For the best oyster loaf in the Crescent City, head to Casamento's. Co-owner and founder Joe Casamento really knew what he was doing when he created the now signature "pan bread" rather than using the traditional French loaf. White-tiled inside and out, this Dixie tradition since 1919 serves a delicious blend of Italian traditional cooking and Louisiana seafood. Classics such as gumbo and soft-shell crab are excellent, and you can watch the pros shuck oysters right in front of you at the bar. Just take note: Casamento's is so dedicated to serving quality oysters, they are closed when oysters are out of season, as custom dictates, during those "r"-less summer months. Beer available. Serving lunch Tue–Sat, dinner Thu–Sat. Closed Sun–Mon. Closed June, July and August until mid-September.
Where the Locals Eat Rating
Top 100 Restaurant, New Orleans
"Casamento's Restaurant was established in 1919 by Joe Casamento, a hard working immigrant from Ustica, Italy. . . . Unlike most New Orleans seafood restaurants, Casamento's uses their own signature bread called ‘pan bread' instead of French bread. Our oyster loaves have been acclaimed as far away as Australia and England and . . . .we have one of the top seafood gumbos in New Orleans. . . . Over the years, the restaurant has been the backdrop and has been featured in numerous commercials and television pilots because of the unique décor."
–Casamento's website
"In its iconic, tile-covered storefront location, Casamento's is one of the most beloved oyster purveyors in a city where bivalves are serious business."
–Gambit Weekly
"The family restaurant takes oysters so seriously that it simply closes down when they're not in season."
–Frommer's
"Nothing fancy here, but everything's fresh and cool, especially during the winter months, when fat, meaty bivalves slide across the bar, chased by cold Abita beer in a dainty pony glass."
–Condé Nast Traveler
"A dozen or two just-opened raw oysters on the half shell and a full-size oyster loaf is a feast for two."
–Michael Stern, Roadfood.com
How Others Rate Casamento's
Zagat 2009
25 Food Quality (very good to excellent)
The Times-Picayune
Top 100 Restaurant, 2008
The New Orleans Menu by Tom Fitzmorris
*** (good enough to go out of your way to try)
Where Y'At
Best Fried Oysters, 2009 critics' poll