Best Upscale Italian Restaurants in New Orleans | Upscale Italian Food

30 restaurants in Best Upscale Italian Restaurants in New Orleans | Upscale Italian Food

• Midcity Pizza — Italian · rated 5/5: The scent of bubbling mozzarella and charred dough wafts through this high-energy urban haunt, where locals gather under the warm glow of neon lights for a slice of the city's soul. Thin, crispy crusts serve as the canvas for bold, savory toppings, creating a laid-back atmosphere where the clinking of cold glass and the heat of the pizza oven invite long, effortless conversations.
• Brutto Americano — Italian · rated 4/5: Brutto Americano pulses with a raw, magnetic energy, drawing guests into a buzzy, unpretentious space where the air is heavy with the intoxicating scent of charred dough and slow-simmered garlic. The kitchen embraces a bold "ugly-delicious" philosophy, delivering rustic, soul-stirring plates that prioritize deep, concentrated flavors and perfectly imperfect handmade textures over fussy presentation. It is a vibrant sanctuary for honest, heart-warming fare, where the clink of heavy wine glasses and the warmth of shared dishes create an atmosphere of effortless, boisterous charm.
• Tommy G's Pizzeria & Bar — Italian · rated 4/5: Tommy G’s Pizzeria & Bar welcomes guests into a high-energy social hub where the comforting aroma of hand-tossed dough and savory tomato sauce drifts through a space defined by warm lighting and lively conversation. Artisanal pies with perfectly blistered crusts take center stage alongside a polished bar program of craft brews and spirited cocktails, offering a soulful neighborhood retreat where every shared slice feels like a celebration.
• Zee's Pizzeria — Italian · rated 3/5: The air at Zee’s Pizzeria is thick with the irresistible aroma of bubbling mozzarella and charred, hand-stretched dough, drawing guests into a lively space where the warm glow of the oven anchors the room. Each blistered crust serves as a canvas for vibrant, thoughtfully sourced toppings, creating a soulful dining experience that celebrates the simple, timeless joy of a perfectly fired pie shared among friends.
• Osteria Lupo — Italian: Bathed in the warm, golden glow of a modern tavern, Osteria Lupo pulses with the convivial energy of a neighborhood haunt where the scent of wood-smoke and simmering ragù lingers in the air. Guests gather around rustic tables to share hand-rolled pastas and charred, hearth-fired plates, savoring a soulful dining experience that honors Italian tradition with a spirited, contemporary edge.
• Theo's Neighborhood Pizza — Italian: This lively neighborhood hub hums with the cheerful energy of locals gathered over thin-crust pies, where the aroma of bubbling mozzarella and savory herbs drifts from the glowing oven. Each hand-stretched crust emerges perfectly charred and crisp, topped with vibrant ingredients that elevate the classic pizzeria experience into a soulful celebration of community and craft.
• Mandina's — Italian: This iconic pink-hued landmark on Canal Street hums with the vibrant energy of a true New Orleans neighborhood staple, where high ceilings and neon lights overlook a bustling room filled with the clatter of silverware and local chatter. The air is thick with the savory aroma of garlic and butter as the kitchen turns out generous portions of Creole-Italian soul food, from golden-fried seafood platters to rich, velvet-smooth turtle soup. It is a place where time slows down over a cold drink and a crusty po'boy, capturing the unpretentious heart of the city’s storied culinary tradition.
• Ancora Pizzeria — Italian: The air at Ancora Pizzeria hums with the warmth of a roaring wood-fired oven, where artisanal dough is transformed into blistered, leopard-spotted masterpieces topped with vibrant San Marzano tomatoes and molten mozzarella. Guests settle into a rustic, inviting space to savor the perfect marriage of charred crust and garden-fresh ingredients, creating a soulful dining experience that invites long, lingering conversations over every slice.
• Fat Boy's Pizza — Italian: Vibrant and high-energy, this bustling pizzeria invites guests to gather around massive, two-foot pies that arrive at the table with bubbling cheese and a perfectly charred, thin crust. The air is thick with the savory aroma of garlic and oregano, creating a communal atmosphere where oversized slices and cold brews turn a casual meal into a celebratory feast.
