The absolute best place for fine dining. A diverse menu, amazing food and great staff.

Not sure what happened to this place, but our last visit is absolutely our last. Their 'special' drink menu was laughably bad, the salad that comes with your entree would be better just left off (and tossed in the trash), and the food itself was a mess, plainly not conceived of or prepared by a professional. This place was a high-water mark when it was back in the old Burger King, but now it just seems like an extremely mediocre and overpriced bad alternative to far-better restaurants nearby. The owners or management have obviously set this business on coast and are doing little to ensure their guests return. That's a shame. read more

I'm from KY but was in Covington for a business meeting and our host, Joby Najolia insisted that we drive to Cafe Lynn for dinner. It was worth fighting the traffic for many reasons. It's a beautiful restaurant and the service was impeccable. We had a large group, at least 15 of us and although I cannot remember her name, our waitress was incredible. We started with cocktails and had a variety of appetizers including an amazing crab dip and crab claws. I ordered a goat cheese salad that was so delicious. The main courses were mainly seafood but I ordered filet mignon with a peppercorn sauce and it was cooked perfectly. We were all so stuffed but the chef (who I believe knew our host because he came out to say hello during dinner) surprised us with two orders of every dessert that they had. Crème Brûlée, Bread Pudding, Blueberry Cobbler and my favorite of all, chocolate brownie with vanilla ice cream were all devoured by our group. read more

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Disappointing!!! Made an early dinner reservation for two to celebrate my wife's birthday. Again mentioned the special occasion to our server upon being seated at our table. Food was good, but not great! Service was average. In a rather upscale restaurant, it was disappointing that our special celebration was not acknowledged with a small desert or something else appropriate. Not sure why they asked if this was a special occasion when making the reservation. With a generous serving of my Shrimp Alfredo entree, there was plenty to take home. Unfortunately the un-bagged flimsy styrofoam container popped open and fell to the floor. It was not until I started to clean-up the mess myself that one of the nearby staff member offered to help. I would not recommend Cafe Lynn as a restaurant to celebrate a special occasion. read more

Most Amazing food we have had in years! My wife and I have been to great places all over the world. Our favorite places are in New Orleans and Lafayette. However, We were shocked by the food we had at Cafe Lynn. One of the best meals we have had in decades. Usually at most places, one item is really good and an appetizer is not so good, or One main dish is so-so and another is fantastic. The shock here at Cafe Lynn was that everything we put in our mouths was amazing. Not one single thing was a tiny bit off. The onion soup was as good if not Better than McGuires in Destin, which is great. The salads were astonishing, and the addition of flash fried oysters pushed it over the edge. But the main meal of Beef Filet covered in Lump crabmeat and Green pepper corn sauce was deadly. This is a common dish all over La. You can probably get it at Burger King if you wanted. However, this dish from Cafe Lynn's was the best we have ever had. Perfect cut, perfectly grilled, and a joy to just look at. I hated to cut into it. We know a lot of people that travel from our hometown to Florida all the time. Not just Summer. Mandeville is a perfect half way point to stop and eat. We will tell everyone we know about this wonderful place to eat. The chef has got to be a madman to put out such fantastic food like this. read more

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Gosh. I've been here before but something, many things, have changed. Trying to lead with the positive, our drinks were delicious-ruby red cocktail was divine & brought out quickly. As we perused menu, we were told all crabmeat items were not available & neither was the duck, and the lamb chops were $10 more than printed... well okay not getting off to a great start since duck was definitely what one of us would have ordered, probably crab cakes too. eggplant shrimp app was amazing but seemed to be missing 1-2 eggplant slices (Stingy) LARGE Goat cheese salad filled the entire plate but had literally 3 marble sized goat cheese balls. Ambiance sort of quiet, but mission filling stomachs accomplished. read more

I have eaten here many times for both lunch and dinner. The dinning room is large and spacious with adequate lighting and a pleasant noise level. The bar is equally accommodating with plenty of seating, full sized flat screen TVs and great service. The staff is friendly, attentive and accommodating even when they are busy. The food is always good. I particularly like the soups and salads. The French onion soup is amazing ! Tonight I had the special white bean chowder, amazing! I also had the oyster salad, the large salad had 10 oysters! It was delicious. Cafe Lynn has always been consistent with food and service . read more

