Seriously, is there any food more satisfying than a big, hot
plate of pasta? The sauce can be a rich tomato-based sauce, a creamy white
sauce, or a savory marsala sauce. The shape of the pasta can be long and
fork-filling, whimsically spiraled, stuffed ravioli, or even look like a bow-tie. The dish could
come with a big portion of meat or none at all. However you like to have your
pasta combination, we can agree that it's one of the best things you can eat.
If you're in the mood for a full belly, look no further than
these pasta-forward restaurants in New Orleans. They all aim to please!
10 Best Restaurants for Pasta in New Orleans
1. Venezia
Multiple Locations
venezianeworleans.com
Venezia stands out as a premier Italian restaurant in Greater New Orleans due to its exceptional commitment to authenticity and quality. The restaurant prides itself on using traditional recipes that have been passed down over the decades, ensuring that each dish reflects the rich culinary heritage of Italy.
The menu features a diverse array of options, from classic pasta dishes to expertly prepared seafood, all crafted with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Whether one is enjoying a romantic dinner or a lively gathering with friends, Venezia's ambiance and hospitality contribute to its reputation as a top-tier Italian restaurant in New Orleans and now in Gretna.
2. Domenica
123 Baronne St., (504) 648-6020
domenicarestaurant.com
Domenica is a renowned, upscale Italian restaurant known for its commitment to using high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. The menu features an array of traditional Italian dishes, including handmade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and a selection of delectable antipastis, all crafted with meticulous attention to detail.
Located in the Roosevelt Hotel, Domenica provides an inviting ambiance that complements the dining experience. The restaurant's location in the heart of Downtown New Orleans allows it to attract both locals and tourists, all eager to indulge in the rich culinary traditions of Italy.
3. Vincent's Italian Cuisine
Multiple Locations
vincentsitaliancuisine.com
Vincent's is renowned for its fresh and authentic Italian cuisine and its huge portions. The restaurant prides itself on using traditional recipes and having an array of options, from classic pasta dishes to expertly prepared seafood and meat entrees.
The pasta menu is big and does not disappoint. The Calamari Bordelaise is one-of-a-kind with sautéed calamari, artichoke hearts, black olives, garlic, green onions, and grape tomatoes in a butter angel hair pasta. Vegetarians will prefer the Eggplant Parmigiana with Angel Hair Pasta or the Fettucine Alfredo in thick white sauce.
4. Pascal's Manale
1838 Napoleon Ave., (504) 895-4877
pascalsmanale.com
Over the years, Pascal's Manale has cultivated a reputation for its exceptional Italian dishes, particularly the famous Italian-style fried eggplant, which has become a signature dish that attracts both locals and tourists alike.
In addition to its celebrated menu, Pascal's Manale boasts a storied history that dates back to its founding in 1913, making it one of the oldest Italian restaurants in New Orleans. The extensive wine list complements the menu beautifully, offering a selection of both Italian and local wines that pair perfectly with the dishes served.
5. Avo
5908 Magazine St., (504) 509-6550
restaurantavo.com
Avo is helmed by Chef Nick Lama, who is a native New Orleanian. However, he is a third-generation Sicilian, and he puts his rich heritage into every bite of the food at Avo, which is inspired by his family's recipes. Chef Lama strives to utilize as much locally-sourced ingredients as possible, so the menu is subject to change based on availability.
The pasta dishes have old-school, down-home favorites like Lasagna, Rigatoni, and Tortellini. The Bucatini Cacio E Pepe has the addition of jumbo lump crab meat with the pepper-seasoned pasta. The Gnocchi sits in a flavorful pork ragu.
6. Irene's
529 Bienville St., (504) 529-8811
irenesnola.com
Irene's is a beautiful place to get a meal in the French Quarter. The tall ceilings allow for towering walls with big windows and lots of space to hang photos of family members and art. Irene's wants to make you feel like you're eating with your extended family. The menu is small but it is fantastic and fit for a king.
Start off with the Ricotta Spinach Ravioli flavored with a little bit of nutmeg and swimming in marinara. Let your eyes wander down the menu to the Shrimp & Crawfish Fettuccine or the Lasagna Bolognese, both of which feature house-made pasta.
7. Tana
2919 Metairie Rd., Metairie, (504) 533-8262
tanaitalian.com
At Tana, you can expect to enjoy a genuine Italian dining experience. Their menu features of classic Italian dishes, including a Four Cheese Ravioli, Veal Marsala, and Pork Chop Parmesan.
Tana also offers several cocktails and wines that complement its culinary dishes. In the cozy lounge, which has jewel-toned velvet seats and ambient lighting, you can sip on refreshing beverages and enjoy pleasant company while at Tana.
8. Gianna Restaurant
700 Magazine St., (504) 399-0816
giannarestaurant.com
This stately Warehouse District restaurant serves rustic Italian fare with a touch of Louisiana traditional cooking for lunch, brunch, and dinner. You'll find pasta dishes spread throughout the menu. The Primi section in particular boasts of Ricotta Gnocchi with maitake mushrooms, Baked Crawfish Radiatore, and Rigatoni Amatriciana.
Those who prefer meat as the star of their dish but still want some rich pasta, try out the Lamb Lasagna with braised lamb shoulder, mushrooms, bechamel, and grana padana. Seafoodies will enjoy the Spaghetti Fra Diavolo with Gulf shrimp, tomato, Calabrian chili, basil, and preserved lemon.
9. Sofia
516 Julia St., (504) 322-3216
sofianola.com
Sofia's menu is full of Italian comfort foods, but the approach is contemporary without being ostentatious. Yes, the pizzas are tantalizing, and the antipasti dishes can be filling, but you're going to want to save room for the pasta.
The classics are all there and there's a couple of things that you've never had before. If you're into traditions, try the Alla Vodka with radiator pasta in tomato sugo, cream, chili flake, pecorino Locatelli, and petite basil. If you're adventurous, try the Pistachio Pesto with malfadine, basil, Sicilian pistachio, grana podana, and crispy garlic.
10. Italian Barrel
1240 Decatur St., (504) 569-0198
theitalianbarrel.com
The Italian Barrel sits in the more residential corner of the French Quarter, which means that it feels more like a neighborhood Italian restaurant than a bustling downtown restaurant. There you'll find high-end, yet approachable fare that incorporates Creole flavors into Italian culinary traditions. The Jumbo Lump Crab Martini salad has mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, crab, and emulsified herb vinaigrette.
For pasta-lovers, try the Porcini & Truffle Ravioli with a creamy white wine sauce or the Chef Samantha's Fusilli Pasta in a white cream sauce with peas, shallots, and Italian prosciutto. Seafood-lovers will like the Pesto E Scampi: linguine tossed in pesto sauce with sautéed shrimp.
Where to Get Pasta in New Orleans
If you can't kick that pasta craving, these local Italian restaurants stand ready to feed you any kind of pasta you need. Whether you want the most traditional spaghetti with red sauce and a big meatball or a seafood-forward pasta dish in a thinner oil sauce, you can't make a wrong choice at these restaurants. All of this deliciousness is thanks to the Italian community of New Orleans.
Did we miss the best plate of Italian pasta in New Orleans? Let us know where to find it!
