us to tell you about the Juicy Crab, the mega-hit that popped up all over Georgia seemingly overnight. This New Orleans seafood inspired spot has cuisine that just begs you to slap a bib on before diving in, and they’ve got a massive cult following. You’ll love the seafood boils, served in a bag, that comes in that signature juicy sauce. Get ready to chow down!
10. Lagarde
5090 Peachtree Blvd Suite D-100, Chamblee, GA 30341
A lot of ATL’s cajun spots are a little hole-in-the-wall, but not so with Lagarde. It’s a casual atmosphere but still a really nice restaurant, with a wonderful indoor/outdoor vibe that’s perfect for Atlanta spring weather. Their menu is full of New Orleans goodies and Southern classics alike, with a mouthwatering fried chicken sandwich, perfectly chargrilled oysters, and po boys that never disappoint. Find it in happening Chamblee
11. Louisiana Bistreaux
Multiple Locations
Louisiana Bistreaux has been an East Point staple for cajun food for years, and now they’ve expanded to Decatur and Buckhead. Their signature dishes have to be a toss-up between the very decadent “Angus Ribeye Orleans,” whci his a grilled ribeye topped with crawfish and lump crabmeat and their “Crawtator Grouper,” a grouper crusted with Zapp’s crawtator chips in a cajun crawfish sauce on jalapeno gouda grits. Yeah, it’s a flavor bomb that’ll put you into a food stupor in the best way possible.
12. The Po’ Boy Shop
It’s a no frills sort of place in Decatur, but oh man do they know po boys. The bread is flaky on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside, and you can get shrimp, oysters, gator, crawfish, andouille sausage and so much more for your fillings. They also sell authentic muffalettas and fried seafood platters.
13. Yay Beignets
660 Irwin St NE Atlanta, GA 30312
You wouldn’t think it would be, but it’s really hard to find quality beignets outside of New Orleans. There’s so many sad attempts at it that are frankly just pathetic. But Yay Beignet is serving up a hot and fresh rendition of it that customers rave about standing right up there with Cafe Du Monde! Get yours with a hot cup of Ethiopian coffee at this Black-owned spot that’s doing the Big Easy proud.
14. Dos Bocas
275 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
Dos Bocas is a restaurant in downtown Atlanta that serves a unique fusion of Cajun and Tex-Mex cuisine all in one menu. Created by the same restaurant group that runs the popular Der Biergarten, STATS and Twin Smokers on Marietta Street, Dos Bocas has a cajun specific portion of their menu, where you can find their take on delicious classics. Order blackened catfish or chicken in a cast iron, a shrimp po boy, or their Crawfish Étouffée served in an incredible, house made, rich brown sauce.
15. Fontaine’s Oyster House
1026 1/2 North Highland Avenue Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30306
Folks know Fontaine’s for great drink specials and oysters galore. But they also have some great cajun and creole classics. The jambalaya is excellent, with perfectly cooked andouille sausage, shrimp and scallops for a hearty seafood dinner. They’ve also got a great Muffuletta, Po’ Boys and more!
16. The Big Easy Grille
1193 Collier Rd NW UNIT D, Atlanta, GA 30318
Folks on the west side know where to go for good gumbo – at The Big Easy Grille! With over 20 years in operation in Atlanta, they serve up classic cajun and creole dishes like the aforementioned gumbo, jambalaya, étouffée and fried Alligator bites. The fried fish baskets are an especially excellent way to enjoy your lunch.
17. Just Loaf’N New Orleans PoBoys & Sno balls
371 Boulevard SE, Atlanta, GA 30312
If you’re driving on I-20 heading East, you’ve gotta jump off the exit near Grant Park and head to the Chevron. There, you’ll find Just Loaf’N, one of ATL’s best cajun and creole restaurants, despite its modest settings. Get incredible poboys made with every protein or product you can think of – shrimp, oyster, alligator, catfish, chicken, soft shell crab, hot sausage, smoked sausage, fried green tomatoes and even vegan shrimp can all be found on the menu. While they make great gumbo, jambalaya, and étouffée, where we think they really shine is in their desserts – look for items like sno balls, pralines, beignets and bread pudding.
Editor’s Note: This article was first published March 5, 2021 and last updated April 15, 2023.
You’ll find Hugo’s close to the heart of Roswell, right off Alpharetta street, slinging delicious cocktails – like the Pineapple Express and Tequila Old Fashioned – while making delicious cajun and creole favorites in the kitchen. The menu was created by chef Tony Manns of C&S Seafood and Oyster House fame, and while the costs are slightly more affordable than C&S’ fine dining menu, the quality is equal. Try the praline crusted salmon, herb based redfish on the half shell, or crispy fried catfish with red beans and rice.
