15 Best Restaurants in Alexandria, LA

This article was written by local contributor Lillian Harper & edited by the Travel Lens team.

Lillian Harper

Jun 25, 2023 • 13 min read

Welcome to Alexandria, a beautiful city nestled in the heart of Louisiana!

I am thrilled to share with you some of the best dining experiences I've had in my years living here.

This city boasts an incredible variety of culinary delights, from classic Southern comfort food to innovative, modern cuisine.

Let me tell you, as someone who has explored the ins and outs of this city's food scene, there are some hidden gems that you simply cannot miss.

So, sit back, relax, and get ready to embark on a delectable journey through the best restaurants in Alexandria, Louisiana.

Bon appétit!

Noodles & Grill

I recently stumbled upon Noodles & Grill while exploring new dining options in the area, and I must say, I'm incredibly impressed.

Being a vegetarian, it can be tough to find restaurants that cater to my dietary needs, but this place nailed it.

From the moment I walked in, the service was top-notch.

The food itself was nothing short of amazing - flavorful, comforting, and truly satisfying.

I tried their Pho and was blown away by the rich and delightful broth.

Main Dish & More

One of the best things about living in this neighborhood is having Main Dish & More just a stone's throw away from my home.

This restaurant has become my go-to place whenever I need a break from cooking or want to enjoy a delicious meal without any hassle.

Their menu offers a variety of unique and scrumptious dishes that you won't find elsewhere.

I particularly enjoy their casseroles and soups, which they cook and freeze, so all I have to do is pop them in the oven for a quick and easy meal.

The food is always flavorful, and the homemade touch makes it even more enjoyable.

Their grilled chicken salad and gumbo are some of my favorites, along with the spicy shrimp and avocado salad.

Their diverse menu and convenient location make it a perfect choice for those busy days when you don't have time to cook or just want to treat yourself to something tasty.

Word of Mouth

If you're ever in the mood for some amazing homestyle American food, look no further than Word of Mouth in downtown Alexandria.

I've been going there for a while now, and every time I visit, I'm always blown away by the quality of the food and the warm, friendly atmosphere.

The first time I went to Word of Mouth, I tried their shrimp and corn bisque, and it was absolutely delicious!

I've also had their red beans and rice with sausage, and I can honestly say I've never tasted anything so flavorful.

I'm not kidding when I say I had bean juice dripping down my chin, and I couldn't help but laugh at myself.

One of my favorite things about Word of Mouth is their daily specials – I had the blackened salmon over mixed greens once, and it was simply divine.

And don't even get me started on their almond bread pudding.

Absolutely heavenly!

The interior of the cafe is charming and cozy, creating the perfect atmosphere for enjoying a delicious meal.

Caro's

Every time I crave some authentic Mexican food, I know where to head – Caro's Authentic Méxican Restaurant.

My friends and I have tried various dishes here, and we always leave satisfied.

One of my favorite dishes is the Combination Fajitas with Shrimp and Chicken.

The flavors are simply amazing, and the rice, beans, and veggies are cooked to perfection.

I love pairing my meal with a large delicious orchata and a side of sweet plantains.

Plus, their chips and salsa are some of the freshest I've ever had.

If you're a fan of guacamole, you won't be disappointed here.

And if you're feeling adventurous, give their chorizo, shrimp, and crackling tacos a try – they're absolutely delicious.

Although some people might find the prices a bit high for the quantity of food, I believe it's worth it for the quality and authentic taste.

Sammy Crawfish King

I recently went to Sammy Crawfish King for a seafood feast, and I must say, I was quite impressed by their sauce!

I only came across this restaurant recently during a late Saturday evening drive.

I found out that they have been open for three to four years, and I couldn't believe I hadn't tried it sooner.

The sauce at Sammy's is indeed amazing, as other reviews mention.

It's so good that dipping anything in it would make it taste like the best thing you've ever eaten.

When I feel like having seafood, I know I can rely on this place because they are willing to customize an order for me if the platters posted are too much for me to handle.

I must say, the custom order option is the way to go, and I even wondered if I could buy a gallon of that sauce.

On another visit, I picked up 40 lbs of crawfish for my birthday get-together.

It was my first time eating from here, and I was very impressed!

HotHeads Crawfish

I can't help but share my love for HotHeads Crawfish.

Their crawfish is hands down the most delicious I've ever had.

There was this one time when I ordered their 5 lbs special, extra spicy, and it was just heavenly.

The crawfish were big, juicy, and cooked to perfection.

My go-to order now is 3 lbs of crawfish with 10 shrimp, extra spicy.

The flavor is so impressive, with just the right amount of kick to it.

I remember going there three days in a row because I just couldn't get enough!

But what sets HotHeads Crawfish apart is not just their mouth-watering seafood but also their fantastic service.

You simply go to a window, place your order, and then return to your car.

They bring your food right out to you!

It's a seamless experience that keeps me coming back for more.

Philly's Fish N Chicken

I recently stumbled upon Philly’s Fish N Chicken while searching for something different to try in Alexandria.

From the outside, the place seems rather unassuming, but trust me - the food is absolutely worth it.

The menu had a great variety of options, but I couldn't resist their Philly Cheesesteak.

It turned out to be the best one I've had in town!

The sandwich was not only delicious but also very filling for the price.

The chicken parmesan sandwich and the burger are also fantastic choices.

They definitely put pride in their work, and it shows in the quality of their food.

I was also pleasantly surprised by their pizza, the best I had so far in the area.

Fiery Crab

I had heard so many great things about Fiery Crab Seafood Restaurant & Bar from my friends and family, so I decided to finally give it a try.

I must say, they were absolutely right about everything!

From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere was warm and inviting, and the service was top-notch.

I also appreciated the different levels of spiciness we could choose from when we ordered the headless shrimp with crab legs.

