Slidell Restaurant Guide From My Family – 19 Good Local Places To Eat
We live in Slidell, Louisiana, and I want to share our family’s suggestions and preferences for local restaurants in Slidell. Slidell has many restaurants, but I am going to share the best restaurants in Slidell that we like to eat at. We can call them hidden gems, and they don’t need much advertising because they have enough business from local people. Slidell has restaurants on the water, and I have 2 on my list, fancy with white tablecloths on tables, and fancy dining with a beautiful view and great food. We are going there only on special occasions. We have great chain restaurants as well, but if you are in our area, try our great local food! Flavorful, tasty, and unique! I travel and live in other countries, and local food is the most flavorful food I have ever eaten. Some places have interactive items to take Instagram pictures and good food at the same time. Here is my family’s list of the best restaurants in Slidell, LA.
- Phil’s Marina Cafe Slidell: Waterfront Dining at Oak Harbor (great food and water view)
- Bonnie C’s Cafe (great affordable food, Cajun and Creole)
- Nathan’s Restaurant On the Bayou. (Great Food and Dining with White Tablecloths, water view)
- Palmettos on the Bayou Restaurant (Large outdoor (indoor) seating with a view of the Bayou. Great food and service)
- LeBlanc’s Creole Kitchen (Great food and made daily fresh desserts)
- Southside Cafe (Great food and popular place)
- Vera’s Seafood Cafe (Great place to eat seafood! They have alligator sausage and frog legs on the menu.)
- Peck’s Seafood Restaurant (great seafood)
- Los Cantaritos Mexican Restaurant – Grill & Bar ( great Mexican food )
- El Paso Mexican Grill ( outside has a playground for kids and great Margaritas :)
- Los Tres Amigos Mexican Grill (beautiful place and delicious Mexican food)
- GilliGil’s Island Bar And Grill ( Waterfront, unique kids’ playground. Dog-friendly and fun place at Slidell, LA)
- KY’s Olde Towne Bicycle Shop Restaurant (good local food and a unique place in the heart of Slidell)
-
Golden Dragon Buffet II
- The Original Italian Pie ( good food and great service)
- Creole Bagelry And Cafe – The Best Bagels and one of the Best Breakfast In Slidell
- Pablo’s Peruvian food at Slidell (Located on busy Front Street, check my suggestion for parking)
- Terry Lynn’s Cafe (Great breakfast or lunch)
- Gallagher’s Steakhouse (Great Food and Elegant White Tablecloth Dining)
*Looking for fast food in Slidell? Check out Sam’s Southern Eatery! They just opened in our town. Fast service, good-sized portions, and affordable Southern-style food.
This popular fast-food chain is bringing its tasty menu to our town, featuring Southern-style po’ boys, juicy burgers, Philly cheesesteaks, crispy fish, shrimp, and more. My husband and his friends tried and recommended it!
Working hours may be different than on my website for restaurants. I try to do updates as soon as possible if I see any changes. However, I suggest checking the work hours on the restaurant’s website.
Recommended ⇒ 11 Louisiana Food Gifts Ideas Buy In Slidell
1. Phil’s Marina Cafe Slidell Waterfront Dining at Oak Harbor
Hours Of Operation Phil’s Marina Cafe Oak Harbor
Tues-Thur 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Fri & Sat 11:00 AM -10:00 PM
Sunday 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Monday – CLOSED
Location
Phil’s Marina Cafe
1194 Harbor Dr
Slidell, LA 70458
Phone (985) 641-0464
Website
www.philsmarinacafe.net
Phil’s Marine Cafe is one of my favorite places to eat seafood in our city, but my husband likes to order meat dishes (Po-Boys sandwiches). My favorite food here is Mahi Marliene and crab cakes. They are delicious and have a generous amount of crab meat.
