It strikes without warning. Maybe during a meeting, or while stuck in traffic on Johnston Street, or staring at your empty fridge. That primal craving for pasta – not a tasting menu, not small plates, just honest-to-goodness Italian food. And Lafayette delivers. From a tiny spot in River Ranch to a family-run joint hidden behind a gas station, here are 13 places to answer that call.
iMonelli Restaurant
$$ | (337) 989-9291 | WEBSITE
If you find yourself dreaming about iMonelli’s bone-in veal chop with cognac cream sauce while stuck in traffic on I-10, we’re kindred spirits. But the hidden gem at this intimate Italian spot in Lafayette is actually the crab and artichoke appetizer. The oyster Rockefeller soup and that magnificent veal chop are both outstanding, but it’s the delicate crab paired with perfectly cooked artichokes in that creamy sauce that occupies my thoughts.
Or should I say, during those long drives when I’m already planning my next visit.
Sarrica’s Italian Pizza
$$ | (337) 224-8523 | WEBSITE
It’s easy to assume downtown Lafayette is the hub of all things Italian, but one visit to Sarrica’s will prove you wrong. The family-owned spot is a scene straight from a Sicilian grandmother’s kitchen, but once you settle into the warm, inviting atmosphere, you’ll find authentic Italian classics at reasonable prices ($14-22 for pizzas, $16-24 for pastas). The menu changes every two weeks, but if you’re looking for post-work comfort food, Sarrica’s is where you go.
The Etna and Italiana pizzas with their chewy-crisp crusts are exceptional, the Amatriciana pasta embodies tradition, and the cannolis are absolutely on point. The passionate husband-and-wife team make everyone feel like family, and their journey from humble beginnings makes the experience even more special.
Olive Garden Italian Restaurant
$ | (337) 988-1596 | WEBSITE
This is an Italian chain restaurant with familiar favorites, unlimited breadsticks, and – for the purposes of this list – a server named Ray J you’ll find working the floor and charming every table he visits. He’s as genuine as servers come, just a friendly guy with great timing (specifically funny, sweet, and entertaining) who adds little compliments and smiley faces to your to-go orders. But with service this attentive, it’s all a meal really needs.
You, along with a dining room full of families and couples, will enjoy it, pay around $25 for a full meal, and revel in the fact that you’re eating something this consistently good in a comfortable booth with easy parking all around the building.
Carrabba’s Italian Grill
$$ | (337) 981-6669 | WEBSITE
When you first walk into Carrabba’s Italian Grill, you’ll wonder why you’re stepping into such a quiet, romantic space. Don’t worry – you’re here for the incredible Italian food that will completely change what you crave for dinner. Our favorite is the Linguini Positano, but the short-rib marsala shouldn’t be missed either. Just make sure you ask for Jessica or Tanya – with their friendly, attentive service, they’ll ensure your meal is fantastic.
Antoni’s Italian Cafe
$$ | (337) 232-8384 | WEBSITE
Antoni’s Italian Cafe is a cozy Italian spot tucked away in Lafayette, and a perfect choice when you want to avoid the crowded chains and tourist traps around town. The menu has a solid selection of classic Italian dishes (plus some vegetarian options that are worth trying), and we usually go for the generously portioned Grilled Chicken Marsala or the calzone that comes with a side of their exceptional in-house made bread.
Marcello’s
$$ | (337) 235-1002 | WEBSITE
There isn’t a dish more synonymous with authentic Italian dining in Lafayette than the Lamb Ragu at Marcello’s. And for good reason – it’s incredible. Tender braised lamb, rich tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked noodles all come together in a dish that defines comfort food. That said, whether it’s the lasagna with its layers of cheese and meat or the melazane fritte appetizer, this restaurant is loaded with excellent Italian classics, and you need to try all of them.
The sea scallops and Chicken Molli are equally memorable, each prepared with the same careful attention. Tip: Marcello’s bread and olive oil dipping sauce are legendary, so be sure to save room – or just make a meal of them.
Cafe Bella
$$ | (337) 265-2515 | WEBSITE
This Lafayette Italian spot is surprisingly inexpensive yet authentic, and it serves our favorite Italian dishes in town. Open for dinner with special Elvis impersonator nights that require reservations due to popularity, you definitely need to plan ahead for those evenings, but if you’re dining at Cafe Bella on a regular night, you either want a quiet date spot or are seeking a top-tier Italian experience.
