Metairie's Hidden Gems: A Culinary Journey Through Jefferson Parish
Often overshadowed by its vibrant neighbor, Metairie, Louisiana, has quietly cultivated a thriving and diverse restaurant scene all its own. From classic Creole and Italian fare to upscale steakhouses and international delights, Metairie offers a delicious adventure for every taste and budget. If you're looking to explore beyond the French Quarter, prepare to be impressed by these top culinary destinations in Jefferson Parish.
Upscale & Special Occasions
Metairie boasts an impressive selection of restaurants perfect for a memorable night out:
Tana: This upscale Italian restaurant in the heart of Old Metairie draws from Chef Michael Gulotta's New Orleans Sicilian upbringing and his Ligurian training. Tana offers a sophisticated menu, a comfortable lounge with plush booths, and a bright "Villa" room for an al fresco feel. Their house-made pasta and stunning wine cellar make it a true highlight.
Desi Vega's Seafood and Steaks: From the renowned restaurateur Desi Vega, this Metairie outpost offers exceptional USDA Prime steaks, perfectly seared and served sizzling. Beyond the prime cuts, you'll find a fantastic selection of fresh seafood, including steamed crabs and lobster. It's a top choice for a luxurious and satisfying meal.
Fleming's Steakhouse - Metairie: Located near Lakeside Mall, Fleming's is a classic choice for an exceptional Prime steak and a curated wine list. Whether it's a special celebration or a business dinner, Fleming's delivers a premium dining experience with impeccable service and a diverse menu that includes best-in-class seafood and innovative vegetarian options.
Austin's Seafood & Steakhouse: For over two decades, Austin's has been a Metairie hotspot, known for its delectable steaks, fresh seafood, and Creole-Italian creations. With a welcoming atmosphere and a focus on quality, it's a recommended spot for a consistently excellent dinner.
Ruth's Chris Steak House - Metairie: Another stalwart in the steakhouse scene, Ruth's Chris in Metairie upholds its reputation for serving the finest USDA Prime beef, broiled to perfection. Enjoy their signature sizzling steaks alongside New Orleans-inspired appetizers and classic side dishes in a warm and inviting setting.
Creole & Italian Mainstays
Metairie shines with establishments that master the beloved Creole and Italian flavors of the region:
Porter & Luke's Restaurant: A local gem that quickly gained recognition, Porter & Luke's serves up authentic, time-tested Creole and Italian dishes in a casual, family-friendly environment. They're particularly acclaimed for their delicious red beans and rice with smoked ham shank, and are considered one of the best places for fried chicken.
Fury's Restaurant: A Metairie institution since 1983, Fury's specializes in traditional New Orleans-style home-cooked meals, featuring the freshest seafood and iconic Italian food made in the local style. All their dressings, sauces, gumbo, and stuffings are made in-house, ensuring an authentic taste of Louisiana. Their seafood platter and crawfish étouffée are highly recommended.
Fausto's Bistro: Fausto's offers a carefully crafted Italian menu with both Italian and Sicilian influences. With family recipes passed down through generations, they use high-quality, often local, ingredients to create delicious dishes in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
A Tavola Restaurant & Wine Bar: Located at Lakeside Shopping Center, A Tavola offers modern Italian cuisine in a lively setting. Featuring an open kitchen with a wood-fired pizza oven, antipasti, and classic Italian favorites, it's a family-friendly spot that invites everyone to the table.
Quarter View Restaurant: This spot prides itself on serving fresh seafood and authentic Italian dishes, many of which are family recipes passed down over two decades. With hand-cut Ribeye steaks also on the menu, Quarter View offers a diverse and satisfying dining experience.
New Orleans Food and Spirits (Bucktown location): A family-owned business since 1996, New Orleans Food and Spirits is known for serving delectable dishes cooked with the freshest ingredients. Their Metairie (Bucktown) location is a popular spot for classic New Orleans cuisine, including seafood, pasta, steak, and gumbo.
Casual & International Flavors
Metairie's culinary diversity continues with these excellent choices:
Acme Oyster House (Metairie): While an iconic New Orleans brand, Acme's Metairie location offers the same beloved fresh Gulf oysters – raw, fried, or their famous charbroiled – in a lively setting. It's a must-visit for oyster enthusiasts.
Parish Grill: For Southern-style comfort food, Parish Grill offers a diverse menu that includes burgers, pizza, and much more, designed to satisfy the whole family. It's a welcoming and casual spot for everyday dining.
Habanero's - Metairie: Bringing the distinctive flavors of Mexico's urban eateries to Metairie, Habanero's offers a well-traveled menu inspired by street foods and laid-back dining experiences. Everything from salsas to marinades is made from scratch, ensuring authentic and elevated Mexican cuisine.
Daiwa (Sushi): When it comes to sushi, Daiwa is a highly recommended spot in Metairie for a date night feel, offering a fantastic selection of sushi and other Japanese dishes.
Kanno (Sushi): Another top-tier sushi option, Kanno is lauded for its quality, with many considering it among the best sushi in the wider New Orleans area. Reservations are often advised due to its popularity.
Mantra (Indian): For excellent Indian cuisine with a pleasant ambiance, Mantra is a strong recommendation in Metairie.
Yakuza House: Chef Huy Pham's Japanese restaurant in Metairie has expanded, offering a larger sushi bar, an izakaya-style lounge, and an omakase room for specialty dinners. It's a fantastic spot for high-quality Japanese fare.
SEIJI's OMAKASE by LITTLE TOKYO: Hidden inside the larger Little Tokyo Restaurant, SEIJI's offers an intimate, high-style 17-seat sushi bar with two nightly seatings for exquisite four- or eight-course omakase experiences. A true treat for sushi connoisseurs.
Metairie's restaurant scene is a delightful blend of tradition and innovation, offering a compelling reason to explore beyond the usual tourist paths. From classic Creole seafood to authentic Italian, and emerging international flavors, you're sure to find your next favorite meal in this vibrant Jefferson Parish community.