Great food, good friendly service, and a nice view of a canal that leads to Lake Pontchartrain. The cafe can be crowded at times and often has many large parties, but the waiting time has always been reasonable for us. This is a very popular place, especially on the weekend and sometimes we see a waiting line to be seated. The cafe can be crowded but we never had a problem finding a parking space for our car because the parking lot is large. If you’re looking to take fun and memorable photos for Instagram, you can find them here. We took photos a few times, even though we live in Slidell. One is a pelican statue at the main entrance and another 2 faceless photo cardboard stand-ups in the shape of crawfish and shrimp.
*I don’t like the taste of water here when I order my ice water. I prefer to order bottled water at this restaurant. I am usually fine with water at other Slidell restaurants.
In the photo below, the pelican stands in front of Phil’s Marina Cafe. As the state bird, the pelican is a local icon. If you’re looking for fun things to do in Slidell, Louisiana, taking a picture with one is a must-have travel souvenir to remember your trip!
*You also see many colorful pelicans in Slidell. These bright, individually designed pelican statues are part of a public art installation, the Pelicans on Parade in Slidell, and a charitable venture. Each bird is a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. Great to take photos with too.
The photo below was taken from the restaurant window. On some days, we can spot pelicans and other birds fishing in the canal—and if you look closely, there’s a pelican in this photo too.
Food Phil’s Marina Cafe Slidell
In the photo, one of the fish is with crab stuffing and steamed vegetables.
Po Boy with Leidenheimer bread with dressing and mashed potatoes with gravy on the side.
*Leidenheimer bread is perfect for po’ boys. This famous local bread is known for its light, airy interior and thin, crisp crust — great for holding fillings without becoming soggy. Leidenheimer Baking Company has been around for over a century, founded in 1896. It is the bread to try, if you’re in Slidell (New Orleans)!
Phil’s Marina Cafe Parking Availability
A lot of parking spaces.
2. Bonnie C’s Cafe, Slidell Louisiana
Hours Of Operation Bonnie C’s Cafe Slidell
Monday-Thursday 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sunday Closed
Location Bonnie C’s Cafe
1768 Front St
Slidell, LA 70458
Phone 985-288-5061
Website
www.bonniecs.net
One of our favorite places to eat at Slidell is Bonnie C’s Cafe. We eat at this cafe at least twice a month. My husband goes with his friends much more often. Good comfort food, most of the time the place is not crowded, reasonable prices and great service. My husband’s favorite place to eat is his red beans and rice and good gumbo. Bonnie C’s cafe always has special red beans and rice on Mondays. To my husband’s taste, they make the best red beans and rice in Slidell. I tried to compete with the recipe but gave up. Every Monday, my husband (when he is in town) and his friend have red beans and rice at this place. We enjoy eating at Bonnie C’s Cafe. It’s a great place to go for a delicious local Louisiana meal with friends and family. Highly recommend!
*Red beans and rice dish is a classic Louisiana Creole dish. Try it!
Bonnie C’s Cafe Parking Availability
Always enough parking, even on very busy days. On the right side across from the street in front of the red building, we usually park when not enough parking spaces. Most people usually enter the cafe through the white door on the side (the photo below).
Food At Bonnie C’s Cafe
This place has a lot to offer. Great, mostly comfort Cajun and Creole food. The photo below is one of the specials. Specials change from time to time. However, I know for sure red beans and rice are always on Mondays.
Roast beef Po Boy sandwich on Leidenheimer bread with dressing and mashed potatoes with gravy on the side.
Interior Of Bonnie C’s Cafe
The interior of the restaurant is nice and simple.
3. Nathan’s Restaurant The Upscale-Casual
⇑ The view where is the entrance to Nathan’s restaurant ⇑
⇑ The view from the road on the restaurant ⇑
Hours Of Operation
Location:
36440 Old Bayou Liberty Rd.
Slidell, LA 70460
Phone (985) 643-0443
Website
www.nathansrestaurant.net
Great food, views on bayou and white tablecloth on tables, which is not common in our small city at restaurants! If you looking for a fancy place to eat dinner and happen to be at Slidell, check out this place. Very nice place to invite someone for a date to celebrate special occasions! In the photos below I have an example of the meal at Nathan’s restaurant.
