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Diners' Choice: Italian restaurants in New Orleans / Louisiana

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants with the best overall Italian cuisine in New Orleans / Louisiana? You’re in the right place. Each month OpenTable analyzes more than 400,000 new diner reviews. We sort the results by category to help you discover new favorites. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

A photo of Cristiano Ristorante restaurant

Cristiano Ristorante

4.9

4.9 (672)

$31 to $50

Italian

Houma

About the restaurant

We allow online reservations only for parties up to 4 people. If you have a party of 5 or more, please call the restaurant to make your reservation, otherwise we may not be able to seat your party. We are allowing 2 hours dining time per table, so we cannot hold tables for parties that are late. There will be a 15 minute grace period allowed and then the table will be released. Please keep in mind that lounge and patio seating is also by reservation only.

Top review

P

Penne

Dined on Dec 12, 2024

The food was excellent. I had the ribeye and it was fabulous. Better than any I have had at any other restaurant*** Our server, Brennon, was awesome. He checked on us often but didn't continuously bother us while we were visiting. This is a great place when you really want to visit with those you love and celebrate life. The owner, Cristiano, stopped by the table twice to check on us and the food. It was an excellent celebration.

A photo of Irene's restaurant

4.9

4.9 (4207)

$31 to $50

Italian

French Quarter

About the restaurant

*Please note that if your desired reservation time is not available online, or your party is larger than those accepted through this service, please call the restaurant. We are happy and excited to make great effort in accommodating you. *

RESERVATION POLICY: Reservations requiring a credit card are subject to a $10/person fee as a result of no call-no show, or if not cancelled before 4:00pm central time on the reservation date.

Our cuisine is country French and Italian with a New Orleans influence. Although a majority of our seating is available for walk-in guests we do take reservations. While you wait we have a piano player and serve cocktails. We look forward to serving you.
"Love and Cuisine, Sempre con Passione"

Top review

D

DARWIN

Dined 4 days ago

Irene’s is consistently 1 of the best restaurants in N.O.for BOTH delicious Italian food & outstanding service - my favorite . It’s also so beautiful during the Christmas holidays & has a wonderful pianist in the bar area to bring more holiday cheer. Thanks for the special attention by superb wait staff member Claudia for making my birthday diner so special!!

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A photo of Lasagna Bolognese of a restaurant

Lasagna Bolognese

A photo of Meatballs Marinara of a restaurant

Meatballs Marinara

A photo of Caesar Salad of a restaurant

A photo of Marcello's - Covington restaurant

Marcello's - Covington

4.8

4.8 (238)

$30 and under

Italian

Covington

About the restaurant

Please call for reservations. Due to Covid - 19 restrictions online reservation will be suspended until further notice. 985-400-5668
Our hours of operation will be:
Sunday & Monday - closed
Tuesday - Thursday - 4 pm - 9 pm
Friday - 11 am - 9 pm
Saturday - 4 pm - 9 pm
Happy Hour - Tuesday - Friday 4 pm - 6 pm
1/2 price appetizers
1/2 price glasses of wine and specialty cocktails

Top review

K

Kim

Dined 1 day ago

Marcello’s was the perfect choice for my husband and me for our anniversary. The staff is very friendly and promptly attentive. The food was delicious and even received a complimentary dessert to celebrate the occasion! We highly recommend the experience.

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A photo of Palermo of a restaurant

A photo of Calamari Fritti of a restaurant

Calamari Fritti

A photo of Papillon's restaurant

4.7

4.7 (334)

$31 to $50

Italian

Mandeville

About the restaurant

Hidden gem located in Old Mandeville Town Center. Conveniently located on the corner of Lafitte and Woodrow, across from the Mandeville Trailhead, blocks from the Lakefront.

Papillon's consists of an intimate fine dining room located on the second floor, featuring house specialties such as the Beef Wellington (hand cut filet wrapped in phyllo dough and baked to perfection). On the bottom floor is Angolo del Vino Wine Bar and Gelateria, serving Papillon's full menu which features award-winning meatballs, and wine on tap.

Perfect for any special occasion, date night, or a simple evening out. An experience like no other.

Top review

C

ChuckVIP

Dined 6 days ago

The Papillion salad and special spinach salad were wonderful. The duck confit was one of the best I’ve had. The shrimp scampi was good, but at $35 for five shrimp over pasta, it earned the low rating for value. Our server, Savannah, was extremely nice and greatly attentive. The manager stopped by to say hello. A nice touch. Overall, a beautiful experience. I do wonder if in the future the menu might include different seafood dishes. We’d be more tempted to return if there were more seafood choices.

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A photo of Meatballs of a restaurant

A photo of Traditional Tiramisu of a restaurant

Traditional Tiramisu

A photo of Duck Confit of a restaurant

A photo of Nuvolari's restaurant

4.8

4.8 (1272)

$31 to $50

Italian

Mandeville

About the restaurant

Nuvolari’s is a warm and inviting Italian restaurant, nestled on the Northshore of New Orleans in Old Mandeville. For over 40 years, loyal customers have enjoyed Italian food, friendship and celebrations around our tables. Nuvolari’s menu features traditional Italian fare alongside creative fresh dishes. Dining options include intimate indoor seating with a relaxed exterior patio. We offer Happy Hour in the bar and patio Thursday from 4:00-6:00. We also serve Lunch on Friday from 11:00-2:00. Our wine list is appreciated by both connoisseurs and newcomers, with a diverse selection by the glass and bottle.

