Cajun cuisine must be one of my all-time favorites, next to pizza, pasta, and seafood.
My love for Cajun food stems from the unique flavors and use of spice, which might put people with a sensitive palate off. Still, it perfectly balances everything required to make a tasty dish. I love the heavy use of black pepper and other classical ingredients such as cayenne and oregano.
When looking for Cajun food in Houston, many people need clarification on the number of Creole, Tex-Mex, and American restaurants in the city.
Although this guide will clear that up, it’s worth mentioning that some of these spots do represent a fusion of Creole and Cajun. After all, they both stem from similar origins and have Louisiana and French influences.
That’s why I have put together this handy go-to guide so that you know where to head the next time you’ve got a Cajun craving.
Best Places Serving Authentic Cajun Food in Houston
During this guide, I will talk you through my personal experiences at each of these best spots serving Cajun food in Houston, and I have looked at so much more than just the food.
I have been closely examining the service, restaurant quality, and menus to see what each place offers and what makes them stand out from other eateries in the area.
I have also noted pricing and included a variety to suit different budgets. After all, you don’t want to splash out on fancy meals every night of your vacation; sometimes, a diner or something to grab and go will do just fine.
Lastly, you’ll see that I’ve mentioned whether or not places offer things such as kids’ menus, vegetarian options, or adhering to other dietary requirements.
Okay, now we’ve got that covered; let’s look.
1. The Juicy Crab Houston
| Address | 17278 Tomball Parkway, Houston, TX 77064 |
| Website | www.thejuicycrab.com |
| Food | Seafood boil, whiting filet, fried tenders, cajun fries, mussels |
| My Recommendation | Snow Crab Legs |
If there’s one thing I love, it’s seafood, so when I see seafood boil on a menu, I’m there like a shot.
There are many seafood options, and from everything I’ve tried so far, it’s all fabulous. Still, I’ll pin my ultimate favorite on the Snow Crab Legs, served in a rich, buttery broth-type sauce with corn. The seafood is all exceptionally fresh like it’s come straight from the sea to your plate.
The other thing that attracts many seafood lovers to this gorgeous Cajun food spot is that despite the freshness and quality of the seafood, the price is reasonable.
The downside of this being a seafood-focused restaurant is that vegans and vegetarians are pretty stuffed, other than a few sides, which might need to be more to satisfy. However, the cajun fries, corn, and potato are all super tasty.
Overall, this hidden gem on the backstreets of Houston is a Cajun seafood restaurant worth digging for.
2. Walker Street Kitchen
| Address | 1777 Walker Street, Houston, TX 77010 |
| Website | www.marriott.com |
| Food | Grilled chicken, fried potatoes, breakfast, banana pudding |
| My Recommendation | Buffet Breakfast |
The Marriott Hotel on Walker Street is an impressive premise with many restaurants within the grounds. However, one of them is Cajun-focused cuisine; this is Walker Street Kitchen.
I have stayed at this hotel several times now, and this restaurant is my number one choice for breakfast every time.
If you’ve never had a Cajun-style breakfast, you’re in for a pleasant surprise.
Aside from the outstanding food that goes hand-in-hand with The Marriott Group Standards, the service is also on par. The waiting staff is all welcoming and friendly, and the food comes out hot and in good time. There was also a welcoming and cozy atmosphere.
One thing people might consider as a downside is that it is a little pricey. However, if you’re spending the night at this hotel, you may have the choice to have breakfast included in your room price, which is always a bonus.
3. Gumbo Jeaux’s
| Address | 15655 John F Kennedy Blvd, Houston, TX 77032, |
| Website | www.gumbojeauxs.com |
| Food | Crawfish etouffee, gumbo, pulled meat, crab cakes, burgers, southern fried chicken |
| My Recommendation | Hot Link Sandwich |
Gumbo Jeaux’s is often overlooked, I believe, mainly due to its location, situated at the back of a strip mall, but don’t let this fool you because if you’re looking for an excellent bowl of hot, tasty gumbo or other authentic Cajun specialties, then this is your place.
Firstly, you’ll notice that my recommendation is a sandwich, and you might be thinking? A sandwich out of all the choices? I know! However, this is not just any regular sandwich. Served with red Cajun link sausages, Monterey jack cheese, and chipotle mayo, this will hit the spot and get your taste buds tingling.
However, if you want something more substantial, don’t worry. I’ve been here enough times to have plenty of other recommendations up my sleeve. For example, the Lemon Pepper Catfish served with white rice, and the signature pasta dish with shrimp, crawfish, crab, and sausage are both delicious.
Unfortunately, there is little choice for those with dietary exceptions such as meatless or dairy-free; the menu heavily relies on meat and fish dishes.
4. Kiss Vibe Dining
| Address | 2313 Edwards Street, Ste 100, Houston, TX 77007 |
| Website | www.kissrestaurant.com |
| Food | Seafood, filet mignon, lobster bisque, gumbo, pan-seared salmon |
| My Recommendation | Jerk Spiced Lamb Chops |
If you’re looking for Cajun food that is a little more upmarket, then Kiss Vibe Dining will offer you the eloquent evening you’re searching for.
