The Lakeview neighborhood of New Orleans is beautiful and
peaceful. The houses along the levees of Lake Pontchartrain have lush, green
lawns with old trees that line the streets and avenues all the way from the lake to the north end of City Park. This is one of the best
places in town to get breakfast, lunch, or dinner because it caters to locals
more than tourists. You are invited to sit back, relax, and take a long time
enjoying your meal. And you will probably want to take a few photos of the fun too!
While Lakeview is home to many eateries that you can
discover, the following restaurants really stand out. They are often full of
happy diners who love to visit on a regular basis. You should definitely look
into making reservations at these places.
Delicious Restaurants in the Lakeview Neighborhood
1. Velvet Cactus
6300 Argonne Blvd., (504) 301-2083
thevelvetcactus.com
This Tex-Mex restaurant has gained substantial appreciation, and fanfare over the years with its quality food being bolstered by its artsy exterior and interior. At night, eat on the open-air patio and delight in plenty of photo opportunities for this gorgeous visage of green around you; it's a great spot to gather with friends.
Shareable plates are pretty common for Velvet Cactus diners. The Family Grill platter includes fajitas, gulf shrimp, and various sides and sauces; and it feeds three to four people. Appetizers like the Get Your Freak on Queso are sure to start off the evening right, just leave some room for the rest; and don't miss the drinks, especially the Original Cactus Rocks Margarita.
2. Rosedale
801 Rosedale Dr., (504) 309-9595
rosedalerestaurant.com
Rosedale's location within the charming and quaint Navarre neighborhood reflects the equally charming food and nearby experiences available for patrons. Nearby landmarks, and attractions contained within City Park and the outlying area like City Park Amusements, the New Orleans Museum of Art, and Bayou St. John, a popular canoe & kayak destination; provide an easy escape before, or after enjoying a meal.
Rosedale's building itself is a notable destination, previously standing as the third district police station for over 50 years. Delight in Rosedale's menu, including the Cochon De Lait Po-boy and the Duck Pastrami Sandwich or refreshing, light plates like the Chicken Liver Paté or the Taramasalata, which is a Greek fish-roe spread with lemon and garlic, and served with pita crisps.
3. Sala
124 Lake Marina Ave., (504) 513-2670
salanola.com
While a magnet for New Orleanians wishing to delight in our historic southern flavors, and atmosphere, this spot is open to patrons of all backgrounds. This spot is owned by the Riccobono family, trusted restauranteurs within the area who have been feeding citizens for decades.
Order some drinks, and buy some of the many items designed to be shared, and sampled among a group like a salmon board, or a cheeseboard. For more solitary delights, choose a Broiled Gulf Fish Buerre Blanc or a half-pound angus Sala Burger. Surely, the New Orleanian will appear in you after this place (if it hasn't yet).
4. El Gato Negro
300 Harrison Ave., (504) 488-0107
elgatonegronola.com
This authentic Mexican restaurant is so popular that they have multiple locations in order to serve the whole city. The dishes are inspired by cuisine specifically from the Mexican state of Michoacan, and the sizzling, perfectly seasoned food is intoxicating. The menu has a ton of options from grilled meat to traditional plates. The fajitas are very popular during National Fajita Day.
El Gato Negro boasts of one of the largest tequila collections in the Greater New Orleans area. There is even an exclusive blend of Maestro Dobel Tequila chosen by the restaurant's owner. You can sample it on its own or as part of a tequila flight.
5. Steak Knife
888 Harrison Ave., (504) 488-8981
steakkniferestaurant.com
The locals regard The Steak Knife as the restaurant you go to when you're celebrating something special. A birthday, a new job, a retirement, or a graduation; it's likely that one of these events will be happening when you visit. The steaks are obviously the most ordered items. You can choose from filet mignon, prime ribeye, and prime New York strip.
