Mandina's Restaurant, New Orleans

Closed on Monday. This is a favorite of the locals so I tried it and it's the real deal! Just 5 mins from downtown and always full of locals. They have a diverse menu ranging from Italian, po'boys, cajun dishes etc... I had the Turtle soup and the off the menu Muffuletta on french bread. The turtle soup is good and is somewhat similar to a Seafood gumbo in that it's starts with the dark roux. I didn't detect any pieces of turtle though, perhaps veal? Anyone know what turtle meat looks and taste like? The Muffeletta is a warm italian cold cut with chopped olives panini served on olive oil soaked Focaccia. Mandina's makes it on french bread which is a nice change of pace if you're not a fan of focaccia bread. I thought the sandwich was a little too salty with all the cured meats and olives. I couldn't finish the sandwich b/c of the salt but overall a good dining experience.

This place is quintessential New Orleans. Everything on the menu is good. Try the Turtle Soup! Service is hit and miss as are some of the seafood entrees. Just about the perfect New Orleans restaurant.

I've been back twice post K, and it's still the same. Great fish, great gumbo. I'm writing this to offset the previous one star review--that guy is confused. Just go there, or don't...I'll get my table faster.

All of the other reviews sound more like paid ads. I ate there on 8/3/07The truth is the food is just not the same. It was at one time a great restaurant. I have sent many tourist there. But like many good restaurants in new orleans the ride is over. My trout meniere was cold there was a microscopic amount of crabmeat in the CRABMEAT stuffing. The sauce has become a brown yanky gravy with a slight hint of flavor,mainly lemon.They totally forgot to boil my boiled potatoes. The food came out so fast it must have been prepared way ahead of time. ok it was not COLD: However it was only a couple of degrees above room temp. If your starving to death and must have expensive room temp. boring tourist food served by a disgruntled waiter then please go to mandinas. I took one bite and gave it back. good luck finding non tourist food in new orleans. Its starting to feel like florida.

Great on the pocketbook. My wife and I shared a plate of spaghetti and HUGE meatballs and still had plenty left for less than $10.00 with water of course. Also, the turtle soup was simply magnificent

I am a native New Orleanean but have been away 40 years. Whenever I return home for a visit, I must go to Mandinas for the best trout almandine in the world. I have sent dozens and dozens of my friends and acquaintances to Mandinas when they visited the city. As a matter of fact, I tell them that they did not see New Orleans unless they went to this restaurant and enjoyed the food and true New Orleans ambiance. If you want to see and hear what New Orleans is about, go there. You will see everyone from the mayor to a general laborer waiting in line for one's table. Also, try their French Fried Onion Rings. Ummmm, my mouth is watering.

The antique feel when you eat in the resturant. It's a very elegant atmosphere and there is no dress code!! I wore shorts and a tank!