Editor's Note: Tony Mandina's has permanently closed since the publication of this article.
Sometimes all you need is a big bowl of pasta. When the urge to splurge on a carb-loaded meal strikes, make your way over to the West Bank where you'll find Tony Mandina's, one of the best Italian restaurants near New Orleans. Just be sure to come hungry, as the portions are quite generous!
Tony Mandina’s has been a local favorite ever since it opened back in 1982.
The origin story is quite interesting! While renovating the property, Tony had the idea to open up his own restaurant, turning the once rental home into a family-friendly restaurant.
What started as a humble eatery with 14 tables has grown into a much larger operation.
The restaurant now seats up to 180 and includes banquet rooms for special events, and the next generation of Mandina's now runs the restaurant.
The Mandina family’s roots can be traced back to Salaparuta, Sicily.
And they’ve created a menu that offers a taste of that region, including using olive oil and wines made from the olives and grapes from the Mandina family olive groves and vineyards back home.
While Mandina’s has grown over the years, the process remains the same.
Traditions run deep at Mandina's. The bread is made from scratch every day, just as it always was, as well as many of the soups, lasagna, and pasta dishes.
Speaking of pasta, a visit to Mandina’s isn’t complete without indulging in one of their delicious pasta dishes.
From the traditional meatballs and pasta smothered in their famous Red Gravy to spicy shrimp over linguine, each one of their entrees is more sinfully delicious than the next.
Their Red Gravy has quite the fan following.
You can find it in grocery stores all across Louisiana, so you can have a taste of Mandina’s from the comfort of your own home!
And be sure to save room for dessert.
The tiramisu is a home run when it's available, but you'll also find several tasty treats that are the perfect ending to a delicious meal.
For more information, including a full menu, be sure to check out their website.
Have you ever dined at Mandina's? Let us know in the comments!
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