A wood-fired pizza oven now burns inside a building that once sold Popeyes fried chicken. I love that detail, because it shows this quiet suburb plays by its own food rules.
Nearby, a tea house pours premium teas imported from France, and a gumbo shop smothers fried catfish in gumbo. Its chef even earned a national Chef of the Year title, while one family Italian spot has been cooking since 1989.
Most Louisiana visitors never see any of it. They stay downtown, eat where the crowds go, and head home happy enough, which is honestly their loss.
I can’t stop wondering what they’re missing. Biryani, birria tacos, banh mi with a po’boy spirit, and a seafood muffuletta are waiting just a short drive from the famous French Quarter, so which one are you trying first this weekend?
10. Prince Tea House
Somewhere between a Paris café and an Asian tea shop sits this calm little Metairie escape. Prince Tea House blends Asian and European traditions, and the menu shows it.
The star here is tea, and the team takes it seriously. Premium teas are imported directly from France and served in pretty, carefully designed tea sets.
That presentation alone makes it a fun pick for a birthday, a catch-up with your best friend, or a quiet solo treat. You get to feel a little fancy without dressing up for a ballroom.
Now, about dessert. The signature Mille Crêpe cakes stack thin crêpes into tall, tidy slices that look almost too neat to fork.
Housemade desserts are a big part of the appeal, so save room. Skipping cake at a tea house feels like skipping the fireworks on the Fourth of July.
Hungry for something savory? Brunch options include a Croque Madame and Eggs Benedict Royale, which turns a tea stop into a real meal.
Not a tea fan? The lavender latte offers a floral twist that feels right at home in this setting.
The North Arnoult Road location also sits away from the tourist bustle of New Orleans. That makes it an easy stop for visitors who want something calmer than a crowded downtown café.
Pair a pot of tea with a crêpe cake slice, and you have an afternoon plan sorted. Simple, sweet, and a little bit royal, just like the name promises.
Address: 3012 N Arnoult Rd STE B, Metairie, LA 70002
9. MANTRA Original Indian Cuisine
Butter chicken fans, your new favorite Louisiana detour might be off an interstate service road. MANTRA Original Indian Cuisine brings Punjabi hospitality to Metairie with rich curries and smoky tandoori dishes.
The kitchen leans on generations-old recipes and farm-fresh ingredients. That combination gives the food deep roots, even in a suburb better known for po’boys.
Start with the standouts. Butter chicken, lamb biryani, and garlic naan are the dishes the restaurant is best known for.
That naan matters more than you think. It’s the perfect tool for swiping up the last bits of sauce, and nobody needs to see you do it.
Appetizers deserve attention too. Samosas and vegetable pakoras make easy sharing plates while you decide on the main event, which could take a while.
Vegetarians get real choices here, not an afterthought. Paneer tikka masala brings creamy, spiced comfort without any meat at all.
Biryani lovers can explore several versions beyond the lamb. The menu lists various biryanis, so you can pick your protein and your mood.
Feeling indecisive or extra hungry? Complete vegetarian and non-vegetarian dinner options bundle several flavors into one meal, which takes the pressure off ordering.
Bring a friend if you can. Indian food shines when the table fills with shared plates and you can try a bit of each.
Spice newbies, don’t panic about the heat. Ask questions, start with butter chicken, and work your way toward bolder curries on your next visit.
Address: 3116 S I-10 Service Rd W E, Metairie, LA 70001
8. Chef Ron’s Gumbo Stop
Fried catfish smothered in gumbo sounds like something a Louisiana kid would dream up at midnight. At Chef Ron’s Gumbo Stop, it’s a real menu idea, with catfish smothered in mumbo gumbo.
Gumbo is the headline, and it has earned awards. You can choose seafood or chicken and sausage, which might be the hardest decision of your day.
The stuffed gumbos take things further by pairing fried catfish with that hearty bowl. It’s comfort food stacked on comfort food, and that sounds like a smart plan.
Chef Ron Iafrate brings serious credentials to the stove. The American Culinary Federation named him 2010 Chef of the Year, and he opened the restaurant in early 2012.
So yes, this casual spot on North Causeway Boulevard has a decorated chef behind it. That’s a fun detail to share with your table while you wait.
Not in a gumbo mood? Boudin balls, crawfish etouffee, jambalaya, and red beans and rice round out a lineup of Louisiana classics.
Fried shrimp po’boys are on the menu too. That makes this a handy stop if your group can’t agree on just one dish.
The kitchen also uses locally sourced ingredients. That’s good news for anyone who likes their Cajun and Creole cooking tied to the region.
First-timers might start with a bowl of gumbo and some boudin balls. Then you can decide whether the catfish creation deserves a full commitment.
Spoiler alert, it probably does. Just pace yourself, because rice-heavy Louisiana meals can sneak up on you fast.
Address: 2309 N Causeway Blvd, Metairie, LA 70001
7. Parran’s PoBoys
A muffuletta loaded with fried seafood breaks a few sandwich rules, and that’s exactly why it works. Parran’s PoBoys calls it the Half Seafood Muffuletta.
