People from all over the world go to Louisiana to vacation, and it isn’t for the weather. They endure the humidity and heat because the greatest music and cuisine in America are to be found among those swamps, prairies and the occasional big city by a river. Ragin’ Cajun was the South Bay’s embassy of that culture and cuisine when it was on Pier Avenue. Since reopening on Aviation, the restaurant has done its best to pick up right where it left off. That means heaping plates of jambalaya and red beans, po’boys with oysters, crawfish and shrimp, and gumbo that is an indispensable starter for any meal. The restaurant even offers a startlingly good ribeye steak – a modern item, but as good as everything else that emerges from the kitchen. — RF
1141 Aviation Blvd., Hermosa Beach. (310) 379-6171
Runner-up: New Orleans Cajun Café, 140 Pier Ave., Hermosa Beach. (310) 372-8970. 
