There are 993 restaurants in New York City that serve Italian dishes ONLY so I know that this cuisine is very popular. There are also 845 that just sell PIZZA and finally – there are 453 that sell both Italian and pizza. As you can see, Italian restaurants are very popular in The Big Apple.

The same applies to New Orleans: this type of food is popular with both residents and visitors. When I made up this list I focused on two things: no overlapping of locations or dishes. My aim was to cast a wide net and come up with a good number of different choices – so here goes.

AVO RESTAURANT

5908 Magazine St., (504) 509-6550

You’ll find Avo, a regional Italian restaurant, located between Nashville and State streets. Nick Lama, a third-generation Sicilian is the chef at Avo. This means the menu is inspired both by his family’s recipes and classic dishes such as Lasagna.

If you have a yen for something different why not try their delicious grilled octopus? One diner writes, “The octopus was cooked to perfection – very tender.”

THE ITALIAN BARREL

1240 Decatur St., (504) 569-0198

This award-winning restaurant prides itself on serving classic Northern Italian cuisine. The owner and chef, Samantha Castagnetti believes in serving the freshest and highest quality food she can find – whether it’s sourced locally or across the globe.

The dress code here is “Dress Casual.” Or, coats and ties are not required BUT males are asked not to wear open-toed shoes, tank tops or athletic wear and to remove their hats in the dining room.

DOMENICA RESTAURANT

123 Baronne St., (504) 648-6020

This restaurant is part of the elegant Roosevelt Hotel in the Central Business District of New Orleans – that’s about a block away from the French Quarter. Let’s begin by saying that Domenica is a lot classier than your typical neighborhood pizzeria.

They’re famous for their pizza that is cooked in an oven made in Parma, Italy and features a rotating base that can hold up to 13 pizzas at a time. It cooks the crust to perfection every time – that’s pretty remarkable!

JOSEPHINE ESTELLE RESTAURANT

600 Carondelet St., (504) 930-3070

PURE WOW! When I saw a shot of this restaurant it took my breath away. It’s described as a “soaring dining room with spectacular, ornate décor.” You’ll find it in the Ace Hotel, located in the Warehouse District. Two James Beard Award-nominated chefs are behind the Southern-inspired Italian menu.

Since it’s at the corner of Carondelet and Lafayette streets, it’s close to up-and-coming art galleries, shops and museums. Moreover, it’s just a bike ride to the lively Bywater and Marigny neighborhoods.

ARABELLA CASA DI PASTA

2258 St. Claude Ave., (504) 533-9223

This is a laid-back Italian eatery specializing in build-your-own pasta dishes with various sauces and add-ons. Their focus has always been on the food: organic chicken, grass-fed beef and locally sourced seafood plus fresh, handmade pastas and seasonal salads.

The Arabella Casa Di Pasta offers a fun and relaxed environment. Or as one reviewer writes, “It’s like your Grandma’s house  -- if your grandma was Italian.”

MANDINA’S SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

3800 Canal St., (504) 482-9179

Mandina’s has been a favorite restaurant for Italian home-style cooking for more than eight decades. It began as an Italian grocery at the turn of the 20th century. Now it offers everything from shrimp, crab and oysters to classic Veal Parmesan with Spaghetti.

Come visit this two-story pink house with white trim and see for yourself. Then sample their delicious homemade Turtle Soup with Sherry – a classic if there ever was one.

THE MONA LISA

1212 Royal St., (504) 522-6746

You have to go to the Mona Lisa if you’re in New Orleans! It’s a quaint and cozy neighborhood Italian restaurant. One enthusiastic diner reports, “We absolutely love their pizzas and think they are the best in the French Quarter. You can choose from traditional red sauce or, if you prefer, their garlic butter sauce.”

This place is “vegetarian friendly” and offers “vegan options.” On the walls you’ll see versions of the Mona Lisa that overlook red-checkered tablecloths on the tables. We’ve heard that she approves.

RIZZUTO’S RISTORANTE & CHOP HOUSE

6262 Fleur De Lis Drive, (504) 300-1804

The Rizzuto's family's drive and energy over generations has brought this place from its early beginnings as a simple grocery stand founded by their immigrant ancestors, into today’s new-restaurant-concept “Rizzuto's Ristorante & Chop House.”

On the menu you’ll find steaks or chops that range from an eight-ounce center-cut filet to a 22-ounce bone-in, rib-eye steak. The bar menu features Kobe beef sliders and truffle fries.

WHY RATHBONE MANSIONS? Remember: if you’re in the mood for Italian cuisine you can dine at one of the spots we’ve mentioned in this blog. Or, you can buy a delicious takeout pizza. Best of all, you can prepare a steaming bowl of pasta and team it with a small salad, garlic bread and a glass of wine -- our kitchenette facilities give you lots of options.  

PLEASE CHECK THE WEB for any additional information you may need about any of the Italian restaurants mentioned in this blog.

Shaun Nelson-Henrick