It’s rare that a restaurant has both phenomenal decor and food, but that’s exactly what you get at Bon Ton. It’s a super cool, hip atmosphere–walking in to this cozy space and you will truly feel like you’ve discovered something underground and special–plus Vietnamese/Cajun food that pleases every time. They’re also available for delivery on UberEats at this time.
Pull up your favorite delivery apps and gear up for a fantastic meal. A new pick-up and delivery-only spot has opened up at Oak Street Eats Food Depot called Bourbon St. Wings, and they have some of the BEST beignets we’ve ever had. They also have a variety of po boys, and have super fun and delicious cake waffles if you really want to indulge your sweet tooth!
There is a line everyday at this food truck spot in Triton Yards, and it’s because they’re doing cajun food maybe better than anyone in ATL. There’s wonderful beignets, po boys, gumbo, and even jambalaya eggrolls. Go for a visit and see what the hype is all about!
You don’t have to go intown or to Buford Highway for a taste of cajun spice. If you live north of the city, you’ll find that Flatlands Bourbon and Bayou in Alpharetta more than hits the mark. The alligator bites are the perfect starter, the chargrilled oysters are on point, and crawfish mac and cheese is just decadence on a plate. They also have outdoor seating available!
Folks rave about The Food Shoppe in Downtown Atlanta. This hole-in-the-wall spot has a cozy and welcoming kind of atmosphere with amazing service and fantastic dishes with creole flavor in everything. From creole chicken pasta to creole omelets, that New Orleans flavor takes front and center in everything they make.
You don’t need us to tell you about the Juicy Crab, the mega-hit that popped up all over Georgia seemingly overnight. This New Orleans seafood inspired spot has cuisine that just begs you to slap a bib on before diving in, and they’ve got a massive cult following. You’ll love the seafood boils, served in a bag, that comes in that signature juicy sauce. Get ready to chow down!
A lot of ATL’s cajun spots are a little hole-in-the-wall, but not so with Lagarde. It’s a casual atmosphere but still a really nice restaurant, with a wonderful indoor/outdoor vibe that’s perfect for Atlanta spring weather. Their menu is full of New Orleans goodies and Southern classics alike, with a mouthwatering fried chicken sandwich, perfectly chargrilled oysters, and po boys that never disappoint. Find it in happening Chamblee!
Louisiana Bistreaux has been an East Point staple for cajun food for years, and now they’ve expanded to Decatur and Buckhead. Their signature dishes have to be a toss-up between the very decadent “Angus Ribeye Orleans,” whci his a grilled ribeye topped with crawfish and lump crabmeat and their “Crawtator Grouper,” a grouper crusted with Zapp’s crawtator chips in a cajun crawfish sauce on jalapeno gouda grits. Yeah, it’s a flavor bomb that’ll put you into a food stupor in the best way possible.
It’s a no frills sort of place in Decatur, but oh man do they know po boys. The bread is flaky on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside, and you can get shrimp, oysters, gator, crawfish, amdouille sausage and so much more for your fillings. They also sell authentic muffalatas and fried seafood platters.
Dos Bocas is a restaurant in downtown Atlanta that serves a unique fusion of Cajun and Tex-Mex cuisine all in one menu. Created by the same restaurant group that runs the popular Der Biergarten, STATS and Twin Smokers on Marietta Street, Dos Bocas has a cajun specific portion of their menu, where you can find their take on delicious classics. Order blackened catfish or chicken in a cast iron, a shrimp po boy, or their Crawfish Étouffée served in an incredible, house made, rich brown sauce.
Folks know Fontaine’s for great drink specials and oysters galore. But they also have some great cajun and creole classics. The jambalaya is excellent, with perfectly cooked andouille sausage, shrimp and scallops for a hearty seafood dinner. They’ve also got a great Muffuletta, Po’ Boys and more!
Folks on the west side know where to go for good gumbo – at The Big Easy Grille! With over 20 years in operation in Atlanta, they serve up classic cajun and creole dishes like the aforementioned gumbo, jambalaya, étouffée and fried Alligator bites. The fried fish baskets are an especially excellent way to enjoy your lunch.
If you’re driving on I-20 heading East, you’ve gotta jump off the exit near Grant Park and head to the Chevron. There, you’ll find Just Loaf’N, one of ATL’s best cajun and creole restaurants, despite its modest settings. Get incredible poboys made with every protein or product you can think of – shrimp, oyster, alligator, catfish, chicken, soft shell crab, hot sausage, smoked sausage, fried green tomatoes and even vegan shrimp can all be found on the menu. While they make great gumbo, jambalaya, and étouffée, where we think they really shine is in their desserts – look for items like sno balls, pralines, beignets and bread pudding.
