16 Must-Try Italian Restaurants in New Orleans, LA
New Orleans is renowned for its unique fusion of cultures and their respective cuisines, and Italian cuisine is no exception.
With a rich history dating back to the late 19th century, the Italian influence in the city’s culinary landscape is undeniable.
From Creole-Italian dishes to authentic Neapolitan pizza, there is a wide range of Italian-inspired eateries in New Orleans.
This article will explore the best Italian restaurants in New Orleans, including their specialties and unique features.
Whether you are a local looking for a new favorite spot or a visitor seeking an authentic taste of Italian cuisine in the city, this guide has got you covered.
Italian Restaurants in New Orleans
Irene’s
Located at Bienville Street in the French Quarter, Irene’s is one of the highest-rated Italian restaurants in New Orleans.
The dishes are expertly prepared, and the flavors are a delightful blend of fresh ingredients.
The restaurant’s ambiance is charming, with a spacious bar area, cozy dining rooms, and a gorgeous outdoor courtyard.
The restaurant has received high ratings and accolades for its delicious menu, which features mouth-watering appetizers like Oysters Irene and the Meatballs Marinara.
The service is exceptional, and the salads and soups, such as Caesar salad and Soup del Giorno, are not to be missed.
A visit to Irene’s is a must for Italian food lovers, and reservations are recommended as the restaurant is quite busy.
- Address: 529 Bienville St, New Orleans, LA
- Check Website: Irene’s
Gianna Restaurant
Situated In the Warehouse District of New Orleans, Gianna serves rustic Italian cuisine with Louisiana roots, drawing inspiration from Italian cooking traditions.
Their menu changes frequently based on what’s available seasonally.
Try the restaurant’s famous dish, veal saltimbocca, which includes sage, capers, and pasta bordelaise. Or enjoy a delicious lamb lasagna with chopped salad.
Also, on their premium wine list with a strong focus on Italy, don’t miss specialties like sparkling, white, red, and orange.
The interior is sophisticated and elegant, with a beautiful bar. Gianna is definitely worth visiting, perfect for a family outing or romantic date.
- Address: 700 Magazine Street 101, New Orleans, LA
- Check Website: Gianna Restaurant
Domenica
At Domenica, situated in the Roosevelt New Orleans Hotel, you’ll find a unique dining experience.
The restaurant offers regional Italian cuisine, including a renowned thin-crust pizza, considered one of the best in the city.
Try Tutto Carne as the starter item. Their Tutto Carne pizza comes with bacon, spicy salami, fennel sausage, and tomato.
In addition, you can consider a small plate of delicious rigatoni with a couple of meatballs.
Although you’ll find good wine at Domenica, the real draw is the excellent beer and cocktail selection.
You should reserve Domenica’s lunch and dinner in advance because it is filled daily.
- Address: 123 Baronne Street, New Orleans, LA
- Check Website: Domenica
Vincent’s Italian Cuisine
Vincent Catalano established Vincent’s Italian Cuisine, and in 1989, he opened the first of these popular neighborhood eateries.
Locals come daily because of the high caliber and value of the food and the welcoming atmosphere Vincent and his carefully chosen staff created.
For six years, various publications have named the restaurant the best Italian eatery. They have an extensive menu and a great wine list at affordable prices.
Their popular dishes include homemade pasta, chicken parmigiana, seafood-stuffed blackened redfish, and pork chops.
If you’re looking for a delicious meal in a cozy environment, VIncent’s is the spot.
- Address: 7839 St Charles Avenue, New Orleans, LA
- Check Website: Vincent’s Italian Cuisine
Venezia
Venezia is a well-known Italian restaurant located in the heart of the city.
Despite its unassuming exterior, it has been serving delicious food to its customers for over 25 years.
The atmosphere inside is simple, with bright lighting and tight tables.
There is something for everyone, from their Spaghetti and Meatballs to their Fettuccine Alfredo and pepperoni pizza.
The food is made with high-quality ingredients and cooked to perfection, ensuring that every meal is delicious and authentic.
Actually, if you’re in the mood for seafood, the Shrimp Scampi and Fish Almandine is an excellent choice.
Whether you’re a local or a tourist, Venezia is a must-visit restaurant that will satisfy your taste buds.
- Address: 134 N Carrollton Ave, New Orleans, LA
- Check Website: Venezia
The Italian Barrel
Italian Barrel is a Northern Italian restaurant near the French Market in New Orleans.
