Louisiana Restaurant Makes Bon Appétit’s Best New Restaurants List For 2026

(KMDL-FM) In the minds of food lovers, the magazine Bon Appétit ranks rather highly when it comes to opinions on food, ingredients, wine, restaurants, and chefs. Earning an accolade from Bon Appétit is certainly more than a feather in a chef's toque. That's their hat, if you weren't familiar with the term.

man in black and white hoodie wearing white cap

The magazine has just published its list of the Best New Restaurants for 2026, and one Louisiana restaurant made that coveted list. And, as if we needed a reason to be even more proud, that restaurant offers recipes, meals, and dishes inspired by Cajun roots and Cajun culture.

If You Love Good Food with Strong Cajun Roots - Try This Restaurant

Let's just say this about that: when you order gumbo, they bring out pickles and potato salad, but when your executive chef hails from Chauvin, Louisiana, it's no surprise the elegant offerings come with a lot of Cajun tradition included.

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The restaurant that Bon Appétit Magazine calls one of the Best New Restaurants for 2026 is called Saint Claire. The restaurant is about 20 miles from downtown New Orleans and offers meal service in an antique home that is set amid towering oak trees along the west bank of the Mississippi River.

READ MORE: Lafayette Chef Crowned King of Louisiana Seafood

Melissa Martin is the Chef at Saint Claire; the restaurant is operated by Cassi Dymond. The pair of food service professionals offers great food in a great setting and, best of all, the food is not only flavorful and delicious, but the portions are also perfect, and guests don't leave the table hungry.

The menu at Saint Claire reflects not only local culinary traditions, but it is fiercely dedicated to using locally sourced and authentic ingredients. For example, instead of the expected chicken and beef dishes, Saint Claire offers duck, rabbit, and a tuna paillard that is borderline legendary.

a white plate topped with meat and veggies

The menu prices are certainly upscale, and it's probably a good idea if you phone ahead or reach out online to reserve your table, especially if you're planning on going during popular dining times.

You Can Book a Picnic Experience at this Upscale Louisiana Eatery

And yes, it's true, Saint Claire offers picnic experiences between 10 am and 4 pm Wednesday through Sunday. They provide the basket of goodies; you pick the spot on their storybook property. How nice is that?

READ MORE: Love Picnics? This is the Best Spot for a Picnic in Louisiana

You can read the Bon Appétit story and review here, and learn more about Saint Claire via their website here.