Top Best Italian Restaurants in Elmwood

"Over in Marigny, this acclaimed neighborhood joint established in 2015 was the kind of newbie that eclectic and open-minded eaters from the area and journalists throughout the city welcomed immediately. The California-inspired cuisine of husband-and-wife team Jack Murphy and Susan Dunn, who've partnered on Paladar 511 with Susan’s brother, Chef Ed Dunn, delights within the light-filled, lofted industrial space. There’s an emphasis on inventive pizzas, such as a lamb merguez topped pie with garlic confit, roasted peppers, pine nuts and tzatziki; small plate gems like steelhead trout crudo or beef carpaccio with fried oysters, remoulade and chervil; and a new American take on classic Italian cuisine, with a nod to NOLA, in big plates or small, such as an arancini with a short rib rage, lemon, parmesan and parsley or a blue crab agnolotti with mascarpone, lemon and English peas."

"While the Marigny restaurant is offering a limited version of its usual menu, you’d do best to call ahead by 2pm daily for the family meal special. You’ll get a “Garfield-sized” lasagna, plus their insalata tre colori, a garlic herb focaccia for dipping, and a pint of ice cream for $60. All you’ll have to do is heat up the lasagna, and, eventually, will yourself off the couch.Cost: $60 for the family-style lasagna meal; pre-orders requested."

"The chefs at Paladar 511 bring a modern Californian charm to New Orleans, and while the starter list has Italian favorites like homemade ravioli, beef Carpaccio, and arancini with short rib rags, you'll also find a zesty Yellowfin tuna crudo with orange and avocado that whisks you west. It’s a similar story with the pizzas. A basic cheese and tomato pie is delightful, but you can also try homemade lamb sausage or buttered leeks."

"White tablecloths, votive candles and a mishmash decor—the elegant main dining room is illuminated by a stained-glass fleur-de-lis skylight, while the more casual bar is accented with wooden casks and framed photos of celebrity visitors—encapsulate the unpretentious charm of this Italian-focused restaurant. Irene’s has a sense of playfulness, but the deliciousness of its food is no game, beginning with the expertly mixed cocktails (you can’t leave here without downing a Sazerac) and extending through the decadent desserts (the Creole cheesecake, topped with Grand Marnier–soaked berries is a house favorite). The name of the game here is to please with big, bold flavors."

"In its new location close to Canal Street in the French Quarter since 2018, this locally owned Creole Italian is a real gem. Follow your nose - you can smell the garlic a half-block away - and take a seat at the spacious bar for well-shaken cocktails while you wait for a table. The charming warren of dining rooms invites, as does the gorgeous outside courtyard, an addition in 2020."

"Once the French Quarter’s underground secret, Irene’s Cuisine has become one of the area’s most sought-after dining spots. Located in the FQ, you can’t miss the crowds lining the street for tables, and the garlic and rosemary scent wafting out onto the street. Seriously, this might end up being your favorite fancy foodie spot in the FQ."

"Opened in 2016 in the grand, Art Deco auspices of the Ace Hotel in the trendy Warehouse District, Josephine Estelle might be the epitome of New Italian in New Orleans. The osteria from James Beard Award-nominated chefs Andy Ticer and Michael Hudman mingles the Southern upbringing of the chefs with their Italian backgrounds. The result consists of modern interpretations of classic recipes featuring seasonal, local ingredients, and homemade pastas, including a ravioli with crab meat, green garlic, basil, and ricotta or a pork porterhouse with pistachio, brown butter, coriander and vignole."

"Josephine Estelle is an osteria from James Beard Award-nominated chefs, Andy Ticer and Michael Hudman, and showcases their signature culinary style of combining the craft-centric philosophy of Italian cooking with flavors of the American South. Our seasonal menu--available daily for breakfast,...See More"

"Pastry chef Breanne Kostyk, formerly of Northshore eatery Oxlot 9, turns out incredible seasonal desserts from fruity tarts to crostatas, with a slew of inspired cheese platings and an affogato to boot at this chic Warehouse District osteria."

"Located in the swanky Roosevelt Hotel on Canal Street, on the edge of the French Quarter and the CBD, Domenica dazzles with chef, co-owner Alon Shaya's regional Italian cuisine and what may be the best thin crust pizza in town. Shaya gets ingredients from partner John Besh's farm, so the emphasis is on seasonal freshness. Pastry chef Lisa White, a CIA grad, gives Italian desserts a New Orleans sensibility - as in her zuppa inglese made with rum-soaked banana cake, fresh bananas butterscotch mousse and peanut brittle and a light and slightly fizzy Zabaione made with Lambrusco (instead of traditional Marsala) and fresh Louisiana strawberries."

"The Roosevelt New Orleans, 123 Baronne St., (504) 648-6020; www.domenicarestaurant.com. Tortellini is served with wild mushrooms, asparagus and robiola cheese. Reservations accepted."

