Ole Landry’s Restaurant in Ruston is a beloved dining destination that perfectly captures the essence of Southern hospitality and Cajun-Creole cuisine. Known for its warm atmosphere and authentic flavors, this establishment offers a menu that celebrates traditional Louisiana dishes with a modern twist.
Whether you’re a local or just passing through, Ole Landry’s menu provides something for every palate, from hearty seafood platters to savory meat dishes. The restaurant’s commitment to fresh ingredients and bold spices shines through each carefully crafted dish, making it a must-visit spot for food enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in true Southern comfort food.
What sets Ole Landry’s apart is not only its flavorful offerings but also its dedication to an inviting dining experience. The menu is thoughtfully designed to cater to a wide range of tastes, balancing classic dishes with innovative preparations.
Guests often find themselves returning for the rich gumbo, perfectly blackened catfish, and decadent desserts that feel like a warm hug after a satisfying meal. This culinary gem in Ruston is more than just a place to eat—it’s a vibrant celebration of Louisiana’s rich food heritage.
Appetizers: Kickstarting the Culinary Journey
The appetizer selection at Ole Landry’s Restaurant sets the tone for the meal with a variety of bold flavors and textures. These starters are crafted to awaken the palate and offer a preview of the Southern-inspired dishes that follow.
From crispy fried delights to fresh and zesty bites, the appetizers balance indulgence with freshness.
One of the standout offerings is the Fried Green Tomatoes, a classic Southern staple served with a tangy remoulade sauce. The tomatoes are sliced thick, battered, and fried to a golden crisp, delivering a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy dip.
This dish is a perfect example of how Ole Landry’s blends tradition with palate-pleasing innovation.
Another favorite appetizer is the Seafood Stuffed Mushrooms. These mushrooms are generously filled with a savory mix of shrimp, crab, and herbs, then baked to perfection.
The rich seafood filling complements the earthy mushroom base, creating a harmonious bite that highlights the restaurant’s commitment to fresh, high-quality ingredients.
For those seeking a lighter option, the Spicy Cajun Shrimp Cocktail offers a refreshing yet flavorful choice. The shrimp are seasoned with house-made Cajun spices and served chilled with a zesty cocktail sauce.
This dish perfectly balances heat and acidity, making it an excellent starter for any meal.
- Fried Green Tomatoes with Remoulade Sauce
- Seafood Stuffed Mushrooms
- Spicy Cajun Shrimp Cocktail
- Creole Crab Cakes
“The appetizers at Ole Landry’s are a perfect prelude to the rich, flavorful journey that the rest of the menu promises.”
Signature Entrees: The Heart of Ole Landry’s Menu
At the core of Ole Landry’s dining experience are the signature entrees, which showcase the best of Louisiana’s culinary traditions. These dishes are known for their bold spices, fresh seafood, and hearty portions.
Every entree is crafted to deliver a satisfying and authentic taste of Southern cuisine.
Seafood Specialties
The seafood entrees are a highlight, with the Blackened Catfish standing out as a customer favorite. The catfish is coated in a proprietary blend of Cajun spices and seared to create a flavorful crust while remaining tender inside.
It is typically served with rice and seasonal vegetables, allowing the fish’s flavors to shine.
Another popular dish is the Shrimp and Grits, a Southern classic given a unique Ole Landry’s touch. The creamy grits are infused with cheese and butter, providing a rich base for plump, sautéed shrimp seasoned with garlic and Cajun spices.
This dish perfectly balances comfort and sophistication.
Meat and Poultry
For meat lovers, the Louisiana Smothered Chicken is a must-try. The chicken is slow-cooked in a savory gravy made from onions, bell peppers, and Cajun seasonings, resulting in tender, flavorful meat that falls off the bone.
Served with mashed potatoes or dirty rice, it offers a true taste of Southern home cooking.
Another staple is the Grilled Ribeye Steak, seasoned with a house spice rub and cooked to order. Accompanied by a side of garlic butter and sautéed vegetables, this entree satisfies those craving a robust, hearty meal.
| Entree | Main Ingredients | Recommended Sides |
| Blackened Catfish | Catfish, Cajun spices | Rice, seasonal vegetables |
| Shrimp and Grits | Shrimp, cheese grits, garlic | Collard greens, cornbread |
| Louisiana Smothered Chicken | Chicken, Cajun gravy | Mashed potatoes, dirty rice |
| Grilled Ribeye Steak | Ribeye, garlic butter | Sautéed vegetables, baked potato |
Soups and Salads: Fresh and Flavorful Options
Ole Landry’s offers a thoughtfully curated selection of soups and salads, perfect for lighter meals or as complements to larger dishes. These options combine fresh ingredients with bold seasonings, reflecting the restaurant’s Southern roots while appealing to health-conscious diners.
The Seafood Gumbo is a crowd-pleaser, featuring a rich, dark roux base loaded with shrimp, crab, and oysters. This soup is hearty and deeply flavorful, often enjoyed as a meal in itself.
The balance of spices and seafood freshness creates a comforting, warming experience.
For salad lovers, the Cajun Chicken Salad offers a delightful mix of crisp greens, grilled chicken breast seasoned with Cajun spices, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette. It’s a refreshing yet satisfying option that blends texture and taste.
The restaurant also serves a House Salad, made with fresh mixed greens, cucumbers, red onions, and a choice of dressings. This simple but vibrant salad complements any entree and adds a touch of lightness to the meal.