Cafe Lynn - Seafood Near Me - Mandeville, Louisiana

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Perfectly prepared classic New Orleans creole seafood dishes. The Crabmeat Nathan and Eggplant Gabriel were exquisite. For entrees we had the Lamb, Gulf Fish and the Chicken Marsala which were all delicious. Logan, our server was very accommodating. Surprisingly the restaurant and music was not too loud and then we discovered why. Egg crate mattress foam attached to the underside of the tables. BRILLIANT!!! BRILLIANT!!! BRILLIANT!!!& BRILLIANT!!! Another great thing was that drinks, wine, beer, appetizers and entrees for 4 people was right at $200...What a Bargain!!! The only negative I can even create and it's just my own quirk. Such an exquisite restaurant in a STRIP MALL? Come'On! read more

Food was delicious as always! Waitress was very attentive, and went above, and beyond to make sure our party had a great experience

Superb food and atmosphere. Terrific and welcoming staff. The number one place to go on the Northshore.

Today's lunch was the Chicken Almondine with a side Caesar. It came with sauteed green beans and potatoes. The chicken was super tender and juicy. It was topped with sliced almonds that were sauteed in butter with a little garlic. It was seasoned very well and the garlic did not overpower. The green beans were whole and still a little crispy. They were also sauteed with garlic. I think they could have used a little more salt but they really had a good flavor. The potatoes were nicely seasoned. They were sliced kinda thick which I liked. They were nicely browned and tender. I am not particularly a fan of the dinner prices. It's a little too rich for my blood. However, if you want good food you have to be willing to pay for it. I think I will just have to stick to the lunch menu . Enjoy and let me know what you think! read more

Cafe Lynn - Chicken Almondine (lunch portion) - Seafood Near Me - Mandeville, Louisiana

Made dinner reservations a week in advance asking if they would allow me to bring a slice of birthday cake to be brought out after dinner. They happily accepted doing this and informed me they had candles and their own line of deserts but if I wanted to bring my own they would accommodate me (without an additional charge). The day of the birthday dinner, around 2pm (dinner is 630pm), I bring the cake and candle, advising that I would order (specifically) crème brulee after dinner and no matter what my better half ordered, they would bring out the cake with candle lit. Dinner time... The food was good and staff was very friendly no complaints. After dinner, I order desert and she didn't want anything. I get my desert AND NOTHING ELSE COMES OUT. No cake nothing. JACK SHIT... I'm getting the death stare from my GF because I'm telling her that i didn't do anything special for her dinner (because I'm messing with her) to when my desert comes out AND NOTHING ELSE, she really starts believing I didn't do anything... I about to die. In front of my GF, I finally had to ask the staff what about my birthday cake I brought earlier etc, and they were like oh I'm sorry (it was written In the reservation book next to my name and time!!) this special request just didn't get passed onto our server, who was pretty cool. Kinda killed the whole vibe of the dinner. Now, we didn't blame the server for this but I will say I am pissed about this. As far as I'm concerned I will NOT recommend this place nor will we return. Sal & Judy's... That place was packed full when we went and for our special request there it went off without a hitch. But, Cafe Lynn... Maybe 6 out of 13 tables (in the main dining room we were in) were occupied (approx 13 people). It was slow. It was quie. It was a relaxed evening... And this dinner still got FUCKED UP. I don't care about my stuff getting messed up but when it comes to this woman, I take things somewhat personal. read more

It's just my favorite restaurant, it's as plain and simple as that!! I have never been disappointed. No matter what I order, it just melts in my mouth. read more

Excellent martinis. Some of the best food on the Northshore. Definitely the best French onion soup. If available, order the soft shell crab over pasta. read more

Great looking menu, but all 3 of our entrees were completely bland - zero seasoning whatsoever. French onion soup was lukewarm and had to send back; corn & crab bisque was full of shells and everything in it was minced - No chunks of anything but shells. read more

