16 Must Try Louisiana Tenderloin Joints Where Every Bite Tells A Story
Louisiana’s culinary scene is famous for bold flavors and rich traditions, but there’s something special about finding the perfect tenderloin in the Bayou State.
From family-owned spots serving recipes passed down through generations to modern eateries putting creative twists on classic cuts, these restaurants offer more than just a meal they serve up stories, memories, and passion on every plate.
I’ve rounded up sixteen incredible places where you can experience tenderloin done right, Louisiana style.
1. Prejean’s Restaurant
If you’re craving authentic Cajun tenderloin with a side of live music, this Lafayette landmark delivers on every level. Prejean’s has been welcoming hungry diners since 1980, and their tenderloin medallions are seared to perfection with a peppery crust that makes your taste buds dance. The restaurant sits right off I-49, making it a convenient stop for travelers exploring Acadiana.
Their chefs use locally sourced beef whenever possible, ensuring freshness in every bite. I love how they serve the tenderloin with creamy crawfish étouffée ladled generously on top. The combination of tender beef and spicy-sweet crawfish creates a flavor explosion that’s purely Louisiana.
You’ll find the atmosphere lively and welcoming, with Cajun bands playing most evenings.
2. Galatoire’s
Are you ready for a taste of New Orleans history? Galatoire’s has been a French Quarter institution since 1905, and their Chateaubriand for two is legendary among locals and tourists alike. This upscale eatery maintains strict dress codes and old-world charm that transport you back to a more elegant era.
The tenderloin here is carved tableside with theatrical flair, cooked to your exact specifications. Each slice melts in your mouth, complemented by their signature béarnaise sauce that’s been perfected over decades. I appreciate how the waiters, many of whom have worked there for years, treat every guest like family.
Friday lunch is particularly special, when the restaurant buzzes with energy and tradition.
3. Ruth’s Chris Steak House (Metairie)
Though Ruth’s Chris has locations nationwide, the Metairie spot holds special significance as the birthplace of this iconic chain. Ruth Fertel purchased the original Chris Steak House in 1965 with a $22,000 mortgage, creating a Louisiana success story. Their filet is served on a sizzling 500-degree plate, ensuring it stays hot until the last bite.
What sets this location apart is its connection to the restaurant’s roots and the pride the staff takes in maintaining Ruth’s vision. The tenderloin is hand-cut daily and never frozen, resulting in unmatched tenderness. I’m always impressed by how they butter-baste each steak, creating that signature caramelized crust.
The sides are equally impressive, particularly the creamed spinach.
4. Café Adelaide
When traditional meets contemporary, magic happens on your plate. Café Adelaide, located in the Loews New Orleans Hotel, brings a playful twist to classic Louisiana cuisine with their tenderloin preparations. Chef’s specials often feature the cut prepared with unexpected ingredients like Abita beer reduction or Creole mustard glazes.
The restaurant honors Adelaide Brennan, a spirited member of the famous Brennan restaurant family known for her love of good food and good times. I find their lunch menu particularly appealing, offering generous portions at reasonable prices. Their tenderloin sandwich, served on fresh-baked bread with caramelized onions, rivals any dinner entrée.
The cocktail program here is equally creative and worth exploring.
5. Charley G’s Seafood Grill
It’s not every day you find a place that does both seafood and tenderloin with equal mastery. Charley G’s, overlooking Lake Pontchartrain, serves up spectacular views alongside their renowned surf-and-turf combinations. Their filet can be topped with lump crabmeat, shrimp, or crawfish a Louisiana twist that elevates the dish to new heights.
The restaurant’s location in Lafayette provides stunning sunset dining experiences that enhance every meal. I recommend timing your reservation to catch the golden hour while savoring their perfectly grilled tenderloin. The meat is always cooked exactly as ordered, with a beautiful char on the outside.
Their wine selection complements the menu beautifully, with knowledgeable staff ready to help you choose.
6. The Chimes
How does a restaurant known for its massive beer selection also serve outstanding tenderloin? The Chimes in Baton Rouge manages this balancing act with style, offering over 100 beers alongside a surprisingly sophisticated menu. Their peppercorn-crusted filet pairs wonderfully with their craft beer recommendations.
Located near LSU’s campus, this spot buzzes with energy on game days but maintains quality regardless of crowd size. The tenderloin here is generously portioned and reasonably priced compared to traditional steakhouses. I love their willingness to customize preparations, whether you want Cajun seasoning or a classic preparation.
The outdoor patio provides a relaxed atmosphere perfect for lingering over your meal and trying different beer flights.
7. Superior Grill
Did you know some of Louisiana’s best tenderloin comes with a Mexican twist? Superior Grill, with locations in Shreveport and Baton Rouge, serves tenderloin fajitas that have achieved cult status among locals. The meat is marinated in their secret blend of spices before being grilled to smoky perfection.
What started as a single location in 1983 has grown into a Louisiana favorite, but quality has never wavered. Their tenderloin is sliced thin and served sizzling with peppers and onions, accompanied by fresh tortillas. I’m particularly fond of how they season the meat not too spicy, but packed with flavor that complements the beef rather than overwhelming it.
The margaritas here are legendary and pair perfectly with the tenderloin.
8. Mansurs on the Boulevard
When Baton Rouge locals celebrate special occasions, many head to Mansurs on the Boulevard. This upscale establishment has been serving exceptional steaks since 1989, and their tenderloin preparations showcase classic technique with Louisiana flair. The restaurant occupies a beautifully renovated historic building that adds ambiance to every meal.