The drinks were fantastic as well, truly enhancing our overall experience.

I can honestly say that this was the best seafood platter I've had in years.

Pamela's Bayou In A Bowl

Whenever I'm craving some delicious Southern comfort food, I head straight to Pamela's Bayou In A Bowl right here in Alexandria.

I first discovered this gem back in 2018 and have been a regular ever since.

The menu offers a variety of Southern and Cajun favorites like fried chicken and po' boys, all of which have that mouth-watering, homemade taste.

One of the things I love about this place is the warm and welcoming atmosphere.

And let me tell you, the food is nothing short of fantastic.

My personal favorite is their Mac n' Cheese – it's truly the best I've ever had.

During lunchtime, they offer a special of 4 wings for $9.99, which I think is a great deal.

The sweet potatoes are a bit on the sweet side, but it's a small price to pay for the overall quality of the dishes.

Mickey's Red Kettle Restaurant

I recently revisited Mickey's Red Kettle Restaurant after hearing about the new owners and the amazing restoration they've done.

I used to order takeout from there every week when it was still Lucille's.

Just the other day, I ordered one of their lunch specials, baked ham, and it was so good that I couldn't wait to get back to work to finish it.

I also saw that they offer jambalaya, and I'm excited to try it next time.

It's great to see an old, greasy-spoon type of American restaurant get a new lease on life, and I'm delighted to say that I'll be returning to Mickey's Red Kettle on a weekly basis once again.

Lil Cajun House

I must say that Lil Cajun House is one of my all-time favorite spots to indulge in authentic Louisiana cuisine.

From the moment you walk in, you're greeted with the mouthwatering aroma of spicy Cajun dishes that make it nearly impossible to resist ordering the entire menu.

Their specialty, the po' boys, comes in a wide variety and is always served on fresh bread, which makes a world of difference.

Even their salads are done right, steering clear of the bland iceberg lettuce that often disappoints elsewhere.

I've brought my out-of-town friends here several times, and they always rave about the jambalaya and other Louisiana staples they've tried.

Located in a shopping center, Lil Cajun House might be easy to miss if you're new to the area but trust me when I say it's worth finding.

The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, with a touch of Southern Louisiana charm from the music playing in the background.

The prices are fair, and the daily special items and drink variety keep me coming back for more.

If you're in the mood for some delicious and authentic Cajun cuisine, look no further than Lil Cajun House.

You won't be disappointed!

Philly's American Restaurant

I'm always looking for a great place to grab a bite, and I can confidently say that Philly's is one of my go-to spots in the area.

I find myself eating there at least twice a week, if not more.

Their burgers are simply amazing, and I can't resist the $5 fish plate, which is a total steal.

One thing that sets Philly's apart is their absolutely delicious Gyros.

I've tried a lot of Gyros in my time, and I can say without a doubt that these are some of the best I've ever had.

The Philly sandwich is another must-try, and with food prices being so reasonable, you definitely get your money's worth.

Every time I visit, I'm greeted with a smile, and my order is taken promptly.

The food never takes long to arrive, and it always tastes fresh and well-prepared.

Royal India Bistro

One day, after working at the local school, I stumbled upon Royal India Bistro and decided to give it a try.

I am so glad I did!

I ordered the Goat Biryani to go, and let me tell you, it was absolutely delicious and worth every penny.

Since then, Royal India Bistro has become a regular spot for me whenever I crave Indian food.

The ambiance of the restaurant is very welcoming, and the service is always fantastic.

I've even had the pleasure of trying their buffet on a few occasions, and it has never disappointed me.

One of my favorite dishes at Royal India Bistro has to be the Catfish Curry.

However, I must say that the Chicken Curry, Lamb Curry, and pretty much their whole menu are also mouth-watering.

The prices are quite reasonable, and you get a generous portion of food for what you pay.

I might have gained a few pounds due to my visits, but I have no regrets.

Khan's Mongolian Grill

One of my favorite places to grab a meal in town is Khan's Mongolian Grill.

I can't help but feel delighted every time I visit, thanks to the clean and inviting atmosphere, as well as the warm and friendly service from the family that runs the place.

Over the years, my partner and I have enjoyed numerous date nights there, and even celebrated my birthday with our whole family this year.

The charm of Khan's Mongolian Grill lies in its unique dining experience.

You start by choosing your raw ingredients from a variety of options, then select your preferred starch - rice or noodles.

The cook then expertly prepares your meal on a flat top grill, hibachi style, and brings it to your table.

I often like to mix it up with different combinations of meats and vegetables, which keeps every visit fresh and exciting.

The Cottage Restaurant

I feel so lucky to have discovered The Cottage Restaurant in my neighborhood.

This unfussy American restaurant has become my go-to spot for traditional, homestyle breakfast and lunch dishes.

I remember my first time eating here; I was instantly drawn to their warm and inviting ambiance, perfect for a laid-back meal with friends or family.

Speaking of the menu, every dish I've tried has been absolutely delightful!

Their Cream of Shrimp Soup with cornbread is a must-try, and I can't help but indulge in their Grilled Salmon or Grilled Chicken dishes.

Another favorite of mine is their Tomato and Basil Pie – a unique and delicious offering that I can't get enough of.

Their dessert options are just as impressive, with the Strawberry Crepe being my personal favorite.

Plus, their Almond Tea is a refreshing drink that I always make sure to order whenever I visit.

Final Thoughts

Alexandria, Louisiana, offers a great variety of dining experiences to satisfy any taste buds.

From the delicious flavors and inviting atmosphere at Noodles & Grill to the diverse and vibrant food scene, we enjoy throughout the city, there's always something new and exciting to try.

I'm grateful to call this city my home, and I hope my experiences can help guide you toward your next delicious meal in Alexandria.

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