• Two Tony's Restaurant — Italian: Bathed in a warm, welcoming glow, Two Tony’s serves as a vibrant neighborhood sanctuary where the intoxicating scent of garlic and slow-simmered sauces drifts from the bustling kitchen. It is a place of shared stories and overflowing plates, where the timeless charm of family-style hospitality meets a menu of soulful comfort that makes every guest feel like an old friend.
• Pizza Delicious — Italian: Sunlight streams into this bustling neighborhood haunt, where the rhythmic toss of hand-stretched dough and the sizzle of stone ovens create a lively urban soundtrack. Every oversized, New York-style slice boasts a signature char and a perfect fold, marrying bright, herbaceous sauces with molten cheese to deliver a soulful masterclass in the art of the perfect pie.
• Theo's Neighborhood Pizza — Italian: Theo’s Neighborhood Pizza serves as a vibrant community hub where the irresistible scent of bubbling mozzarella and charred dough wafts from a roaring oven. Crispy, thin-crust pies topped with vibrant, farm-fresh ingredients take center stage, inviting friends and families to gather around communal tables for a slice of local comfort. The casual, high-energy atmosphere hums with the sound of neighborhood chatter, making every visit feel like a warm invitation to a backyard celebration.
• Nonno's — Italian: Stepping into Nonno’s feels like entering a beloved family kitchen, where the air is thick with the comforting scent of slow-simmered ragu and toasted garlic. Hand-rolled pastas and crusty, hearth-baked breads take center stage, served alongside robust carafes of wine in a rustic space defined by flickering candlelight and spirited conversation. It is a soulful retreat where time slows down, inviting guests to linger over recipes passed through generations and the simple joy of a shared, home-cooked feast.
• DP Dough — Italian: This high-energy late-night staple pulses with the warmth of glowing ovens as hand-stretched dough is folded over molten cheese and savory fillings to create perfectly bronzed, overstuffed calzones. The air is thick with the comforting aroma of baking crust and zesty sauces, welcoming night owls into a casual space where indulgent comfort food is elevated to a customizable art form.
• Venezia — Italian: Venezia transports diners to the heart of Italy with its romantic, candlelit atmosphere where the scent of fresh basil and simmering sauces fills the air. The kitchen masters the art of the Venetian table, serving up velvety risottos and delicate handmade pastas that capture the essence of old-world tradition in every bite. It is a place where time slows down, inviting guests to savor the lingering warmth of a perfectly paired wine amidst an ambiance of timeless, understated elegance.
• Angelo Brocato Ice Cream — Italian: Step into a time capsule of old-world charm where the gleam of vintage glass cases and the sweet aroma of toasted almonds transport you to a classic Sicilian gelateria. Velvety scoops of pistachio gelato and jewel-toned granitas share the stage with crisp, hand-filled cannoli, offering a symphony of textures and flavors that has anchored the neighborhood for generations. This nostalgic sanctuary invites guests to linger over colorful slices of spumoni amidst checkered floors and marble counters, capturing the timeless essence of a cherished family tradition.
• Fellini's Cafe — Italian: Stepping into Fellini's Cafe feels like a cinematic escape to mid-century Rome, where the air is thick with the rich scent of roasted espresso and the lively hum of spirited conversation. Sunlight spills across checkered floors as plates of silk-smooth pasta and vibrant Mediterranean flavors emerge from the kitchen, capturing the effortless elegance of la dolce vita. This charming retreat invites guests to linger over a glass of bold red wine, turning every meal into a timeless scene of romance and leisure.
• Angeli — Italian: Soft candlelight dances across white linen tables at Angeli, an intimate sanctuary where the aroma of fresh-baked bread and simmering aromatics creates an immediate sense of home. The kitchen transforms seasonal harvests into vibrant, artfully plated compositions that celebrate the purity of each ingredient, offering a refined escape that feels both timeless and deeply personal.
• Tommy's Cuisine — Italian: Bathed in the warm glow of vintage chandeliers and surrounded by rich mahogany, this New Orleans landmark invites diners into a world of timeless Creole-Italian elegance. The air is thick with the savory perfume of sautéed garlic and simmering sauces, where delicate seafood and tender milk-fed veal are elevated by old-world techniques and a sophisticated, white-tablecloth charm.
• Midway Pizza — Italian: Midway Pizza serves as a vibrant neighborhood anchor where the intoxicating aroma of melting cheese and herb-infused tomato sauce draws guests into a space buzzing with communal energy. Hand-stretched dough meets the intense heat of the oven to produce perfectly charred, bubbling pies that anchor a collection of comforting classics, making every meal feel like a celebratory slice of local life.
