[Courtesy of Russell's Marina Grill, Website]

Best New Orleans' Restaurants in Lakeview |10 Neighborhood Spots to Visit

06:00 October 24, 2025
By: Kylee Snyder

10 Best Restaurants in Lakeview

We all know the French Quarter is home to some of the best restaurants and chefs in the country, but what about New Orleans' other suburban neighborhoods?

The beautiful neighborhood of Lakeview is categorized by its proximity to Lake Pontchartrain. Our 10 best New Orleans restaurants in Lakeview guide highlights some local favorites you don't want to miss out on.

1. The Blue Crab

7900 Lakeshore Dr., (504) 284-2898

thebluecrabnola.com

[Courtesy of The Blue Crab, Website]

The Blue Crab takes pride in serving the freshest seafood, including oysters, crab claws, and ultimate seafood platters. Located along Lake Pontchartrain, the restaurant has a break taking view of the lakefront.

Blue Crab is closed on Mondays, but is open Tuesday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Stop in Tuesday to Thursday during happy hour for their 25 cent raw oysters and $1.25 chargrilled oysters.

2. The Velvet Cactus

6300 Argonne Blvd., (504) 301-2083

thevelvetcactus.com

[Courtesy of The Velvet Cactus, Website]

The Velvet Cactus combines the flavors of Mexico and Texas for the ultimate TexMex experience in NOLA. With their menu featuring smoked brisket enchiladas and fried chicken tacos, it's unique fusion inspired food is a local favorite.

The Velvet Cactus has a fun and funky outdoor patio where they have dinner service every evening and even host seasonal events. Check out their website for hours and current seasonal offerings.

3. Sala NOLA

124 Lake Marina Ave., (504) 513-2670

salanola.com

[Courtesy of Sala NOLA, Website]

Sala NOLA opened in 2016 as a modern-style restaurant featuring American cuisine. Golden fried fish almondine, panned veal with crawfish sauté, and chicken caprese are just some of the menu highlights.

Sala NOLA has Saturday and Sunday brunch with bottomless mimosas, steak night on Wednesdays, and happy hour Tuesday to Sunday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Don't miss out on their delicious deals.

4. Steak Knife

888 Harrison Ave., (504) 488-8981

steakkniferestaurant.com

[Courtesy of Steak Knife, Facebook]

Steak Knife is known for their luxury bites, including escargot, smoked salmon, crabmeat au gratin, and their locally famous prime cut steaks.

The upscale Lakeview favorite is perfect for birthdays, date nights, or just a well deserved meal. Steak Knife opens Tuesday to Saturday at 5 p.m., although the bar opens at 4:30 p.m. Call ahead to make a reservation.

5. El Gato Negro

300 Harrison Ave., (504) 488-0107

elgatonegronola.com

[Courtesy of El Gato Negro, Website]

As tribute to the owner's parents, El Gato Negro brings authentic Mexican cuisine with a deluxe flair to Lakeview. Some menu items include table side guacamole and ceviche, lobster claw fajitas, and an incredibly wide selection of tequila.

El Gato Negro currently has three different locations in both New Orleans and Gretna. Visit their website for hours of the Lakeview location.

6. Rizzuto's

6262 Fleur De Lis Dr., (504) 300-1804

rizzutosristorante.com

[Courtesy of Rizzuto's, Facebook]

Rizzuto's is a family owned restaurant that has been in operation in New Orleans for generations. The fine-dining restaurant strives to deliver the highest quality Italian cuisine to guests.

Menu highlights include chicken piccata, bolognese pasta, meatballs, seafood lasagna, and so much for. Visit Rizzuto's website to book your reservation.

7. Two Tony's

8536 Pontchartrain Blvd., (504) 282-0801

two-tonys.com

[Courtesy of Two Tony's, Website]

Originally opened in 1987 in the French Quarter, Two Tony's made it's way to Lakeview in 1993 to provide a more family-friendly environment to its patrons.

The Creole Italian and seafood restaurant serves spaghetti carbonara, muffulettas, seafood gumbo, and more. Two Tony's is closed Sunday and Monday, but they open back up Tuesday to Saturday at 11 a.m.

8. Russell's Marina Grill

8555 Pontchartrain Blvd., (504) 282-9980

russellsmarinagrill.net

[Courtesy of Russell's Marina Grill, Website]

Since opening in 1985, Russell's Marina Grill serves traditional breakfast and lunch with daily specials. From sweet potato beignets and biscuits with gravy to seafood platters and sandwiches, there's something for everyone on the menu.

Russell's is open daily from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Check out Russell's website for daily specials, such as red beans and rice and yakamein.

9. Cafe Navarre

800 Navarre Ave., (504) 483-8828

cafenavarre.com

[Courtesy of Cafe Navarre, Website]

Cafe Navarre is a cozy cafe located in Lakeview near City Park. The popular brunch spot is open from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily and serves menu items including paninis, salads, classic breakfast, coffee, and cocktails.

Cafe Navarre also has a back patio serving to-go beverages and pizza Monday to Friday from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Visit their website for more info.

10. Landry's Seafood House

8000 Lakeshore Dr., (504) 283-1010

landrysseafoodhouse.com

[Courtesy of Landry's Seafood House, Facebook]

Landry's Seafood House's Lakeview location is along Lake Pontchartrain and serves the freshest seafood and steak dishes. The Lakeview location also won the Diner's Choice award for most beautiful Scenic Views for their outside patio.

Landry's Seafood House opens up daily at 11:30 a.m., and they also offer catering, private parties, and seasonal events.

Lakeview's Finest Restaurants

The next time you're visiting New Orleans, don't miss your chance to visit one of these local hot spots. Lakeview is home to tons of New Orleanians who know how to cook and these hidden gems are the proof.

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