South Lakeshore, nestled along the tranquil banks of Cross Lake in Shreveport, LA, is a neighborhood that has quietly developed a stellar food scene. While downtown may attract much of the foodie hype, locals know that South Lakeshore boasts a vibrant mix of lakeside eateries, cozy cafés, creative food trucks, and more. Looking for a place to grab brunch by the water, find the perfect sweet treat, or unwind with upscale southern cuisine? South Lakeshore won’t disappoint. Here’s a flavorful tour of some of the best spots—classic favorites and hidden gems alike.
Lakeside Restaurants: Dining with a View
Arguably the crown jewel of South Lakeshore’s dining is its abundant waterfront patios, where you can relish local flavors with panoramic views.
- The Port Grill (7675 Lakeshore Dr): With a sweeping deck over Cross Lake just west of Pines Road, The Port Grill is beloved for both its breezy atmosphere and its diverse menu. It’s hard to beat their Sunday brunch—southern staples like shrimp & grits or thick beignets pair perfectly with a mimosa. At dinner, go for their Cajun-inspired seafood platters (the blackened catfish and crawfish étouffée are standouts). Prices range from $12 for lunch plates to $28 for seafood entrees.
- Smith’s Cross Lake Inn (5545 S Lakeshore Dr): An upscale institution, Smith’s is all about classic charm—think steaks, broiled oysters, and impeccable hushpuppies, served in a historic lakeside cottage. The candlelit porch is an ideal setting for a romantic evening or special celebration, with entrées averaging $25-40.
Homestyle & Southern Fare
South Lakeshore natives take pride in their comfort food especially—no surprise, then, that the area boasts some great “under-the-radar” southern kitchens.
- Biscuit House Café (9000 block of S Lakeshore Dr at intersection with Post Oak Dr): Tucked into a cheerful cottage, Biscuit House Café turns out impossibly fluffy biscuits, giant country breakfasts, and soul-warming coffee every morning. Their biscuit “sandwiches” come loaded with local sausage or fried chicken, and everything’s under $12.
- Nana’s on the Lake (on S Lakeshore near Eastgate Dr): A true hidden gem, Nana’s specializes in daily-changing blue plate specials—fried pork chops, chicken-fried steak, and gumbo with scratch-made sides are regular favorites. Nothing fancy here, just honest-to-goodness Louisiana cooking, often for under $10 a plate.
Global Eats and Innovative Spots
If your palate craves variety, South Lakeshore won’t let you down.
- Sushi Gen (6700 block of S Lakeshore near Pines Rd): This cozy, family-run spot is a surprising destination for sushi lovers. Regulars rave about the fresh sashimi platters and inventive maki rolls (try the “Lakeshore Roll,” topped with spicy crawfish). Prices are moderate, about $15-22 for specialty rolls and combination plates.
- El Cabo Verde Food Truck (often parked by the Exxon on S Lakeshore & Wallace Lake Rd): Chef Gabriel Balderas’ food truck brings authentic, farm-to-table Mexican cuisine to a rotating menu. Think handmade tortillas, slow-roasted pork carnitas, and zesty salsas. A taco plate is usually around $9, and the homemade agua frescas are super refreshing.
Coffee Shops, Sweet Stops & Bakeries
South Lakeshore knows how to fuel your day from morning through dessert.
- Cross Lake Coffee (7544 S Lakeshore Dr): A favorite local hangout, this indie café offers locally roasted beans, iced lattes, and cozy window seats. Their in-house pastries, especially the cinnamon rolls and kolaches, sell out fast—get there early!
- Maple Grove Bakery (corner of S Lakeshore & Beckett St): This family-run bakery is famous for their praline king cake during Carnival season, delicate petit fours, and pillowy glazed donuts year-round. Expect baked goods from $2-5 each.
Where the Locals Really Go: Hidden Gems & Food Traditions
One of the joys of eating in South Lakeshore is stumbling upon hidden favorites, especially near intersections like S Lakeshore & Pines Rd or just off the lakeshore itself.
- Off the Hook Po’Boys (food truck often parked by Lakeview Grocery): For perfectly crusty French bread stuffed with fried shrimp, oysters, or roast beef debris, this food truck is a go-to among locals. Everything’s made to order for $10-13.
- Lakeview Snowball Stand (on S Lakeshore near Lakeview Dr): Open each spring and summer, this walk-up stand is a South Lakeshore tradition. Choose from dozens of flavors (wedding cake and spearmint are hits), or order yours “stuffed” with soft serve ice cream in the center—a Louisiana specialty.
What Makes South Lakeshore Special?
South Lakeshore’s food scene is deliciously relaxed—here, meals are to be savored, not rushed. Many restaurants make use of local fish and seasonal produce, and the best tables are often on shaded porches or right next to the water. While South Lakeshore may not make the tourist guides, its food community is passionate, creative, and deeply welcoming. Whether you’re sharing hushpuppies over lake views or biting into a powder-sugared beignet at sunrise, you’ll taste the care and tradition that make this neighborhood a true Shreveport food gem.
So grab your appetite, take a drive around the south shore, and discover your own favorite plate!