By Kaitlyn Shehee
Wagyulicious
BATON ROUGE | wagyulicious.com
Baton Rouge’s newest restaurant, Wagyulicious, is making wagyu-style beef—with its buttery marbling, tender texture, and rich flavor—approachable and affordable, setting the restaurant apart from your standard run-of-the-mill burger joint. A cut above the rest, this establishment offers showstopping burgers and other bites (think loaded fries, boudin egg rolls, breakfast burritos, and more) with unmatched quality that’ll have you coming back for more. Juicy, flavorful, and unforgettable, make sure you stop by—we promise you’ll taste the difference.
Hot & Soul
NEW ORLEANS | hotandsoul.com
Hot & Soul is a fresh addition to New Orleans’ dining scene, bringing bold flavor, comfort, and creativity together under one roof. Rooted in soul food traditions and inspired by global cuisines, the restaurant delivers hearty, thoughtfully crafted dishes that feel both familiar and exciting. Each plate—Gulf Tuna Ceviche, Veggie Chettinad Curry, and Chicken Adobo among them—balances heat, heart, and heritage, reflecting the city’s love for food that tells a story. Warm hospitality and a relaxed neighborhood vibe make Hot & Soul a welcoming spot for locals and visitors alike. It’s a place where cultures collide, and each dish feels like a celebration of New Orleans’ evolving culinary spirit.
Social
MADISONVILLE | socialrestaurant.co
The team at Social believes the best moments happen around the table, with every meal being an invitation to connect with others. Boasting flavorful Peruvian cuisine in a warm and inviting atmosphere, Social is inspired by the idea of socializing, hence the name, and its space is an environment where dishes are meant to be shared and enjoyed with friends, family, and even new faces. Founded by Omar Lugo, owner of Habs Hospitality Group, and Adolfo Gosálvez, a seasoned restaurateur and chef with extensive expertise in Peruvian cuisine, Social blends the rich traditions of Peru with a contemporary twist.