- Seafood Gumbo: shrimp, crab, oysters
- Cajun Chicken Salad with vinaigrette
- House Salad with assorted dressings
- Tomato Basil Soup
“The soups and salads at Ole Landry’s are more than just starters—they are thoughtfully prepared dishes that celebrate freshness and flavor.”
Sides: Complementing Every Dish
Ole Landry’s sides are crafted to perfectly complement the rich and bold flavors found throughout the menu. These carefully selected accompaniments balance and enhance the main entrees, offering a range of textures and tastes that complete the dining experience.
One of the signature sides is the Dirty Rice, a traditional Cajun dish made with seasoned ground meat, bell peppers, onions, and rice. It offers a spicy and savory punch that pairs well with seafood and poultry alike.
This side is a staple of Southern cooking and is executed with precision at Ole Landry’s.
The Collard Greens are slow-cooked with smoked ham hocks, creating a rich and tender vegetable dish that adds depth and authenticity to the meal. Their slightly bitter, smoky flavor contrasts beautifully with the spicier elements on the plate.
For those looking for a lighter option, the Steamed Seasonal Vegetables provide freshness and crunch. These are often seasoned lightly to let the natural flavors shine, balancing heavier dishes with a touch of green.
- Dirty Rice with ground meat and Cajun spices
- Slow-cooked Collard Greens with smoked ham
- Steamed Seasonal Vegetables
- Cheese Grits
Desserts: Sweet Endings to a Savory Meal
To finish a meal at Ole Landry’s on a high note, the dessert menu features Southern favorites that are rich, decadent, and deeply satisfying. Each dessert captures the essence of comfort food, often incorporating traditional ingredients with a contemporary flair.
The Bananas Foster Bread Pudding is a house specialty, combining warm, spiced bread pudding with a luscious caramelized banana sauce. The dish is often topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, creating a perfect balance of warm and cold, sweet and creamy.
Another standout is the Pecan Pie, made with a flaky crust and a rich, buttery filling packed with toasted pecans. It’s served with whipped cream or ice cream, providing a classic Southern finish that never fails to impress.
The Chocolate Bourbon Cake offers a moist, dense texture infused with a subtle hint of bourbon. This dessert is a favorite for those seeking a rich chocolate experience with a Southern twist.
- Bananas Foster Bread Pudding with ice cream
- Classic Pecan Pie with whipped cream
- Chocolate Bourbon Cake
- Seasonal Fruit Cobbler
“Desserts at Ole Landry’s are crafted with love and tradition, making every sweet bite a celebration of Southern heritage.”
Beverages: Refreshing Complements
The beverage menu at Ole Landry’s complements the food with a thoughtfully selected range of drinks that highlight Southern flavors and enhance the dining experience. From handcrafted cocktails to non-alcoholic options, the drinks are designed to pair beautifully with the rich and diverse menu.
Cocktail enthusiasts can enjoy the Classic Sazerac, a New Orleans original made with rye whiskey, Peychaud’s bitters, and a lemon twist. This cocktail’s bold and aromatic profile pairs perfectly with the spicy and savory dishes offered.
For a lighter option, the Sweet Tea is brewed fresh daily, offering a refreshing and subtly sweet complement to any meal. The restaurant also serves a variety of craft beers and select wines from Louisiana and beyond, ensuring there is a beverage to suit every preference.
- Classic Sazerac Cocktail
- Freshly Brewed Sweet Tea
- Local Craft Beers
- Selection of Louisiana Wines
Kids’ Menu: Family-Friendly Flavors
Ole Landry’s understands that dining out with family requires options that cater to younger guests. The kids’ menu offers familiar favorites made with the same care and quality as the main menu, ensuring that children enjoy their meals just as much as adults.
Simple dishes like Chicken Tenders and Grilled Cheese Sandwiches are prepared with fresh ingredients and served with tasty sides such as fries or steamed vegetables. These choices provide comfort and familiarity while introducing children to the flavors of Southern cuisine.
The Mini Shrimp Po’ Boy offers a smaller portion of a classic Louisiana sandwich, featuring lightly fried shrimp on a soft bun with lettuce and remoulade sauce. It’s a great way to introduce kids to local flavors in a fun and approachable way.
- Chicken Tenders with fries or veggies
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich
- Mini Shrimp Po’ Boy
- Macaroni and Cheese
“Ole Landry’s kids’ menu ensures that even the youngest diners experience the warmth and flavors of Louisiana without sacrificing quality or taste.”
Conclusion
Ole Landry’s Restaurant in Ruston stands out as a culinary beacon that celebrates the depth and richness of Southern and Cajun-Creole cuisine. Its menu is a meticulously crafted tapestry of flavors, textures, and traditions, inviting guests to indulge in dishes that are both comforting and exciting.
From the first bite of fried green tomatoes to the last spoonful of bananas foster bread pudding, every element speaks to a commitment to quality, authenticity, and hospitality.
The diversity of the menu ensures there is something for every taste, whether you crave the bold spices of a blackened catfish or the simple joy of a classic pecan pie. The thoughtful inclusion of fresh soups, vibrant salads, and family-friendly options speaks to the restaurant’s dedication to creating a welcoming environment for all.
Ole Landry’s is more than a place to eat; it is a culinary experience that honors Louisiana’s food heritage while inviting guests to create lasting memories around the table.
For anyone seeking an authentic taste of Southern hospitality paired with expertly prepared dishes, Ole Landry’s Restaurant in Ruston offers an unmatched dining adventure. The menu’s balance of tradition and creativity ensures that every visit is a celebration of flavors, making it a cherished destination for locals and visitors alike.