At lunchtime, they cover tables with paper and prices very compatible with other restaurants (ask for weekly lunch specials). I suggest making a reservation or call before going to this place.
Nathan’s Restaurant Parking Availability
Abundant parking for all guests.
4. Palmetoss On The Bayou Restaurant
⇑ The view from the road ⇑
Hours Of Operation
Thursday – 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Friday – 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday – 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday – 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Monday – Closed
Tuesday – Closed
Wednesday – Closed
Location
1901 Bayou Ln
Slidell, LA 70458
Phone (985) 643-0050
Website
palmettosrestaurant.com
⇑ The main entrance Palmettos On The Bayou ⇑
Palmettos restaurant has large outdoor seating with a view of the bayou at Slidell. Great place to have a meal outside or inside. Food is good but on the pricey side, so my family does not often go to this restaurant. Another reason we seldom go to this place is the high possibility they can be closed for the event. Palmettos restaurant is one of the best places to have a large event at Slidell. So, call and make a reservation before going there to make sure it is open for walk-in.
⇑ You can get very close to the water from the porch ⇑
⇑ Outside seating area ⇑
⇑ Crab cakes appetizer ⇑
Palmetoss On The Bayou Parking Availability
Plenty of parking!
5. LeBlanc’s Creole Kitchen Restaurant
Hours Of Operation
Tuesday-Friday 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM
Saturday – Closed
Sunday – Closed
Monday – Closed
Location
797 Robert Blvd
Slidell, LA 70458
Phone (985) 781-8100
Website
tleblancscreolekitchen.com
If you’re looking to try good Classic Creole Louisiana food, visit LeBlanc’s restaurant! Great food and friendly service! Pies and other desserts are made daily at the restaurant. The restaurant is usually very busy. In the photo salad with shrimp, but you can order much more interesting dishes here.
LeBlanc’s Creole Kitchen Parking Availability
Parking may not always be available right in front of the restaurant, but you can usually find a spot within a short walking distance.
6. Southside Cafe Slidell Restaurant
Hours Of Operation
Monday – Saturday 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Location
Phone (985) 643-6133
Website
www.southsidecafe.net
The Southside Cafe has delicious food and it is the most patriotic place to eat in Slidell! The walls of the restaurant are decorated with photos of local veterans. The cafe opened in 1991 and is a veteran-owned business and is a popular spot for both locals and tourists.
The cafe most of the time is busy and I can say it is not a quiet place to have a meal. However, a great and friendly place to meet with friends and have delicious food. Our family’s friend had his business close to the cafe a few years ago and the cafe was the most desirable place to eat for him and his friends. My husband had lunch very often at Southside Cafe when visiting him and was always satisfied with the food and service. If you are looking for a great place to eat in Slidell, be sure to check out the Southside Cafe. You won’t be disappointed.
* The Southside Cafe has survived two major disasters. Hurricane Katrina destroyed the cafe in 2005. Dan, the owner, and his team rebuilt the cafe, but it was soon destroyed again by fire. You can learn more about Dan and the cafe’s history on the website southsidecafe.net.
⇓ The photo of my tuna salad at Southside Cafe ⇓
Southside Cafe Parking Availability
This is a busy restaurant, but don’t worry about parking! There are many spaces available, and you can also use the large parking lot at ALDI on the left side.
7. Vera’s Seafood Cafe
Hours Of Operation
Monday – Thursday 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday – Saturday 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sunday – Closed
Location
2020 Gause Blvd W,
Slidell, LA 70460
Phone (985) 690-9814
Website
www.verasseafood.com
The food is great, and the prices and service are good. You can find a variety of fried seafood (they also have chicken and steaks). The cafe also offers exotic seafood on its menu—alligator sausage and frog legs, you might like to try. The cafe is one of the oldest restaurants in Slidell. My husband remembers great food at the first location at Lake Ponchartrain at 60. But because the hurricane destroyed the building, they moved. The cafe has a very unique decor inside and is cozy. We were never disappointed to have a meal there! Great place to have seafood in Slidell!
