Food

100 Best Restaurants 2010: Acadiana

No. 96: Acadiana

Cuisine: The buttery biscuits that land on the table at the start of every meal amount to a declaration: This is no place for calorie counters. And it only gets better—or worse—from there. Jeff Tunks has fashioned a rich excursion into down-home “Looziana” cooking, from New Orleans–style barbecue shrimp to classic seafood gumbo to oyster po’ boys. If the menu says something is served with warm French bread, chances are there’s a buttery sauce to be mopped up with it.

Mood: For all the decadence, the dining room is almost matronly—with tall, tapestried booths, oversize chandeliers, and decorative urns. But that hasn’t kept it from becoming a power spot.

Best for: Louisiana expats and anyone who craves Mardi Gras–like decadence and traditional Louisiana cocktails—with all the customary kick.

Best dishes: Trio of deviled eggs with toppings such as ham, crab, and shrimp; seafood gumbo; roast duck over smoky greens; barbecue shrimp; shrimp and oyster po’ boys (lunch only); chocolate doberge cake; Pimm’s Cup cocktail.

Insider tips: Deals here include a $29 three-course pre-theater menu from 5:30 to 6:30 daily, half-price wines on Sunday, and bar specials on drinks and nibbles during happy hours and Sunday football games.

Service: ••½

Open Monday through Friday for lunch and dinner, Saturday for dinner, Sunday for brunch and dinner. Expensive.

 

See all of 2010's 100 Best Restaurants

 

Ann Limpert
Executive Food Editor/Critic

Ann Limpert joined Washingtonian in late 2003. She was previously an editorial assistant at Entertainment Weekly and a cook in New York restaurant kitchens, and she is a graduate of the Institute of Culinary Education. She lives in Petworth.