Laketown in Kenner, LA is best known for its breezy lakeside parks and stunning sunsets over Lake Pontchartrain, but savvy locals know its food scene is just as vibrant as its views. Hidden gems and popular favorites alike have turned this neighborhood into one of the city’s most delicious destinations. Whether you’re craving Cajun classics, fresh pastries, global flavors, or a perfect cup of coffee, Laketown’s dining options promise to wow local foodies and visitors alike. Here’s your ultimate guide to eating your way through Laketown, with highlights from Williams Boulevard and other culinary cross streets.
Neighborhood Favorites: Where Locals Gather
*Williams Boulevard* is Laketown’s culinary backbone, with easy access to Lake Pontchartrain, sprawling parks, and a mix of places you’ll want to revisit again and again. One of the area’s most beloved spots is Cafe du Monde (4700 Williams Blvd). While the original in New Orleans needs no introduction, the Kenner outpost is a neighborhood staple. Here, you can savor airy beignets and chicory coffee on the breezy patio—a perfect start to a lakeside stroll or a lazy afternoon.
At the end of Williams Boulevard, *walking distance from the Laketown park and boat launch*, is Laketown Grill. This casual eatery draws in everyone from morning joggers to evening families. The menu is an approachable mix of classic American and Louisiana dishes: think shrimp po’boys, juicy burgers, crispy catfish plates, and their legendary gumbo. Portions are generous, the prices are mid-range ($10–$20 per entree), and the vibe is unmistakably neighborly.
Cafés, Bakeries, and Sweet Spots
For those who appreciate freshly baked bread and gourmet sweets, La Petite Parisienne Bakery (100 W. Esplanade Ave, just off Williams) is a true hidden gem. This family-run bakery brings French flair to Kenner with flaky croissants, decadent eclairs, and artisan baguettes. Locals rave about their almond croissants and fruit tarts, but the gooey bread pudding might be the city’s best-kept secret. Stop in for a cappuccino and grab a box of treats for later.
Coffee lovers in Laketown gravitate toward PJ’s Coffee of New Orleans (4041 Williams Blvd), a comfy retreat for remote workers, book clubs, and morning regulars. The cozy, local vibe pairs perfectly with their signature iced mochas and spicy breakfast sandwiches. Prices here are wallet-friendly (most items under $10), making it the ideal spot for a leisurely morning or a pick-me-up between exploring the lakefront.
Global Eats: From Sushi to Tacos
Laketown embraces its status as a cultural crossroads with a variety of global restaurants that go beyond the usual. For sushi lovers, Sushi King (3812 Williams Blvd) is a must. Expect fresh sashimi, inventive specialty rolls, and attentive service in an unpretentious setting. The prices range from $12 to $30 per entree, and the “Laketown Roll” featuring crawfish and tempura shrimp is a local favorite you won’t find anywhere else.
Venturing a little further down Williams, Taqueria Corona (3535 Williams Blvd) injects bold Mexican flavors into the Laketown mix. Known for their fish tacos, sizzling fajitas, and house-made margaritas, this colorful eatery is the perfect spot for family dinners or casual dates. Their Sunday brunch, with huevos rancheros and micheladas, is quietly legendary. Most dishes range from $10–$18.
Hidden Gems and Food Trucks
One of the joys of the Laketown food scene is stumbling upon delicious surprises you might not find on national guides. Mrs. G’s Kitchen Truck, frequently parked at Williams Boulevard and Joe Yenni Blvd, dishes out some of the most satisfying soul food in Kenner. The fried chicken, smothered pork chops, and grilled corn are all must-tries, often selling out before lunch ends. Cash and local charm are both recommended.
Nearby, tucked off the main drag on Power Blvd, you’ll find Pho Sunrise. With fragrant broths and generous servings of pho and vermicelli bowls, this Vietnamese spot is as warm and inviting as it gets. Prices are affordable ($10–$15), and their spring rolls and boba teas are local favorites.
Old-School, Family-Run Classics
No food tour of Laketown would be complete without a stop at Kenner Seafood Market & Restaurant (3140 Loyola Dr, near Williams). This place is loved for its out-of-this-world boiled seafood platters—crawfish, shrimp, and crabs covered in house seasoning. The fried oyster po’boy and crab-stuffed mirliton have a loyal fanbase. Feast for under $30 per person in a setting that’s as Louisiana as it gets.
A more vintage option, Smitty’s Seafood Restaurant (2000 Williams Blvd) has been serving classic fried seafood and gumbo for generations. The hush puppies and charbroiled oysters keep regulars coming, while their mid-century diner vibe is pure nostalgia. Entrees hover around $15-$20.
Desserts Worth a Detour
Last but not least, those with a sweet tooth should wander into Gambino’s Bakery (4821 Veterans Blvd, just east of Laketown) for king cake (year-round!), praline brownies, and dainty petit fours. Perfect for special occasions or a spontaneous treat, it’s locally owned and always buzzing around Mardi Gras.
For unique international sweets, Delicias Colombianas (3839 Williams Blvd) offers passion fruit mousse, tres leches, and fresh bakery breads. Their empanadas also make a superb savory grab-and-go snack. Most pastries are just a few dollars.
Neighborhood Foodie Tips
- Arrive early for breakfast at the busier cafés, especially on weekends
- Many food trucks update their locations via social media; check before heading out
- Try local drinks like the chicory café au lait at Cafe du Monde or house-made aguas frescas at Taqueria Corona
- Williams Boulevard and its cross streets (like Joe Yenni Blvd and Veterans Blvd) are the main arteries of the Laketown food scene—perfect for a "progressive dinner" or tasting tour
Why Laketown’s Food Scene Stands Out
Laketown’s culinary scene is a microcosm of Kenner itself: laid-back, full of flavor, a blend of old and new. Whether you’re visiting for the lakeside views or a longtime resident, the restaurants, bakeries, and markets here deliver every time. With affordable prices, friendly faces, and genuine local pride, these eateries are more than just places to eat—they’re where the Laketown community comes to life, one bite at a time.