*On the photo below, a fried shrimp plate from Vera’s cafe. Very good and not overcooked!
Vera’s Seafood Parking Availability
Lots of room to park.
8. Peck’s Seafood Restaurant Slidell
Hours Of Operation
Monday – Saturday 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location
2315 Gause Blvd E
Slidell, LA 70461
Phone (985) 781-7272
Website
www.pecksseafood.com
There is always great food and friendly customer service. The portions are generous. We like to take out food from this restaurant because we live so close. My family’s favorite dishes are the ImPECKable platter, the shrimp po’boy, and the roast beef sandwich.
Peck’s Seafood Parking Availability
A lot of parking spaces behind the restaurant.
9. Los Cantaritos Mexican Restaurant – Grill & Bar
Hours Of Operation
Monday-Thursday 10:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday-Saturday 10:30 AM – 10:30 PM
Sunday 10:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Location
3112 Pontchartrain Dr.
Slidell, LA 70458
Phone (985) 288-0702
Los Cantaritos restaurant is my husband’s favorite Mexican restaurant in Slidell. The restaurant is much larger than you see in the photo above. They can be busy, but we never have to wait to be seated, and there are a lot of parking spaces around. It’s a beautiful place to eat! The food and service are always great.
*Don’t miss out on a delicious bowl of soup—the first bowl is free with your entry!
Los Cantaritos Parking Availability
A lot of parking.
10. El Paso Mexican Grill At Slidell
Hours Of Operation
Sunday – Thursday 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday-Saturday 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Location
1100 Robert Blvd
Slidell, LA 70458
Phone (985) 445-1450
Great Mexican food, excellent margaritas, and consistently friendly service. The restaurant is spacious, with both indoor and outdoor seating, and we’ve never had to wait long to be seated. It’s a perfect spot for hosting a large group.
El Paso Mexican Grill Parking Availability
A lot of parking.
11. Los Tres Amigos Mexican Grill
Hours Of Operation
Monday – Thursday 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Friday – Saturday 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Sunday 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Location
1509 Gause Blvd,
Slidell, LA 70458
Phone (985) 643-2789
Website
www.lostresamigosmexicangrill.com
Los Tres Amigos is a great place to have Mexican food in Slidell. We always like the food here. Friendly service and a nice atmosphere. The interior of the restaurant is very unique and colorful. Really nice restaurant to have a meal.
*A lot of parking spaces in front of the restaurant.
Los Tres Amigos Parking Availability
There are many parking spaces located on the side and behind the restaurant.
12. GilliGil’s Island Bar And Grill Slidell
Hours Of Operation
Monday – Saturday 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Location
Phone (985)201-8824
Gilligil’s Island bar is a new food place at Slidell, they opened in September 2022. It is a great place to spend time with friends and family and a fun place on the water to eat and meet with friends in Slidell! It is one of the unique places at Slidell that has a fun playground for kids. Pirates ship with sand around keeps busy kids there! The bar has a large outdoor seating area on the water and they have live music on some days. Great Island feel, especially if you have a couple of drinks. The drinks are very good. If you like nonalcoholic drinks, order a nonalcoholic Mahito – it is so good! The staff is very friendly and helpful.
Fun playground Gilligil’s Island bar of Slidell, LA
⇓ Gilligil’s Island bar inside in the evenings ⇓
⇓ The photo of the food example Gilligan’s Island Bar, Slidell ⇓
GilliGil’s Island Bar And Grill Slidell Parking Availability
A lot of parking around the bar.