Either way, order the outstanding meatball appetizer and the fantastic seafood and eggplant Sicilia.
Ruffino’s On The River
$$ | (337) 706-7333 | WEBSITE
Situated along the tranquil banks of the river in Lafayette, Ruffino’s On The River is one of our favorite spots for an exceptional evening out. While this upscale Italian restaurant is best known for their amazing shrimp pasta, their Pork Tchoupitoulas and filet are almost as good. If we’re there for Sunday brunch, we always go for the indoor patio overlooking the river, but at dinnertime, it’s all about the beautiful atmosphere with soft ambient lighting and hushed conversations.
If you’re celebrating a special occasion, their impeccable service and wonderful bread make for a memorable culinary journey.
Pizza Artista
$ | (337) 706-7631 | WEBSITE
Plain and simple, you won’t find a better family-friendly pizza spot in Lafayette than Pizza Artista. Located in a welcoming space with music and TVs playing Disney Channel, this restaurant is nothing more than a casual dining room with tables and booths, but when the pizza tastes this delicious, you don’t need any fancy frills.
All the pizzas are customizable with up to eight toppings, and while you truly can’t order a bad one, if it’s your first time, the boucherie pizza on cauliflower crust is a must.
Romacelli Bistro e Vino
$$ | (337) 988-9790 | WEBSITE
We love Romacelli Bistro e Vino because even after all this time, this Italian spot in Lafayette still feels like a quiet, quaint discovery. Their pizzas are the wood-flavored crust variety that are hard to find anywhere else in town. The Goat Cheese Dip is probably our favorite, but if you’re feeling ambitious, the 4 Meatball Appetizers are your one-way ticket to a cozy, family-friendly meal.
It’s the kind of place where you can linger over after-work cocktails or bring the kids for a casual lunch, all while enjoying that friendly, attentive service that makes you want to come back.
Alesi Pizza House
$ | (337) 984-1823 | WEBSITE
Let’s be honest – this Lafayette pizza joint has been serving up the same sweet sauce for over 50 years, and if they had a sugar-free option on their menu, we’d order it. That said, the pizza is worth every sticky, syrupy bite you’ll inevitably encounter. Whether it’s the classic cheese pizza, the hearty chicken parmesan, or the comforting spaghetti with meatball, these are easily our favorite Italian dishes in Lafayette, and Alesi Pizza House is an essential family dinner spot after a long week.
Deano’s Pizza Bertrand
$ | (337) 233-5446 | WEBSITE
Lafayette has plenty of Italian spots, but nothing quite captures the spirit of Deano’s Pizza Bertrand. This family-friendly restaurant is tucked away in a welcoming neighborhood, and if you didn’t know better you might just drive right past it.
Order any of their standout dishes (we love the crawfish nachos or specialty pizzas like shrimp scampi and crazy Cajun), settle into the spacious, accessible dining room with plenty of room for everyone, enjoy the friendly service that makes newcomers feel at home, and imagine you’re part of a lively local gathering that’s been going on for years.
La Pizzeria Lafayette
$ | (337) 989-9172 | WEBSITE
Open for years in the heart of Lafayette, La Pizzeria Lafayette is – as its name suggests – the home of some truly memorable Italian dishes (though other spots around town might have their own claims). Honestly, we don’t care who was first to serve pizza here, we come to this cozy spot because their versions remain our favorites. Perfectly baked cauliflower crust pizza topped with fresh ingredients and that shrimp pesto pizza with just the right amount of garlic.
Add the blue cheese and beet salad with its tangy dressing that comes with every meal and you’ve got one of the most satisfying Italian experiences in Lafayette. The Bellagio pizza with its classic combination never disappoints either. At around $15-20 per pizza, it’s reasonably priced for the quality you get. The clean, inviting interior with its warm lighting makes for a relaxing date night atmosphere, especially when they have live music playing.
Service is consistently great – attentive without being intrusive. Whether you’re grabbing appetizers or settling in for a full meal, everything from start to finish is really good.