Orlandeaux's Café — Restaurant in Shreveport

It was our anniversary weekend and we decided to make the 4 hour drive up to Orlandeaux’s. My wife had gone there on a business trip and told me how good the food was. We arrived just before 5pm and I was thinking that we would walk right in being that it was so early. Wrong! (That’s code for make reservations) It was 1.5 hrs wait. We enjoyed the scenery (the lake & birds) while we waited. Finally the buzzer went off and we were seated. The staff were smiling and friendly. As we were ordering our appetizers the waitress told us that they were out of onion rings. I immediately decided that these were fun people and I started teasing about how we had driven all the way from the New Orleans area just for the onion rings. She poured on generous amounts of the I’m sorrys all in good fun. We ordered the boudin balls and zydeco shrimp. Meanwhile looking over the menu I decided I wanted the seafood platter and my wife had the beef tips and mashed potatoes. I noticed that unlike other places that instead of just fries they had options of rice or potatoes and gravy. I told my wife that I suspected that they would be boxed potatoes figuring that they had to cut corners somewhere. She immediately shot back “No 100 year old restaurant would dare offer boxed food.” So I went for it. I’m so glad I did. One of the staff members told me early on that there was no way I’d finish what I had ordered. He didn’t know that we had not eaten all day. I had been challenged!!! Everything was sooo good. We are foodies and I consider myself a very good cook. I’m also a pepperhead. Let me just say that my wife nor I could remember a time where I didn’t add anything to my food. The stuffed shrimp had a nice little kick to it and I liked those very much. But the unexpected star of the meal was the mashed potatoes and gravy. I swear I’ve never had any before that could even be considered as a close rival to these. BTW I lost that challenge. We had enough food for dinner again tonight. The staff were very attentive and super outgoing. I told them that we will definitely be coming back and I’ll definitely be having mashed potatoes and gravy. It is worth the drive period!

As a side note — If you’re reading reviews and noting that there are some negative ones out there about the staff. Let me say this. We all occasionally have a bad day. Sometimes there are factors that are unseen. AND SOMETIMES you get back what you put...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Orlandeaux's, a delightful Cajun restaurant that not only satisfied my taste buds but also left a lasting impression with its outstanding service. From the moment I entered, I was warmly welcomed by the attentive and friendly staff, setting the tone for an unforgettable dining experience.

The ambiance of the restaurant transported me straight to the heart of Louisiana, with its vibrant colors, and rustic decor. It was the perfect setting to enjoy the bold and flavorful Cajun cuisine that awaited me.

The menu at Orlandeaux's boasted a wide array of Cajun classics, from delectable seafood dishes to traditional Southern favorites. I couldn't resist trying their famous gumbo, and I was blown away by the rich, well-balanced flavors that danced on my palate with the right amount of spice to keep my taste buds dancing.

What truly set this restaurant apart, however, was the exceptional service provided by the staff. Each member of the team was knowledgeable, passionate, and attentive to every detail of our dining experience. They took the time to explain the dishes, offering suggestions and ensuring that all of our needs were met.

The waitstaff at Orlandeaux's demonstrated an unwavering commitment to providing a top-notch dining experience. They were attentive without being intrusive, regularly checking in on us to make sure we were enjoying our meal. Their recommendations were spot-on, further enhancing our culinary journey. It was clear that they genuinely cared about our satisfaction, making us feel like valued guests throughout the evening.

In addition to the superb service, the overall atmosphere of the restaurant was warm and inviting. The cozy seating arrangements and intimate lighting created a comfortable and relaxed setting, allowing me to fully immerse myself in the dining experience.

Overall, I cannot recommend this place highly enough. The combination of incredible Cajun cuisine, warm hospitality, and outstanding service made for an unforgettable culinary adventure. Whether you're a fan of Cajun cuisine or simply looking for a memorable dining experience, this restaurant is a must-visit. You'll be treated to a taste of Louisiana, with flavors that tickle your taste buds and service that exceeds your...

Kim did it yet again...Orlandeaux's is a MUST try! Short version, great food, great service and a view of the lake.

Long version...This family run place has been in business for over 100 years and we understand why. Friendly service with a Cajun smile. Katelyn and crew were on top of the service and the kitchen knocked it out of the park! I've not had boudin balls before and Orlandeaux's made sad for that fact. Kim's mom, Mary, said they're the best she's had. All I can say is that they were cheesey, meaty fried balls of delicious. As good as the onion rings were, I left some behind for those balls. Photos included. It seems that "best I've ever had" was going to be a theme. Mary had shrimp and grits...piled high and stiff but not gummy one bit. The shrimp were perfect, the Trinity perfect, the sauce... perfect. Not to hot with a bit of a bite. Her words...best I've ever had. Kim had the half fried chicken with mashed potatoes. I have never been so angry that I can't eat mashed potatoes...the flavor wash exceptional. Kim ate most of them...but had to tap out. Kim also managed only one piece of the best fried chicken she's ever had...her words...I can take the chicken with me...the mashed won't travel as well. I tried the wing... crispy not greasy, dusted with their spice, juicy and delicious. The colonel needs to be demoted. The included gravy was deep rue gravy with obvious backing of the Trinity and pepper. I opted for the Creole shrimp. Again, the sauce was backed by the skill of a food genius...deep flavor. The shrimp were perfectly prepared as was the Trinity veggies...all served around rice as a flavor vehicle. Sadly, my tummy couldn't hold it all...I would have licked the bowl otherwise.

And since we're on the subject of plate licking...the fluffy clouds of love that give you a warm hug... which they call beignets...served with both a generous amount of powdered sugar and maple syrup... well I may have needed a napkin or three.

If you like honest to goodness LA fare...and you're anywhere near Shreveport LA...Run, don't walk, to...