Fried fish, shrimp, and oysters pile onto dense Italian bread. Cajun mayo, lettuce, and tomato finish it off, so you get crunch, creaminess, and freshness in one bite.
The backstory is just as fun. Owner Al Hornbrook inherited the seafood muffuletta recipe when he took over the long-running Veterans Boulevard shop.
Think of it as a sandwich with a family tree. Recipes that survive an ownership change usually have a good reason to stick around.
Classic po’boy fans have plenty to love too. Fried shrimp and roast beef rank among the popular picks, and combo po’boys let you mix fillings.
Roast beef po’boys can get gloriously messy. Grab extra napkins, and maybe skip wearing your favorite white shirt today.
Prefer a fork? Creole plates like shrimp creole and crawfish etouffee bring the saucy side of Louisiana cooking.
Specialty burgers also appear on the menu. That’s a smart backup for a picky eater who somehow made it to New Orleans without wanting seafood.
Visitors tend to chase po’boys in the French Quarter and stop there. A short drive to this suburban shop gives you a fresh take on the classic.
Order the seafood muffuletta first, then share it if you’re brave. Half sounds small until it hits the table.
Address: 3939 Veterans Blvd, B, Metairie, LA 70002
6. Vincent’s Italian Cuisine
Corn and crab bisque served in a toasted bread bowl might be the best edible container in Louisiana. Vincent’s Italian Cuisine has made New Orleans-style Italian food since 1989.
Native New Orleanian Vincent Catalanotto founded the restaurant on Chastant Street. More than three decades later, it still serves the kind of hearty Italian cooking this region adores.
That bisque is the famous one. Corn and crab in a creamy soup make a combo that feels very Gulf Coast and very Italian at the same time.
Next up is the house specialty. Veal and Spinach Stuffed Canneloni brings tender pasta tubes and a hearty filling.
Feeling bold? The Seafood Stuffed Pork Chop mashes up land and sea in a way only New Orleans cooking would dare.
Old-school comfort lives here too. Homemade lasagna, spaghetti and meatballs, and chicken parmigiana cover the classics your grandma would approve of.
The restaurant focuses on fresh ingredients. Produce, seafood, meats, and cheeses arrive fresh daily, which helps explain why the menu has lasted so long.
Visitors often hunt for Italian food in the French Quarter. This Metairie spot offers a more neighborhood-style option without the tourist shuffle.
Plan a date night or a family dinner here. Big Italian plates are made for passing around and arguing over the last meatball.
One tip: order the bisque even if you’re torn on your main dish. Soup in a bread bowl solves the bread basket question nicely.
Address: 4411 Chastant St, Metairie, LA 70006
5. Shyan’s Kitchen
A journey from Kashmir to New Orleans led to a halal kitchen worth knowing. Irfan Khan made that move in 2007, then opened Shyan’s Kitchen in 2015.
The menu covers Indian and Pakistani cooking. Traditional spices and cooking techniques shape the food, so expect bold, layered flavors.
Smoked chicken masala is one dish that stands out. Smoke plus masala sauce is a pairing worth trying at least once.
Goat fans should look at the saag gosht. It combines goat curry and spinach, which makes a hearty, earthy plate.
Chicken tikka masala is here too for anyone who wants a familiar favorite. It’s a friendly entry point if you’re new to this cuisine.
Fresh breads come out of the tandoor, a traditional clay oven. Tandoori specialties also come from that same fiery setup.
Biryani, goat curries, and chicken curries round out the list. You could visit several times and still find something new.
Dietary needs? Shyan’s Kitchen offers dedicated vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, which makes group dinners much easier to plan.
The halal menu is another big plus for many diners. Families with different food rules can often sit at one table and eat happily together.
Houma Boulevard isn’t a famous tourist strip, and that’s part of the charm. You’ll get a meal rooted in one man’s story instead of a guidebook script.
Order extra bread for the whole table. You’ll rarely regret having more naan.
Address: 3320 Houma Boulevard, Metairie, LA 70006
4. Banh Mi Boys
What happens when a Vietnamese banh mi meets the spirit of a New Orleans po’boy? Banh Mi Boys answers that question on Airline Drive.
The sandwiches arrive on crisp baguettes with marinated meats, house-made pâté, and bright pickled vegetables. That mix of crunch, tang, and savory richness is the whole point.
Each banh mi gets dressed with a butter spread, cucumbers, jalapeños, pickled carrots and daikon, and cilantro. The jalapeños bring heat, so plan your bites accordingly.
Fillings cover a lot of ground. Grilled Pork and Grilled Shrimp keep things classic, while Bang Bang Shrimp adds some saucy fun.
Bulgogi Beef borrows a Korean favorite. Steak and Egg turns your sandwich into something that could pass for breakfast or dinner.
Not a sandwich person? Rice bowls, egg rolls, and spring rolls give you lighter or crunchier options.
