SoLou Lafayette – South Louisiana Inspired Flavors With A Twist
Located in the heart of Lafayette, SoLou offers a unique dining experience featuring Louisiana-inspired dishes, farm-to-table ingredients, expertly crafted cocktails, and the kind of hospitality that makes you want to stay a while.
Meet the Owners
Peter and Michelle Sclafani are proud to bring their passion for hospitality to Lafayette. They have two children, Peter (27) and Katherine (25), and two beloved dogs—Atlas, a Golden Retriever, and Pearl, a Goldendoodle. Peter is a third-generation chef and restaurateur from New Orleans, while Michelle hails from Bogalusa. Peter holds a finance degree from LSU, and Michelle earned her marketing degree from Southeastern Louisiana University, followed by an Alternative Elementary Teaching certification from UNO.
Peter and Michelle Sclafani are proud to bring their passion for hospitality to Lafayette. They have two children, Peter (27) and Katherine (25), and two beloved dogs—Atlas, a Golden Retriever, and Pearl, a Goldendoodle. Peter is a third-generation chef and restaurateur from New Orleans, while Michelle hails from Bogalusa. Peter holds a finance degree from LSU, and Michelle earned her marketing degree from Southeastern Louisiana University, followed by an Alternative Elementary Teaching certification from UNO.
Peter was chef and co-owner of Ruffino's on the River from its inception until selling in 2018. Michelle retired from teaching fourth grade at St. George School in Baton Rouge. Together, they also own two Portobello's Italian Restaurants and the original SoLou in Baton Rouge, along with partners Kiva and Candice Guidroz. They’re also partners in Phil's Oyster Bar with Anthony Piazza and operate a restaurant consulting company, Down South Hospitality. Peter authored a cookbook, Seasons of Louisiana, and has served as Chair of the Louisiana Restaurant Association and on the Board of Directors for the National Restaurant Association.
The Journey to SoLou Lafayette
Peter's journey began with working every position in his family’s New Orleans restaurant. In 1997, he partnered with Ruffin Rodrigue and TJ Moran to open DiNardo's, which became Ruffino's in 1999. Over the years, Peter earned national recognition, including two invitations to cook at the prestigious James Beard House in New York, the "Jamie Shannon Outstanding Chef" award, Louisiana Restaurateur of the Year, Marketer of the Year, and several Best Chef in Baton Rouge titles, along with gold medals in culinary competitions.
Peter's journey began with working every position in his family’s New Orleans restaurant. In 1997, he partnered with Ruffin Rodrigue and TJ Moran to open DiNardo's, which became Ruffino's in 1999. Over the years, Peter earned national recognition, including two invitations to cook at the prestigious James Beard House in New York, the "Jamie Shannon Outstanding Chef" award, Louisiana Restaurateur of the Year, Marketer of the Year, and several Best Chef in Baton Rouge titles, along with gold medals in culinary competitions.
After selling his interest in Ruffino’s, Peter collaborated with Anthony Piazza on Phil’s Oyster Bar and with the Guidroz family on Portobello’s. In 2021, they opened SoLou in Baton Rouge, which won “Best New Restaurant” that same year. With Lafayette’s welcoming response to Ruffino’s in mind, Peter and Michelle chose it as the site for SoLou’s first expansion.
What Sets SoLou Apart
SoLou Lafayette isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a place where people come to connect, celebrate, and create lasting memories. What sets SoLou apart is its commitment to delivering Louisiana-inspired comfort food with a creative twist, all in a stylish yet comfortable setting. From complimentary pork rinds to custom cocktails and a cotton candy farewell, every detail is crafted to surprise, delight, and spark joy.
SoLou Lafayette isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a place where people come to connect, celebrate, and create lasting memories. What sets SoLou apart is its commitment to delivering Louisiana-inspired comfort food with a creative twist, all in a stylish yet comfortable setting. From complimentary pork rinds to custom cocktails and a cotton candy farewell, every detail is crafted to surprise, delight, and spark joy.
Peter and Michelle take the most pride in creating those “wow” moments—whether it’s a first date, a birthday, or just a random Tuesday night. The most fulfilling part of their work is seeing guests laugh, relax, and enjoy each other’s company.
Advice from the Experts
Their best advice? Don’t underestimate the power of gathering around a table. In today’s fast-paced world, taking time to share a meal with loved ones can rejuvenate your spirit and strengthen bonds. Whether it’s Sunday brunch or a weekday dinner, prioritizing connection makes a difference. Supporting local restaurants like SoLou also strengthens the community, fuels creativity, and celebrates Louisiana’s culture.
Their best advice? Don’t underestimate the power of gathering around a table. In today’s fast-paced world, taking time to share a meal with loved ones can rejuvenate your spirit and strengthen bonds. Whether it’s Sunday brunch or a weekday dinner, prioritizing connection makes a difference. Supporting local restaurants like SoLou also strengthens the community, fuels creativity, and celebrates Louisiana’s culture.
Common Misconceptions
A common misconception is that all restaurants are the same—it’s just food on a plate. But real hospitality is about the entire experience. From how you're greeted to the little extras that turn a meal into a memory, intention matters.
A common misconception is that all restaurants are the same—it’s just food on a plate. But real hospitality is about the entire experience. From how you're greeted to the little extras that turn a meal into a memory, intention matters.
At SoLou, that intention includes using local products like Noni's Mayhaw Jelly, Poupart's breads, Best Stop Boudin, Mellow Joy Coffee, Chez Francois Crawfish, Louisiana shrimp, Steen’s cane syrup and vinegar, Zatarain’s Creole mustard, and Blue Plate mayonnaise. Hospitality starts with how you treat your team, your guests, and your community.
Community Commitment
SoLou isn’t just invested in great food—they’re invested in the community. Beyond purchasing from numerous local vendors, the team supports organizations like Healing House, Fostering Hope, Gifting Grace Project, and Foster Love Louisiana. They also donate gift cards and wine bottles for charity raffles and frequently provide tastings at local events.
SoLou isn’t just invested in great food—they’re invested in the community. Beyond purchasing from numerous local vendors, the team supports organizations like Healing House, Fostering Hope, Gifting Grace Project, and Foster Love Louisiana. They also donate gift cards and wine bottles for charity raffles and frequently provide tastings at local events.
If you’re someone who values locally sourced ingredients, imaginative takes on Louisiana classics, and an atmosphere that’s equal parts fun and refined, you’ll find yourself right at home at SoLou Lafayette. And with a “love it or it’s on us” satisfaction guarantee, it’s a risk-free way to discover your new favorite dining spot.
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