Welcome to Cafe Petra
Cafe Petra, located in the charming town of St. Francisville, LA, offers a delightful escape into the flavors of the Mediterranean. Known for its rich and diverse menu, guests savor everything from the famed lamb shank to vibrant vegetarian grape leaves. Each dish is crafted with care, showcasing a blend of fresh ingredients and traditional recipes that evoke the heart of Mediterranean cuisine. Patrons rave about the harmonious balance of flavors and generous portions, complemented by attentive service that ensures a memorable dining experience. At Cafe Petra, every meal becomes a celebration of good food, warmth, and genuine hospitality.
- 5712 Commerce St, St Francisville, LA 70775, United States Hotline: +1 225-635-4035
Welcome to Cafe Petra, a culinary gem nestled in the picturesque town of St. Francisville, Louisiana. Situated at 5712 Commerce St, this Mediterranean haven is renowned for delivering a delightful twist on classic dishes that tantalize the taste buds. The café boasts a reputation for exceptional service, generous portions, and an inviting atmosphere that makes it a perfect dining choice for both locals and travelers alike.
One of the standout features of Cafe Petra is its diverse menu that showcases a rich array of flavors and ingredients, making it a paradise for food enthusiasts. Start your culinary adventure with their scrumptious Okra Mousaka or indulge in the creamy Mediterranean Hummus, elegantly topped with tomatoes, olives, and a drizzle of olive oil. The Kibbi and Falafel are also crowd favorites, offering a taste of authentic Middle Eastern cuisine that transports you directly to the Mediterranean.
- Appetizers: Options like Fried Cheese and Vegetarian Grape Leaves showcase the depth of flavor you can expect.
- Lunch Menu: Highlights include the delectable Shrimp Scampi, perfectly cooked and served with hummus and salad, and the savory Beef Kabob—a true delight for meat lovers.
- Vegetarian Classics: Even the vegetarian selections, such as the Vegetarian Plate, do not hold back, offering satisfying combinations that cater to diverse palates.
The ambiance at Cafe Petra complements its culinary offerings. With a beautiful patio set against the serene backdrop of St. Francisville, it’s the ideal spot for enjoying a meal al fresco. Customers have noted not just the food, but also the extraordinary service. Guests like Shontell Forrest have raved about the exceptional professionalism of the staff, while Maggie CR highlighted a memorable experience brought to life by a particularly attentive server named Cora.
Don't just take it from me. Gerard Legaux mentions his fondness for the Chicken Shawarma, emphasizing it as a must-try. Likewise, food lovers can’t help but admire the Cajun Shrimp Soup and dishes tailored for vegetarians, which reviewers have hailed as being among the best they’ve encountered.
As you venture to this hidden treasure deep in the South Louisiana woods, brace yourself for a flavorful journey. Cafe Petra not only offers delicious food but creates memorable dining experiences that resonate long after the meal is finished. Whether you’re savoring a cozy lunch with friends or enjoying a romantic dinner, you’re guaranteed to leave with a full body and a satisfied spirit.
So, if you find yourself wandering through St. Francisville, don’t miss the chance to experience the culinary magic at Cafe Petra. With competitive pricing, generous portions, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, your taste buds will thank you for this delightful culinary stop.

I found the food to be absolutely delicious, the flavors were rich and everything was cooked perfectly. I've been wanting to try lamb shank and I'm so glad that I did The servers went above and beyond and were super professional. I loved this place.

Awesome restaurant in scenic St.Francisville. I got my favorite dish Chicken Swarma. Always a pleasant dining experience eating here.

I have had lunch at Cafe Petra every Monday for the past month. Each time I had something different. Entrees, appetizers and desserts. The staff is knowledgeable and attentive and every meal has been delicious. If you have never been there before, or it’s been a while, give them a visit. You will not be disappointed.

Update 3/17/2024 Today's experience was different and special. The food was great as usual and reasonably priced. Our server, though, was the best one we've ever had at this location or at any other restaurant for that matter. Cora turned our lunch into a beautiful experience. Service is always good here, but she went above and beyond. She is the most kindhearted and helpful server we had the pleasure to meet today. She deserves to be kept in high regard by her employer. I'm including pictures of the menu. Totally recommend the lentil soup, the vegetarian plate, the lamb shank, and whatever you choose from the menu. It will be good for sure! /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// Food is really good here with generous portions and reasonable prices. Staff is friendly and kind. This is definitely my favorite place for this type of food, and Saint Francisville is a lovely town, so the location is nice too. Totally recommend it

Delicious shawarma and gyro plate with portions to match the price. Service was so-so, bartender was sweet but the blond muscle head was a little ornery. Very clean establishment with a beautiful patio and located in a gorgeous, hidden treasure of a town, deep in the south Louisiana woods. All things considered, I would definitely return.

Good service and simply excellent food. The Mediterranean hummus was a superb blend of hummus with drizzled olive oil, katamala olives, tomatoes, jalepenos, and feta. Awsome! Beef kabob was medium rare as I like it, and was very good. Can't wait to try some of there other dishes!

My wife and I both had the combination plates and it was absolutely amazing. Flavors were better than I am used to getting when traveling. Salad dressing and hummus were excellent. Even my son's french fries were very well seasoned. Great job, excellent flavor all around.

On a cruise that stopped at St. Francisville and the boat has struggled to offer good vegetarian options for a well balanced diet. I found Petra Cafe and saw a way for us to get some much needed protein that was vegetarian. It was even better than anticipated with their falafel and hummus being among the best I have had, on par with what you can find in cities with Greek populations. It has been years since I was fortunate to have this flavorful, quality Greek food.