Ate here for lunch. We got crabmeat aunt gratin, French onion soup, eggplant casserole, fried goat cheese salad. It was delicious. I can't complain about any of it. Simply delicious. read more

Cafe Lynn - Seafood Near Me - Mandeville, Louisiana

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Quaint restaurant with a lovely ambiance. From the greeting to paying the bill the service was gracious and charming. We ordered the Chicken Marsala and the Crab Cake Salad. The chicken was hearty & very tasty served in a bed of pasta. The salad was delicious with chunks of crab throughout. read more

Café Lynn is the best! Great food and service! I do not know how they do not have 5 stars. Growing up in New Orleans, I love good food and Café Lynn always makes me feel at home. You can't go wrong with anything on the menu. read more

We used to love Cafe Lynn but... Went twice in August and both times were pretty bad. The service was so slow, there were three tables in the entire place, so it wasn't because they were packed. Our waitress just disappeared after we ordered our first drink, the complimentary champagne that was put on the check and we paid for. Ordered an appetizer from another waiter passing by then a different waitress brought it out. Our drinks were empty for awhile until our salads arrived and before we were finished with salads our brunch was delivered, very very hot plates! That means they sat under the heat light for some time. My husband ordered grits and grillades, it came out with the veal soggy under watery grits. My Benedict was very good. The waitress had a bit of an attitude when she saw that we were not enjoying our time there but she never tried to explain her disappearance. We used to see the owners there often but haven't seen them in a long time, maybe they should stop in. Hopefully they'll get it together because it really used to be very good. read more

As usual food great , service very good and atmosphere enjoyable. Even with Covid situation they are doing a great job.

Cafe Lynn was a delightful experience! Service was great and the food was on point! We will definitely come back! We don't mind driving from the south shore for good food and service! Thank you chef!!! read more

By far one of the best restaurants. No need to drive to New Orleans and eat at fancy restaurant. And, might I add, the prices are more than reasonable! read more

Had an amazing dinner there the other night!! The fried green tomato app was Awesome!! The filet was cooked perfect and was an excellent dish!! Highly recommend the filet!! We also had the crabmeat canneloni dish that was excellent!! Creme Brûlée to finish it off was Excellent as well!! Service was Awesome!! Love this place. Make reservations!! You should go there!!! Family Owned!! Awesome People!! read more

Dinner last night was wonderful. We began with the marinated crab claws and bbq shrimp, both were delicious. My wife and I both had the filet which we thoroughly enjoyed. Our friends had the fish and veal chop special. Nothing but delicious. Great service and thrilled to have such fine cuisine right here in Mandeville. read more

I wish I could say how the food is, but I can't. Walked in, was asked if I had a reservation, and I didn't. There were plenty of tables open, but they wouldn't seat me. It was 11:40, they told me they could seat me at 3:00. Ummmm .... no. I took my business elsewhere. read more

Ive eaten here three times and love it. The redfish almondine is the best! The drinks are good (old fashioned) and the service was pleasant. The tables were distanced so i felt safe. I never have room for dessert but next time i will get it to go! read more

I have been here over ten times and Cafe Lynn always has the most Excellent food! This place has a real talented chef! The bread is amazing. Based on the sauces you can tell someone was trained in France! (At least for a little bit!) The dishes are mostly wonderful South Louisiana staples with a touch of uniqueness from the chef. Everything is amazing. The filet is incredible, the fish is always top notch. Brought friends recently and they commented that they had the best shrimp dish they have ever had in their 60 years on this planet. Also, the crabmeat Nathan appetizer should never be passed over! My only knock is that the wait staff starts strong and are very attentive, but after entree's are served they float off, disappear and do not check in. Left for over a hour waiting for ice tea refills and more wine. This isn't the first time this has occurred. And the chairs are not that comfortable for a 3+ hour dinner. One night we waited for 1 hour and 15 minutes after entree's to see our waitress again. She was at the bar talking. However, the food is so good, I don't want the chef to be knocked due to inattentive waiters and waitresses. Address that, pad the chairs and this place is pretty close to perfect! read more

Good was good service also it might be w little heavy with butter and cream they should mix it up a little with lighter options specially for lunch menu read more

