5 Best New Restaurants in Lake Charles, Louisiana that People are Raving About

Lake Charles blends Cajun, Creole, and Gulf Coast flavors, and in recent years its dining scene has added more polished spaces and chef‑driven menus.

Casinos, downtown, and the lakefront all offer strong options.

1. Luna Bar & Grill

Luna feels like Lake Charles in restaurant form—funky, artsy, and full of live music. The menu is eclectic: Cajun‑influenced pastas, burgers, seafood plates, sandwiches, and big salads, often with blackened fish or shrimp.

The bar is lively, and the patio is a favorite on nice nights.

2. 1910 Restaurant & Wine Bar

Overlooking the courthouse square downtown, 1910 serves elevated Southern and Gulf‑inspired dishes in a stylish bistro setting. Expect crab cakes, seared fish, steaks, shrimp and grits, and thoughtful small plates, along with a well‑chosen wine list and craft cocktails.

3. Panorama Music House

Part music venue, part restaurant/bar, Panorama offers a casual hangout with better‑than‑expected food. The menu features flatbreads, burgers, wings, tacos, and bar snacks, while the stage hosts regular live music. Great for a laid‑back night out.

4. Pujo Street Café

A downtown staple with a slightly updated feel, Pujo Street blends Cajun, Creole, and American bistro fare. Think gumbo, étouffée, blackened fish, po’boys, steaks, and pasta dishes. The atmosphere is cozy and vintage‑feeling, good for date night or a relaxed lunch.

5. Drago’s Seafood Restaurant (Lake Charles location)

Inside L’Auberge Casino, Drago’s is known for its charbroiled oysters—garlicky, buttery, and addictive. Beyond oysters, you’ll find fried and grilled seafood platters, lobster, and New Orleans‑style dishes. It can be busy and loud, but it’s a solid pick for a splurgey seafood night.