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Mandina's Restaurant

4.0 (1k reviews)
Open • 11:00 am - 9:00 pm

Mandina's Restaurant Photos

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MANDINA'S RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Casual
Moderate noise
Dogs allowed
Outdoor seating

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Recommended Reviews - Mandina's Restaurant

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trout menierre
Sophie Jane K.

This was so good! Best food we have had in New Orleans. It was out of the way from our hotel but we could get there by streetcar. First, the complimentary bread was out of this world! It was so buttery and meaty on the inside and crusty on the outside. We also got the seafood gumbo as an appetizer and the bread was so good dipped in the gumbo. I got the shrimp half loaf po boy (warning--this will feed two or three people!! A "half" loaf is two sandwiches because the loaf of French bread is so big!) my husband got the trout meniere and it was divine! Cleaned the whole plate. No crumbs. Will be going back.

Crab claw appetizer.
Stephan T.

I While near New Orleans for work, I met a friend from Baton Rouge, so we could have dinner, and he could show me around the city. At his recommendation, we went here. It's a hole in the wall that is definitely popular with locals, and fills up quickly, which is what I wanted. The food is top-notch, and the vibe is casual, with a mix of classic, but casual dining. One recommendation: go hungry. The food is rich, and the servings are generous.

Creole Eggplant Sunday Special
Elizabeth B.

Big hell yea to this place. Servers and staff are kind and hardworking, food is old school and comforting. What a gift y'all are to the city!

Mandina's Menu
Michael C.

In town for a meeting, a good friend and local to New Orleans suggested I needed to experience Mandina's. Obviously a local's fave, it has been around since 1936 just outside of the downtown business district (and a few miles from the infamous French Quarter. Housed in a noticeable and well maintained pink building, the place is definitely New Orleans and feels like a very popular neighborhood spot! Crowded on a Friday night, reservations can be made, but even as busy as they were, we got seated after a short wait. The bar and main dining area are all in one room, in a well-lit, nostalgia/New Orleans memorabilia decor. Not a fancy place, but a warm, friendly atmosphere. There is a smaller more private dining area just off the main, up a few steps. The bar is part of the original fixtures, as noted in a photo on the wall from a 1945 newspaper article. It's mostly standing room, with 5 or 6 stools, but a great place to visit or people watch while you wait for a table. One thing I will note are the prices; very affordable for the area, and for a place with as much history and reputation as Mandina's have. You can have a larger group to dine and not bust the bank. On to the food. We were regaled with their pre-app bread, butter soaks and so fluffy and delicious, while we purused the menu. For starters, you have to try their onion rings (but be careful--a Half-order for two is more than enough!). The highlight of our dinner was the other app we had, the Crab Fingers. The meaty crab claws were in a delicious souffle of new orleans spice and bread crumbs that was in itself absolutely wonderful. The aforementioned bread, which on its own was fantastic, is made truly heavenly by dipping into the sauce, after you've ravaged the crab fingers. While we really wanted to dive into more seafood, we were advised that Mandina's has some of the best Italian food in the city, so we opted to forgo the etoufee and redfish options and instead went with the Eggplant Parmesan. The enormous dish was split for us into two and still represented two very large plates. Candidly, we're probably old school New York Italian, so the sauce, while tasty and plentiful, was a bit too sweet for our taste. And the eggplant, which again was not skimped on, was cut into larger slices than our preference and a bit heavier batter. So all in all, the eggplant parm was good, but not our favorite style or part of the meal. We have a lovely young woman server, who was attentive and helpful (she did share the portion size as we were contemplating 2 entrees, after our appetizers...so thank you for sparing our waist line!!) Bottom line; for a visit to a true New Orleans local treasure, Mandina's should be on your list.

Orlando L.

Serving New Orleans residents and tourists since 1932! I've been eating here since I was kid. When folks ask where to get good Old school Italian and fried seafood I send them here. It's where the locals hang out. The service is always impeccable. If you dine in the main room be sure to checkout the signed Harry Connick Jr Jazz Fest poster. The staple meals here are the Spaghetti and Meatballs, Parmesans, Onion Rings...be sure to ask if they have soft shell crabs when in season. Eat local and enjoy!

Lakeisha W.