13. KY’s Olde Town Bicycle Shop Restaurant
Hours Of Operation
Monday 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Tuesday 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Wednesday 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Thursday 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Friday 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Saturday – Closed
Sunday – Closed
Location
2267 Carey Street
Slidell, LA 70458
Phone (985)-641-1911
Website
kysoldetowne.com
KY’s Olde Towne Bicycle Shop Restaurant in Slidell, LA is a very unique restaurant! Authentic Louisiana cuisine in a truly one-of-a-kind decor. Located in historic Olde Towne, the restaurant is decorated with vintage bicycles hanging from the ceiling—like banana seat bikes with “angel wings” from the ‘60s and ‘70s. You can’t see these busicles on a street! Don’t miss the unique mosaic floor, which adds even more charm and character to the place! Great place to eat fresh Louisiana seafood!
Fun fact: My husband bought his bike here back in the 1980s, when the building was still a real bicycle shop. A must-visit spot in Slidell!
In the photo below is Poboy with grilled shrimp on Leidenheimer bread.
KY’s Olde Town Bicycle Shop Restaurant Parking Availability
Parking is available nearby within a short walking distance.
14. Golden Dragon Buffet II
Hours Of Operation
Monday – Sunday – 10:30AM – 9:30PM
Location
Slidell, LA 70458
Phone (985) 643-8277
Craving amazing Chinese food in Slidell? This restaurant is my personal favorite—you won’t be disappointed! The atmosphere is warm and inviting, thanks to the friendly and attentive host who always ensures you feel welcome. Highly recommended for anyone looking to enjoy great Chinese cuisine!
Golden Dragon Buffet II Parking Availability
A lot of parking.
15. The Original Italian Pie
Hours Of Operation
Sunday – Thursday 10:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Friday – Saturday 10:30 AM – 10:30 PM
Location
1319 Gause Blvd
Slidell, LA 70458
Phone (985) 661-0240
Website italianpie.com
Always good food and great service! The restaurant is in a small shopping plaza. So, if you looking for Italian food at Slidell visit Italian Pie.
The Original Italian Pie Parking Availability
Plenty of parking spaces.
16. Creole Bagelry And Cafe – The Best Bagels
Creole Bagelry Hours Of Operation
Sunday – Monday Closed
Tuesday-Friday 6:30 AM – 2:00 PM
Saturday 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location
1337 Gause Blvd
Slidell, LA 70458
Phone (985) 649-6151
Website
www.creolebagelry.com
My husband’s favorite breakfast is a toasted bagel with cream cheese and salmon lox. We are lucky because we have this great place where we can get great bagels in our city. My husband travels a lot for work and tried so many bagels in his life. In his opinion, Slidell bagels are one of the best in the USA. They have a good selection of different bagels to choose from. If we buy a bagel sandwich or a bagel with cream cheese and lox, the amount of lox is generous, and we are never disappointed. Made-in-store salmon cream cheese is delicious too!
I usually buy bagels and make them for breakfast at home because it is less expensive than buying them there with cream cheese and lox. Lox I am buying at Sam’s Club or Costco in Covington. I freeze some of the bagels for future use. The best buy is a dozen because it is the best price and we get 13. My family’s favorite bagels are plain, pumpernickel, garlic, onion, and rye bagels. They don’t always have, but Pritzel and blueberry bagels are our favorite, too.
I bought a few times breakfast for my family and the food was very good. I suggest getting there in advance because it is not a good idea to shop at this place just before they close, because there will be a limited bagel selection at the end of the day, like at any other bakery. I took the photo below at the end of the day and as you can see, not many bagels were left. The best place to have breakfast in Slidell is Creole Bagelry! Besides delicious bagels, you can find many choices on the menu for lunch or breakfast.
*How I freeze my bagels. I place them in a ziplock bag for freezing and soak the air with a straw. If you need more details about this technique, check the page ⇒ How I Freeze Fresh Blueberries In Ziplock Bags
To prepare frozen bagels for breakfast, I start by taking them out of the bag and letting them sit on a paper towel for 30 minutes to thaw. Once softened, I cut them in half and toast them until golden. Then, I spread cream cheese on both halves and topped them with delicious salmon lox. You can get creative with additional toppings too—capers are a classic choice that pairs beautifully!
