Mid-City is such a fun area of New Orleans to dine, drink,
and be merry. The area is mostly residential with pockets of cool
establishments, some of which have been around longer than most of us have been
alive. Mid-City is unfettered by tourism, so the natives and locals can truly
let their creativity fly when it comes to creating menu items. And that can
lead to some fantastic food that you can't enjoy anywhere else.
From a century old to ultra-modern, from decadent dining rooms to wide-open patios, these Mid-City New
Orleans neighborhood restaurants are the best for your next meal. Check them out and see why
the regulars can't get enough of their food.
10 Best Places To Eat In Mid-City New Orleans
1. Mandina's Restaurant
3800 Canal St., (504) 482-9179
mandinasrestaurant.com
Mandina's Restaurant, a beloved Mid-City institution, consistently tops the list of best dining spots in the neighborhood. Their charming, beautiful pink building nestled on Canal Street serves as a beacon for food lovers in Mid-City. Mandina's began as a grocery store before transforming into a pool hall and finally evolving into the beloved restaurant we know today, and has remained under the stewardship of the Mandina family for multiple generations
The steaks and chops are always a favorite with the regular diners. When it comes to must-try dishes, the Trout Meunière stands out as a highly recommended option. This New Orleans classic features a perfectly pan-fried trout fillet, delicately seasoned and bathed in a rich, brown butter sauce. If you're feeling a po-boy, there are plenty of options to choose from.
2. Katie's Restaurant & Bar
3701 Iberville St., (504) 488-6582
katiesinmidcity.com
Katie's Restaurant, a beloved hidden gem in Mid-City, offers a perfect blend of casual dining and gourmet flavors. The restaurant's commitment to using fresh, local ingredients and creative twists on classic dishes has made it a favorite among both locals and visitors alike.
Katie's is a local favorite for lunch, so be prepared for a wait. Showcased on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, they boast a daily happy hour from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., as well as brunch on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. While known for its diverse menu, its seafood offerings are particularly noteworthy. The Chargrilled Oysters, a New Orleans favorite, are a must-try item at Katie's. For those seeking a unique flavor combination, the Cochon de Lait Po-Boy is another standout menu item, featuring slow-roasted pork dressed with coleslaw and served on crispy French bread. These dishes exemplify Katie's ability to elevate traditional New Orleans fare with innovative culinary techniques.
3. Venezia
Multiple Locations
venezianeworleans.com
Venezia is one of the oldest pizza joints in New Orleans; it's been making pies since the 1950s. That longevity is due to the authentic style of making the pizzas, as well as having a huge menu of pastas, steaks, and seafood at excellent prices. This is truly a neighborhood eatery that caters to the palette of New Orleans natives, and it even has a new location on the Westbank in Gretna.
Beyond the House Special Pizza, you can enjoy a hearty plate of Baked Ziti, Cannelloni, or Lasagna. Venezia's dinner plates are quite the deal: most of them are under $20. You may be enticed to order the Chicken Marsala, Eggplant Vatican, Veal Pontchartrain, or Shrimp Parmigiana. One standout new addition to the menu is the Crawfish Fettuccine, perfectly merging Italian and New Orleans cuisines. This creamy pasta features crawfish in a spicy Alfredo sauce over fettuccine. The Muffuletta Pizza, a New Orleans-inspired creation, tops Italian meats, provolone, and olive salad on a pizza crust, blending Italian and local flavors.
4. Café Degas
3127 Esplanade Ave., (504) 945-5635
cafedegas.com
It almost feels like entering a tree house when you visit Café Degas. The gorgeous restaurant on Esplanade Avenue in the Fairgrounds neighborhood is surrounded by greenery, and there's a tree right in the middle of the patio! This little bistro has been serving French favorites for lunch, brunch, and dinner for decades.
Dinner is a wonderful service to experience
because the dining room is so romantically-lit. Start off with Les Moules au Fenouil:
Prince Edward Island mussels steamed in fennel and leak white wine broth. Then
order the L'onglet de Boeuf for dinner: seared hangar steak with pommes frites.
5. Crescent City Steaks
1001 N. Broad St., (504) 821-3271
crescentcitysteaks.com
The iconic neon sign outside of Crescent City Steaks beckons you to come in and enjoy some satisfying cuts of meat. For nearly one hundred years, this steakhouse has garnered a reputation for serving perfectly-cooked USDA prime aged beef shipped from Chicago. These steaks arrive at your table sizzling in butter, something that Crescent City Steaks pioneered.