There are plenty of dining options, from stunning indoor to outdoor seating, and an extensive wine menu.
Chef Samantha Castagnetti hails from Italy and offers quality food, importing many items directly from her home country.
Start with a flavorful Bruschetta topped with toasted ciabatta bread, sliced cherry tomatoes, and parmesan cheese.
For dessert, try their lemon-flavored standout Tartufo Al Limoncello.
To one’s delight, the restaurant boasts an all-Italian wine list that is surprisingly budget-friendly, offering many glasses priced at $11 or less.
This is where first dates turn into lifelong affairs; You will feel like you are dining at your house.
- Address: 1240 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA
- Check Website: The Italian Barrel
Mona Lisa
Mona Lisa is a renowned Italian-American restaurant on Royal Street in New Orleans.
Its building has a rich history and was once used as a cigar shop and machine works.
The restaurant boasts an ambiance that transports its customers to Italy with its white and red checkered tablecloths, red cafe curtains, and an impressive menu.
The cheesy garlic bread and house marinara sauce are must-try items from the unique appetizer list.
Additionally, their menu course features freshly prepared lasagna, seafood pasta, alfredo, shrimp scampi, and many more.
Finally, don’t forget to try one of their delicious panna cotta or cannoli. Visit Mona Lisa for an unforgettable dining experience.
- Address: 1212 Royal Street, New Orleans, LA
- Check Website: Mona Lisa
Rizzuto’s Ristorante & Chop House
Rizzuto’s is a romantic dining destination in Lakeview that offers a unique blend of Italian-Creole cuisine.
The restaurant is run by Chef Jason Caronna, who combines his grandparents’ traditional Italian recipes with his training at the Culinary Institute of New Orleans.
The menu at Rizzuto’s showcases a range of flavors and colors, with Italian- American dishes like chicken marsala and chicken Parmesan, as well as steak and chop options like the center-cut filet and bone-in rib-eye steak.
In addition, the restaurant offers a bar menu for happy hour with items like wagyu sliders, truffle fries, and meatballs on Tuesdays to Fridays.
With large private dining rooms and the ability to accommodate people of up to 200, Rizzuto’s is the perfect place to celebrate special events and occasions.
- Address: 6262 Fleur De Lis Dr, New Orleans, LA
- Check Website: Rizzuto’s Ristorante & Chop House
Arabella Casa Di Pasta
Arabella Casa Di Pasta is located in the Marigny Neighborhood in New Orleans that offers an array of delicious Italian dishes made from scratch daily.
This restaurant is known for its build-your-own pasta bowls that allow customers to choose from a variety of fresh pasta, seasonal salads, and gourmet sauces.
The weekly signature dishes are inspired by customer suggestions and are designed to provide a unique dining experience every time.
Whether diners are looking for a quick bite, a romantic dinner, or a place to enjoy a glass of wine with friends, Arabella Casa Di Pasta is a great choice for Italian cuisine in New Orleans.
- Address: 2258 Street Claude Avenue, New Orleans, LA
- Check Website: Arabella Casa Di Pasta
Sofia
Sofia is an Italian-inspired restaurant located in the Warehouse District of New Orleans.
You’ll be transported to Italy with the décor that includes artwork and TV screens depicting black and white images of Sophia Loren, the inspiration behind the restaurant’s name.
You’ll find a massive concrete pizza oven at the kitchen entrance, where you can watch the dough being tossed.
You can enjoy a variety of menu options, including Brassica, Margherita Pizza, Lemon chicken, House Ricotta, and more.
Don’t forget to try the complimentary digestif of house-made Orangecello, the perfect after-dinner treat.
Whether you’re in the mood for cocktails, wine, or a round of lime limoncello, you’re sure to have a great time at Sofia.
- Address: 516 Julia Street, New Orleans, LA
- Check Website: Sofia
Adolfo’s
Adolfo’s is a historic eatery above Frenchmen Street in New Orleans. It is a converted 100-year-old single-bedroom apartment transformed into a cozy dining room and six-burner kitchen that can seat up to forty guests.
Chef Adolfo takes you to traditional recipes of seafood-based Italian cuisine. His legacy continues after passing through the commitment of his family, children, and crew to provide a delicious and unforgettable dining experience.
The menu offers a variety of entrees, including eggplant or chicken parmesan, veal with ocean sauce, and many more. To start, order the seafood pasta, and don’t miss the corn cannelloni and crab meat, a house specialty.
