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Mandina's Restaurant

4.0 (1k reviews)
Open • 11:00 am - 9:30 pm
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Mandina's Restaurant Photos

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MANDINA'S RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

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

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Recommended Reviews - Mandina's Restaurant

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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!

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!

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.

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.

Sandra K.

My husband would say we had to go try Mandinas every time we passed it, so we decided to have our Anniversary dinner here. It was an underwhelming experience. There's nothing fancy about this restaurant. Very bare with old wooden table and chairs and cement floor. Our first negative was our Server who didn't give her name and her first words were: do you have any questions; do you know what you want? We were never told any specials or asked if we wanted anything to drink other than the waters that were brought to us when we sat down. I ordered a drink from the bar that never came. The best thing of the night was the onion rings that we got as an appetizer . They were fried to perfection and crispy and not greasy. Our entrees were a meatball sub, meatballs and spaghetti and the stuffed shrimp special. Everything was good; however everything lacked seasoning and spice. For a New Orleans restaurant that has been around for a long time, you would expect more flavor. Definitely a one and done for us. We never knew our Servers name until we got our bill. So Sheila you really need some friendliness to be a server!

Distinctive pink building
Janine D.

When in Rome.... When you are in Louisiana on a Monday, it's Red Beans and Rice for lunch or dinner. Mandina's is an old school NOLA restaurant, around since the early 1920's! Mandina's specialty is local seafood and Italian cuisine. Located on Canal Street, they are a local favorite for home style cooking. Service is friendly and efficient. The atmosphere hasn't changed much in the last 100 years. For a taste of traditional New Orleans...Mandina's is a must!

Didn't get a good picture of the meals, but boy was it good!

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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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Boil & Barrel is a great new spot in Lakeview, so of course I had to try it out! The seafood…read moreoptions are delicious -- fresh, flavorful, and seasoned just right. I especially loved the boil selections. Service was great. Will have to try it again soon to see how they have improved since opening. Love the outdoor seating. While I wouldn't mind slightly larger portions, everything definitely hit the spot and left me wanting to come back for more. A solid addition to the neighborhood for seafood lovers!

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Porgy’s Seafood Market - Love me a Fanta...

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Station 6 - Bread pudding is so amazing!!

Station 6

4.4(428 reviews)
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Really late lunch so it wasn't too busy. Ate on the patio and it was so comfortable…read more Our server, Vince, came right over and took our drink order. He told us about the specials and my mouth was drooling when he said soft shell crab. We started with the smoked salmon dip which was so creamy and delicious. For entrees the hubby had the blackened drum topped with blackened shrimp over Brabant potatoes. He was kind enough to give me a bite and oh boy it was so good. I, of course, had the fried soft shell crab special over smoky asparagus. The crab was topped with more crabmeat and a beurre blanc sauce. The crab was cleaned so well and then lightly fried. It was a very fat crab and every bite was a culinary delight. This was by far the best soft shell crab dish I have ever had. I certainly don't say that lightly because I eat soft shell crabs from the start of the season right up to the end. We were so full that there would be no need to eat dinner. Then Vince of course mentioned the desserts and we chose the chocolate peanut butter doberge cake with chocolate ganache. We told him to make it to go and do not open the box when he brought it to the table! Overall, Station 6 treated us to one of the best meals we have ever had. We're locals and our favorite pastime is eating out at locally owned restaurants. Station 6 is definitely ranked in our top 3!!

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Station 6 - 1/2 dozen

1/2 dozen

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Inside Bar

Mandina's Restaurant - cajun - Updated October 2026

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