10 Louisiana Italian Spots Locals Quietly Keep Off The Tourist Radar
Louisiana might be world-famous for gumbo, crawfish boils, and beignets, but tucked between all that Cajun and Creole glory is a thriving Italian food scene that many visitors overlook.
Ask a local, though, and they’ll tell you about the neighborhood joints where recipes have been handed down through generations. These aren’t the places plastered all over tourist brochures; they’re the ones friends whisper about when you ask, “Where do you really go for pasta?”
If you’re ready to dine like a local, here are ten Italian restaurants across the state that residents would probably prefer to keep as their little secret.
1. Vincent’s Italian Cuisine
Tucked away in both Metairie and Uptown, Vincent’s Italian Cuisine serves Sicilian comfort food that makes locals swoon.
White tablecloths and attentive service create an atmosphere of casual elegance without pretension. My grandmother used to bring me here for special occasions, insisting the veal dishes rivaled anything she ate growing up in Italy.
Both locations maintain the same high standards while fostering their own neighborhood identity. Regulars know to save room for the homemade cannoli that arrives dusted with powdered sugar and studded with pistachios.
2. Avo
Chef Nick Lama transforms seasonal Southern ingredients into refined regional Italian cuisine at this Uptown jewel. Hand-rolled pasta sheets become delicate pillows filled with local crab, while grilled octopus arrives perfectly charred alongside heirloom vegetables.
The intimate dining room balances casual elegance with neighborhood charm. Soft lighting plays across exposed brick walls as waitstaff move efficiently between closely spaced tables.
Unlike tourist-filled French Quarter spots, Avo feels distinctly local. Couples linger over glasses of Italian wine while discussing the day’s events. The menu changes with the seasons, ensuring even regular visitors discover something new with each visit.
3. Rizzuto’s Ristorante & Chop House
Rizzuto’s blends Sicilian family recipes with serious steakhouse credentials. The pasta dishes shine with authenticity while perfectly aged chops satisfy even the most discerning carnivores.
Lakeview residents pack the lively dining room nightly, creating a buzz you won’t find in guidebooks. The bar area hums with conversation as bartenders shake up ice-cold martinis that have developed their own following.
I still remember my first visit when owner Phil Rizzuto personally stopped by our table to ensure everything was perfect. This hands-on approach explains why locals guard this spot jealously.
4. Mosca’s Restaurant
From the outside, this unassuming roadhouse in Westwego might not catch your eye. Inside, however, Mosca’s has been serving family-style Italian-Creole dishes since 1946 that keep locals making the pilgrimage.
Their signature Oysters Mosca arrive bubbling hot in a bath of olive oil, breadcrumbs, and herbs. Chicken a la grande and shrimp bordelaise complete the holy trinity of must-order dishes that haven’t changed in decades.
Cash might be preferred at this no-frills establishment and reservations are always welcome. The limited seating and abbreviated hours (Wednesday through Saturday evenings only) haven’t diminished its loyal following who appreciate that some things in Louisiana remain blissfully unchanged.
5. Gino’s Restaurant
Since 1966, the Marino family has been serving red-sauce classics and perfect steaks to Baton Rouge residents looking for a taste of old-world Italy. The dimly lit interior with candles flickering on white tablecloths creates an atmosphere of timeless elegance.
On select evenings, live jazz adds a sophisticated soundtrack to the dining experience.
What sets Gino’s apart is their unwavering consistency. Regular customers can order “the usual” decades after their first visit and find it exactly as remembered. This commitment to tradition in both food and service explains why multiple generations of local families celebrate special occasions within these walls.
6. DiGiulio Brothers Italian Café
Unpretentious and welcoming, DiGiulio Brothers has earned its place in Baton Rouge hearts through consistently excellent Italian comfort food. Their veal Avezzano, tender medallions topped with lump crabmeat in a light cream sauce, keeps regulars coming back weekly.
The casual café atmosphere encourages lingering conversations over carafes of house wine. Families gather around large tables while couples occupy cozy corners, all served with the same attentive care.
I once watched as the chef emerged from the kitchen to personally deliver a birthday dessert, singing along with the staff in Italian. This family-owned gem treats every guest like a longtime friend.
7. Giuseppe’s Pastacaffe
Small, unassuming, and absolutely essential to Shreveport’s food scene, Giuseppe’s Pastacaffe specializes in what matters most: perfectly executed pasta. The modest dining room with its handful of tables ensures everyone receives personalized attention.
Each pasta dish is handcrafted daily, from delicate angel hair to hearty pappardelle. Simple sauces highlight rather than mask the quality of these house-made noodles. Locals appreciate the straightforward approach that prioritizes quality ingredients over flashy presentation.
This neighborhood spot embodies the Italian philosophy that exceptional food needs no elaborate setting. Their reasonable prices and generous portions make this a weekday favorite for those in the know.
8. Cristiano Ristorante
Chef-driven Italian cuisine meets Gulf Coast influence at this polished Houma establishment. Cristiano’s handmade pastas provide the perfect canvas for seasonal ingredients, with soft-shell crab becoming an instant sell-out when available.
The dining room strikes that perfect balance between sophisticated and comfortable. White linens and attentive service create an upscale experience without stuffiness or pretension.
My cousin celebrated her engagement here last spring, and the staff transformed a regular dinner into a memorable event with thoughtful touches. For special occasions outside New Orleans, locals know this hidden gem delivers metropolitan quality with hometown warmth.
9. Del Porto Ristorante
Across Lake Pontchartrain in downtown Covington, James Beard-recognized chefs David and Torre Solazzo craft Italian cuisine that rivals anything found in major cities. Their scratch kitchen philosophy means everything from bread to pasta arrives fresh from their hands to your plate.
Seasonal vegetables from local farms complement wood-roasted meats and seafood. The dining room’s understated elegance allows the food to remain the undisputed star of the experience.
Northshore residents guard tables here like treasured possessions. The early weekday happy hour draws a loyal crowd of regulars who appreciate the balance of serious culinary credentials and relaxed hospitality.
10. Monjunis
A North Louisiana institution, Monjunis serves Sicilian-style “sweet” red sauce that has created generations of devoted followers. Their signature meatballs, perfectly seasoned and impossibly tender, pair beautifully with this distinctive sauce that balances sweetness with rich tomato flavor.
The casual, family-friendly atmosphere welcomes diners in t-shirts and suits alike. Multiple locations throughout the Shreveport area maintain consistent quality while developing their own neighborhood personalities.
Growing up in Shreveport, we celebrated every little league victory with Monjunis meatballs. This nostalgic connection explains why locals remain fiercely loyal.