We were there Saturday 2/23 for a birthday dinner. We really enjoyed ourselves. We had to share a space with a volleyball team, we did find ourselves yelling trying to talk with them. Lol. It was cool though. Maybe just get a seat in the regular dining room if possible. I hope that space isn't as loud. I'll be back sooner than later.

Seafood Gumbo
Omar S.

Mandina's menu is a New Orleans "Greatest Hits" list of turtle soup, gumbo, fried seafood, and a variety of home-style Italian and Cajun-Creole dishes. The food is seldom great, but I'm always happy to be there. I visit Mandina's when I want to eat a good meal, surrounded by people who don't know I'm not New Orleanian. At Mandina's, I've sung "Happy Birthday" and bought first-daters their dinner. I've joined local friends, knowing I'd enjoy an evening filled with arcane references to long-gone people and businesses and buildings. And I've eavesdropped on lunchtime conversations at the bar, between folks who, as they got sloshed, shed their reserve without losing their dignity. These things, plus the menu, are all a part of the New Orleans Way.

Gerald J.

This is my favorite New Orleans restaurant by far-- and I was there last week for 4 days and I went to eat here 3 of the 4 days and took a huge to go order back home for me and my family that wasn't with me! That says everything I need to say! - Consistency is top tier and service is as well. Food 5/5 Service 5/5 Location 5/5 Gumbo 10/10 Atmosphere 5/5 Staff 5/5 Return Factor 5/5

Fried shrimp
Kristi S.

My friend took me here as her choice for a "locals favorite" and it did not disappoint! The food was so flavorful and the portions were huge. Also our server was great, he brought me multiple sauces to dip my shrimp in - mmmm SO GOOD! The restaurant itself is very large, bright and would be a great place for groups. I really hope I get a chance to go back and try it again!

Italian Salad
Tabitha C.

Mandina's earned our loyalty fast. We visited for lunch and liked it so much we returned the next day. Something we rarely do while traveling. We started our first visit with Abita Boot beers and spicy Bloody Marys. The Bloody Marys had solid seasoning. The complimentary bread deserves special mention. Light texture, full flavor. Day one, my husband ordered the Soft Shell Crab Sandwich with a cup of Turtle Soup. I went with the Soup & Salad combo, choosing the Turtle Soup and Italian Salad. The sandwich satisfied my husband. The Turtle Soup delivered rich flavor and generous portions of meat. The slice of egg was a pleasant surprise. The Italian Salad stands out for olive lovers. Green olives dominated the bowl, with black olives playing a supporting role. Artichokes, a tomato wedge, cucumber, red onion, pepperoncinis and anchovies rounded out the mix. It's a tasty combination. Our server Sue provided excellent service throughout the meal. We returned the next day and started with Bloody Marys again. My husband upgraded to a bowl of Turtle Soup. I ordered the same Soup & Salad combo. We shared the Italian Salad. If what we got is the small size, I can only imagine how big the full size is! Two days, two solid meals. Mandina's delivers consistent quality and generous portions. We'll be back the next time we're in town!

Fried Catfish
Terry J.

Great atmosphere and friendly staff! There are so many great menu options to choose from, and the staff couldn't have been more welcoming. While waiting for my order, I looked up the history of the restaurant -- highly recommend doing this, it's really interesting! I ordered the fried catfish and fries, and from the very first bite, I could tell this was unlike any fish and chips I've had before. Wow -- perfectly seasoned, tender, and absolutely delicious. This is definitely a place I'll be returning to!

Main dining
Elizabeth G.

I'm always interested in going where the locals go when we're in town and this was such a delightful dining experience that we've been trying to get to for years but could never seem to work it into our schedule. The main dining room is inviting and stylish in an understated way. Our server was super friendly and the food was excellent. We had an appetizer sampler to start - hubs wasn't fond of the thick batter on the calamari but also noted it was tender and tasty. My family is Italian and had Italian friends who owned a shop and made their own homemade Italian sausage... I'm not saying Mandina's makes their own but one bite took me back. I think the texture would have been better served in grilled chunks rather than the slices that tasted fried; the crispy surface area of the cut exposed interior wasn't bad but not my preference. Also included was fried stick of eggplant which was some of the best I've had. I ordered the veal parm for my entrée that was cooked perfectly, the marinara was exquisite and the perfect ratio to the veal and the pasta. Another entrée ordered was the shrimp bordelaise but switch the shrimp out for a veal cutlet which they were happy to do as my daughter doesn't eat tomato sauce but was eager to try the veal. The down side was that their bordelaise wasn't traditional bordelaise of the red wine sauce variety; the dish turned out to be like pasta tossed with garlic and butter and we wish we had known. When I asked the waitress if it would be traditional bordelaise she confirmed that it was, which was why we ordered it. That it turned out not to be was a let down. But all-in-all this was a great dining experience for all the right reasons. If you're like me and hate being stuck in touristy eateries, hop the street car down Canal and tell the conductor to let you off at Mandina's and thank me later.

