For generations, New Orleanians grew up playing along the shore of Lake Pontchartrain from West End Park to South Shore Harbor, an area prized for dining family and fine, along with boating and entertainment. Decimated by the Seventeenth Street Canal flood wall breach after Katrina, the neighborhood was devastated, with many restaurants closing their doors. But as the locals in this well-heeled part of town rebuilt, restaurateurs wanted a seat at the neighborhood table, with much, but not all, the action dotting Harrison Avenue. Restaurants like Junior’s on Harrison, Lotus, and Station 6 are just the tip of the iceberg as this dining district continues to expand.
Read MoreWhere to Eat and Drink in and Around Lakeview
There’s more to the neighborhood than seafood joints
R & O Restaurant and Catering
This classic, family-friendly Bucktown seafood and seafood joint is a go-to for Italian and Cajun classics, and more specifically, its roast beef po’boy. There are also always-available soft-shell offerings, including a platter, a po’boy, and even soft-shell crab parmesan.
Station 6
At seafood-centricStation 6in Bucktown, chef-owners Alison Vega and Drew Knoll share photos of family fishing escapades and fish stories lining the menu. Try creative dishes like sizzling garlic shrimp, chargrilled redfish on the half-shell, and grilled salmon tacos with black bean corn salsa. The lake is just over the levee and a massive pumping station looms next door, which Vega and Knoll thought was Station No. 6. It turns out they misread the map, but it still has a nice ring to it.
Rizzuto's Ristorante & Chop House
Rizutto’s Ristorante & Chop Housewears its old-school vibe with pride, from the tufted red velvet banquettes and formally attired wait staff to its sparkling busy bar and white tablecloth landscape. But it’s Rizutto’s food that keeps the place buzzing, dishes like seafood manicotti creamy with ricotta cheese, the beet salad with Marcona almonds, feta, and crisp quinoa, and oysters Bordelaise over linguine. Steak-lovers won’t want to miss the 14-ounce prime spinalis, a specially cut marbled hunk of steak that is the cap of a ribeye — think ribeye but even better.
The Backyard
The Backyardis the bomb, a kid and dog-friendly outdoor space that radiates a chill, Sunday afternoon kind of vibe. The eats are smoky barbecue-centric — love the muffuletta deviled eggs and housemade pimento cheese — and there’s a super cocktail and craft beer list and nine flat screens for catching the game. There’s a menu for the kiddos too.
Lotus
This Lakeview hot spot, formerly Lotus Bistro, reopened asLotusin February 2022 after Ida forced a six-month closure. The compact sushi bar now has a lounge vibe and a liquor license, with sake and Japanese whiskey a specialty. Try the Masako Katsura roll with wasabi aioli, spicy tuna, and fried green onions, named for a trailblazing billiards player from the 1950s. Just one example of homage on the plate that honors accomplished Japanese women.
Sala
Salais a sleek restaurant and lounge owned by the Riccobono family, known for homestyle fare at spots including Riccobonno’s Peppermill and Cafe Navarre. They’ve dug into the neighborhood with specials like a Tuesday to Friday happy hour from 3 to 6 p.m. with discounted drinks and nibbles. The food has lots of polish and flair — try the grilled shrimp spinach salad or panne veal topped with crawfish over pasta.
Ming's
Ming’sis a pretty little spot tucked away behind some shops on Pontchartrain Boulevard. The popular lunch destination offers traditional favorites like hot and sour soup, fried rice, and egg foo young along with tempting options like black pepper chicken and Mongolian beef.
Two Tony’s Restaurant
Originally opened in the French Quarter in 1987, this Creole Italian seafooder is a solid choice, thanks to the culinary talents of Anthony Montalbano senior and junior. Come hungry and plow through heaping platters of fried seafood, chicken parmessan, and spaghetti and meatballs. The vibe is warm and friendly atII Tony’s— that’s how it reads on the sign.
Russell's Marina Grill
Lakeview’s diner institution, Russell’s, has been legendary for breakfast and bloody Mary’s for most of its 25-year run. The breakfast options are completely satisfying, from fried chicken and waffles to a slew of egg specialties. Try the restaurant’s staple, the Egg Saints #33 with a grilled biscuit, alligator sausage, grilled tomatoes, poached eggs, and homemade country gravy, and save room for the housemade pies.
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The Blue Crab Restaurant and Oyster Bar
One of a handful of seafood restaurants that opened in 2013 right on the lake,Blue Craboffers solid, fresh, and no frills seafood. Unlike Landry’s, a chain that never delivers the wow that the view deserves, Blue Crab does it right. Everything fried is delish and don’t miss the chargrilled oysters with lemon garlic butter.
El Gato Negro - Lakeview
El Gato Negro, a multi-location local chain with a Lakeview presence, delivers fresh takes on Mexican favorites like burritos, fajitas and tacos stuffed into your choice of flour, wheat or corn tortillas. Up the game with table-side ceviche and guacamole. Ask for a gluten-free menu if you are so inclined.
Juniors on Harrison
Junior’s on Harrisonis the family-friendly, modern American restaurant that opened in 2019, a striking renovation of former Harrison Avenue favorite Cava. The kitchen is led by Jacob Cureton, who most recently ran the kitchen atAtchafalaya, serving starters like a weekly rotating fish ceviche; head-on Gulf shrimp roasted in a Calabrian chile butter; and steamed buns; as well as daily specials and themed menus. A strong cocktail program and an upstairs bar that’s 21 and over is a nice bonus.
Parlay's Bar
這個長期灌溉洞Lakevi的核心ew on Harrison is a neighborhood favorite, with a super long bar, karaoke, and fresh-shucked oysters every Tuesday through Sunday during happy hour. Also come by for weekend pop-ups, and be prepared for a bit of rowdiness.
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Lakeview Burgers and Seafood
This family-owned hotspot draws loyal fans from Parlay’s, the nearby watering hole, who come armed with beers and cocktails to tuck into platters of burgers, fried seafood, and mega po’ boys. The gumbo is good and you can get a fresh salad if you want something lighter.Lakeview Burgers and Seafoodis run by chef Joe and his son Josef, who do catering and crawfish boils too.
Three B's Burger & Wine Bar
Three B’s Burger & Wine Baris a casual neighborhood bistro, with a comfy front patio, a wine-on-tap system at the bar and a menu of burgers, gourmet dogs (try the Boardwalk with chili), and dishes that pair well with wine. Specialty burgers include the psychedelic (sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, gruyere cheese, and roasted garlic aioli), but really everything is special at this neat spot.
The Velvet Cactus
This place is all about its margaritas, pitcher-perfect versions of the tequila cocktail that captured top honors at the last Top Taco fest. TheVelvet Cactusoffers an ornately decorated patio for eating outdoors, with lots of Mexican-themed snacks and dishes for munching. The family grill plater is heaped with fajitas, shrimp, sausage, and sides and easily feeds four — great for the whole family.