Select from cuts including, but not limited
to, Rib Eye, Strip Sirloin, T-Bone, and Porterhouse for Two. The Chateaubriand
Dinner For Two includes one 22 oz. filet with steamed broccoli, sautéed
asparagus, and Brabant potatoes. If you want a little less red meat, opt for
the Surf And Turf: a bacon-wrapped 8 oz. filet and a lobster tail.
6. Mikimoto
3301 S. Carrollton Ave., (504) 488-1881
mikimotosushi.com
While Mikimoto excels in a variety of Japanese dishes, their sushi offerings are truly mouthwatering. The Omakase experience, where the chef selects a series of premium sushi and sashimi for the diner, is highly recommended for those seeking an authentic and adventurous meal.
For those with a taste for unique flavors, the Volcano Roll—a tempura-fried California roll topped with spicy crab salad and eel sauce—is a must-try. To complement your meal, don't forget to explore their extensive sake list, featuring both traditional and contemporary options that pair perfectly with the diverse menu.
7. Neyow's Creole Cafe
3332 Bienville St., (504) 827-5474
neworleans.neyows.com
It says it right in the name: Neyow's focuses on fine Creole cuisine in a casual atmosphere. These New Orleans favorite dishes will keep your stomach satisfied for hours, and the bill won't break your budget. The Pork Chop Plate, Pasta Bienville, Fried Gulf Oysters, and Roast Beef Po-Boy are just some of the great meals that you can order here.
If you want a real treat, get the Neyow's
Extravaganza Dinner For Two. It comes with two cups of gumbo, two house salads,
fish, shrimp, oysters, stuffed crab, stuffed shrimp, one steak, two sides, and
two desserts. You can't argue with that!
8. Nice Guys Nola
7910 Earhart Blvd., (504) 302-2404
niceguysnola.com
Nice Guys is a nice place to visit if you're in the mood for oysters, wings, burgers, and tacos. Nice Guys' big menu has a little bit of everything so that you and your dining mates can find something that you'll fall in love with. Bonus: you can enjoy your multi-continent-inspired meals on the covered patio, which is especially good if you order an icy cold daiquiri.
For the adventurous, try the Earhart Attack
Fries: a big plate of seasoned fries is drenched in crawfish cheese sauce,
marinated chicken, hot sausage, smoked sausage, bacon, jalapeños, and a fried
egg. You're going to need a whole team to take that on!
9. Liuzza's
3636 Bienville St., (504) 482-9120
liuzzas.com
Housed in a charming historic building, Liuzza's boasts vintage decor and an iconic neon sign that pay homage to its rich history. This blend of nostalgia and coziness creates an inviting ambiance that keeps both locals and visitors coming back time and again.
When it comes to the menu, Liuzza's is renowned for its hearty Creole-Italian fare that showcases the best of New Orleans' diverse culinary heritage. Their famous Frenchuletta, a unique twist on the classic muffuletta served on French bread, is a must-try for first-time visitors. They offer classic dishes like gumbo, numerous seafood plates, and Italian specialties such as lasagna and eggplant parmesan. To complement your meal, don't miss out on Liuzza's signature frosted schooners of ice-cold beer—a refreshing treat that's become synonymous with the Liuzza's experience, especially on hot New Orleans days.
10. Blue Oak BBQ
900 N. Carrollton Ave., (504) 822-2583
blueoakbbq.com
New Orleans is usually not talked about in terms of barbecue but that just means it's our best kept secret. New Orleans has a long history with barbecue that continues to this day through our smoking hot barbecue restaurants. Blue Oak BBQ sits on Carrollton Avenue not far from City Park, and you'll often see patrons happily dining out on the pretty patio.
The Plates are the main attraction. There's
plenty to choose from: beef brisket, St. Louis spare ribs, spicy green onion
sausage, smoked turkey, and pulled pork. You can get your food family style
that includes all the meats and all the sides for three or four people. Burgers and
sandwiches are available for those who prefer their meat in a bun.
Where To Eat In Mid-City New Orleans
These Mid-City eateries represent so much of the flavor that
makes New Orleans cuisine world famous. Check them out as your weekend night
entertainment or make the Mid-City stalwart restaurants a part of your big night at the local bars. Be sure to bring your appetite because these places
will fill you up.
What's your favorite restaurant in the Mid-City neighborhood? Tell us what we're
missing, and we'll check it out.