Shrimp Side Salad (includes the meat!) yay!
Kate O.

Found this place while visiting, and it's so nice and just is part of the neighborhood. Seemed like mostly locals, not many tourists, if that's what you're looking for. Server seem to have their regulars, but if you are just visiting like me--you quickly feel like you've been coming here for years. Big portions and good prices. Lunch or just daily specials under 20$ is great. The soup and side salad (no extra for the shrimp), was $15.95, I believe, what a steal! Will be back if I'm ever in New Orleans again.

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Reviews are largely positive. People praise the delicious food, generous portions, and friendly service. The welcoming atmosphere is also appreciated.

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3 days ago

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Never disappoints!! Great service and food!! Huge menu and I recommend the Chicken Parm and the Fried Chicken

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Mandina's Restaurant Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Mandina's Restaurant

Is there outside seating still if traveling with small dog?

No, sorry

Do they take reservations?

Walk on in and see what's available. Reservations required 8 people or more

Do they offer gift cards/certificates?

Will you be open Christmas day?

Not usually.

Shrimp etoufee at Mandina's?

Yes! They could accommodate

Easy'ish find parking?

They have a huge parking lot!! Also they have security guards outside at night

Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

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Good food for a good price and good service. We order the…read morecalamari and the oysters charbroiled, I think that the ousters had too much parmesan cheese but you can take it out or ask for less.

Do NOT be steered away from this place! It may not be the fanciest restaurant in New Orleans, but…read morethe seafood was amazing and the service was spectacular. We came in Saturday night without a reservation and only had to wait a few minutes. Our waitress was amazing from the second we sat down. I really wish I remembered her name because she was super attentive, funny, patient, and honestly made the whole experience even better. My boyfriend and I started with the Creole oysters and OMG... probably some of the best oysters I've ever had. They were incredibly flavorful, and dipping the bread into all that sauce afterward was SO good. My mother-in-law had the fried calamari, which came with remoulade, and she really enjoyed it. For my entrée, I had the jambalaya with chicken and andouille sausage. It was definitely spicy, but really, really good. My boyfriend and mother-in-law both had the grilled red snapper topped with their creamy crawfish sauce, and they loved it. My father-in-law had one of the oyster specials with shrimp and crawfish, which was also excellent. We finished with dessert... boyfriend and I had a chocolate mousse/cake dessert and my in-laws had the bread pudding. Everything was delicious. The atmosphere was casual and fun, they had the football games playing on the TVs, and our waitress was fantastic the entire night. Just an overall great experience. If you love seafood and oysters, definitely give this place a try. I would 100% come back!

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Solid seafood boil but nothing special than any other boil spot I've done to…read more Idk if it was a NOLA thing but no crawfish in stock as I guess we were end of season. Most seafood boil spots still have a supply so on that alone I probably wouldn't return.

Hot N Cajun was easily one of my favorite seafood stops in New Orleans! From the moment that…read moresteaming seafood boil bag hit the table, I knew we were in for a good meal. This was my first time having noodles added to a seafood boil, and let me tell you--they were a GAME CHANGER. The noodles soaked up all that rich, buttery Cajun sauce and seasoning, making every bite ridiculously flavorful. I honestly don't know if I can order another seafood boil without noodles now! Our boil was loaded with crab, shrimp, sausage, potatoes, corn, and egg, and everything came out piping hot and covered in sauce. The seafood was flavorful, the portions were generous, and once we dumped everything onto the tray, it was officially time to get messy. What I really appreciated was how well everything worked together. The noodles weren't just an unnecessary add-on--they caught all that extra sauce that normally gets left at the bottom of the bag. Do yourself a favor and add them! Come hungry, roll up your sleeves, and don't wear anything you're afraid to get Cajun sauce on. Hot N Cajun delivered exactly what I wanted from a New Orleans seafood boil: hot, messy, saucy, flavorful, and satisfying. The noodles alone made this one memorable. Definitely coming back!