Whether you’re visiting for a romantic meal, or a special occasion, the staff, the food, and the overall ambiance here will set the scene for a perfect and memorable evening. The vibe inside the restaurant is dark and decadent and dimly lit with candles in the evening.
Lamb chops aren’t generally something I order from the menu; however, I felt like something a little different on this occasion. I’m glad that mood struck me, as they were utterly delicious, perfectly spiced, seasoned, and cooked to perfection.
The service is friendly, classical, and professional, and the staff is incredibly accommodating.
Finally, we’ve come across a restaurant with veggie options. However, I’ll admit they aren’t excessive. I recommend the tomato and mozzarella salad.
Lastly, as you’ve already presumed to the nature of my description, the price tags here are slightly high. Be prepared to pay around $30.00 – $50.00 for your main course. If you want to splash out and treat yourself to the tomahawk, this will set you back $125.00.
5. Eugene’s Gulf Coast Cuisine
| Address | 1985 Welch Street, Houston, TX 77019 |
| Website | www.eugeneshouston.com |
| Food | Steak, chicken, catfish, pasta, po’ boy, etouffee |
| My Recommendation | Shrimp Mardi Gras |
It’s another restaurant you can save for a special occasion due to its high prices and elegant atmosphere. However, I’ve also occasionally been for a casual brunch and lunch, which is more casual.
I am always blown away by the size of this menu; you name it, they’ve got it. However, they need more in the veggie and vegan departments.
During my last dining experience here, I had the Shrimp Mardi Gras, a new dish for me at the time, and to say the least, I was impressed. The dish had mushrooms, green onions, Roma tomatoes, and garlic cooked in a beautiful white marsala sauce. The flavor combination was a taste sensation.
I recommend the Pecan Crusted Trout and the classic Po’ Boy with catfish, shrimp, or oysters.
If you enjoy oysters, you’re also in the right place because you can get oyster shooters here. These come in two flavors: tabasco, horseradish, and Worcestershire sauce, or with bell peppers, shallots, fresh lime, and cilantro for a zestier option.
Prices here are around $20.00 – $40.00 for your average main course.
6. The Catch, South Post Oak
| Address | 10105 S Post Oak Road, Houston, TX 77096 |
| Website | www.thecatchrestaurants.com |
| Food | Catfish, etouffee, tacos, soups, whitefish basket, gator, jumbo shrimp, alfredo pasta |
| My Recommendation | Cajun Special |
I’m ending my guide on something lighter on the pockets, The Catch. And what a catch it is.
Offering all of the classic Cajun delights you could think of, you’re bound to satisfy your craving with this menu.
The Alfredo Pasta appears to be one of the most popular dishes at this spot. I’ve had it myself, and each time I visit, there seems to be plate after plate of it being delivered to eagerly anticipating diners.
However, as much as I love this classical Cajun course, the stand-out dish here lies with the sharing Cajun Special. What a deal! For a start, it’s only $16.99 and easily big enough for two with two large filets of catfish, rice and beans, garlic bread, grilled sausage, and served with two hush puppies.
The best part about this is that the low price doesn’t reflect the food quality. The chef is passionate about the food they’re providing, and the staff works hard to give you an unforgettable dining experience.
7. Zydeco Louisiana Diner
| Address | 1119 Pease Street, Houston, TX 77002 |
| Website | www.zydecolouisianadiner.com |
| Food | Creole, baked chicken, smothered pork chop, crawfish etouffee |
| My Recommendation | Crab Pattie Platter with Jambalaya |
Suppose you have a big appetite and are still trying to decide whether to be satisfied with fine-dining portions. In that case, the plates’ sizes here will impress you more than anything. That’s not to say the food is not great, too, because it is.
Okay, this place might be slightly more based on Creole food than Cajun. Still, as the two are so similar and have Cajun options, I had to include it as it’s one of my favorite lunch places.
I love the Po’Boys here; they’re impressive. However, on several occasions, my friend and I have shared the platters which come with Jambalaya. They’re just perfect in terms of selection, price, and size. Ideal for two people sharing, and only $14.99.
Aside from this, the gumbo is also excellent and comes with many filling choices, such as chicken, sausage, beans, seafood, veggies, and mixed, which means we finally have a Cajun/Creole restaurant in Houston that has an excellent choice of vegetarian options. See, you knew I wouldn’t leave anyone out.
To Sum Up
So, whether you’re looking to treat that special someone to a memorable, classy Cajun meal or Houston or want to grab a giant bowl of authentic Cajun Gumbo, hopefully, my top picks have given you a big enough selection. Suppose you’re staying in Houston for a while and want some inspiration for places to stay. In that case, I’ve got some excellent recommendations. Check out the 5 Best Hotels In Museum District and the Top 10 Airbnbs With Hot Tubs in Houston, TX.