Covington’s seafood scene is so vibrant you can find gumbo bubbling next to oyster bars in historic storefronts. Add that to our list of reasons why dining here delights, as well as our roster of the freshest catches to prioritize. Start with blackened redfish on the riverfront, slurp raw oysters at a downtown counter, then savor shrimp étouffée in a cozy cottage. There’s much to discover, so use this guide as your map to Covington’s best seafood.
Marcello’s
$$ | (985) 400-5668 | WEBSITE
Despite sounding like just another seafood spot in a tourist town, Marcello’s in Covington is actually a well-kept secret for exceptional, classic Italian dining on the Northshore. Tucked into its cozy yet professional space, this full-service restaurant is basically a showcase of comforting pastas, expertly prepared veal, and various seafood dishes (which they will also customize for special occasions) with superb music setting the mood.
All of the food is better than average, but the reason we’d send someone here for a celebration is their phenomenal cream sauce, which is served over dishes like the Linguini Tritone and still costs only what you’d expect from a quality neighborhood spot. Order the Caesar salad and some tiramisu, and you’ll be set on memorable dining for at least one perfect evening.
New Orleans Food & Spirits
$$ | (985) 875-0432 | WEBSITE
New Orleans Food & Spirits is tucked away in old Covington, making it a perfect dinner destination if you’re looking for authentic Louisiana flavors without the French Quarter crowds. They do a steady takeout business, but if you’re planning to stay, there’s a lively dining room that offers great energy and conversation. As far as the food goes, your priority here should be their signature chargrilled oysters.
They’re slightly smoky, wonderfully buttery, and so unbelievably fresh you’ll forget you’re eating shellfish (they also have a fried version if you prefer some crunch). We also love their Voodoo Crawfish Rolls, which have a pleasant spicy kick and go nicely with the Shrimp Feast you should order as an appetizer.
Copeland’s of New Orleans
$$ | (985) 809-9659 | WEBSITE
Covington’s Copeland’s of New Orleans is a solid all-around destination for Cajun-Creole comfort food in St. Tammany Parish. But it’s their specialty drinks and standout starters that earn it a spot on this list. From open to close, follow the lively chatter to their recently remodeled dining room, where you’ll find servers like Holly delivering cucumber jalapeño margaritas, savory stuffed beignets, and pasta dishes with red beans and rice, among other satisfying plates.
Along with their famous Copeland burger, they’ve also got a kid-friendly atmosphere and ample parking, which are all highly worth your visit.
New Orleans Style Seafood Restaurant & Market
$ | (985) 888-1770 | WEBSITE
Not to be confused with the more touristy spots along the main drag, this hidden gem in Covington is a great place for a casual dinner with friends or a family celebration. And when we say hidden gem, we don’t mean it’s hard to find—the charming building surrounded by beautiful landscaping makes it welcoming from the street—but the cozy, inviting atmosphere inside. The dining area feels like a comfortable neighborhood spot with warm lighting and rustic wooden tables.
As for the food, get the Swamp Pasta, which comes loaded with fresh seafood and can easily satisfy a hearty appetite. It comes with a generous portion by default, but we always add their Redfish with crawfish cream sauce instead—the creamy sauce with just the right amount of Cajun spice adds the perfect richness to the tender fish.
The Seafood boil is another must-try, piled high with snow crabs, shrimp, sausage, eggs, corn, and potatoes—it’s a feast that reminds you why Louisiana food is so beloved. Friendly staff like Lindsey provide excellent suggestions, making the whole experience feel personal and welcoming.
Buster’s Place Restaurant & Oyster Bar
$ | (985) 809-3880 | WEBSITE
Tucked away in Covington, Buster’s Place Restaurant & Oyster Bar is a cozy seafood spot with a warm and welcoming atmosphere that focuses on cleanliness and professional service. If you catch us here, though, we will absolutely be ordering the Thursday night charbroiled oysters first. Priced at half off for a limited time, they’re praised as possibly the best in town—some even claim they may be the best in the world.
We also love their fried seafood, which is consistently good, and the Dat burger, a hearty choice cooked to perfection with fresh onion rings. It’s sweet, savory, and ideal for a satisfying meal.
Bayou Boil N Geaux Covington
$ | (985) 888-1944 | WEBSITE
You’ll find live crawfish on the menu at almost every single spot on this guide, but the best ones are served at Bayou Boil N Geaux Covington. This drive-through, order-at-the-window Covington spot seasons their crawfish to perfection, making sure they’re consistently large and full of flavor while maintaining that spicy kick. While the crawfish are a priority here (the fresh head-on shrimp is another standout), we also recommend getting involved with their sides.
