Casual and cozy restaurant serving Creole Italian cuisine

Popular plate: The fried calamari is a decadent treat, and the daily specials won't disappoint either in quality or in portion size.

At Mandina's restaurant you'll get the feeling that most tables are occupied by the type of regulars who no longer even look at the menu. They just take their seat and order their favorite from the always reliable offerings. Mandina's won't win any prizes for inventiveness, but classic dishes such as shrimp remoulade and grilled fish meunière don't disappoint, and are what keep this place packed.

In fact, this neighborhood restaurant is so loved that customers convinced third-generation owner Tommy Mandina to repair and reopen rather than demolish the restaurant after Hurricane Katrina.