Bonnie Bell's Bistro
Bonnie Bell's Bistro has gone from a small cottage just off of the University of Louisiana's campus to a major downtown destination. This bistro has developed a following through its unsurpassed dishes, made with the perfect amounts of each fresh ingredient. While the waitstaff is polite and attentive, what makes this restaurant a destination is the food. Any of the bistro sandwiches or salads make an excellent weekday lunch, and Bonnie Bell's has crab cakes that are arguably the best in the city.
740 Jefferson St
Lafayette, LA 70501
(337) 234-6229
Jolie's Louisiana Bistro
Jolie's Louisiana Bistro is named after the 1920's Cajun French legend of a pretty blonde (jolie blonde) who left her Cajun lover for another man. This restaurant recreates this 1920s feel with an elegant atmosphere, reminiscent of a chandelier-lit ballroom. Although a bit on the expensive side, Jolie's offers fancy yet simple French meals, and the waitstaff is attentive and polite. A night of fine dining is what you can expect from Jolie's.
507 W Pinhook Rd
Lafayette, LA 70503
(337) 504-2382
jolieslouisianabistro.com
A la Carte
A la Carte has been a lunchtime favorite in the Lafayette Oil Center for decades. The moderately priced menu offers unique sandwiches and salads for a light lunch as well as chicken fried steak and hamburger fried steaks for a heartier appetite. This French restaurant also offers a lunch buffet and professional event catering. A la Carte is known by Lafayette's old and young crowds as the professional and social place to eat.
301 Heymann Blvd
Lafayette, LA 70503
(337) 235-8493
alccafe.com
Cafe Vermilionville
Cafe Vermilionville is one of the city's oldest and most elegant dinner settings. The 1880's antebellum home rests in the center of the old city, but its quiet, softly lit dining area feels miles away from the busy traffic only feet away. This upscale but moderately-priced French restaurant is perfect for anniversaries and celebrations, and the atmosphere lends itself to lingering whether it be for pre-dinner drinks or post-dinner cocktails.
1304 W Pinhook Rd
Lafayette, LA 70503
(337) 237-0100
cafev.com
Article Written By Megan B. Wyatt
Megan B. Wyatt holds a bachelor's degree in English from the University of Louisiana, where she graduated in the top 10 percent. Wyatt is the Lafayette Restaurant Examiner for Examiner.com. She served as the editor of Robert McShae's 550-page manuscript, "The Lost Dream," and is currently writing her own novel.
