Southern Louisiana’s 10 Best Seafood And Oyster Bars

Middendorf’s restaurant has been open for business for over 75 years, and is a favorite destination for local diners in Southern Louisiana. Middendorf’s is especially known for its fried catfish dishes, which it serves up in at least seven different varieties. The menu also includes three types of seafood gumbo and some unique oyster options. To celebrate the original owners’ German heritage, the restaurant offers a special Oktoberfest menu every year.

Drago’s was first opened in 1969 by Drago and Klara Cvitanovich. The restaurant remains in the family and today is run by the original owners’ son, Tommy Cvitanonvich. Drago himself still frequents the restaurant and Klara often greets guests as they enter. Drago’s is known for its charbroiled oysters, which were created when Tommy experimented with fresh oysters, garlic sauce and parmesan cheese.

The Galley may be best known for its famous soft shell crab po-boys, served each year since 1977 at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. The festival catering business soon grew into a full-fledged restaurant due to demand from loyal customers, and now the soft shell crab po-boy is available year-round, along with catfish filet po-boys.

Yellow Bowl is a well-kept secret located in the small town of Jeanerette, Louisiana. Legend has it,this restaurant was the first to fry craw fish. According to the story, the kitchen was rushed to keep up with a packed house and fried craw fish as a last resort. The dish was so popular, it spread throughout southern Louisiana. Guests also rave about the craw fish bisque and the seafood stuffed flounder.

Located on the Tchefuncte River, Morton’s Seafood Restaurant has been a tradition in Madisonville, Louisiana, since 1985. The owners are committed to the community and to quality, fresh seafood, and they are active in the Louisiana Restaurant Association. Visitors love the fried shrimp platter.

Harbor Seafood and Oyster Bar is located in Kenner, Louisiana, not far from the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, and it is a popular pre-flight destination for locals. The sit-down restaurant is attached to a fresh seafood market, so diners can easily carry out food to cook at home. Harbor serves boiled crab and crawfish in season and boiled shrimp year-round.

After immigrating to New Orleans from Italy, Joe Casamento opened Casamento’s in 1919. The interior of the restaurant is lined in tiles, building on decorative traditions from his home in Italy. Diners sometimes compare the interior of the restaurant to a large swimming pool, but Mr.Casamento maintained that the tiles made the space easier to clean. The menu is best known for the oyster loaves, seafood gumbo, soft shell crab and Italian specialties like spaghetti and meatballs. Because of the unique decor, Casamento’s can be seen in a variety of commercials and television shows. The restaurant is located in Uptown New Orleans.

Located in the small town of Lafitte, Louisiana,Voleo’s Seafood Restaurant is a truly authentic Southern Louisiana seafood joint. Local fishermen deliver a fresh catch daily and visitors rave about the oysters and shrimp. Voleo’s is a great spot to refuel after a fishing trip or swamp tour.

Pre-hurricane Katrina, Vera’s Seafood was situated right on the shores of Lake Pontchartrain, but after water devastated the area, the restaurant moved to a strip mall in Slidell, Louisiana. The island-style interior design contributes to Vera’s casual feel, and the seafood is top notch.

Praised by Bon Appetit Magazine, among others, Druscilla Seafood has a reputation for being the best in the Baton Rouge area. The menu offers fish, crabs, oysters, crawfish and shrimp, prepared in a variety of ways, from po-boys to salads to gumbo to the raw bar. In addition to seafood, Druscilla’s also includes steakhouse offerings.