Banana Blossom [Courtesy of Burke Bischoff]

The Top Restaurants To Go To On The Westbank | Places to Cross the River For

07:00 February 16, 2024
By: Emily Hingle

The Westbank of New Orleans has incredible restaurants that serve some of the most authentic international flavors in the Greater New Orleans area. That's because the Westbank has a rich history of being inhabited by immigrants from all over the world, and generations of people have continued the culinary traditions of their homelands through these restaurants. Vietnamese, Chinese, Indian, Italian, and much more can be found here, and it is never disappointing.

Though it's hard to find a restaurant that's not great, these restaurants are some of the most talked about eateries on the Westbank due to their unique menu offerings. They are all worth the drive if you are thinking about taking a trip of the bridge for dinner.


The Very Best Restaurants on The Westbank


1. Café 615 (Home of Da Wabbit)

615 Kepler St., (504) 365-1225, cafe615.com

Cafe 615 [Courtesy of cafe615.com]

If you don't already know the story behind the name of this very old restaurant in Gretna, you're about to. Da Wabbit Restaurant opened in 1948 and it was loved by people who came for the Creole food and camaraderie. Da Wabbit was sold to new owners in 2004 who renamed it Café 615, but they kept the old name too in honor of the restaurant's storied past.

Today, you can get entrées like Shrimp Étoufée With Fried Fish, Pork Chop Platter, and Smothered Liver and Onions. The locals swear by Da Wabbit Hamburger Steak, as well as any of the daily lunch specials.


2. Mosca's

4137 US-90 West, (504) 436-8950, moscasrestaurant.com

[Courtesy of moscasrestaurant.com]

There's a little white building in Westwego that looks humble from the outside but the inside is a whole 'nother story. This little restaurant has been serving Italian favorites since 1946. Mosca's has survived countless hurricanes, the rise of celebrity chefs, and even the pandemic. And it will probably be around for generations to come as an homage of the contributions that Italian culture has made to New Orleans.

The secret to Mosca's longevity is definitely the food. The small menu consists of Spaghetti and Meatballs, Shrimp Bordelaise, Oysters Mosca, and Chicken Cacciatore, among other delicacies that have created a solid following.


3. Banana Blossom

500 9th St., (504) 500-0997, 504bananablossom.com

[Courtesy of 504bananablossom.com]

Even the most stubborn Eastbankers who hate driving over the river will make the trek to Banana Blossom. This Thai restaurant is a feast for the eyes with its decadent décor, and the food and drinks are stimulating as well. Some of the dishes are served in little cast-iron pans; the BBQ Shrimp and Smoked Pork Belly Ramen come out sizzling hot and popping with flavor.

The Thai Tacos section of the menu was made via a collaboration with Central City BBQ. You may be enticed to try the BBQ Tacos with BBQ Pulled Pork, an egg, Japanese mayo, barbecue sauce, onion, cilantro, and sriracha sauce in roti bread. There's also a skinny version of this taco which comes wrapped in romaine lettuce instead of roti.


4. Legacy Kitchen's Steak and Chop

91 Westbank Expy., (504) 513-2606, legacykitchen.com

[Courtesy of Legacy Kitchen's Steak and Chop's Facebook]

Legacy Kitchen has been taking over the New Orleans area in recent years. Each of their three locations offers something a little bit different, but they all serve elevated American fare that hits the right note with everyone. This Legacy Kitchen in Gretna specializes in steaks that you are going to love. Each steak is brushed in sizzling butter and dusted with a little parsley.

The Tomahawk serves two people (or one if you want to take half home for tomorrow), and the Cowboy Bone-In Ribeye is a crowd favorite. You can also order items like Chicken & Waffles, Trout Almondine, or Build Your Own Burger.


5. TD Seafood and Pho House

1028 Manhattan Blvd., (504) 302-1727, tdseafoodphohouse.com

[Courtesy of TD Seafood and Pho House's Facebook]

Given the Westbank's large population of Vietnamese Americans, Vietnamese food is very well represented there, and TD Seafood and Pho House offers some of the best Vietnamese cuisine around. This casual restaurant specializes in not only classic dishes like phở and bánh mì, but also boiled seafood including crawfish and Dungeness crab.