Their filet mignon can be enhanced with various toppings, but I suggest trying it plain first to appreciate the quality. The beef is aged in-house, resulting in concentrated flavor and remarkable tenderness. Service here is attentive without being intrusive, with servers who genuinely know the menu.
The extensive wine cellar offers perfect pairings recommended by their knowledgeable sommelier staff.
9. Doe’s Eat Place
Though famous for their massive porterhouse steaks, Doe’s Eat Place in Greenville (with a Louisiana location in Baton Rouge) serves tenderloin that’s equally impressive. This no-frills establishment proves you don’t need fancy décor when the food speaks for itself. The restaurant started in the Mississippi Delta but has become a Louisiana favorite.
Walking into Doe’s feels like entering someone’s home, which is exactly the vibe they cultivate. Their filet is thick-cut and cooked over an open flame, developing a crust that seals in the juices. I appreciate their straightforward approach no complicated sauces or garnishes, just perfectly cooked beef.
The tamales served as appetizers are a surprising must-try before your steak arrives.
10. Copeland’s of New Orleans
It’s hard to beat the value and flavor combination you’ll find at Copeland’s locations throughout Louisiana. Founded by Al Copeland of Popeyes fame, these restaurants bring New Orleans flavor to neighborhoods across the state. Their beef tenderloin is often featured in daily specials with creative Creole preparations.
What I love most is their willingness to experiment with traditional Louisiana flavors on premium cuts. You might find tenderloin with crawfish cream sauce one week and blackened with remoulade the next. The portions are generous, and the prices remain reasonable for the quality delivered.
Their signature cocktails and bread pudding dessert round out a memorable dining experience that won’t empty your wallet.
11. Bistro Byronz
Are you looking for tenderloin in a more casual, bistro-style setting? Bistro Byronz, with multiple Louisiana locations, offers upscale food in a relaxed atmosphere that welcomes everyone from business lunches to family dinners. Their tenderloin medallions are consistently praised for perfect preparation and creative accompaniments.
The menu changes seasonally, so the tenderloin might be paired with different vegetables and sauces throughout the year. I appreciate their farm-to-table approach, sourcing local ingredients whenever possible. The chefs here aren’t afraid to showcase bold flavors, often incorporating Louisiana produce and herbs.
The lunch menu offers excellent value, with smaller portions of dinner favorites at reduced prices for midday diners.
12. Boutin’s Cajun Restaurant
If you want tenderloin prepared the way Cajun grandmothers would approve, Boutin’s in Carencro is your destination. This family-owned spot has been serving authentic Cajun cuisine since 1986, and their tenderloin étouffée is a menu highlight. The tender beef is smothered in a rich, roux-based gravy that’s been perfected over decades.
Walking into Boutin’s feels like visiting family, with warmth and hospitality that’s genuinely Louisiana. Their tenderloin tips are fall-apart tender, served over fluffy white rice that soaks up every drop of gravy. I’m always impressed by how they balance the richness of the sauce with just enough spice.
The portions are huge, so come hungry or plan to take home leftovers.
13. Bella Fresca
When Italian culinary tradition meets Louisiana ingredients, something special happens at Bella Fresca in Baton Rouge. Their beef tenderloin carpaccio appetizer showcases paper-thin slices of premium beef dressed with olive oil, capers, and shaved parmesan. For entrées, their tenderloin medallions with gorgonzola cream sauce are outstanding.
The restaurant’s commitment to fresh, quality ingredients shines through in every dish. I love how they source local beef but prepare it with classic Italian techniques and flavor profiles. The intimate dining room creates a romantic atmosphere perfect for special evenings.
Their handmade pasta dishes are equally impressive, making it difficult to choose between steak and Italian classics when you visit.
14. Tujague’s
Though Tujague’s is famous for their boiled brisket, their beef tenderloin preparations deserve equal recognition. As the second-oldest restaurant in New Orleans, established in 1856, they’ve had plenty of time to perfect their craft. The restaurant recently moved locations but maintains the same commitment to quality and tradition.
Their six-course table d’hôte menu often features tenderloin prepared with classic French-Creole techniques. I find the prix fixe approach refreshing you don’t have to make difficult choices, just enjoy course after course. The meat is always tender and flavorful, complemented by traditional sides.
The historic atmosphere and knowledgeable staff make dining here feel like stepping back in time to old New Orleans.
15. Posados Cafe
It’s surprising to find exceptional tenderloin at a Tex-Mex chain, but Posados Cafe delivers with their Carne Asada made from premium tenderloin cuts. With several Louisiana locations, this restaurant brings mesquite-grilled flavor to neighborhoods across the state. The meat is marinated for hours before grilling, resulting in incredible depth of flavor.
What sets Posados apart is their commitment to using higher-quality cuts than typical Tex-Mex spots. Their tenderloin fajitas sizzle with peppers and onions, but the beef remains the star. I appreciate how they don’t overseason, letting the natural beef flavor shine through.
The casual atmosphere and reasonable prices make this a great option for families seeking quality without formality or high costs.
16. The Little Village
How does a small restaurant in Brusly compete with big-city steakhouses? The Little Village does it through personal attention, quality ingredients, and recipes perfected over years of serving their community. Their tenderloin steaks are hand-cut and prepared to order, with a homestyle approach that feels comforting.
This family-owned spot has been a local secret for years, though word is spreading about their exceptional food. The tenderloin here is reasonably priced and generously portioned, often served with homemade sides that remind you of Sunday dinner. I’m impressed by how they maintain consistency despite being a small operation.
The friendly service and neighborhood atmosphere make you feel like a regular from your very first visit to this hidden gem.