The buttery, tender corn and potatoes improve anything they touch. In fact, we usually get two orders: one for the meal itself and another to enjoy later that day.
The Chimes-Covington
$$ | (985) 892-5396 | WEBSITE
Seafood restaurants are plentiful in Covington, but even among the competition, a place like The Chimes-Covington would still stand out from the pack. This popular restaurant run by an attentive team offers a full menu from a bustling dining room—our go-to is the exceptional bacon-wrapped BBQ shrimp, which, along with sides, includes the blackjack chargrilled oysters, catfish perdu, and honest recommendations from the waitstaff (all these details are a good sign).
Special dishes tend to rotate, but if you see the fried catfish with etouffee on top, don’t hesitate. If you’re not dining for a special occasion, there’s a welcoming atmosphere throughout the space—convenient for enjoying the exceptional service from servers like Kristun on the way out.
Pat’s Seafood Market & Cajun Deli
$$ | (985) 892-7287 | WEBSITE
Covington is a town that thrives on its local gems, and Pat’s Seafood Market & Cajun Deli is one of the absolute finest. Saying this family-run spot specializes in Cajun classics is like saying that New Orleans specializes in good times. Our favorite dish here is the shrimp po-boy, which arrives loaded and supremely tasty, but you really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, whether it’s the incredible crab balls, the perfectly prepared seafood gumbo, or the chicken and sausage jambalaya.
Most plates hover around the $15 range, which feels fair when you realize Pat’s portions are hearty enough to satisfy any appetite. The space has a cozy market-deli vibe, with checkered tablecloths, wooden stools, and shelves lined with local items like the “Cajun Night Before Christmas” book, and also, the staff treats you like extended family if that’s the kind of warmth that makes you smile.
Half Shell Oyster House
$$ | (985) 276-4500 | WEBSITE
The signature dish at Half Shell Oyster House in Covington is the char-grilled oysters: plump, briny bivalves kissed by fire and served with just enough garlic butter to enhance without overwhelming. You’ll be presented with a dozen beauties on a sizzling platter, their shells charred at the edges, the oysters themselves glistening with that perfect blend of smoke and sea. Another plate of warm, crusty French bread comes alongside—the same excellent bread that makes their po-boys legendary.
Tear off a piece of bread, use it to scoop up an oyster with all its buttery juices, take a bite, and savor. If you’re still unsure about the technique, just glance around the dining room—chances are every table will be engaged in the same delicious ritual. Get a side of their boudin bites, too.
Pedros Tacos & Tequila Bar Covington
$ | (985) 400-5159 | WEBSITE
If you’re making your way to this authentic Mexican spot out by Sam’s Club, chances are their famed enchilada Mole is on your agenda. And for good reason: mildly sweet, spicy, and deeply flavorful, it’s a masterpiece that’s one of the best dinners in Covington and one of our favorite Mexican dishes in the area. That said, it shouldn’t be the only thing you order.
The 100% Chile con Carne appetizer, a rich, meat-based starter, is fantastic either as a shareable or as a prelude to your meal, and the delightful margaritas from the helpful Lilly come with fast, friendly service that makes you feel right at home. And we highly suggest checking their live music schedule—it feels like the vibrant heart of the neighborhood every evening.
The Seiler Bar
$$ | (985) 898-3424 | WEBSITE
Seafood is one of the most popular cuisines in Louisiana, but if you want to try it in Covington, head to The Seiler Bar. This hidden gem in Downtown Covington offers a lively menu with attentive staff and dishes like Crispy Pork Belly and Lamb Lollipops. Like a treasure hunter’s dream level of flavor. If it’s your first time, go with the fish with crab meat. Served with house salad and homemade ranch dressing, it’s a savory masterpiece that should be on any seafood lover’s shortlist.
You’ll also notice half-price wine on Wednesdays and Thursdays—sip it alongside your meal. The traditionalists can shout all they want, but the combination of fresh seafood and that rumored haunting atmosphere takes this spot to a new level of excellence.
Garcia’s Famous Mexican Food
$ | (985) 327-7420 | WEBSITE
If you ask 10 people where the best chimichanga in Covington is, you’ll get 20 answers. If you ask us, we’ll tell you to at least check out Garcia’s Famous Mexican Food before making any sweeping proclamations. This affordable local spot makes a ground beef and brisket chimichanga plate that’s warm, flavorful and requires very minimal work from your incisors. Plus, the plate comes with three chimichangas, making it perfect for sharing or taking leftovers home.
Beyond chimichangas, they also do an excellent version of the Beef Mexican Pizza that puts all other pizzas to shame, with a large portion size that satisfies even the biggest appetites. Be sure to order an extra Bloody Mary or two with that unique spicy twist for all your sipping needs during the meal.