Nothing warms the heart quite like phở, and TD Seafood and Pho House multiple different bowls filled with proteins such as Filet Mignon and Lobster Tail. The restaurant also offers delicious Spring Rolls and refreshing Vermicelli Salad Bowls, also known as bún.


6. Tony Mandina's

1915 Pratt St., (504) 362-2010, tonymandinas.com

[Courtesy of Tony Mandina's Facebook]

Tony Mandina's isn't as old as some other local Italian restaurants, but it's story is just as interesting. Tony Mandina was in the furniture business and he renovated buildings. He was renovating a house that had a small restaurant in it called the BBQ Shack, and he decided that he would use the building to make a restaurant of his own. Tony Mandina's Restaurant opened in 1982, and the rest is history.

If you love the fare at Tony Mandina's, you can cook it for yourself when you follow the recipes in the Tony Mandina's Kitchen cookbook written by Kolette Mandina Ditta and radio host Poppy Tooker. The cookbook explores the Mandina family's journey into turning their Sicilian home-cooked meals into a famous brand.


7. August Moon

875 Manhattan Blvd., (504) 302-7977, augustmoonharvey.com

[Courtesy of augustmoonharvey.com]

August Moon has expanded to the Eastbank, but the Harvey location is where those seeking the utmost authentic Vietnamese and Chinese fare like to go. The Hot Pots are popular, and you can select from catfish, seafood, and oxtail. These are dishes that you need more than one person to eat. The Family Dinners, which range from feeding four to 10 people, are also a great value.

Those who don't prefer to partake in the meat-centric dishes will love the vegetarian section of the menu. General Tso's Tofu, Spicy Kung Pao Tofu, and Szechuan Eggplant are all big hits. Just remember to heed the chili pepper warnings. These meals can be very hot and spicy.


8. NOLA Steak

4132 Peters Rd., (855) 805-5596, boomtownneworleans.com

[Courtesy of boomtownneworleans.com]

Gamblers who go down to Boomtown Casino will want to dine at the in-house restaurant NOLA Steak. The no-frills steak place is the go-to eatery, along with Boomtown's Asia restaurant, for the casino regulars and high rollers. Bring your appetite because these cuts are huge. There's an 14 oz. NOLA Strip, 16 oz. Ribeye, and even an 18 oz. Cowboy Steak! All are served with a baked potato, but you might not make it that far.

NOLA Steak is only open on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., so plan accordingly. You can catch a special brunch seating on Sundays from noon to 4 p.m., however! The Trinity Steak Tips with Maque Choux are a top seller.


9. Turmeric Indian Cuisine

1025 Westbank Expy., (504) 354-1422, turmericnola.com

[Courtesy of Turmeric's Facebook]

This Indian kitchen serves up flavorful and colorful fare that is inspired by food from all parts of India. Turmeric is very proud of their biryani, curry, and tandoor specialties that carnivores and herbivores can all enjoy. Chicken Tikki Masala is always requested, and the Goan Fish Curry is great for people who love their seafood.

You're going to want to save room for dessert at Turmeric because you won't get these treats at any other restaurant in the area. Gulab Jamun is condensed milk and cheese that's fried and soaked in sugar syrup. Rasmalai is rice cheese dumplings swimming in sweetened milk.


10. Gattuso's Neighborhood Restaurant, Bar, & Catering

435 Huey P. Long Ave., (504) 368-1114, gattusos.net

[Courtesy of gattusos.net]

Gattuso's is the place where everyone in Old Gretna and beyond comes to hang out and enjoy a good meal. The restaurant regularly hosts events from live musical performances to author signings, so there's always something to see and enjoy while there.

Gattuso's menu ranges from delicious bar staples like Burgers, Chicken Wings, and Wraps to classic New Orleans dishes including Red Beans and Rice and many different types of Po-Boys. The restaurant's bar menu has and extensive list of beer, wine, margaritas, martinis, and specialty cocktails including a Rum Punch, a Old Fashioned, and a Moscow Mule.


Try Out These Westbank Restaurants

Give your tastebuds a treat and check out at least one of these Westbank restaurants tonight. You can't get this variety of international flavors in this small of an area in most other places in the state of Louisiana. It's truly a special place where a melting pot of cultures has come together to create a beautiful community. It's a gift to be able to enjoy their cuisine and learn more about our region's history through food.

What is your favorite international meal to get from a restaurant on the Westbank? We would love to know!

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