• Domenica — Italian: Glittering chandeliers and soaring ceilings set a grand stage for this vibrant eatery, where the rustic warmth of a wood-fired oven anchors a space filled with lively conversation. Artisanal pizzas with perfectly blistered crusts emerge alongside silky, hand-rolled pastas that capture the soulful essence of Italian tradition, all served in an atmosphere that balances high-end elegance with the comforting spirit of a Sunday feast.
• Tonti's Hand — Italian: Tonti's Hand transports guests to a bygone era of exploration, where the warm glow of lanterns illuminates a space rich with dark timber and the quiet hum of shared stories. The kitchen crafts deeply flavorful, adventurous plates that balance rustic heartiness with elegant precision, creating a dining experience that feels both timeless and thrillingly new.
• Bar Pomona — Italian: Bathed in the warm glow of amber lights and draped in cascading greenery, Bar Pomona serves as a vibrant sanctuary where the art of the aperitivo is elevated to a sensory celebration. Handcrafted cocktails bursting with fresh botanicals pair seamlessly with artisanal bites, creating a spirited atmosphere that feels like a perpetual golden hour shared among friends.
• MaMou — Steakhouse: This vibrant "home kitchen" envelops guests in the comforting embrace of a lively family gathering, where the air is rich with the aroma of sizzling steaks and the earthy perfume of creamy truffle pasta. The unpretentious, warm-lit space serves as a soulful sanctuary for elevated comfort food, blending rustic European influences with a heartfelt sense of hospitality that makes every meal feel like a cherished homecoming.
• Pepperoni's Cafe — Italian: Pepperoni’s Cafe serves as a vibrant neighborhood hub where the irresistible aroma of hand-tossed dough and savory, crisped meats wafts from the glowing ovens. Diners gather around sun-drenched tables to share golden-crusted pizzas topped with zesty sauces and molten cheese, creating a warm, welcoming retreat for friends and families to savor the simple joy of a perfectly baked slice.
• Chuck E. Cheese — Italian: A high-energy wonderland where the rhythmic chime of arcade games and the glow of neon lights create a backdrop for pure, unbridled childhood joy. Families gather over bubbling, golden-crust pizzas and shareable snacks, fueling a spirited afternoon of play that culminates in the thrill of a ticket-filled victory. It is a sensory-rich destination where the simple pleasure of a cheesy slice meets an immersive world of celebration and imagination.
• Gianna — Italian: Gianna invites guests into a sun-drenched, spirited space where the rustic charm of the Italian coast meets a modern, high-energy pulse. The air carries the enticing scent of salt-crusted proteins and charred vegetables emerging from the wood-fired hearth, while plates of silky, hand-rolled pasta celebrate the bold, honest flavors of the Mediterranean. It is a place of boisterous laughter and clinking glasses, where every meal feels like a vibrant, communal celebration of soulful cooking and effortless hospitality.
• Cibo Italian Eatery and Deli — Italian: This vibrant neighborhood hub captures the soulful energy of a classic Italian marketplace, greeting guests with the irresistible aroma of slow-simmered sauces and crusty, artisanal breads. From overstuffed deli sandwiches layered with premium cured meats to bowls of silky, hand-rolled pasta, every bite celebrates the simple joy of authentic Mediterranean flavors in a warm, sun-drenched setting.
• New York Pizza — Italian: The unmistakable scent of oregano and garlic wafts through this lively haunt, where oversized, thin-crust pies are pulled piping hot from the stone oven. Diners fold their slices to catch every drop of savory oil and tangy sauce, finding a genuine piece of Manhattan’s soul in every crisp, golden bite. This unpretentious space captures the bustling energy of a classic corner slice shop, making it a timeless destination for a quick, satisfying escape.
• Munch Factory — American: Sunlight streams into this vibrant neighborhood hub, where the air is thick with the savory perfume of Creole spices and the upbeat hum of local conversation. The kitchen reimagines soulful classics with artistic flair, serving up plates of kick-infused pastas and perfectly crisp seafood that dance between deep-rooted tradition and modern innovation. It is a spirited sanctuary where every meal feels like a warm, flavorful embrace from the heart of New Orleans.