For those who aren't in a steak mood, the entrees are just as enticing. The Gulf Fish Robert is topped with lump crabmeat and doused in a beurre blanc sauce. The Shrimp Bordelaise is basted in white wine and brandy.
6. Juniors on Harrison
789 Harrison Ave., (504) 766-6902
juniorsonharrison.com
Juniors was designed for families in the neighborhood, and they are enticed to come on a regular basis to take part in the great daily specials. Juniors also has brunch on Sundays only, but it's best to make a reservation to get a table.
The menu is separated by dishes that are meant for the entire table and dishes that are meant to be enjoyed by one person. For example, the whole table will love the Cheese Curds and Salmon Tartar, but you want to get the Korean Beef Sandwich just for you.
7. Red Bird Fried Chicken
911 Harrison Ave., (504) 300-8400
givethemtheredbird.com
The people at Red Bird understand the cultural significance of fried chicken to the South. They also know how to make a pretty spectacular one themselves. This Lakeview location is one of four found in Louisiana; the others being Denham Springs, Covington, and the Westbank, so you're never too far away from one in Southeast Louisiana.
This never mushy, expertly marinated fried chicken's has a recipe that's been carefully crafted and perfected over the generations of a local Louisiana family. Bite a taste of history, and experience the flavor which helped Red Bird be awarded the 2023 National Fried Chicken Fest winner.
8. District Donuts. Sliders. Brew.
527 Harrison Ave., (504) 827-1152
districtdonuts.com
On the weekend mornings, you may see a line waiting inside and even outside of District Donuts. The Lakeview location is especially popular with people from the neighborhood who are hungry for freshly-baked gourmet donuts. District Donuts also serves savory lunch and dinner items like The District Cheeseburger and the Chili Cheese Link Burger.
One of the reasons that District Donuts is so well loved is the ever-changing offerings. The donuts are one-of-a-kind and don't last on the menu for very long, and they are some of the best donuts you can get in New Orleans. You have to check out their social media to see what donuts they're going to have that day. Does the Salted Caramel Donut sound appetizing?
9. Lakeview Harbor
8550 Pontchartrain Blvd., (504) 486-4887
lakeviewharbor.us
Lakeview Harbor has incredible prices that can't be beat, and that's why it's often cited as one of the best restaurants in Lakeview overall. Most of the menu items are under $20, and you can feed the whole family for less than you could at most other restaurants. That doesn't mean that you have a limited selection. Lakeview Harbor has a large menu of po-boys, burgers, steaks, and more. There are even daily and weekly specials for even better value.
Some of the best menu items are the salads which are fully loaded with ingredients. The Grilled Mahi Mahi Salad features 8 oz. of grilled fish, and the Steak Salad has 8 oz. of filet mignon dusted with blue cheese crumbles.
10. Lakeview Burgers and Seafood
872 Harrison Ave., (504) 289-1032
lakeviewburgers.com
Chef Joe Faroldi is at the helm of Lakeview Burgers and Seafood, and he
likes to incorporate locally-grown ingredients into his dishes. That is evident
in the Fried Louisiana Okra appetizer and the Oyster Pirogue family dinner. But
that's not all they have on this extensive menu.
Many diners come for the large selection of sandwiches and po-boys, which range
from Italian-inspired (Chicken Parmesan Sandwich) and wholly American (French
Fry and Gravy Po-Boy) to truly New Orleanian (New Orleans Roast Beef Debris
Po-Boy). There's something on the menu for everyone to enjoy!
Where To Eat in Lakeview
If your mouth isn't watering yet, it will be if you take a look at even one menu from a restaurant listed here. These Lakeview New Orleans restaurants have stood the test of time and trends because they make their regulars happy and full time and time again. I suggest going to one of these places at dusk because sunset is really pretty in this area with the abundance of old trees. It's apparent why movies and shows love to use Lakeview as a backdrop.
Are you thinking about having dinner at a Lakeview
restaurant tonight? Be sure to make a reservation beforehand; these restaurants
tend to fill up fast.