Actually, Adolfo’s is a hidden gem highly recommended for those visiting New Orleans and seeking an exceptional dining experience.
- Address: 611 Frenchmen St, New Orleans, LA
- Check Website: Adolfo’s
Josephine Estelle
Josephine Estelle is a top-notch restaurant inside the Ace Hotel, operated by two chefs, Michael Hudman, and Andy Tice.
The menu features breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner items that blend Italian and Southern cuisine.
At the restaurant, the service you receive is friendly and efficient, and the space is lovely, making it a perfect destination for a memorable evening.
The Arancini is a must-try with its delicious flavors and textures. The Braised Beef Short Rib is a great choice for your entree, served with tasty polenta and charred okra.
The restaurant’s dessert menu also doesn’t disappoint. To finish your meal, try the Peanut Butter Budino, a dessert that might seem strange at first but is definitely worth digging into to experience all its different layers.
Overall, Josephine Estelle is an outstanding experience, though the price point may be a bit high. Nevertheless, you’ll find it well worth it and more likely return for another visit.
- Address: 600 Carondelet Street, New Orleans, LA
- Check Website: Josephine Estelle
Mandina’s Restaurant
Mandina’s is a charming dining establishment that is steeped in history.
The restaurant was first established as a grocery store on Canal Street in New Orleans by Sebastian Mandina in 1898.
Today, the large pink house has expanded into a popular dining destination, with two spacious dining rooms with large TVs and a long bar that offers a casual and unpretentious atmosphere.
The restaurant serves Italian fare, including delicious options like sausage and spaghetti, veal parmesan, and more.
Also, the restaurant is particularly famous for its seafood gumbo, roast beef, and homemade turtle soup.
All in all, Mandina’s is a charming and delicious dining destination that’s worth checking out.
- Address: 3800 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA
- Check Website: Mandina’s Restaurant
Tommy’s Cuisine
Tommy’s, a top-rated eatery that combines the flavors of Italian and French Creole dishes, can be found in the heart of the Warehouse District in New Orleans.
This upscale restaurant boasts a stylish multi-room dining area and a softly lit atmosphere.
You can indulge in various dishes, such as the succulent Chicken Rosemarino, beaked lasagna with drum pasta, and the flavorful warm Burrata.
If you’re in the mood for classic French Creole dishes, try the shrimp rémoulade, the rich crab meat Maison, or the delicate fish meunière.
Classic Tiramisu is a dessert not to be missed, and If you’re looking for the perfect crème brûlée, you won’t find many like it anywhere else. Finish off with a glass of wine or cocktail; the service is expert and professional.
- Address: 746 Tchoupitoulas Street, New Orleans, LA
- Check Website: Tommy’s Cuisine
Avo
Launched in 2015, Avo is a chef-owned restaurant in New Orleans that boasts a menu derived from family-unique recipes with a fresh twist.
The restaurant’s name, Avo, is an Italian word that defines as “ancestor ” or “grandfather.”
Upon entering the restaurant, you can find a relaxing environment, indoor plants, accent walls, and a gorgeous bar area.
The cocktails are delectable, and the Gnocchi is a standout. The entrees, including the chicken piccata, veal porterhouse, and veal parmigiana, do not disappoint.
Avo has quickly become a regular spot for diners, attracting locals, tourists, and even prom-goers who all seem to be quietly smiling and laughing as they enjoy their meals.
- Address: 5908 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA
- Check Website: Avo
Pascal’s Manale
Pascal’s Manale, our last place on the list of Italian restaurants in New Orleans, is a vintage restaurant with a rich history of providing great food and excellent service.
Launched in 1913, this family-run Italian restaurant is famous for creating BBQ shrimp.
They serve fine seafood, Italian sides, appetizers, desserts, and delicious steaks.
Especially, BBQ shrimp, crab cake, and pasta alfredo are must-try dishes. The portions of desserts are small, but the Caramel Custard is the best.
Pascal’s Manale has been a favorite of locals, out-of-towners, and celebrities alike.
If you are in New Orleans and looking for great food, and excellent service, you should make a reservation Pascal’s Manale.
- Address: 1838 Napoleon Avenue, New Orleans, LA
- Check Website: Pascal’s Manale
Note: Since all the information in this article is based on the date of publication, for some reason (health, economic, social), these businesses may be temporarily or permanently closed or moved to another location.