The food is awesome. Price is very reasonable and you get a lot for it. All pasta dishes are tasty and I am sure you bring some home. Just hope that you don't sit next to a snobby Mandeville resident as they are very loud!!! read more

I have been here several times and it was always good. However, on my last 2 visits, they were out of several items on the menu. When I say several, probably 1/3 of the menu they were out of. And of course it was the things that those in my party really wanted. These were not late-night visits, we're talking 6:30-7:00pm. On the last visit, our server was an older lady that had a bit of an attitude when we expressed our disappointment with the unavailable menu items. Probably won't be going back. read more

Went here for lunch today. The bread they serve u is yummy. We ordered the crabmeat Nathan for an appetizer and what arrived was beautiful crabmeat in a white sauce. The table ordered eggplant with crabmeat & shrimp, blue cheese salad w/a crab cake, eggs Benedict w/veal. And creme brûlée for dessert!!! Everything wAs delicious. Extremely loud, and tables are very close together. Very crowded during the weekdays for lunch. read more

The decor is gorgeous, a great place to stop in for drinks or a nice glass of wine after work. Get the marinated crab claws appetizer, you won't be disappointed! The best filet is made in the kitchen here, it melts in your mouth with a warm brandy peppercorn sauce on it!! If you want a light lunch, get the lump crabmeat salad and get the Vidalia onion vinaigrette dressing. Finally, when you have family in town and want a private dining experience, they have a special room for that too. Ask Brandi to pair the wine with your meal, she knows her stuff!! I LOVE this place and the staff in it will treat you like family. read more

The food is beyond incredible. The staff is so friendly and accommodating. You honestly can't go wrong with Cafė Lynn!

Building on the outside is not reflective of what is on the inside! Staff was very friendly and the food was wonderful!! We had the crab claws and the crab and shrimp risotto. I would recommend both! read more

French onion soup was amazing...I was in the mood for savory, but done WELL....(I'm kind of picky on this because so many restaurants save money on "passable" food plated well....but THIS was delicious....not a heat and serve bulk soup). The service was lovely, we were not rushed and were able to enjoy a romantic evening. GET RESERVATIONS. read more

I love this place! The French onion soup is terrific and the pan roasted quail is the best in town. Chef Kris trained this young chef and it shows. We eat here often and it never disappoints. read more

Came to Cafe Lynn by way of recommendation from Pat Gallagher (See review for Pat Gallagher's) No reservation, no problem! We experienced wonderful food and service. Everything was perfect except when I spilled my tea all over the table. They quickly got us up and moved us to another table and sat us back down. They even made it sound like it was their fault just to make me feel better. We both had steak which was excellent. However, the sauce on the Rib Eye was a little powerful. I would order the same steak without the sauce next time. Overall great. We will be back. read more

This restaurant exists. Average and not very memorable. All the food: salads, shrimp, speckled trout, we're prepared adequately. I was really kind of disappointed to not see anything like a "signature dish" or something to make this menu stand out against the standards of "gulf fish almondine" "grilled shrimp" "a steak" or "veal picatta". Tip: table cloths on the tables do not keep them from being wobbly. In short, it's food you would expect to see on a Louisiana menu prepared the way you would expect. Nothing to make me want it for a special occasion though. read more

We had lunch there this week. The bread was really good, the gumbo was below my expectations, it had a strong seasoning flavor like Thyme or maybe something else, but I would not order again. I also had a shrimp remoulade which I tried but did not eat. The shrimp were grilled, combined with lettuce, tomatoes, carrots with only a slight coating of a sauce that had no resemblance to a remoulade sauce.... bad. Also, had a crab cake with Alfredo sauce. The crab cake was good, but the Alfredo sauce was very thick and not very tasty. The service was adequate, but the prices are a little high. I would not return or recommend this restaurant to anyone. read more

We went there at 6:00 on a Saturday evening and granted we had no reservation but they offered us 2 high tops pushed together or an outside table with traffic noise and one person was 90 and another on crutches. There were about 10 vacant tables. The place was beautiful I'll give them that and maybe we'll try again but they need to be more aware of their customers and not try to fill the place up by putting elderly people on a high top table! read more