April Courville

Lafayette restaurateurs can give themselves a pat on the back for opening so many new eateries in town over the past year. From breweries to soda fountains, there’s a new spot for everyone. Check out these new restaurants in and around Lafayette Parish! Don't see your new favorite restaurant on the list? Click here and let us know! The newest addition to the Lafayette bakery scene, Lucia specializes in Viennoiseries Pastries - the love child of French bread and a classic pastry.

With FEASTival month nearing its end, I hope you’ve had a chance to sample what local restaurants have to offer in celebration of Festival International. Virtual Festival starts Friday, so the clock is ticking to compete to be Festival’s first-ever Best Foodie. Loaded nachos and fries are a decadent way to load up your punch card in the home stretch. Whatever your poison, these restaurants are offering up piles of carbs as vessels for cheese, pulled pork, kimchi and more.

This year’s Virtual Festival International features the FEASTival challenge. Pick up punch cards at participating restaurants and eat your way around the globe. Three lucky foodies will win prize packs stuffed with coupons and other goodies. It’s a great way to support local restaurants after a tough year and enjoy one of the best aspects of Festival International — the food.