"Local celebrity-chef John Besh and executive chef Alon Shaya continue to wow diners here with rustic Italian cooking, a rarity in New Orleans...Read More"

"Get ready to get messy; if you’re going to “Manale’s,” you’d best order the BBQ shrimp, a dish that, strangely, has nothing to do with barbecue or grilling. It’s all about the sauce, a decadent combination of butter, olive oil, and black pepper used to poach the whole, huge Gulf shrimp. Shelling those shrimp, bathed so heavily in that sauce, means that you’re going to have butter leaking all the way down into your armpits if you’re not careful."

"This local favorite was once a corner store in 1913 than later designed as a restaurant. Manale’s was a family business, ran by Frank Manale and his son’s and nephews. This restaurant didn’t make it over a hundred years for no reason though."

"A true culinary landmark on the New Orleans culinary map, Pascal’s Manale has been serving Italian-Creole food out of their Napoleon Street location for more than 100 years."

"There are few modern surprises or quirky culinary tricks at Marcello’s -- which also has an outpost in Lafayette if you’re out that way -- but it does old-school red sauce and Southern Italian favorites just right. Expect classics like chicken cacciatore, veal, chicken, or eggplant Parm, and spaghetti bolognese, as well as a massive wine list for all your vino needs."

"The Fly is a favorite spot for New Orleans locals, a strip of frontage along the Mississippi River behind Audubon Zoo. On weekends, people flock in droves for grilling, crawfish boils, sunning and sports. Set up camp steps from the Mississippi and watch the big boats maneuver through the currents."

"New Orleans' world-renowned gold medal winner, Chef Andrea combines Louisiana products with Northern Italian cuisine to create a memorable dining experience. A favorite among locals. Located in Metairie, 10 minutes from the French Quarter."

"Located in the historic New Orleans suburb of Metairie, Ristorante Filippo is under the watchful culinary genius of a New Orleans native chef of Italian descent. Known for having s..."

"Sauteed veal Sorrentina is topped with prosciutto, eggplant, mozzarella and marinara and served with spaghetti. Reservations accepted. Lunch Mon.-Fri., dinner Mon.-Sat."

"And finally — over in Leonidas — check out CIBO, which has earned five stars out of 89 reviews on Yelp. You can find the establishment at 1114 S."

"We stopped by for a drink before catching our flights back home. This is going to be one of our stops the next time we come. We had a great conversation ..."

"Steak + Chop, 91 Westbank Expressway, Gretna, (504) 513-2606; Craft Tavern, 700 Tchoupitoulas St., (504) 613-2350; 759 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, (504) 309-5231; TackleBox, Renaissance New Orleans Pere Marquette French Quarter Area Hotel, 817 Common St., (504) 827-1651; www.legacykitchen.com. Redfish St. Charles features a seared fillet topped with garlic-herb butter, seared asparagus and baby portobello mushrooms served with crawfish cornbread. Reservations accepted."

"Christmas lights wind through a treasure trove of old and new food-related books, many carrying the names of local chefs — Besh, Link, Prudhomme, Spicer — and restaurants. In the mix: vintage church cookbooks (“Angel Food”), “vacation” glasses (to-go cups) and hundreds of record albums."

"This unique New Orleans-infused Mexican food is a rarity among the New Orleans food community. Velvet Cactus is known for refreshing summer dishes, including a delectable watermelon salad perfect for a hot New Orleans day, along with delicious and shareable appetizers and larger entrée dishes. As if the food is not significant enough to peak your interest, the drinks certainly will."

"Velvet Cactus provides a taste of Texas in the heart of New Orleans. With its Mexican-inspired art in neon hues and various outdoor tables, this restaurant and bar steps ahead as one of the most distinct Mexican spots of the city. Under good weather conditions, people can enjoy a margarita in the moonlight at their front patio."

"Despite the eclectic lean of many hotels in NOLA’s Central Business District, you’ll find nothing but elegance at the Windsor Court Hotel. More than half of its 324 rooms are suites, appointed with marble tubs, French doors, and, on higher floors, sweeping views over downtown and the Mississippi River. We doubt you’ll be spending much time in them, however."

"The Spa at Windsor Court is one of the best retreats in town. Intimate and serene, the 4,500-square-foot spa has 10 treatment rooms, including one wet room and one couple's treatment room, a sauna and salon facilities. Guests can use the outdoor pool at their leisure, order from the special spa menu and sip on cucumber-infused water or a glass of bubbly."

"The spa at the Windsor Court Hotel is home to some incredible skincare experts. The staff is focused on providing a relaxing escape, and the atmosphere matches the tone thanks to its subtle lighting and relaxing aromatics. And book an oxygen facial to re-hydrate the skin."

"Tags: Chef Owned and Operated, Dog Friendly Patio, and Garden Guide. Category: Caribbean, Latin American, Outside Dining, Private Dining, and Weekend Brunch. Mayas Restaurant is a captivating Latin dining experience with exciting social rhythms."

"Boiled or fried yuca is served over salad and topped with mango salsa and pico de gallo. Reservations accepted. Lunch Wed.-Sat., dinner Wed.-Sun., brunch Sat.-Sun."