Top Restaurants and Culinary Experiences on Louisiana's Northshore

Louisiana’s Northshore is the name given to the region north of Lake Pontchartrain, and its most populous parish, St. Tammany, is where you’ll find cities such as Covington, Mandeville, Lacombe and Slidell — home to restaurants boasting some of the best Gulf seafood and Creole dishes found anywhere in the Pelican State. Tangipahoa Parish to the east, is home to the famous sweet Louisiana strawberries your taste buds won’t forget. 

Dining Experiences in St. Tammany Parish

LOLA

Keith and Nealy Frentz, the 2012 King and Queen of Louisiana Seafood, share their Louisiana comfort food at LOLA, a unique contemporary restaurant in Covington. LOLA is located in an old train depot where the food is prepared in a repurposed caboose. They have great sandwiches and salads for lunch, then transform into a more upscale dinner menu.

Gallagher's Grill

If you're looking for beautifully grilled meat and seafood, look no further than the beloved Gallaghers Grill in Covington. Try the 16-oz marbled Chicago prime ribeye or the fresh catch right from Lake Pontchartrain.

Del Porto Ristorante

Chef/owners pof Del Porto, David and Torre Solazzo, are three-time James Beard Award nominees for their modern take on Italian fare made with Louisiana ingredients. Del Porto, located in a prime spot in downtown Covington, is a great spot for a candle-lit dinner and a delicious cocktail.

Sal & Judy's

Locals love the Creole Italian fare, pastas and seafood at Sal & Judy's in Lacombe. This local favorite has been in business since 1974 and owned by Sicilian native Chef Sal Impastato - so you know it's the real deal! Loyal patrons enjoy the Brucioloni stuffed with cheese, Italian sausage and ground beef. Sal & Judy's also sells homemade pasta sauces, dressings and more.

Cafe Lynn

French-Creole cuisine is the specialty at Cafe Lynn, an neighborhood favorite in Mandeville. You might ask for seconds of the Crabmeat Nathan (crabmeat au gratin with bread crumb crust), Fresh Gulf Fish Almandine, or Crispy Duck Confit with Creole mustard cream sauce.

Trey Yuen Cuisine of China

At Trey Yuen in Mandeville, enjoy the Wong Brothers’ extensive menu full of traditional Chinese dishes, plus menu items with a Louisiana twist like Tong Cho Crawfish or Szechuan Spicy Alligator at this local hot spot. The koi ponds out front and ornate decor transport you to another world, and the large serving sizes will make you full for days.

Palmettos on the Bayou

Slidell-based Palmettos on the Bayou is a Sunday brunch favorite for many who love the Cajun-style restaurant’s great decks and view of historic Bayou Bonfouca. The shrimp and grits and catfish atop perfectly seasoned garlic mashed potatoes are just two of Palmettos’ great fare.

KY's Olde Towne Bicycle Shop Restaurant

If you're looking for a family-friendly spot for casual Louisiana fare, this combination bike shop and eatery in Slidell is your place. A favorite at KY's Olde Towne is the fried oyster po' boy with a side of sweet potato fries. The roast beef also gets rave reviews. 

To explore more of St. Tammany's culinary scene, see the Tammany Taste Culinary Trail.