The seasoned fries deserve a spot on your tray too. Fries plus banh mi is the kind of fusion nobody needs to justify.
This place fits the Louisiana habit of putting good stuff on bread. It just swaps the usual fillings for Vietnamese flavors.
New Orleans has a deep Vietnamese community, and its influence shows up across the metro area’s food. This shop is a fun, casual way to taste that connection.
Short on time? A banh mi is easy to grab and eat on the go between sightseeing stops.
Pro tip: try one classic and one bold filling if you’re sharing. Compare notes, then argue about the winner in the car.
Address: 5001 Airline Drive, B, Metairie, LA 70001
3. El Rincón Mexicano
Birria tacos with a cup of consommé for dipping might be the messiest joy on this list. El Rincón Mexicano serves them as part of a homestyle Mexican menu.
Birria tacos con consommé are a highlight for many diners. Dunk, bite, repeat, and keep the napkins close.
Soup lovers get serious options here. Caldo de camarón is a shrimp soup, and caldo de menudo brings the traditional menudo many families love.
Spicy food fans should look for camarones a la diabla. The name points to devil-style shrimp, so expect a fiery kick.
Steak lovers have two good paths. Bistec a la Mexicana is a Mexican beef steak dish, while carne asada keeps things grilled and simple.
Chicken fajitas and chile relleno round out the list of popular picks. Burritos are on the menu too for anyone who wants a full meal in one wrap.
Before your main dish shows up, the homemade salsa and corn tortilla chips keep you busy. Pace yourself, because the chips can disappear fast.
Veterans Memorial Boulevard is a busy everyday road, not a tourist stop. That’s why this spot slips past so many visitors heading straight into New Orleans.
Louisiana’s food scene stretches well beyond Cajun and Creole cooking. Homestyle cooking like this shows a different side of the area’s dining.
First visit? Start with birria, then pick a soup or a sizzling plate to share.
Your table will be quiet for a few minutes once the food lands. That’s usually a good sign.
Address: 1323 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Metairie, LA 70005
2. Station 6 Seafood & Oyster Bar
Bucktown sits right on the edge of Lake Pontchartrain, and its seafood roots run deep. Station 6 Seafood & Oyster Bar brings award-winning cooking to this little corner of Metairie.
The focus is fresh Louisiana and Gulf seafood. The setting stays laid-back, so you can show up in shorts and still feel right at home.
Seared pompano with curried brown butter is a dish worth reading twice. Pompano is a prized Gulf fish, and curry gives it an unexpected twist.
The seafood gumbo packs in Gulf shrimp, oysters, and blue crab. That’s three kinds of seafood in one bowl, and it’s a solid way to start.
Grilled salmon tacos offer a lighter path. The 6 seafood salad comes loaded with boiled shrimp and jumbo lump crabmeat, so this salad means business.
Dip fans get two choices. Crawfish dip and smoked fish dip both make easy starters for the table.
The jumbo lump crab cake is another highlight. Crab cakes built on big lumps of crab are a Gulf Coast treat.
Seating comes indoors or in a covered outdoor area. It’s first-come, first-served, so plan to arrive early on busy nights.
Visitors often stick to famous seafood spots downtown. Driving out to the lakefront gives you a more neighborhood-style view of Louisiana seafood.
Order the gumbo, then try the pompano if you’re feeling adventurous. Your taste buds will thank you for the detour.
Bring a friend who loves crab. You’ll want someone to split that crab cake with.
Address: 105 Metairie Hammond Hwy, Metairie, LA 70005
1. Oak Oven
Of all the second acts in the New Orleans suburbs, this one might be the tastiest. Oak Oven lives in a renovated former Popeyes fried chicken restaurant in Harahan.
Technically, Harahan is Metairie’s neighbor, not Metairie itself. Still, it’s a short drive, and the pizza makes the trip easy to justify.
Three lifelong friends with Sicilian and New Orleans roots opened the restaurant in late 2013. Their centerpiece is an authentic Mugnaini wood-burning oven.
That oven turns out Neapolitan-style pizzas with thinner, crisper crusts. Margherita, Americano, and Salsiccia are among the signature options.
Pasta gets equal love here. Lasagna comes with beef and house-made fennel sausage, which sounds like a hug in a baking dish.
Spaghetti with lamb meatballs is a fun twist on a classic. Fettuccine with fresh cream and butter keeps things simple and rich.
The kitchen cooks from scratch. It uses sustainably sourced, locally grown ingredients, which gives the menu a farm-friendly feel.
Mixed groups are covered too. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options mean fewer debates about where to eat.
The former fast-food building now holds an intimate dining room. Honestly, it’s a great story to tell while you wait for your pizza.
Order a pie for the table and a pasta to share. That way you get the best of both worlds without picking favorites.
Save this one for the last night of your Louisiana trip. Ending with wood-fired pizza feels like a pretty smart finale.
Address: 6625 Jefferson Hwy, Harahan, LA 70123