Open Table consistently recognizes Nuvolari’s with Most Romantic and Neighborhood Gem awards. Nuvolari’s– an unhurried culinary experience, just two blocks from Lake Ponchartrain. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Top review

B

BenjaminVIP

Dined 6 days ago

Food was fantastic. Always nice to have an adult beverage at bar prior to sitting down to dine. Kelly is amazing bartender and raises the bar for great cocktails.

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A photo of Redfish Picatta of a restaurant

Redfish Picatta

A photo of Impastato Cellars restaurant

Impastato Cellars

4.6

4.6 (622)

$30 and under

Italian

Madisonville

About the restaurant

In 1979, after over 20 years of experience in the restaurant industry, Joe Impastato opened Impastato’s in Metaire. Only 5 years before, his brother Sal opened Sal and Judy’s in Lacombe. Now the family of restaurants extends to Madisonville with the opening of Impastato Cellars on September 5, 2013. The Impastato family decided to bring the same traditional, authentic Italian cuisine to the table on the Northshore along with the old world ambiance of a 600 square foot wine cellar featuring over 400 labels, in addition to a wide variety of spirits and craft beers.

Top review

T

Trent

Dined on Dec 8, 2024

Excellent food, service a bit slow for a less than crowded restaurant

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A photo of Veal or Redfish Payton of a restaurant

Veal or Redfish Payton

A photo of Louisiana Pizza Kitchen- French Quarter restaurant

Louisiana Pizza Kitchen- French Quarter

4.6

4.6 (552)

$30 and under

Italian

French Quarter

About the restaurant

Enjoy an authentic Louisiana Pizza Kitchen experience in the French Quarter. Each gourmet pizza is fired in a wood-burning oven on either an unbleached white or untreated whole- wheat flour crust. All our meat and poultry are organic and free-range. We source quality, local Louisiana products whenever possible. And our wine cellar has won the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for four years running. Don’t forget to check out our excellent selection of local, micro-brewed, and specialty beers from around the world.

Top review

E

Erin

Dined 5 days ago

We had a big group (12) and were able to get a same day reservation. The pizzas, salads, and appetizers were all amazing, and the service was great. Dinner was a big hit!

A photo of Sofia New Orleans restaurant

Sofia New Orleans

4.7

4.7 (1922)

$31 to $50

Italian

Warehouse District

About the restaurant

Sofia is an Italian-inspired kitchen that has an elevated take on traditional cuisine in a fun and funky setting in the warehouse district. Acclaimed chef Talia Diele's menu of inventive small plates, traditionally prepared meats and fish, handmade pasta, and wood fired pizza has drawn rave reviews locally and nationally. Our Italian inspired cocktails, craft beers and Italian wine list have been carefully curated and will appeal to the most discerning palates.

Top review

S

Sonia

Dined 4 days ago

Leo our waiter was the best server I’ve had in a long time so attentive but not annoying. The food was also excellent.

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A photo of Margherita of a restaurant

A photo of Kale of a restaurant

A photo of Sofia Brunch of a restaurant

A photo of Ristorante Filippo restaurant

Ristorante Filippo

4.7

4.7 (1051)

$30 and under

Italian

Metairie

About the restaurant

Chef Philip Gagliano is a native New Orleanian of Italian descent who LOVES food! Learning his culinary skills from his mother and grandmothers, Chef Philip serves delightfully classic dishes in an elegant and inviting atmosphere. Menu specialties include Oysters al Oreganate, Chicken & Veal served in 5 classic Italian preparations and USDA Steaks alongside traditional Italian Pasta dishes.
Chef Philip says "I am very attached to my Italian roots and have been in the industry a long time. My wife Mary and I work diligently at the restaurant to make it a wonderful place to dine for all of our guests. We look forward to welcoming you into our restaurant".

Top review

A

Alexander

Dined today

Classic Italian comfort food in a lively neighborhood restaurant. I'll be back.

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A photo of Vitello Picatta of a restaurant

Vitello Picatta

A photo of Pollo Piccata of a restaurant

A photo of Lasagna of a restaurant

A photo of The Italian Barrel restaurant

The Italian Barrel

4.7

4.7 (3459)

$31 to $50

Italian

French Quarter

About the restaurant

Fine dining awaits you in our intimate dining area. Both indoor & outdoor as well as seating at our premier handcraft bar. Our marble-top bar greets you upon entry, you will find yourself in candle light looking at white linen tables that are positioned on beautiful wood and brick flooring surrounded by bottles of fine Italian wines. The Chef and Owner Samantha Castagnetti brings her city in Northern Italia to you via overnight shipments of imported Italian foods and boast over 40 wines almost all are served by the glass- 14 years and counting.. Come and see what everyone raves about!
Authentic food is an understatement - this is the real thing. Reservations are most welcomed and taken only through OpenTable for parties of 12 or less.

Top review

J

JohnVIP

Dined 1 day ago

Wonderful food and service! Our annual Christmas celebration with friends!!!!

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A photo of Lasagna of a restaurant

A photo of Spaghetti and Veal Meatball of a restaurant

Spaghetti and Veal Meatball

A photo of Pumpkin Ravioli of a restaurant

Pumpkin Ravioli

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