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Went the other night Antonio was our server and did an amazing job. We started with charbroiled…read moreoysters those were so good we ordered another tray, then We got ribeyes and tenderloin, and several sides. The food was amazing, The cocktails were perfect but the Butter cake for dessert stole the show. We were already full but couldn't leave it unfinished. The inside is the perfect, event thought we were dressed casually we weren't made to feel out of place.

I went to Bon Ton Prime Rib for my birthday Saturday 8/29 with a party of 13, and unfortunately,…read morethe experience was a mix of good and bad. The good: The food was really good! Everything we ordered was delicious, and honestly, the food is the main reason I would consider giving Bon Ton another try. I also want to give credit to the host who greeted us. She was extremely friendly, professional, and genuinely tried her best to accommodate my party. The bad: The issue was management. I had a party of 13, and I understood that the restaurant could only seat 10 people at one table. I was told the other 3 guests would be seated at a separate table, and I was completely okay with that arrangement. However, Travis, the front manager, canceled the reservation for my 3 additional guests, so they were never seated. The host was trying her best to help us, but Travis was not very accommodating and made the situation much more difficult than it needed to be. I also asked to speak with a manager because I wanted to understand what happened with the table for my 3 guests. Tre was told that I wanted to speak with him, but he didn't come over when he finished with the table behind me. Instead, he went into the kitchen, came back out, and spoke with my friend instead of me. When he eventually spoke with me, I asked if he was the manager, and he told me no. He also gave me a different name. What makes this even more disappointing is that I wasn't approaching him to complain. I simply wanted to ask about the seating situation and find a solution for my guests. The interaction with management was unnecessary and took away from what should have been a special birthday dinner. I will say again that the food was good enough that I am willing to give Bon Ton another try. Hopefully, next time the service and management experience will match the quality of the food. Shoutout to the host for being kind and trying her best--you could tell she genuinely cared about helping us.

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Willie Mae’s NOLA - Hardhide Peach glaze wings

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I could smell the chicken a block away. I increased my pace so I could more quickly make it to this…read morebucket-list restaurant, especially since I love fried chicken. There were a few pleasant surprises that I experienced. First, I don't know why, but I expected a hole-in-the-wall establishment. But it was a beautifully updated restaurant with a nice square bar in the center. It's light and bright with a lot of space. I was greeted warmly and sat quickly at the bar. Note, that reservations are required to sit at a table. Walk-up guests must sit at the bar. I was alone so I normally sit at the bar anyway. I was pleasantly welcomed by Nicole who immediately asked if I wanted water or any other drink to start. I got sweet tea since it's my favorite nonalcoholic drink. I ordered the 1/4 chicken dark meat with a side of macaroni & cheese and a piece of cornbread. 2nd surprise. The chicken is spicy, which I forgot from all the shows I've watched about the chicken here. It's just enough to give it a little heat and added flavor. The batter is light and crispy with a hint of buttermilk. The meat is super juicy and delicious. 3rd surprise. I didn't know I would love the Mac and cheese so much. It was more savory than cheesy, which made it stand out above others I've had. The cornbread muffin was a great tie-in with its slightly sweet honey flavor. Savory and sweet. Tender and crunchy. It covered all of the requirements for a perfectly balanced meal. The service was excellent with that perfect Southern touch of sweetness and hospitality. I highly recommend visiting when in New Orleans.

The last time I ate at this restaurant it was in the old location on St Ann Street. My friend…read morewanted to try their gumbo and I was curious to see if the food was still good in the new spot. The decor and vibe is more upscale than the old place and it's bigger. The people are still friendly and welcoming. I ordered fried chicken, butter beans, red beans and rice and candied yams and my friend got the gumbo so we could split the sides and chicken between us. I was able to taste the gumbo before my friend devoured it and it was good! The chicken was perfectly cooked and not greasy. I love the butter beans, I get them every time. The weak link for me were the yams because it was overly spiced with something I'm not sure if it was cloves or nutmeg but it was way too much for me.

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Mandina's Restaurant - cajun - Updated October 2026

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