On the photo above, I took the photo at the end of working hours, and not many bagels left. :)
If you like coffee, check out this cute coffee station at Slidell Creole bagelry and cafe!
Creole Bagelry And Cafe Parking Availability
Large parking lot.
17. Pablo’s Peruvian Restaurant At Slidell
Pablo’s Peruvian Restaurant Hours Of Operation
Tuesday 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Wednesday 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Saturday 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sunday 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Monday Closed
Location
2128 Front St
Slidell, LA 70458
Phone (985) 297-0634
Pablo’s Peruvian Restaurant recently opened in Slidell, and I finally had the chance to try it. My family invited me after their friends highly recommended the food and overall experience. What stood out to me at Pablo’s? An open kitchen where you can see the chefs at work (very impressive!), a beautiful and unique interior design, large sitting areas outside, and—most importantly—delicious Peruvian dishes with excellent presentation. Everything we ordered was flavorful, fresh, and beautifully served.
Parking Suggestion for Pablo’s Peruvian Restaurant At Slidell
Pablo’s Restaurant is conveniently located on busy Front Street in the heart of the city. If you are planning to visit, here are a few parking options nearby:
-
Mexican Market (left side): Right next to the restaurant is a Mexican market with its own parking lot. This is usually the easiest option, and it also provides direct access to Front Street.
-
Behind the restaurant: There are a few parking spaces available at the back entrance. However, spots are limited, so they may fill up quickly during peak hours.
-
Shared business lot (right side): To the right of the restaurant, a larger parking lot for other businesses. Availability may vary depending on whether outside parking is permitted.
18. Terry Lynn’s Cafe: A Hidden Gem for Southern Home-Style Cooking in Slidell
Hours Of Operation
Monday 6:30 AM – 2:00 PM
Tuesday 6:30 AM – 2:00 PM
Wednesday 6:30 AM – 2:00 PM
Thursday 6:30 AM – 2:00 PM
Friday 6:30 AM – 2:00 PM
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed
Breakfast 6:30 AM – 10:00 AM
Lunch 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location
1960 1st St
Slidell, LA 70458
Phone (985) 641-3500
If you’re looking for one of the best breakfast and lunch spots in downtown Slidell, Terry Lynn’s Cafe & Creative Catering is a must-visit. This local favorite specializes in authentic Southern home-style food that tastes just like home. We heard about this “hole in the wall” gem from a friend who runs a business around the corner and eats there twice a week. After trying it ourselves, we can see why! It’s a popular spot for locals who want fresh, delicious comfort food in the heart of our city.
Terry Lynn’s Cafe Parking Availability
There are only a few parking spots directly next to the restaurant, but additional parking is available just a short walking distance away.
20. Gallagher’s Steakhouse on Front Street in Slidell, Louisiana
Hours Of Operation
Monday Closed
Tuesday 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Wednesday 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Thursday 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM
Friday 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM
Saturday 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Sunday Closed
Location
2306 Front St, Slidell, LA 70458
Phone (985) 326-8350
After hearing great reviews from a family member (she had eaten there several times), we decided to try Pat Gallagher’s Front Street Restaurant and Bar, and it did not disappoint. The food and service were outstanding, making it a memorable dining experience. Check out this restaurant if you’re looking for a fancy place in Slidell to eat steak or other delicious dishes.
*I suggest making a reservation or calling ahead before visiting this restaurant.
The food we ordered was delicious!
Gallagher’s Steakhouse Parking
A lot of parking on this plaza, but no parking directly in front of the restaurant.
We’ve learned through our travels—especially since my husband travels a lot for work—that not all chain restaurants are created equal. The quality can vary by location. That said, I can confidently recommend some of our favorite local spots from well-known chain restaurants in Slidell: Texas Roadhouse, Outback Steakhouse, Applebee’s, and Olive Garden. They are well-managed and we like to eat there.
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Thanks for a wonderful recommendation! Found your site while passing through town and Los Tre Amigos was both fun & delicious! Our guests were thrilled too. Can’t wait to try your other suggestions in future.